Wolf's Lair is the ruined site of Hitler's secret WWII headquarters, hidden in a forest near Gierłoż, 8 km east of Kętrzyn. The complex was built in 1940-1944 and served as the main command center of the German Eastern Front during World War II.
The site contains over 80 structures: bunkers, barracks, anti-aircraft shelters. The thickest bunkers have 8 m of concrete and 2 m of steel plates. Each bunker was labeled A-Z, with Hitler in the "Führerbunker".
Most famous event: 20 July 1944 — Operation Valkyrie, the failed assassination attempt on Hitler by Colonel Klaus von Stauffenberg. The bomb exploded in the conference room at 12:42 but Hitler survived because the briefcase was moved behind the table leg.
The bunkers were dynamited in January 1945 before the Red Army arrived. Today the gigantic concrete ruins make for a haunting atmosphere. Museum + film material + reconstructed meeting room.
Hours: daily 8:00-dusk. Ticket 25 PLN, child 15 PLN. PL/EN/DE guide available.