The tunnels were excavated by prisoners from the Gross-Rosen concentration camp under brutal conditions.
The project was top-secret, and documentation regarding its final purpose was largely destroyed by Nazi forces before they retreated.
The site includes a preserved underground guardroom that demonstrates typical wartime fortification techniques.
Some theories suggest these tunnels were intended to house Hitler's headquarters, while others propose they were meant for weapons production or secret research laboratories.
The tunnels are excavated directly into Gneiss, one of the oldest rock types in the Sudetes mountains.
Sztolnie Walimskie, also known as the Riese complex, consists of a network of underground tunnels carved into the Owl Mountains during World War II. These tunnels were part of Project Riese, an ambitious Nazi construction project whose original purpose remains a subject of historical debate. Visitors explore three main parallel halls connected by a system of transverse galleries. The site features reinforced concrete structures, including an underground guardroom and a massive hall spanning 500 square meters. The complex is maintained as a historical memorial, offering insight into the forced labor conditions under the Organization Todt. The temperature inside the galleries remains constant at approximately 5-7 degrees Celsius year-round. It is one of the most accessible parts of the Riese complex, located in the village of Walim near Dzierżoniów.
The entrance to the main hall, where the scale of the hand-hewn tunnel walls is most visible.
Bring a warm jacket regardless of the outside temperature, as the underground climate stays near freezing.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear suitable for wet, uneven stone floors.
Plan your visit for a weekday to avoid peak weekend crowds during the busy summer season.
Do not attempt to explore beyond the marked tourist path, as unmapped sections of the complex can be unstable or flooded.
The complex is generally open year-round, though paths may be temporarily inaccessible during heavy maintenance or seasonal flooding.
Maintain a respectful demeanor as the site serves as a memorial to forced laborers; do not touch historical structural reinforcements.
