This unique place attracts tourists from all over the world year-round. Tours take place along designated paths and walking trails that lead through the former headquarters of Adolf Hitler. Thanks to numerous amenities and appropriate signage, the site is also accessible to people with disabilities. The complex includes a service and tourist information building:
Visitors can also park their coaches, cars, motorcycles, and bicycles at the Wolf's Lair. The Wolf's Lair is a bicycle-friendly place, with a bicycle repair station available on-site.
The facility is open year-round, 7 days a week, including public holidays:
Those who need an invoice are asked to report it before making payment, directly when purchasing the ticket.
The facility is all year round, 7 days a week, including holidays:
1) Reduced fare tickets are available upon presentation of a valid document entitling them to a discount: school students up to 18 years of age, students up to 26 years of age, holders of the Large Family Card, disabled people, and the guardian of a disabled person. 2) Applies to organised children's groups - one guardian for fifteen children. 3) This applies to persons providing guide services who do not have signed contracts with the Srokowo Forest District. 4) Parking is available during the facility's opening hours, up to a maximum of 1.5 hours after closing. 5) The price of the camping site includes the possibility of connecting to electricity and water, showers, and free use of the designated bonfire area. 6) A bonfire is available for 100.00 PLN for guests not staying overnight. The price includes preparing and lighting the bonfire, as well as providing wood. To use this service, please notify the property manager at least 24 hours in advance.
Payment: cash or card (at the cash register at the entrance gate - no need to get out of the vehicle). Tickets are available on-site only - no online purchases available, and no advance bookings are possible during the season. Invoices are issued only upon ticket purchase (before payment).
Construction of Adolf Hitler's headquarters in Gierłoż began in the autumn of 1940. The decision to select this location was made in late August, when high-ranking Wehrmacht officers and Armaments Minister Dr. Fritz Todt reconnoitred the Masurian forests. The location was determined by strategic considerations – proximity to the border with the Soviet Union, well-developed fortifications in East Prussia, and dense forests that provided natural camouflage. Around 200 structures were constructed on an area of 250 hectares–massive reinforced concrete shelters, residential barracks, technical buildings, guardhouses, and communications facilities. The headquarters had its own airfield, railway station, sewer system, sewage treatment plant, telephone network, and even a cinema, hairdresser, and teahouse. As a result, it functioned as a self-sufficient "forest city." The security of Hitler and his entourage was ensured by numerous SS and police units, as well as the special Reich Security Service (RSD). The entire area was divided into three security zones, secured with minefields and camouflage netting. The roofs of the shelters were covered with earth and vegetation, so that from the air, the entire area resembled a dense forest.
Hitler arrived at Wolf's Lair on June 24, 1941, two days after the launch of Operation Barbarossa. He spent over 800 days there, making key decisions regarding the war on the Eastern Front. In 1944, the headquarters housed approximately 2,000 people. It was here, on July 20, 1944, that Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg launched an unsuccessful assassination attempt on the Führer. Faced with the approaching Red Army, Hitler abandoned Wolf's Lair on November 20, 1944. Shortly thereafter, the order was given to blow up the facilities. The destruction took place on the night of January 24-25, 1945, and on January 27, the first Soviet Army units entered the site. iszczenie obiektów miało miejsce w nocy z 24 na 25 stycznia 1945 r., a 27 stycznia wkroczyły na teren obiektu pierwsze oddziały Armii Radzieckiej. Today, the ruins of Wolf's Lair are one of the most important World War II memorials in Poland. Monumental shelters and remains of the quarters are a testament to history, reminding us of the dramatic events that took place in the very heart of Masuria.
Audio guides are available for rent, which take approximately 2 hours to guide you through the entire tour and present the history of the "Wolf's Lair." audioprzewodników, które przez ok. 2 godziny prowadzą przez całą trasę zwiedzania i przedstawiają historię „Wilczego Szańca”. Rental point: parking lot, next to the site maps. Available languages:
Device rental price: 10 PLN per device / 8 PLN per device* * Discounts apply upon presentation of a valid ID:
Na terenie Ośrodka Edukacji Historyczno-Przyrodniczej „Wilczy Szaniec” Local guides are available at the "Wilczy Szaniec" Historical and Natural Education Center (Srokowo Forest District).
Independent exploration of the site with the help of a printed guidebook/tour plan. This publication is available for a fee in the gift shop. przewodnika papierowego/planem zwiedzania. Publikacja dostępna odpłatnie w sklepiku z pamiątkami.
The official souvenir shop is located within the "Wilczy Szaniec" Historical and Natural Education Center of the Srokowo Forest District. The selection includes gifts, books, and historical gadgets. Sales are available only in-store – the shop does not offer mail-order sales.
A central location within the Wolf's Lair designed with the comfort and needs of visitors in mind. It is the main point of contact for information regarding the tour and available services. The building includes:
It is the perfect space to prepare for your visit, relax in comfort, and purchase unique souvenirs related to the history of the Wolf's Lair.