This is part of the Miedzyrzecz Fortified Region, a German system of surface and underground fortifications between the years 1936 and 1944. The trail includes the Stronghold Group “Scharnhorst” which includes bunkers no.717 and no.716 bunkers and the underground station “Heindrich” as well as barracks and warehouses.
FEATURES, ORIGINS, VALUES AND LEGAL PROTECTION
The former German fortifications, also known as the Fortified Front of the Bend in the Oder-Warta (FF GBS), are one of the most interesting fortified sites on Polish territory. This remarkable monument of military architecture includes more than 100 fortified structures, numerous hydro-technical buildings and anti-tank barriers designed to protect access to the firing positions. The underground tourist route includes bunkers and fortified tunnels of the Stronghold Group “Scharnhorst” which include multi-storey bunkers with interconnecting tunnels, underground railway stations, ammunition storage dumps, military barracks and engineering blocks. On the surface, there is a line of anti-tank barriers, the so-called “Dragon's teeth” and an exhibition of military equipment.
Three underground trails have been prepared for visitors:
- The short route , apart from the overground facilities it includes a visit to the multi-storey bunker no.717, underground barracks and warehouses and the passage to bunker no. 716, where it leaves the underground tour.
- The long route, outside elements offered in the short route it includes following the corridor to the underground railway station “Heindrich” and returning to exit through bunker no.716.
- The Extreme route, for connoisseurs of the art of fortification, it includes the elements of the long route but from the railway station “Heindrich” through other train stations the trail leads to an underground anti-tank armoured battery, the so-called “Petla Nietoperska”. The several-hour long trail is extremely interesting, but very exhausting and is only organised on request.
TOUR ORGANISER
Miedzyrzecz Centre for Sport and Recreation
Os Kasztelanskie 8A
66-300 Miedzyrzecz
Phone: +48 95 742 23 35,
e-mail: mosiw@poczta.fm
www.bunkry.pl
Reservations and arrangement of sightseeing
Pniewo
66-305 Kalawa
tel. / fax: +48 95 741 99 99
e-mail: mosiw@poczta.fm
ACCESSIBILITY OF FACILITIES BY VISITORS
The site is open all year at the following times:
- From 2nd January till 31st March and from 1st October till 31st December , daily between 10.00 and 16.00, except Mondays.
- From 15th April till 30th September, every day between 10.00 and 18.00.
Guided tours for individual tourists during the period from 1st September till 30th June:
Weekends - fixed visiting hours at 11.00 (long route) and 14.00 (short route)and at other times when a group of 8 people can be assembled.
Weekdays, when a group of 8 people can be assembled
Organised groups by prior arrangement of sightseeing only
There are three possible routes available:
The Short Route - the length is about 1.5km (underground section) and takes about 1.5 hours.
The Long Route - the length is about 2.5km (underground section) and takes about 2.5 hours.
The Extreme Route is available only between 15th April and 30th September, and by telephone booking only. The Route length is about 20km [(underground section) and takes about 8 hours.
It is required that all participants carry a torch with a supply of spare batteries, water resistant shoes or boots and clothing that protects against the cold.
The site is closed on the first and second day of Easter, 1st November, 25th and 26th December and 1st January.
The internal temperature is about 10° C and humidity is about 90%.
The route is electrically illuminated in sections.
The trail is not suitable for people with physical disabilities.
Guided tours in groups of up to 40 people.
Foreign-speaking Group, there is assistance in both German and English but a request must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance.
Individual foreign-speaking tourists can explore the facility with an audio-guide in their selected language.
We recommend comfortable, athletic shoes and warm clothing in the summer.