The Wolf's Lair, located in the town of Gierłoż near Kętrzyn, was Adolf Hitler's headquarters in 1941-1944. It was here that the leader of the Third Reich spent more than 800 days of the war, directing operations on the Eastern Front. The place became particularly famous for the failed attempt on Hitler's life, carried out by Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg on July 20, 1944.

The complex consisted of about 200 buildings, including bunkers, barracks, a power plant and supporting infrastructure. Although most of the buildings were blown up by the retreating Germans in 1945, the remains still impress visitors. The massive walls of the bunkers, up to 8 meters thick, testify to the scale of the fear of air attack.

In recent years the Wolf's Lair has undergone a major metamorphosis. The site was taken over by the State Forests, which invested in its development as a tourist attraction. New sightseeing routes have been marked out, information boards have been installed, and multimedia exhibits have been installed to bring the history of the site closer in an accessible way.

Visiting the Wolf's Lair is a fascinating trip back in time. Here is what awaits visitors:

1. sightseeing routes: Special paths with paved alleys have been set out, leading through the entire complex. Each object is labeled with an information board, allowing visitors to explore on their own.

2 Hitler's Bunker: Most impressive is Hitler's massive bunker. Despite the damage, its size and the thickness of its walls give an idea of the scale of the facility.

3. Reconstructed assassination barrack: The interior of the barrack where the failed assassination attempt on Hitler took place has been recreated in detail. This is a key point of the tour, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of those events.

4 Weapons exhibition: A presentation of original World War II weaponry.

5. Exposition on the Warsaw Uprising: An interesting exhibition introducing the history of this important uprising.

6. Multimedia installations: Modern presentations recounting key events of World War II.

7. Wooden sculptures: Artistic installations placed throughout the complex, adding to the character of the whole.

Practical information:

• Address: Gierłoż 5, 11-400 Kętrzyn, Poland.
• Directions: The easiest way to get there is by car. Parking is located at the entrance to the complex.
• Tickets: Available at the entrance, prices range from 20 to 30 PLN per adult (as of 2023).
• Audioguide: It's definitely worth paying extra PLN 10 to rent an audioguide, which guides you through the complex and provides a lot of interesting information.
• Tour time: Expected time is about 2-3 hours.
• Accessibility: The site is accessible to people with disabilities and families with strollers.

Wolf's Lair is a place that can be a fascinating history lesson for the whole family. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit:

1. appropriate clothing: Despite the paved paths, it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes. The grounds are vast, and exploring requires quite a bit of walking.

2. Guide or audio guide: For a full understanding of the history of the site, it is advisable to use a guide or rent an audio guide. This is especially helpful when visiting the complex with children.

3. Time of visit: It is best to plan your visit for the morning or late afternoon, especially during the summer season to avoid crowds and heat.

4. Adaptation to the age of children: For younger children, it's a good idea to focus on the visual aspects - the impressive size of the bunkers or multimedia. Older ones can be presented with more detailed historical information.

5. Nearby attractions: There are many other interesting places in the area, such as the Sanctuary in Swieta Lipka or the Water Park in Wilkasy, which can be combined with a visit to the Wolf's Lair.

All in all, the Wolf's Lair is a place that combines history, education and an extraordinary visual experience. The complex has undergone a huge transformation in recent years, becoming a modern tourist site that presents the difficult history of World War II in an accessible way. It is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to reflect on the consequences of war and totalitarianism.

A visit to the Wolf's Lair is a trip back in time, which allows you to better understand the events shaping the fate of Europe in the 20th century. Whether you are passionate about history or simply looking for an unusual place for a trip, Wolf's Lair is sure to impress. It is a place that stays in your memory for a long time, making you think and discuss history and its impact on the present.

Remember that by visiting such places as Wolf's Lair, we pay tribute to the victims of war and contribute to preserving the memory of these tragic events for future generations.