In this Cold War documentary: Join me on a historical expedition to Germany to visit one of the most sinister Espionage / Cold War Black Ops installations in Europe - The Brocken Mountain former Soviet and Stasi Electronic Warfare Station. aka The Soviet Spy Mountain!

The Brocken Mountain is the highest peak in the Harz Mountain range in Northern Germany. During The Cold War 1961 - 1989 due to its proximity to the then Inner German Border between East and West Germany and its elevation, the Brocken summit was occupied by the Soviet Army and transformed into a highly fortified Electronic Warfare and Espionage facility, with the ability to reach the whole of NATO aligned Western Europe.

The Mountain was subject to a 2km wide Exclusion Zone to keep ordinary East German citizens away. While the Summit was heavily fortified with a wall, watch and gun towers and guarded by East German and Soviet Soldiers

The Soviet GRU and KGB operated from a highly classified facility known as "Object Yenisei" a secure site within a secure site which is still a state secret of the present day Russian Federation. While the East German secret police, aka The Stasi operated from "Object Urian" to spy on both the East and West German peoples, the West and NATO.

After the Berlin Wall fell in November 1989, on 3rd December 1989 in a display of total bravery 100s of local people marched up the mountain to reclaim the summit from the Soviets and Stasi.

Realising the huge geopolitical changes underway, instead of meeting the villagers with military force, the Soviet Station Commander opened the gates and let the people back on to the summit.

Background:

The Brocken, also known as Brocken Mountain or Blocksberg, is the highest peak in the Harz mountain range in Germany. It is located in the state of Saxony-Anhalt and stands at an elevation of 1,141 meters (3,743 feet). The mountain is not only significant for its height but also for its cultural and natural importance.

The Brocken has a long history of folklore and legends associated with it. It is often connected to the mythical Walpurgis Night, a traditional festival celebrated on the night of April 30th to May 1st. According to popular belief, this is the night when witches and demons gather on the mountaintop to hold a grand meeting. This association with witchcraft has inspired many literary works, including Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's "Faust."

The mountain's location in the Harz National Park makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The national park is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. The Brocken is covered with dense forests, featuring a mix of spruce, beech, and fir trees. The unique climate on the summit, known as an alpine climate, is created by the mountain's elevation, resulting in lower temperatures and high winds.

One of the most distinctive features of the Brocken is its frequent occurrence of mist or fog. Due to its height and exposure to prevailing winds, the mountain is often shrouded in dense clouds, creating an eerie and mysterious atmosphere.

To reach the summit of the Brocken, visitors can take a historic narrow-gauge steam railway known as the Harz Railway (Harzer Schmalspurbahnen) which has been in operation for over a century. The journey provides stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, including deep valleys, rocky cliffs, and charming villages. Once at the top, visitors can explore the summit area, which includes a weather station, a hotel, a restaurant, and a visitor center. The panoramic views from the summit are breathtaking, allowing visitors to see the vast expanse of the Harz region.

One of the most distinctive features of the Brocken is its frequent occurrence of mist or fog. Due to its height and exposure to prevailing winds, the mountain is often shrouded in dense clouds, creating an eerie and mysterious atmosphere. This phenomenon is known as the "Brocken Spectre" or "Brocken Bow," where an observer standing on the summit can see their shadow cast upon the mist, surrounded by a circular rainbow.

Chapters:

01:30 Intro / Torfhaus
05:20 Walking to the Inner German Border
11:30 The Braunlage to Elend Road then and now
13:42 Schierke Station / The Brockenbahn
15:45 History of the Brocken Summit
23:03 The Peaceful Revolution 03/12/1989
25:22 The Summit Today
27:10 Object Urian / "The Stasi Mosque"
29:25 The Brocken Hotel
31:05 Outro

#coldwar #soviet #spy #blackops