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On the Isle of Wolin in Poland, an old Nazi fortress became a command center during the Cold War and now preserves nearly 1.5 km of tunnels beneath the forest. The complex includes barracks, a medical facility, kitchen, communication rooms, water systems, and a red phone in the former War Room.
The Isle of Wolin, Poland, conceals a military underground complex that has traversed various periods of European history. Initially built by the Nazis as coastal defense structures, the facilities were later adapted by the Polish socialist government to function as an emergency command center during the Cold War.
According to a report by Diário do Litoral, published on August 26, 2026, by Bianca Hirakawa of Agência Diário, the space now known as the Underground City of Wolin is located near Świnoujście and is open for tourists. The complex preserves nearly 1.5 km of tunnels, bunkers, and military rooms.
Construction of the Fortifications Began in 1936
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The structures known as Goeben and Vineta were built between 1936 and 1939.
The ensemble included bunkers, ammunition depots, and areas designated for military command.
Complex Did Not See Major Combat During World War II
Despite the size of the structures, the fortification did not engage in significant confrontations during World War II.
According to the source, the Nazis even used part of the area as a school for the Navy.
However, the military function of the site would continue to change over the following decades.
The Red Army Took the Bunkers in 1945
The complex changed hands at the end of the war.
In 1945, the bunkers were captured by the Red Army.
Before abandoning the area, German soldiers attempted to destroy the facilities using explosive munitions.
Destruction attempt did not eliminate the fortress
The explosion caused by the Germans did not completely destroy the complex.
Much of the structures remained intact after the war.
This resilience allowed the complex to be reused later in a different military context.
Socialist government repurposed the site in the 1950s
In the 1950s, the Polish socialist government decided to repurpose the old facilities.
The idea was to transform the complex into an emergency command center prepared for potential large-scale conflict.
The scenarios considered included the possibility of a Third World War.
Bunkers were connected by new tunnels
The adaptation required significant changes to the original structure.
The bunkers were modernized and connected by new underground tunnels.
The expansion created an internal network capable of allowing movement and operation of the center without relying on the external environment.
Underground network reached nearly 1.5 km
After the modifications, the facility operated like a true underground city.
The complex reached nearly 1.5 kilometers of tunnels beneath the forest.
The space was organized to allow military personnel to remain underground for extended periods.
Five security zones controlled movement
The complex was divided into five security zones.
Access to certain areas required specific authorization.
This division reflected the strategic nature that the facility assumed during the Cold War.
Water systems allowed for extended stays
Modernization was not limited to the command areas.
Water supply systems were installed, along with other necessary structures to keep people functioning underground.
The intention was to ensure greater autonomy in an emergency situation.
Communication rooms still preserve analog equipment
Some internal structures remain preserved.
Visitors find communication rooms, analog equipment, and systems used in the operation of the center.
Decryption stations and equipment for transmitting information also remain on site.
Teletype machines and telephone exchanges are part of the tour
The communication infrastructure included technologies typical of the period.
Among the preserved equipment are teletype machines and telephone exchanges.
These systems helped maintain connections between different military sectors.
Barracks house bunk beds used by military personnel
The complex had areas designated for team accommodation.
The barracks contain bunk beds, showing how military personnel could stay for extended periods within the facility.
The internal structure aimed to combine work, rest, and support functions.
Infirmary was part of the underground city
The center also included a medical infirmary.
The presence of this medical space was part of the necessary structure to support isolated teams in case of an emergency.
Current visitors can explore areas that preserve this internal organization.
Kitchen and dining room served those staying underground
The planned routine for the complex also included meals.
A subterranean kitchen and a dining room were part of the facilities.
These environments reinforce the idea that the project aimed to keep military personnel working and living on site for extended periods.
Machine room housed a large diesel engine
The underground system had to function even in isolation situations.
One of the preserved areas is the machine room, equipped with a large diesel engine.
This structure was part of the technical resources employed to keep the complex operational.
War Room preserves maps and old equipment
One of the most notable areas is the so-called War Room.
The space houses tactical maps, old equipment, and communication structures associated with the Cold War period.
It was in this sector that military plans were formulated.
Red phone remains at the old command center
Among the preserved objects is a red phone.
The device symbolized communication within the command center and remains on display in the War Room.
The presence of the phone has become one of the most recognizable elements of the current complex.
Plans Considered Possible Nuclear Attack in Europe
During the Cold War, the facility was linked to plans for a potential nuclear conflict.
According to the source, the War Room was used to develop plans related to a possible nuclear attack against countries in Europe.
However, the order was never executed.
Soviet Military Vehicles Remain in the Outer Area
The visit is not limited to the interior of the tunnels.
In the outer area, there are also soviet military vehicles and other elements associated with the Cold War period.
These objects help contextualize the later use of the former Nazi fortress.
Visit is Conducted with Guides
The Underground City of Wolin currently operates as a historical attraction.
Tours are conducted with guides, and groups receive an organization inspired by the military environment throughout the journey.
The experience includes various preserved sectors of the complex.
Attraction is Located in the Przytór District in Świnoujście
The complex is situated in a forested area in the Przytór district of Świnoujście.
The reported address is ul. Wolińska, 72-605 Świnoujście-Przytór.
The entrance is located between the Świnoujście-Przytór train station and the beach.
Buses 7 and 10 Go to the Complex Area
Those using public transport can arrive via buses 7 and 10.
From the Świnoujście-Przytór station to the entrance, the walking distance is approximately 500 meters.
For those driving, the location is also about 500 meters from the S3 road.
Tour Lasts Between 90 Minutes and Two Hours
The guided tour usually lasts approximately 90 minutes to two hours.
This timeframe allows for exploration of different sectors of the underground facility and an introduction to part of the preserved infrastructure.
Timings may vary depending on the time of year.
Tunnels Can Stay at About 15°C Even in Summer
The underground temperature remains low even in the warmest months.
According to the source, the tunnels can register around 15°C during summer.
Therefore, visitors are advised to consider warmer clothing for the tour.
Fort Gerhard and Lighthouse are About 4 km Away
The location also allows for the combination of visits to other historical attractions in Świnoujście.
The Underground City is approximately 4 kilometers from Fort Gerhard and the Świnoujście Lighthouse.
The itinerary can include military structures, coastline, and natural areas of Wolin Island.
Former military center remains open to visitors
The structure that began as a Nazi fortification, was captured by the Red Army, and later transformed into a command center during the Cold War remains preserved under the forest of Wolin Island.
Today, visitors can explore nearly 1.5 kilometers of tunnels, accommodations, kitchen, infirmary, communication rooms, and the former War Room, where the red phone still exists among artifacts that have endured decades of military changes.
In your opinion, what stands out the most about this complex: the nearly 1.5 kilometers of tunnels, the fortress’s transformation across different historical periods, or the still-preserved red phone in the War Room? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
