A German Underground Bunker & Tunnel Fortification in Poland – Day 18,19 European Adventure

Описание: We're heading deep into a historic ww2 bunker site in Poland! 🇵🇱 Join us exploring abandoned places where war history echoes through defensive structures, intricate tunnels, and even old graffiti left by locals. This journey offers a unique perspective on a significant, yet often overlooked, piece of European history.

Another local Swiebodzin, Poland day trip for the history buffs and for those, like me, who find it interesting to imagine living underground for months at a time. This German fortification is called MRU (Miedzyrzecz Reinforced Region) located about a 20 minute drive north of Swiebodzin, Poland in the town of Pniewo, Poland. Today the tunnel system is a museum and a bat sanctuary. Numerous tanks, artillery and tracked vehicle pieces are present along with the concrete anti-tank system.

History of MRU:
After Germany’s defeat in World War I, the Treaty of Versailles restricted its military and banned new border fortifications. Despite this, Germany developed a plan to defend the region between the Oder and Warta rivers, known as the Oder Quadrangle. Early work began in 1934 with canals, dams, and small concrete shelters. By 1935, these lighter bunkers were abandoned in favor of larger, stronger combat structures. Hitler officially approved the project in October 1935.

Construction of what became the Oder–Warta Fortified Arch (MRU) began in 1936. Stretching over 80 km and divided into three sections, its central area near Międzyrzecz was the most strategically important. Plans included extensive underground systems: more than 35 km of tunnels, 18 underground railway stations, barracks, ammunition rooms, and technical facilities.

Work halted in mid-1939. During WWII, the site was mostly unused until 1943, when the Germans moved parts of a Daimler engine repair line into the tunnels, using forced laborers. As Soviet forces approached in 1944, Germany attempted last-minute improvements, adding light field fortifications and small bunkers.

By early 1945, the MRU was unfinished, poorly manned, and disorganized. When the Soviets attacked on January 29, the line collapsed within three days.

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