Kompleks Włodarz
The largest accessible underground site of the “Riese” project in the Owl Mountains (Góry Sowie), with a route on two levels, a boat crossing and an underground cinema.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Włodarz is one of the underground complexes of the secret German “Riese” (“Giant”) project in the Owl Mountains. The decision to build a new headquarters in Lower Silesia was taken in September 1943, and work began on 1 November 1943 south-east of Jedlina-Zdrój. Enormous underground rooms resistant to bombing were to be created here, and some historians also point to plans for an underground industrial plant. The construction was given the highest priority in the Third Reich, but it was never completed.
The work was carried out by forced labourers from all over Europe, and later also by prisoners of the Gross-Rosen concentration camp, for whom labour camps were set up near Głuszyca and Walim. The construction was first led by the Silesian Industrial Community (Śląska Wspólnota Przemysłowa), and in spring 1944 it was taken over by the Todt Organisation.
Today visitors can follow an underground tourist route on two levels, with an underground cinema, which shows the film “Włodarz”, and with a boat crossing through flooded corridors. The Szlak Wilcza Góra (Wilcza Góra Trail) runs around the site with external infrastructure. The owner of the route is PTTK-Riese Podziemne Trasy Turystyczne i Kopalnie. Tours are only with a guide and in helmets, in damp and low temperatures.
Highlights
- The largest accessible underground facility of the “Riese” project
- Two visitor levels and an underground cinema
- Boat crossing through flooded corridors
- Szlak Wilcza Góra around the site
- Joint ticket with the Muzeum Techniki Militarnej Molke
Permanent exhibition
- Podziemna trasa turystyczna Włodarz – Tour of the lower level and part of the upper level of the underground, with a film screening in the underground cinema and a boat crossing through flooded corridors.
- Operated by
- PTTK-RIESE Podziemne Trasy Turystyczne i Kopalnie
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 39.99 zł |
|---|---|
| Groups (21+ people) | –Groups of more than 20 people should be registered by email. |
| Włodarz + Muzeum Techniki Militarnej Molke package | 49.99 złTwo sites for one price. |
The ticket covers the tour of the surface parts, the lower level, part of the upper level, the boat crossing and the underground cinema. Tickets for individual visitors are bought only at the ticket office on site. The website does not list concession tickets.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The route leads through rock corridors with uneven, muddy ground. The website gives no information about accessibility for people with mobility impairments.
Kids & families
Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 3+
Children over 3 may enter the underground, wearing a compulsory helmet. The route is damp and cool, with a muddy floor.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Parking is allowed only in the car park at the entrance to the facility and in the car parks and access roads of the Wałbrzych Forest District (Nadleśnictwo Wałbrzych). Parking on the access road is not permitted.
Access from the direction of Walim; from Świdnica and Wałbrzych via Olszyniec.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
On site there is food service with field-kitchen military dishes (grochówka, bigos, sausage from the spit) and a shop with souvenirs and militaria.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Tours are only with a guide and in helmets, and last about an hour. Underground, the humidity is about 95% and the temperature about 7°C, and the ground is muddy, so warm clothing and moisture-resistant footwear are recommended. Children over 3 may enter the underground. Animals may not be brought in; dogs may enter the outside area only on a lead and in muzzles. |
