Tours kick-off in the car park, and it’s well worth first popping into the bottle green building to stock up on refreshments before hitting the forest. Today it's home to a restaurant and hotel, in the past this building was used as living quarters for officers. From here you’ll pass the remains of barracks used by Hitler’s personal security, and then, directly in front, the ruins of bunker number three – the site of Stauffenberg’s bomb plot. A plaque unveiled by his grandson commemorates the assassination attempt. The path ahead leads to two restored light bunkers, one of which is notable for a rusty radiator lying outside. That’s not junk, rather an original radiator salvaged from Hitler’s bunker. Beyond this and inside the renovated building is a scale model of the complex, as well as a glass case full of artificial leaves used for overhead camouflage. Moving back outside and you’ll notice a display of scary-looking shells and explosives. These are some of the 54,000 mines which were planted around the perimeter, and the boulder behind them commemorates the Polish sappers who died in the ten year operation to diffuse them.
From here the prescribed route will bring you to bunker number 6, better known as the guest bunker. Hitler took up temporary quarters here while his own was being strengthened, and it’s here that foreign dignitaries would also be lodged. Onwards and you’ll find yourself passing several trenches – these aren’t defensive fortifications, rather the fallout from post-war Polish efforts to plunder the underground communication cables. More gargantuan ruins follow, until the tour reaches its zenith at bunker number 13. This was Hitler’s bunker, and while the signs outside urge visitors against entering it’s still possible to sneak into some of the corridors. Albert Speer likened Hitler’s domain to a Pharaohs tomb, and penetrating its gloomy depths can be a sinister and haunting experience.
Best preserved of the bunkers is Goring’s, and it’s still possible to climb to the very top where the flak gun placements were positioned – a head for heights and nerves of steel are recommended on this one. Also, it’s well worth exploring the bunkers to the south of the railway line. It’s here you’ll be able to enter buildings used as Speer’s residence, and touches like fireplaces and shower floors can still be spotted by the eagle-eyed investigator. Finally, consider a trip out to the airfield where Stauffenberg made his ill-fated escape, still under the conviction that his mission had been successful. Better still, why not actually hire a plane from that period and fly over everything you’ve just seen. Find more details at www.lotniskoketrzyn.pl.
Comments
Editor Gdansk
Gdansk
Wolf's Lair will be open and you can buy tickets when you are there. The whole organisation is not very developed in that sense. I'd also recommend that you contact Jadwiga Korowaj, who is a tour guide there, in the days before you plan to go. She can give you the most up-to-date info about when to visit and is both very helpful and very knowledgeable. (+48) 601 677 202
Mantas
Lithuania
Hello, My brother and I are planning to visit Wolf's Lair on July 21st. Could you tell me if it will be opened and could we buy tickets at the place or we have to get it in advance? Thank you
Editor Gdansk
Gdansk
The Wolf's Lair will be open. It is open everyday from 8am to dusk. We recommend you book a guide beforehand though to ensure you get one at the time you want.
Peter
Australia
I have booked at rip to ketrzyn on 25 may and arrive by train at 1215 I would like to visit Wolfs lair after arrival . Hopefully you will be open. Please advise thankyou Peter
Editor Gdansk
Gdansk
The Wolf''s Lair complex has been under new management for a while now and we''ve had a bit of trouble updating the information. We spoke to them earlier and it is open from 8am every day and it closes at dusk which can be as early as 4pm in winter.
Paul
Tanga, Tanzania
can we visit wolf''s lair in february ??/