Getting to Wolf’s Lair
Die Wolfsschanze, or the Wolf’s Lair, was the WWII military headquarters of Hitler and other Third Reich leaders. Today, it stands as one of the top tourist destinations in Poland. Between 1941 and 1944, it was the nerve center where many of the Third Reich's most brutal and critical decisions were made.
Originally a top-secret location, accessing the Wolf’s Lair takes some effort, as it is situated in a remote forest near Kętrzyn in northern Poland. This blog post offers useful tips on how to visit the site.
Before you head out, remember to download our original audio guide available on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Getting To Wolf’s Lair – an overview
Die Wolfsschanze is located in Gierłoż, a small settlement in the North of Poland, 10 kilometres from the town of Kętrzyn. Use this link to see it on Google Maps.
If you’re not staying in the Mazury region, reaching the Wolf’s Lair requires at least half a day. Travel times will be significantly longer if you are coming from the south or west of Poland. Below are indicative travel times to Kętrzyn from major Polish tourist hubs by both train and car:
- Warsaw: 4 hours by car; 6 hours by train with one or two transfers.
- Gdańsk: 3 hours by car; 3 hours by train, with direct trains available.
- Kraków: 7–8 hours by car, encountering major road construction. 7–8 hours by train, with at least one transfer, and possibly up to three.
- Wrocław: 6–8 hours by car; 7–8 hours by train, which is the quickest option by rail.
Please note that the railway line between the towns of Korsze and Ełk is closed until at least 2026. And while a bus replacement service to Kętrzyn may be available, it is not the most convenient option. Ultimately, visiting the Wolf’s Lair requires considerable time and effort and is not recommended as a day trip, especially from southern Poland.
How much time do I need to explore it?
If you’re planning to explore just the main part of the ruins in Zone 1, allocate around two to three hours. If you’re interested in exploring Zone 2 (remember to download our audioguide!) or in visiting the cinema in Bunker #4, you’ll need additional time. However, there are many other WWII-related sites in the area. So it’s worthwhile to consider staying for a night or two in the area. Renting a car is advisable to make the most of your visit and efficiently travel between these points of interest.
So.. how do I get to Wolf’s Lair?
Your primary objective will be reaching Kętrzyn. From there, the site is about 9 to 10 kilometres away. Please note, as of 2024 and 2025, Kętrzyn is accessible only by car or bus.
By car
Driving is the simplest way to visit the area, offering much more flexibility and independence than public transportation. It also provides the opportunity to explore other interesting sites nearby, such as the Mamerki bunkers or the Masurian Canal near Węgorzewo. Google Maps is very reliable in this region and can be a great tool for your travel planning. You can set your destination using this link.
There is ample parking (paid) available on-site, allowing you to park your car and easily visit zones 1 and 2.
By train
As of January 2024, the railway line from Korsze (and thus from Olsztyn) to Kętrzyn and Giżycko is undergoing reconstruction. And will be closed until at least the second half of 2026. Consequently, train travel to these destinations from Olsztyn or Białystok is not possible. However, a limited replacement bus service is operating from Olsztyn.
The nearest operational major railway station is in Olsztyn. For those willing to explore further, you can take a local train from Olsztyn to Korsze. From Korsze, a limited train replacement bus service will carry you to Kętrzyn. Be sure to use the official railway planner to check schedules for these trains and buses, ensuring your travel plans remain on track.
By Bus
You can easily get to Kętrzyn by bus from Olsztyn. Connections are operated by several companies, among them ExpressBus.
Once in Kętrzyn, getting to Wolf’s Lair is easy
You can take a Taxi
Taking a taxi is often the easiest, fastest, and most reliable method. The taxi rank is conveniently located right in front of the railway station in Kętrzyn. There are several taxi companies available, and finding a ride shouldn’t be an issue. To avoid any hassle on your return, consider booking a round trip with your driver. Most likely, taxis will not be readily available from Wolf’s Lair.
You can walk
If you’re up for a bit of exercise and the weather is cooperative, walking is a viable option. It’s not the most scenic route, as you’ll be walking along the side of a narrow and sometimes busy road, but it’s feasible. Alternatively, you could follow the old, closed railway track for a more secluded walk.
You can rent a bike.
While there are no specific recommended bike rental shops in the immediate area, some local hotels offer bikes for rent. Searching online for “bike rental” or “wypożyczalnia rowerów” should provide some options. Biking could be an enjoyable way to explore the surroundings at your own pace.
Or you can take a local bus
Getting to Wolf’s Lair by bus can be challenging, especially for a round trip, as the return options are limited. The site is near a small settlement called Gierłoż, accessible via a side road from Kętrzyn. While there are some bus connections, they are infrequent and primarily cater to locals’ schedules, like workers and students, rather than tourists. The last return bus usually leaves around 2 pm, and there is no municipal transport within Kętrzyn to facilitate this route.
