Wernels' secrets: from military history to Solarpark!

Wernels' secrets: from military history to Solarpark!

Werneuchen, Deutschland - What's new at Werneuchen Airport? The sports airfield, the historic relic from the time of the German Air Force, is an exciting place for flight enthusiasts and curious people. Originally built in the 1930s, the place served as a training location for the Air Force before it was used militarily until 1993 after the Second World War. Today the airport is a lively place for those who love flying, and not without reason. Aerobuzz reports that the space is nicely embedded in nature and airplanes up to a weight of 5.7 tons, as well as helicopter, motor gliders and ultra-light aircraft can start here.

But not everything is in the best condition. The family of a visitor took a close look at the terrain during their course of exploration and discovered some old hangars, some of which appear neglected from the point of view of the past decades. Some of these hangars are closed, but others are open and are filled with garbage. Graffiti and dilapidated infrastructure are in contrast to the ambitious sports airfield, which the official use is striving for.

a piece of history

Werneuchen has an eventful story. Construction began in spring 1936 and was completed in November 1937. He was once home to various hunting squadrons that supported until the last days of the war. On April 20, 1945, units of the Red Army took over the place. The Soviet army used it until 1993, and during this time various aircraft types, such as the MIG-25, made here. Wikipedia gives a detailed overview of the various units and their restructuring in the course of history.

later the site was used civil, but with less than 1000 starts and landings per year. However, this calm did not prevent the space from making the headlines again and again, such as by using the runway for illegal car racing. A newly built earth wall helped to differentiate the train.

Current use and offers

Today, the Werneuchen Airport is an attraction for flight schools and the Aero Club "Melli Beese" e. V. Modern use can be experienced well as part of events and celebrations, whereby an “event hangar” is used to organize weddings or conferences. In addition, the environment of the square is characterized by a large solar park, which benefits the ecological use of the site.

The meadows around the airport are used for sheep farming and show a harmonious connection between flight operations and agriculture. Despite today's use, a large part of the site remains lined with the past, with old military facilities and a MIG-21 that comes from Poland.

For everyone who wants to take a detailed look at the history of the air base in Germany, another Wikipedia-article Exciting insights. Here you can read how the terms Air Force, Bundeswehr and its old air base have changed over time. If you want to experience the charm of a historic airfield in connection with modern air sports, you are in the right place in Werneuchen.

The explorations at Werneuchen Airport provide varied insights into an impressive past and the lively presence of flight sports in Brandenburg. But if you venture into this historical soil, you should also get involved in wear and decay, which give the square its very own character.