Near Kętrzyn, in the small town of Gierłoż. This is where, in 1941, Adolf Hitler built his headquarters, the Wolf’s Lair (“Wolfschanze”) – named so in reference to his nickname.
It was from this place that the most important decisions were made regarding all areas of life and the fate of the conquered nations.
The 2.5-square-kilometer site is located in a dense forest, and from the east it was protected by the system of the Great Mazurian Lakes, preventing access by an enemy. The argument for placing the bunkers here was the conditions of the area. The region was strengthened by fortifications and fortresses. The other advantages were the proximity of the airport in Wilamów and the access to the railway line linking Kętrzyn with Węgorzewo. About 200 constructions were erected in this area, including 80 brick-and-concrete buildings, wooden barracks, 2 airports, a power station, a railway station, waterworks, and two teletype centrals. Throughout the war, Hitler and his staff spent a total of about 850 days in the Wolf’s Lair. The headquarters also hosted visitors such as the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and Japanese ambassador Count Hiroshi Oshima.
On 20th July 1944, the complex was the site of an unsuccessful assassination attempt on Hitler by Colonel Count Claus Schenk von Stauffenberg.
Gallery
Photo by Mieczysław Kalski
11-400 Kętrzyn
