Underground Tunnels in Poland Transformed into a Museum

A network of nearly 20 miles of underground tunnels from the Nazi era in Poland has been converted into a museum, inviting visitors to explore a haunting relic of history. Located in the tranquil countryside near the small village of Pniewo, the site, known as Festungsfront Oder-Warthe-Bogen or the Ostwall, features a series of tunnels, shafts, and combat facilities that were abandoned in 1945. Now part of the Międzyrzecz Fortified Region Museum, the tunnels have become a dark tourism destination, with 19 miles open to the public.

According to Mikolaj Wiktorowski, a guide at the museum, the Nazis designed the Ostwall complex for soldiers’ long-term habitation. “Everything is constructed to make it more habitable,” he explained to CNN Travel. The museum has recreated the atmosphere of life underground for members of the Third Reich, featuring mannequins in uniform positioned throughout administrative rooms, sleeping quarters, and bathrooms.

Construction on the Ostwall began before World War II, as Adolf Hitler aimed to strengthen Germany’s eastern defenses against Poland and the Soviet Union. Initially, plans called for the fortifications to extend 50 miles, with work scheduled to continue until 1951. However, by 1938, Germany shifted its focus to France, resulting in the suspension of the Ostwall project. The subsequent invasion of Poland in 1939 marked the onset of World War II, leading to the project’s abandonment.

Despite its incomplete status, the Ostwall remains one of the most advanced fortifications of its kind, with its central section capable of accommodating tens of thousands of soldiers. During the 1980s and 1990s, the tunnels gained a new life as venues for raves and weddings, attracting a counter-cultural group known as the Bunker People. Their presence is still felt today, as vibrant graffiti adorns the walls of the tunnels. “The graffiti are the soul of this place,” Wiktorowski noted. “Without them, we would just have bare, lifeless walls.”

The museum officially opened in 2011 and continues to draw interest not only for its historical significance but also for its unique blend of history and contemporary expressions of culture. As visitors venture through the eerie tunnels, they encounter a striking juxtaposition of the past and present, making the Ostwall a compelling site for those exploring the remnants of a tumultuous chapter in history.