Deep underground, the Nazis built a city for thousands of soldiers. Now it’s a tourist attraction
Deep Underground the Nazis Built a City for Thousands of Soldiers
Activelifezero.com – Deep underground the Nazis built a massive fortified city designed to house thousands of soldiers during World War II. Today, this remarkable subterranean complex has transformed from a military stronghold into one of Europe’s most fascinating dark tourism destinations. CNN Travel explores this incredible underground world and other remarkable travel discoveries from around the globe.
The Ostwall: A Subterranean Marvel in Poland
The countryside surrounding the small Polish village of Pniewo appears peaceful, with golden crop fields and scattered woodland, but beneath this tranquil surface lies an extraordinary 20-mile network of tunnels, shafts, underground railway stations, and combat facilities. This is the Ostwall, a massive fortified underground complex constructed by the Nazis and abandoned in 1945. During the 1980s and 1990s, a subculture known as the Bunker People claimed these tunnels, organizing unauthorized and sometimes perilous events ranging from raves to weddings.
Today, approximately 40,000 bats call this underground realm home. In the 21st century, the Ostwall has been revitalized as a dark tourism destination, with 19 miles of tunnels now open for exploration through the Międzyrzecz Fortified Region Museum. Read more about underground attractions on CNN Travel.
Other Remarkable Underground Destinations
In Italy, a 2,000-year-old tunnel once used by Roman emperors to enter the Colosseum unseen will open to the public this month. The 180-foot Passage of Commodus takes its name from Emperor Commodus, remembered by many as the cunning antagonist portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix in “Gladiator.” Experts believe he survived an assassination attempt within this passage before eventually meeting his end at the hands of a champion wrestler.
Deep underground the Nazis built a city that now welcomes visitors from around the world to explore its mysterious tunnels and chambers.
Enthusiasts of secret underground complexes have much to anticipate when The London Tunnels opens in the UK capital, with a projected opening in 2028. This mile-long network of chambers was originally constructed to shelter civilians during World War II, later serving as headquarters for Britain’s Special Operations Executive, an MI6 division and the real-life inspiration for James Bond’s Q Branch. The facility is undergoing a $149 million renovation to become London’s premier new tourist attraction.
CNN recently explored this underground wonder ahead of its opening. Meanwhile, Kayaköy in southwest Turkey offers another compelling underground story. Just over a century ago, this town housed more than 10,000 residents before being abandoned following the Greco-Turkish war. Its crumbling structures, gradually reclaimed by vegetation, create a starkly beautiful and haunting atmosphere, particularly during cooler seasons when sea mists settle over the ruins. Visitors pay a three-euro fee to wander its uneven pathways and discover this ghost town’s secrets.
FAQ: Planning Your Visit to Underground Attractions
What are the best times to visit underground attractions? Many underground sites offer more comfortable temperatures year-round, but spring and autumn provide ideal conditions for exploring extensive tunnel networks without extreme weather.
How long should I plan for a visit to the Ostwall? With 19 miles of accessible tunnels, visitors typically spend 3-4 hours exploring the Międzyrzecz Fortified Region Museum’s underground exhibits.
Are underground attractions suitable for children? Most underground destinations welcome families, though some tunnels may have limited accessibility for strollers or wheelchairs.
What is dark tourism? Dark tourism refers to travel to sites associated with death, suffering, or historical tragedy, offering visitors educational and reflective experiences.
Meanwhile, Babylon in modern Iraq remains one of antiquity’s most significant cities, though its ancient ruins face preservation challenges with overgrown pathways and limited facilities. When the late afternoon sun illuminates Hillah’s steps and statues, visitors feel they stand in the footsteps of ancient kings.
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in West Virginia presents another compelling underground experience. Originally established as a compassionate facility, severe overcrowding forced doctors and staff to implement desperate measures. Today, daily and nightly tours reveal its complex history, occasionally offering paranormal encounters for brave visitors.
Former asylums have become macabre tourist attractions, with approaches ranging from sensitive to sensationalist. CNN has extensively covered the surprisingly hopeful evolution of asylum tourism across America. Explore more travel stories on CNN Travel.
