Project Riese

Project Riese in the Owl Mountains and beneath Książ Castle was a vast, unfinished mining and construction project of Nazi Germany carried out in 1943–1945. Today, only selected routes prepared by separate operators are open, including Osówka, Włodarz, Rzeczka and the tunnels beneath Książ. This is not one site with one ticket but a group of different locations.

What Riese includes

Osówka near Głuszyca combines underground passages with surviving surface structures. Włodarz opens corridors on two levels, including flooded sections, while Rzeczka offers the shorter Walim Adits route. Beneath Książ Castle, visitors follow tunnels on two levels. Other sites such as Soboń, Sokolec and Jugowice remain largely closed — never enter non-public workings.

Remembering the victims

Construction relied on the forced labour of concentration-camp prisoners and prisoners of war. Thousands died from exhaustion, disease, violence and working conditions. A visit should recognise that the tunnels are also places of memory, not merely military curiosities.

Practical information

Each route has its own operator, tickets and timetable; check current arrangements for Osówka, Włodarz, Rzeczka and Książ separately. Underground temperatures are usually around 6–8°C, with high humidity and uneven or muddy surfaces. Wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes. Allow about an hour for one site and a full day if you plan to visit several.