When I think of Lower Silesia, I feel mystery above all else. It hangs in the cool, damp air of the mountain forests, and underground it becomes almost tangible. It is a journey into history, human drama and great, unfinished projects that still fire the imagination today. For me, Alan, travelling is just such an experience – going deeper and looking for answers not only in what the Sudeten guidebook suggests, but also within myself.

Lower Silesia is a treasure trove of extraordinary places, and its underground is a dark, fascinating book. Most people associate the region only with the Riese complex, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. I invite you to a world of corridors carved into rock, hidden underground arms factories and legends of the Lower Silesian underground waiting to be discovered. I will show you places that send shivers down your spine and make you reflect. Are you ready for a journey into the depths of the earth and into yourself?

Why is Lower Silesia the capital of Polish military and underground tourism?

Lower Silesia’s status as a centre of military and underground tourism stems from its turbulent history. The Third Reich played a key role in this, transforming the region into a giant construction site at the end of World War II. The stable rock of the Owl Mountains, the dense railway network and the distance from the front lines created ideal conditions for hiding factories and command headquarters from Allied bombers. It was here that Nazi Germany’s most ambitious construction projects were carried out, which make up the fascinating mysteries of the Third Reich in Lower Silesia.

After the war, hundreds of kilometres of tunnels became silent witnesses to history. Forgotten for decades, today, thanks to the passion of explorers and historians, they are a unique tourist attraction, creating some of the most interesting underground tourist routes in Lower Silesia. Tangible, dark history, combined with legends of treasures and secret technologies, attracts thousands of adventure seekers every year. This is a place where history is not locked away in a museum – it lives beneath our feet.

What was Project Riese and what facilities in the Owl Mountains are part of it?

Project Riese (“Giant”) is the code name for the largest construction project of the Third Reich, carried out between 1943 and 1945 in the Owl Mountains and at Książ Castle. Its purpose remains a mystery. The most likely theories suggest that it was the construction of Hitler’s secret headquarters (Führerhauptquartier) and underground armament factories resistant to bombing.

The work was carried out on a grand scale, drilling kilometres of tunnels and huge halls into the rock. The project was never completed, and the fleeing Germans destroyed most of the documentation. Today, we know of seven main Riese complexes:

• Książ Castle
• Walim Tunnels Rzeczka
• Jugowice Górne (Jawornik)
• Włodarz Complex
• Osówka Underground City
• Soboń
• Sokolec (Gontowa)

Each of them tells the tragic story of thousands of prisoners of KL Gross-Rosen who died here during murderous labour.

What was hidden in Hitler’s lost laboratory in Arado in Kamienna Góra?

The underground facilities in Kamienna Góra, although not formally part of Riese, are another piece of this dark puzzle. The underground facilities of the former flax spinning mill housed the laboratories and factory of the Arado concern, which was working on modern aviation technologies. It was here that parts for jet aircraft such as the Arado Ar 234 “Blitz” – the world’s first jet-powered reconnaissance bomber – were to be manufactured.

Legend has it that “flying saucers” and other prototypes of “wonder weapons” (Wunderwaffe) were also worked on here. Visiting these underground facilities today, one can feel the atmosphere of mystery and the technological race taking place beneath the city. This place shows how closely pioneering engineering thought and criminal ideology coexisted.

Why did the Germans build underground factories in Lower Silesia at the end of World War II?

Moving arms production underground was the Third Reich’s desperate response to the situation on the front. From 1943 onwards, Allied air raids paralysed German industry, destroying factories producing aircraft, tanks and V-2 rockets. The construction of underground arms factories in Lower Silesia was intended to ensure continuity of supply to the Wehrmacht despite the bombing.

The region was not chosen at random. The hard rock of the Owl Mountains provided protection, the railway network facilitated transport, and the Gross-Rosen camp guaranteed free slave labour. The Germans believed that underground fortresses would allow them to continue the war until the introduction of a “wonder weapon” that would turn the tide.

Was the Wunderwaffe miracle weapon being developed in the Lower Silesian underground?

This question has been fuelling the imagination for decades. The answer is: it is likely, although there is no direct evidence. Wunderwaffe, or “wonder weapon”, is a term used to describe advanced Third Reich projects such as V-2 rockets, jet aircraft and nuclear weapons. Lower Silesia, with Riese and Arado, was an ideal location for secret research and production.

