Underground City of Wolin
Zachodniopomorskie
The Underground City of Wolin, also known as Bateria Vineta, is a complex of coastal artillery batteries and underground bunkers constructed between 1936 and 1938 near Świnoujście on Wolin Island, Poland. Originally built by the German Kriegsmarine to strengthen the defense of the naval port of Swinemünde, the complex consists of seven bunkers divided into combat and auxiliary shelters. The combat bunkers housed artillery guns, including 15 cm SK C/28 cannons, with supporting infrastructure such as ammunition magazines and observation posts. The command bunker, a unique two-story structure, served as the fire control center equipped with periscopes and rangefinders, some protected by a heavy armored dome that remains preserved today. After World War II, the complex was taken over by the Soviet and later Polish military, who repurposed and connected five bunkers with nearly 1.5 kilometers of underground corridors to serve as an advanced command post during the Cold War. Today, the site is open to visitors as a museum and tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into military architecture and history, and illustrating the strategic importance of the Baltic coast during the 20th century.
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Tip: Visit during the open days on Wednesday, Saturday, or Sunday at 10:30 or 12:30 for guided tours. For groups over 20 people, private tours are available any day by prior reservation. German-language tours are offered on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. It is recommended to book tickets in advance through the official website to secure your visit. Dogs are allowed. Bring cash in PLN or EUR for ticket purchase. The site is best explored with a guided tour to fully appreciate its history and underground passages.
Interesting facts
- •The battery was named 'Vineta' after an ancient Viking city believed to have existed in the Baltic Sea region.
- •The command bunker features a 60-ton armored steel dome protecting optical instruments, still preserved today.
- •Five of the original seven bunkers are connected by nearly 1.5 kilometers of underground tunnels.
- •The ammunition bunker was destroyed by German forces in May 1945 before the Soviet arrival.
- •During the Cold War, the complex was adapted to serve as an advanced command post for the Polish Northern Front, illustrating its strategic importance beyond World War II.
History
Construction of the Underground City of Wolin began in 1935 under the orders of the German Kriegsmarine to fortify the naval base at Swinemünde, violating the Treaty of Versailles.
Completed in 1938, it housed coastal artillery batteries and extensive bunkers.
German soldiers occupied the site from 1939 until the end of World War II.
After Soviet forces captured the area in 1945, the battery was cleared and transferred to the Polish Army.
During the Cold War, the complex was renovated and expanded with underground corridors, serving as a forward command post for the Polish Northern Front.
The site remained a military installation until the late 20th century, after which it was opened to the public as a museum and historical site.
Place Guide
Command Bunker1936-1938
A unique two-story bunker serving as the fire control center for the battery. It housed two periscopes for observing the Baltic Sea and an artillery rangefinder to calculate distances to enemy ships. The upper floor was the command center, while the lower floor included barracks and medical facilities. The bunker’s optical instruments are protected by a massive 60-ton steel armored dome.
Combat Bunkers (Anton, Cäsar, Dora, Emil)1936-1938
Four combat bunkers located on the highest dune, each consisting of a barracks section for 28 soldiers and a combat section with a barbette for a 15 cm SK C/28 artillery gun. These bunkers included ammunition magazines capable of storing approximately 600 shells and fuses, and featured fireproof corridors separating living quarters from the gun areas.
Machine Room Bunker1936-1938
A single-story auxiliary bunker housing power generators, a well for water supply, and rooms for battery and fuel storage. This bunker ensured continuous operation of the entire complex by providing electricity and water.
Underground Corridors1960s
A network of nearly 1.5 kilometers of underground tunnels constructed post-World War II to connect five of the original bunkers. These corridors allowed safe and concealed movement between different parts of the complex, adapted for Cold War military command use.
Contact
Phone: 789 072 244
