FuSAn 724 Bernhard

FuSAn 724 Bernhard is the ruined remains of a World War II German military radio navigation station, sitting on the Venusberg hill right next to Aidlingen in Baden-Württemberg. It's one of the region's lesser-known "hidden" sites — concrete foundations and installation remnants that most visitors have never heard of.

What kind of installation was it?

The designation FuSAn stands for "Funksendeanlage" — a radio transmitting installation together with its antenna system. The station at Aidlingen was part of a radio navigation system codenamed "Bernhard", developed by Telefunken for the Luftwaffe. The system let aircraft determine their position from a ground-based radio signal, decades before postwar aviation navigation technology took over.

At the heart of the installation were two transmitters, each rated up to 500 watts. Their signal was modulated according to the rotational position of a large transmitting antenna that revolved on a rail track more than 22 meters in diameter, completing two rotations per minute. That design let the station broadcast directional information to aircraft within its operating range.

Why Venusberg near Aidlingen?

The station was built in 1944 — it was the only installation of its kind in southern Germany and, as far as is known, likely the last one begun anywhere in the wider Bernhard network. The choice of the Venusberg hilltop wasn't arbitrary: the elevated position with clear sightlines helped the radio signal propagate effectively.

What will you see on site?

Today what remains are mostly ruins — concrete foundations from the technical buildings and traces of the circular antenna track, set into the forest at the top of the hill. This is a spot for people interested in military history and "lost places" exploration rather than a formal museum: there's no rebuilt exhibit or interpretive signage, just raw remnants that reward visitors who arrive with some background knowledge of the site's history.

How do you get there?

Venusberg lies in the forests surrounding Aidlingen, not far from Stuttgart. The easiest approach is to drive to Aidlingen and continue on foot or by bike along the forest tracks leading up the hill. It makes for a short walk that pairs well with a longer exploration of the area's wartime history.

When should you visit?

Since the site sits in forest, the best conditions for exploring run from spring through autumn, when the paths are dry and easier to navigate. Wear sturdy footwear — the ground is uneven, and the ruins are neither lit nor specially secured.

Frequently asked questions

What does FuSAn 724 Bernhard mean? FuSAn stands for "Funksendeanlage" (radio transmitting installation), while "Bernhard" was the codename for the entire Luftwaffe radio navigation system developed by Telefunken.

When was the Aidlingen station built? Construction finished in 1944. It was the only installation of its kind in southern Germany and likely the last one started in the whole program.

What can you actually see there today? Concrete foundation remains and traces of the circular rail track on which the transmitting antenna once rotated — the site exists purely as ruins, with no reconstruction.

Is it worth visiting if you're not into military history? This is a niche destination aimed mainly at history and "lost places" enthusiasts — on its own it's a short stop, but it combines well with a longer walk through the forests around Aidlingen.