Sztolnie Walimskie – Kompleks Riese „Rzeczka”
Underground route through the unfinished “Riese” complex from the Second World War in the Owl Mountains, visited with a guide.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Sztolnie Walimskie (Walim Adits) are the “Rzeczka” complex, one of seven underground complexes of the “Riese” (“Giant”) project, which the Germans began in 1943 in the Owl Mountains and around Książ Castle. The construction was one of the largest military investments of the Third Reich and was never completed; its true purpose still gives rise to disputes among historians. The work was carried out by forced labourers and prisoners of war, and from 1944 also by prisoners of the Gross-Rosen camp, for whom labour subcamps were set up.
The owner of the complex is the commune of Walim, which has entrusted its management to a cultural institution, the Centre for Culture and Tourism in Walim. The underground excavations are about 500 m long and cover 2,500 m².
Visits take place only with a guide and last about an hour. Inside, it is cold and very humid. Audio guides are available for visitors who speak other languages. Because of the history of the place and the character of the route, the site is intended for young people and adults.
Highlights
- Underground route through the “Riese” complex in the Owl Mountains
- Guided tour, about 60 minutes
- Audio guides in English, German and French
- History of the forced labourers and prisoners from Gross-Rosen
- Free car park at the site
Permanent exhibition
- Podziemna trasa turystyczna kompleksu Rzeczka – Guided tour of the underground excavations of the unfinished “Riese” complex, about 500 m long.
- Operated by
- Centrum Kultury i Turystyki w Walimiu (gmina Walim)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 40 zł |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 30 złChildren, students up to 26, pensioners, people receiving disability pensions, people with disabilities and their carers (on presentation of a document). |
| Children & teens | 30 złfree up to age 3 · Children under 4 enter free. |
| Seniors | 30 złPensioners and people receiving disability pensions. |
| Visitors with disabilities | 30 złThe reduced ticket also applies to carers. |
| Students & apprentices | 30 złStudents up to 26. |
| Groups (21+ people) | –For organised groups of more than 20 people, booking by phone or e-mail is possible. |
| Audio guide in a foreign language (English, German, French) | 14 złHire per person, in addition to the admission ticket. |
Holders of the Large Family Card receive a PLN 2 discount on the ticket. Tickets are mainly bought on site on the day of the visit; online booking is available only on selected days.
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 site's page gives no information on accessibility for people with mobility impairments; it is advisable to contact the site before the visit.
Kids & families
Only partly suitable for kids
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|
The site is intended mainly for young people and adults because of the history and character of the route; children under 4 enter free. Underground it is cold and damp.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
A free car park for tourists visiting the adits is located at the site.
The adits lie in Rzeczka, right by voivodeship road no. 383.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
There is a free car park for visitors at the site.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (EN, DE, FR) |
| Good to know | The complex is visited only with a guide. Inside, the temperature is 5–7°C with high humidity, so warm clothing is recommended. Because of the character of the route, the site is intended for young people and adults; children under 4 enter free. Animals may not enter the site, except guide dogs. |