Circumstantial evidence suggests that V-1 and V-2 rockets may have been assembled underground or new propulsion systems developed. The gigantic halls in Włodarz and Osówka could easily accommodate entire production lines. No finished weapons have been found, but the mysterious purpose of many structures, such as the famous “Fly Trap”, fuels these theories. The lack of documentation means that the truth still lies hidden in the flooded corridors.

What was the tragic fate of the prisoners of KL Gross-Rosen working on the construction of the underground?

When talking about the secrets of the underground, one cannot forget its darkest chapter – human suffering. The labour force for the construction of Riese consisted mainly of prisoners from KL Gross-Rosen and its branch (Arbeitslager Riese): Jews from Hungary, Poland and Greece, as well as Soviet prisoners of war and Polish political prisoners.

Their fate was tragic. They worked in inhumane conditions, for several hours a day, in the cold and damp, without adequate clothing and on starvation rations. Beaten and murdered by SS guards, they died en masse. It is estimated that around 5,000 prisoners lost their lives during the construction of Riese – from exhaustion, disease and “accidents” at work. When visiting these tunnels, listen to the silence. It is a mausoleum carved into the rock by the hands of the victims of Nazi terror.

What were the huge concrete structures, such as the famous “Fly Trap”, used for?

The mysterious structure in Ludwikowice Kłodzkie, called the “Fly Trap” or “Henge”, is one of the most enigmatic objects in the region. It is a concrete ring with a diameter of about 30 metres, supported by 12 pillars about 10 metres high. Its purpose is unknown, which has given rise to dozens of hypotheses.

The most prosaic theory says that it was the base of a cooling tower. Others, more sensational, link it to Wunderwaffe tests. It is speculated that it could have been:

• A platform for testing rocket engines.
• A stand for the German “bell” (Die Glocke) – an alleged anti-gravity device.
• Part of a larger, unfinished hall or energy device.

Regardless of its purpose, the “Fly Trap” remains a symbol of the mysteries and scale of wartime work in Lower Silesia.

Which mysterious underground sites of Project Riese are worth visiting in the Owl Mountains?

Choosing which Riese complex to visit can be difficult, as each offers a different experience. Personally, I believe that to get a feel for the scale of the project, it is worth seeing at least two of the three main sites: the Osówka Underground City, the Włodarz Complex and the Walimskie Rzeczka Adits. Each has a unique atmosphere and shows a different stage of work, allowing you to touch history in its raw form.

What is worth seeing when visiting the Osówka Underground City?

The Osówka Underground City is considered by many to be the most interesting complex in Riese, with the most advanced construction work. Here you can see huge concrete halls, such as the “casino” and “gym”, whose size shows how powerful this underground fortress was supposed to be.

Osówka is distinguished by the variety of routes. In addition to the historical route, there is an extreme route with a landing craft crossing through flooded corridors and overcoming obstacles in the dark. It is an experience that makes you feel like an explorer. On the surface, it is worth seeing the foundations of buildings and the concrete block of the gym, which give an idea of the scale of the entire complex.

Why is the Włodarz complex considered the largest element of Project Riese?

The Włodarz complex is considered the largest known Riese complex in terms of volume – it has over 3 km of tunnels and halls 12 metres high. Its scale appeals to the imagination. Standing in one of the gigantic halls, you feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the work done here.

The main attraction of Włodarz are the lower parts flooded with crystal clear water. Part of the route is covered by boat, which creates an amazing, surreal atmosphere. Floating in silence through the dark corridors, illuminated by the light of torches, you can feel the awe and mystery of this place. It is a combination of a history lesson and an adventure.

What are the opening hours and tour routes in the Walimskie Adits (Rzeczka complex)?

The Walim Tunnels (Rzeczka complex) are the first Riese facility to be opened to the public and one of the most “raw” in terms of perception. The route is about 500 metres long and leads through narrow corridors where you can see various tunnelling techniques. It is here that you can most strongly feel the atmosphere of the prisoners’ gruelling labour.

Below you will find practical information about visiting the three main Riese complexes. Please note that opening hours and prices are subject to change, so I always recommend checking them on the official websites of the sites just before your visit.

Complex	Characteristics	Opening hours (approximate)	Recommendation
Walimskie Tunnels (Rzeczka)	The most “austere” and historical. Focused on the fate of prisoners. Walking route.	Summer season (May-September): 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (weekends until 6:00 p.m.). Winter season (October-April): 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (weekends until 5:00 p.m.).	Ideal for beginners to understand the history and working conditions.
Osówka Underground City	The most advanced and diverse. It has extreme routes with boats.	Daily, usually 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Please confirm on the facility’s website.	For adventure seekers and those who want to see the finished halls.
Włodarz Complex	The largest in terms of volume. Tour with boat trips through flooded corridors.	Daily, usually 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Entrance on the hour.	For those fascinated by the scale of the project and the incredible atmosphere of the flooded underground.

