Nazi buildings are being turned into luxury properties across Germany

On the Baltic Sea island of Ruegen, the so-called Colossus of Prora built by the Nazis spans 2.5km in length and is now being used as hotels and restaurants for visitors. Photos: dpa

Where officers from the Nazi's armed forces used to gather during World War II, Hamburg, Germany's upper class can now buy a luxury apartment in a complex that includes a gym and yoga studio, four saunas and a lounge co-designed by the renowned Karl Lagerfeld.

From the front, the building erected in 1936 – with its metre-high columns framing the entrance and two large eagles on the roof – looks out of place among the neighbouring designer houses and big mansions.