Project Riese tunnels
Kilometres of tunnels dug into the rock of the Owl Mountains by Nazi prisoners, for a purpose that is still not known for certain.
The story
From 1943 Nazi Germany launched Project Riese, "giant", in the Owl Mountains: seven underground complexes of tunnels and halls, dug by prisoners of war and inmates of the Gross-Rosen camp, thousands of whom died from the labour and hunger. No documents on its purpose have been found: perhaps a headquarters for Hitler, perhaps arms factories safe from the bombing. Work stopped in 1945 with the arrival of the Red Army. Three complexes, Osówka, Rzeczka and Włodarz, can be visited with guides.
Why go
A disturbing and fascinating place, to combine with Książ Castle, which was part of the same project.
In the itineraries
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Weather forecast
The forecast for the next 7 days at this spot: sky, temperatures, rain and wind.
Forecast by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), from the models of national weather services. Your browser downloads it directly from Open-Meteo, and only when you ask. In the mountains and at sea the weather changes quickly: check the official forecast as well before you set off.
Getting there
- By train. The nearest station is Głuszyca Górna station, 3.5 km away. Alternatively: Bartnica station, 3.6 km away. From the station you need a bus, a taxi or a car.
- By air. The nearest airport is Wrocław Airport (WRO), about 58 km away.
- Parking. There are 3 signposted car parks within a kilometre; the nearest (Parking Osówka) is 450 m away, free.
Stations, ports, airports and car parks from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); distances as the crow flies. Timetables and connections change: check them before you travel.
Climate month by month
The most pleasant months for weather are from June to September, with average highs between 18 and 29 °C. From November to March night-time temperatures drop below freezing on average. The wettest month is August (about 92 mm), the driest March.
| Month | Temperature | High / low | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | from -6 to -1 °C | -1° -6° | 54 |
| Feb | from -5 to 2 °C | 2° -5° | 52 |
| Mar | from -2 to 6 °C | 6° -2° | 46 |
| Apr | from 1 to 11 °C | 11° 1° | 46 |
| May | from 5 to 15 °C | 15° 5° | 71 |
| Jun | from 11 to 21 °C | 21° 11° | 83 |
| Jul | from 12 to 23 °C | 23° 12° | 81 |
| Aug | from 12 to 23 °C | 23° 12° | 92 |
| Sep | from 8 to 18 °C | 18° 8° | 75 |
| Oct | from 4 to 12 °C | 12° 4° | 60 |
| Nov | from -1 to 5 °C | 5° -1° | 53 |
| Dec | from -4 to 1 °C | 1° -4° | 49 |
Averages for 2015–2024, estimated for an altitude of 666 m. Air: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), corrected for the altitude of the place; rain: average monthly total. These are indicative values: the weather on any given day can be very different, so always check the forecast before you go.
Nearby
- Church of Peace in ŚwidnicaHistory and art · 20 km as the crow flies
- WambierzyceHistory and art · 21 km as the crow flies
- Książ CastleHistory and art · 21 km as the crow flies
- Table MountainsNature · 22 km as the crow flies
- ★ Krzeszów AbbeyHistory and art · 26 km as the crow flies
- ★ Czermna Skull ChapelHistory and art · 28 km as the crow flies
← See it on the map with all 28 placesGuide to Lower Silesia