What other military and historical underground sites in Lower Silesia should you visit?

The Riese Project is the jewel in the crown, but Lower Silesia hides many more underground treasures: from fortresses and medieval cellars to other structures from World War II. Each of these places tells a different story and provides different emotions. A journey into the depths of this land is an adventure that never ends.

What secrets lie beneath Książ Castle in Wałbrzych?

The underground passages beneath Książ Castle are one of the most intriguing elements of Lower Silesia’s military history. Dug out in 1944-1945 as part of Project Riese, the tunnels are located up to 50 metres below the courtyard. Officially, they were to serve as Hitler’s next headquarters, connected to the rest of the complex in the Owl Mountains.

To this day, it is not known what happened to the spoil from the tunnels or what their ultimate purpose was. The legend of the “golden train” that was supposed to enter a camouflaged tunnel in the area still fires the imagination of treasure hunters. Visiting the austere concrete corridors beneath such a beautiful residence is an extremely contrasting experience.

What is it like to visit the underground mining tunnels in the Kłodzko Fortress?

The underground passages of the Kłodzko Fortress are a journey into the world of 17th- and 18th-century warfare. A labyrinth of counter-mining passages stretches beneath the walls. In these narrow and low tunnels, defenders eavesdropped on enemy sappers and fought them.

The tourist route is about a kilometre long and is a real test for claustrophobia – in some places you have to squeeze through very narrow passages. It is an experience that allows you to feel the battle for the fortress “from below”. The cold, damp and disorientation affect all the senses.

How long is the underground tourist route under the market square in Kłodzko?

The Underground Tourist Route in Kłodzko is a network of former cellars and chambers, which were dug under their houses by local merchants from the 13th century onwards. The route is about 600 metres long and runs under the Market Square.

It is a journey through the history of the town. In the cool corridors, you can see exhibitions depicting the lives of former residents, replicas of executioner’s tools and beer barrels. It is the perfect place to feel the spirit of a medieval town and escape the summer heat.

What underground attractions does the mighty Srebrna Góra Fortress offer?

The Srebrna Góra Fortress is one of the largest mountain fortifications in Europe, and its power also lies in its extensive underground passages. A guided tour with a soldier dressed in period costume is a real journey back in time. Inside the mighty Donjon are casemates – underground vaulted rooms several dozen metres deep.

Here you can see what life was like for the garrison: warehouses, armouries and even an underground well. The cold and darkness of these rooms perfectly reflect the harsh conditions in which Prussian soldiers lived here. The place is impressive for its scale and the genius of its builders.

What is worth seeing in the former mines and tunnels of Lower Silesia?

The history of Lower Silesia is inextricably linked to the mining of gold, silver, coal and even uranium. Today, numerous historic mines in Lower Silesia have gained a second life as fascinating tourist routes. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of hard-working miners, extraordinary minerals and the history that shaped this region.

What does the underground tourist route in the Gold Mine in Złoty Stok include?

The Gold Mine in Złoty Stok is a tourist hit for the whole family. The underground route is full of attractions and includes a tour of:

• Gertruda Adit: Here you will learn about the history of gold mining and see an exhibition of maps and mining tools.
• Death’s Walkway: The place where miners caught stealing gold were sentenced.
• The Black Adit: Its main attraction is the only underground waterfall in Poland, 10 metres high. This part can be finished with a boat trip.
• Underground Orange Tram: Part of the route is covered by tram, which is great fun, especially for children.

This place perfectly combines education with fun, presenting the history of mining in an accessible and attractive way.

What distinguishes the Ochrowa Adit in Złoty Stok from other underground attractions?

The Ochrowa Adit, available as an additional attraction in the Gold Mine, stands out for its unique aesthetics. Its walls are covered with unusual mineral formations shimmering with shades of yellow, orange and red. This is due to iron and arsenic compounds, which have created these natural paintings over hundreds of years.

A walk through this tunnel is like a visit to an underground art gallery created by nature. The contrast between the harshness of the rock and the intense colours is amazing. It is proof that the underground is not only darkness, but also hidden, breathtaking beauty.

What attractions await tourists in the Former Nowa Ruda Mine?

