Gdańsk

WWII Bunkers

21 Sep 2023
Though Gdańsk and the Tri-city have slowly healed from the scars of WWII, several Nazi bunkers, shelters and fortifications can still be found in and around the centre of the city. Head to Olejarna 2 to find a hulking big air raid shelter dating from 1943. This has since been brought back to life as Bunkier Klubogaleria, a popular and very-artsy nightclub that has adapted many of the former facilities within the building. 
Bunkers north of Gdańsk in Redłowska Nature Reserve, Gdynia.

Not too far away, near Hala Targowa is the U7 bowling alley. There’s a particularly sordid story behind this one; after the war, German prisoners seconded into rubble clearance noticed a horrific stench emanating from the ground. When they broke through the entrances, which had collapsed under bombardment, they found it literally flooded with gunk. The air-raid shelter, built below the water table, had flooded during shelling, and those trapped inside had been slowly drowned in the most agonising way imaginable. The putrid soup in front of them was decomposing remains mixed with stagnant floodwater.
Elsewhere, check out the Napoleonic hilltop forts on Gradowa Hill, up the hill from Gdańsk Główny. Built 46 metres above sea level the views across the Gdańsk are awesome, and their strategic importance wasn’t lost on the Germans. Close up investigation is obstructed by fences and warning signs, though you can just about make your way up a concrete observation post installed at some stage during the war. If you're taking the kids to Centrum Hevelianum why not take a look?

Lastly, but not at least, the forests of Gdynia Redłowo (P-4, P-5, P-6) are abundant with small concrete bunkers as well as a whole bunch of small trench networks.

Comments

Connect via social media
google sign in button
Leave a comment using your email This e-mail address is not valid
Please enter your name*

Please share your location

Enter your message*
Put our app in your pocket
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more here. AGREE
Top