The former coal mine in Nowa Ruda is a journey into the world of “black gold” and a tribute to the work of miners. It is one of the most authentic places of its kind in Poland. The main attraction is a ride on the original underground railway. During the tour with former miners, you can see what work at the face looked like, learn how the machines work and hear lots of mining stories.

You can smell the coal, see the dust and authentic equipment. This raw, real experience allows you to understand how much sacrifice the miner’s profession required. An extremely valuable and informative place.

What secrets does the Liczyrzepa Uranium Mine in Kowary hide?

The underground in Kowary is marked by mystery and the atmosphere of the Cold War. Between 1948 and 1972, the Soviets operated a secret uranium mine in Kowary under the code name “Zakłady Przemysłowe R-1” (Industrial Plant R-1). Uranium from Kowary was a key component of the first Soviet atomic bomb.

The work was carried out in secret, and the miners worked in extremely dangerous conditions, without any protection against radiation. Today, the “Liczyrzepa” tourist route leads through these historic excavations. Here you can see an exhibition of uranium minerals (safely behind glass!), old tools and learn about the dark history of this place, hidden for decades.

How to book tickets to the Bear Cave in Kletno?

Booking tickets to the Bear Cave in Kletno requires planning, as it is one of the most beautiful and popular caves in Poland. Tickets must be booked online only, through the cave’s official website. Do this well in advance, even several weeks in advance, especially if you are planning a visit during the high season, on weekends or holidays. The number of tickets is limited due to the protection of the cave’s microclimate.

Attempting to buy tickets on site during a popular period will almost certainly end in failure. Planning is the key to seeing the most wonderful places.

Where in Lower Silesia can you buy extreme underground tours with pontoons?

For those looking for more than just a walk, Lower Silesia offers several options for extreme sightseeing by boat. It’s a fantastic way to reach normally inaccessible, flooded parts of the underground. You will find such attractions mainly in:

• The Underground City of Osówka: The extreme route includes crossing in landing craft and climbing ladders and footbridges.
• The Włodarz Complex: Here, a large part of the standard route takes place on boats, which is a great adventure in itself.
• The Gold Mine in Złoty Stok: After visiting the Black Adit, you can take part in a boat trip along flooded passages.

This is a great option for experiencing the underground in a more active way. Remember to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or wet!

How to prepare for visiting the Lower Silesian underground and what to watch out for?

Going underground is a small expedition that requires preparation. The underground has constant, specific conditions, regardless of the weather outside. Appropriate clothing and awareness of the risks are the key to a safe and comfortable adventure. Here are some practical tips based on my experience.

What is the temperature in the Lower Silesian underground and how should you dress for a visit?

In most of the Lower Silesian undergrounds – whether in Riese, mines or caves – the temperature remains constant throughout the year, usually between 7 and 10 degrees Celsius. This is crucial information, especially in summer. Even in 30-degree heat, you will quickly feel the chill once you enter.

Appropriate clothing is essential. Forget about shorts and sandals. Always take with you:

• A warm sweatshirt, fleece or light jacket.
• Long trousers.
• Sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip, as the pavements can be slippery.

Layering is the best solution. It is better to have one layer too many than to be cold throughout your visit.

Why is it dangerous to explore the wild tunnels of Lower Silesia without a guide?

Lower Silesia is dotted with hundreds of “wild”, unsecured tunnels. The temptation to explore the underground of Lower Silesia on your own is great, but I must emphasise: it is extremely dangerous. I strongly advise against such attempts by people without specialised equipment, knowledge and experience. The dangers are real and deadly:

• Collapses: Old structures can collapse at any moment.
• Lack of oxygen and poisonous gases: Gases can accumulate in unventilated underground passages, leading to loss of consciousness and death.
• Getting lost: It is very easy to lose your bearings in a maze of corridors.
• Hidden shafts and flooded areas: In the dark, you can fall into an unsecured shaft or a flooded passageway.

Safe sightseeing means organised, guided tours along prepared routes. Your life is more valuable than any adventure.

Is visiting the uranium mines in Kowary and Kletno safe for your health?

Yes, visiting the accessible routes in the former uranium mines in Kowary (Liczyrzepa) and the Uranium Mine in Kletno is completely safe. This is one of the most common concerns of tourists. It is worth knowing that:

• The routes are constantly monitored: The radiation level remains at a natural background level, not exceeding the standards. It is comparable to that which we are exposed to when walking around a granite market square or flying in an aeroplane.
• Good ventilation: The tourist routes are effectively ventilated, which removes any accumulation of radon.
• The exhibits are protected: Uranium mineral exhibitions are located behind thick glass that blocks radiation.

The radiation dose received during the tour is negligible and poses no danger. You can visit these places without any concerns.

When are the underground sites in Lower Silesia closed for bat protection?

Many Lower Silesian underground areas are important wintering grounds for bats, which are strictly protected in Poland. To ensure their peace during hibernation, some sites are periodically closed to tourists.

The protection period usually lasts from late autumn (November/December) to early spring (March/April). Every time a bat wakes up, it expends a huge amount of energy, which can kill it. Therefore, when planning a visit in winter, always check the website of the facility to see if it is open. The largest routes, such as Riese, are open all year round, but smaller ones may have restrictions.

What are the greatest mysteries and legends that still keep explorers awake at night?

In Lower Silesia, history is so intertwined with legend that it is sometimes difficult to separate the two. It is these ambiguities, mysteries and myths about treasures that make the region so magnetic. Despite the passing of decades, there are still unanswered questions that drive successive generations of explorers to search.

Where in Lower Silesia was the legendary gold train sought?

The legend of the “golden train” from Wałbrzych is Lower Silesia’s most famous mystery, which made headlines around the world in 2015. According to the story, at the end of the war, the Germans hid an armoured train filled with gold, works of art and other valuable deposits in a camouflaged tunnel.

The main search area was the 65th kilometre of the Wrocław-Wałbrzych railway line, near Książ Castle. It was there that explorers Piotr Koper and Andreas Richter claimed to have located the train using ground-penetrating radar. Despite extensive excavation work, the train was not found. However, the legend lives on, and many believe that somewhere in the network of tunnels in the Wałbrzych area, it is still waiting to be discovered.

Is there any evidence that the Amber Room is hidden in the Lower Silesian tunnels?

The Amber Room, a masterpiece looted by the Germans from the palace in Tsarskoye Selo, is another legendary treasure sought after in Lower Silesia. However, it must be clearly stated that there is no hard evidence that it was hidden here. There are only circumstantial evidence, speculation and unverified witness accounts.

Nevertheless, many potential locations have been suggested, such as Czocha Castle, Bolków Castle and the underground tunnels of Project Riese. The theory is based on the assumption that Lower Silesia, as the last bastion of the Third Reich, was the ideal place to hide the most valuable loot. Until the fate of the Amber Room is clarified, its spirit will surely haunt the underground of Lower Silesia.

What discoveries in the underground of Lower Silesia have been confirmed by georadar surveys?

Georadar is a powerful tool for explorers, allowing them to “look” underground without digging. Thanks to it, the existence of many anomalies has been confirmed, which often turned out to be unknown corridors. However, this technology has its limitations and does not always provide clear answers.

In the case of the “golden train”, the first georadar readings were promising, but later studies showed that these were most likely natural geological anomalies. Nevertheless, ground-penetrating radar has helped to map unknown underground sections in fortresses and locate empty spaces in the Riese area, which are still awaiting physical exploration. It is a constant game of cat and mouse between technology and the mysteries of the earth.

Have the original German plans and maps of the Riese complex been preserved?

This is a key question that hinders a full understanding of Project Riese. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the original documentation was destroyed or taken away by the Germans at the end of the war. This was done to cover up the traces of the project and its true purpose.

Our knowledge is based on fragmentary documents, survivor testimonies and the painstaking work of explorers who have been mapping the accessible corridors for decades. The lack of complete plans means that we still do not know how much of the complex remains undiscovered. It is this lack of knowledge that gives the imagination the most room to roam.

Who are the most famous Polish explorers investigating the mysteries of Lower Silesia?

Our knowledge of the Lower Silesian underground is largely thanks to enthusiasts who have devoted their lives to exploring these places. They were the ones who paved the way to discover and share these secrets with a wider audience. It is worth mentioning a few figures who have become icons of Polish exploration:

• Joanna Lamparska: A journalist and author of many best-selling books on the mysteries of Lower Silesia, who has greatly contributed to the popularisation of the region.
• Piotr Koper and Andreas Richter: A duo who became famous around the world for announcing the discovery of the “golden train”. Their determination reignited the gold rush.
• Krzysztof Szpakowski: A history researcher and leaseholder of the Włodarz complex, one of the pioneers in making the Riese facilities accessible to tourists.

It is thanks to such people and dozens of anonymous members of exploration groups that we can visit these extraordinary places today. Their passion is proof that the greatest adventures still await us just below the surface of the earth.