Gierłoż

Gierłoż near Kętrzyn – History, Information, Interesting Facts

Gierłoż (German: Görlitz) is a small forest settlement located in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, in Kętrzyn County. Although seemingly modest, the village gained significant historical importance due to the presence of Adolf Hitler’s wartime headquarters known as the Wolf’s Lair. Today, Gierłoż is an important tourist destination in Poland, attracting visitors from both home and abroad interested in discovering the darker chapters of history. Here is the history, trivia, and practical information about Gierłoż.

Medieval Origins of Gierłoż

Gierłoż, picturesquely located in the Kętrzyn municipality in the heart of Masuria, has a history dating back to medieval times. The name of the village derives from Hans von Görlitz, a Teutonic prosecutor who established a hunting castle here in 1353. The site served as a guard post and was used by successive prosecutors from Kętrzyn until 1426 as a place for hunting and rest. These lands were also a crucial defensive point for the Teutonic Order, evidenced by their destruction in the same year during an invasion by Lithuanian forces led by Olgierd and Kęstutis.

Unsuccessful Village Charter and Ownership by Rastenburg

In the 15th century, an attempt was made to charter Gierłoż under Magdeburg law – it was supposed to be a new village managed by Hans Behm. However, the charter failed. Nevertheless, the area remained significant. In 1437, the city of Rastenburg (modern-day Kętrzyn) purchased 50 włókas (approx. 900 hectares) of forest in Gierłoż, retaining ownership until 1945. In the early 20th century, Rastenburg managed over 1100 hectares of land there – mostly forested, but also partly used for agriculture. This highlights the strategic and economic importance of the region throughout history.

Development of the Gierłoż Estate

In the first half of the 20th century, Gierłoż was the center of a large landed estate covering 174 hectares. In 1913, it was owned by Julius von Normann, who operated a farming and livestock business – the estate housed 25 horses, 80 cattle, and 20 pigs. Shortly thereafter, the estate was acquired by Baron Dodo zu Innhausen und Knyphausen, an aristocrat from Dortmund who served as district governor of Rastenburg for two decades. Between 1913 and 1915, he built a neobaroque manor house near Lake Siercze, about one kilometer from the main village.

Political Changes and State Affiliation of Gierłoż

Over the centuries, Gierłoż came under various sovereignties. In 1454, at the request of the Prussian Confederation, King Casimir IV Jagiellon incorporated the area into the Kingdom of Poland. After the Thirteen Years’ War (1454–1466), the village became a fief of the Teutonic Order but remained under Polish suzerainty. From the 18th century, Gierłoż was part of the Kingdom of Prussia, and from 1871, it belonged to the German Empire as part of East Prussia. After World War II, in 1945, Gierłoż was re-incorporated into Poland.

Gierłoż During the Weimar Republic and Third Reich

After World War I, Gierłoż was part of the Weimar Republic, and from 1933, it belonged to the Third Reich. During this time, the estate remained in the hands of Knyphausen, who lived in his manor until 1945. The village was located right next to barbed wire fences and minefields that later surrounded Adolf Hitler’s main headquarters – the Wolf’s Lair. Gierłoż’s significance increased dramatically following the German decision to establish this top-secret military facility in the area.

The Role of Governor Schultz and the War Period

After Knyphausen, the position of district governor was taken over by Fritz Schultz, affiliated with the NSDAP and considered a loyal associate of Erich Koch, Gauleiter of East Prussia. Schultz actively supported Nazi propaganda, organizing visits of Hitler Youth to Gierłoż for the Führer’s birthday. His actions and influence contributed to the selection of the Wolf’s Lair’s location within Rastenburg district. After the war, Schultz was criticized by the German aristocracy and postwar communities for incompetence and delaying civilian evacuations – he died while fleeing across the Vistula Lagoon.

Post-1945 Fate of Gierłoż

After the end of World War II, Gierłoż became part of Poland. The manor by Lake Siercze survived the war and was later adapted as a vacation center for the Institute of Aviation in Warsaw. Today, it operates under the name Księżycowy Dworek and is one of the few original prewar buildings still standing in this part of Masuria.

Historical Importance of Gierłoż Today

Thanks to its turbulent past – from a medieval castle, through the Teutonic period, East Prussia, and World War II – Gierłoż is today a unique destination in Masuria. It is not only a place of exceptional military history but also a significant center of cultural and historical heritage. The forests that once served hunters and soldiers now attract enthusiasts of history, nature, and cultural tourism.

Gierłoż – Headquarters of Hitler’s Entourage

Gierłoż became most famous for the construction of a bunker complex known as the Wolf’s Lair (Wolfsschanze). This massive facility was built between 1941 and 1944 and served as Adolf Hitler’s main headquarters and the Wehrmacht High Command during Operation Barbarossa – the German invasion of the Soviet Union. The location was carefully selected for its natural camouflage and proximity to the Giżycko fortified region.

Gierłoż is best known for Hitler’s quarters. The Wolf’s Lair was an impressive feat of German military engineering. The complex included about 80 reinforced concrete bunkers of various sizes and functions. It was surrounded by barbed wire, minefields, and numerous guard posts. To ensure full functionality, it had its own transport infrastructure, including railway lines and airstrips connecting it with the rest of occupied territories.

Gierłoż: Site of a Failed Assassination Attempt on Hitler

One of the most memorable events linking Gierłoż to world history was the failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler on July 20, 1944. Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, a key figure in a conspiracy of German officers, placed a bomb during a military briefing. The explosion killed four people, but Hitler survived with only minor injuries.

The consequences of the failed assassination were dire. Around 5,000 people suspected of involvement or knowledge of the plot were executed. The event had a major impact on the course of the war and the internal situation in Germany, leading to increased repression and terror.

Modern Gierłoż as a Tourist Attraction

At the end of the war, in January 1945, German forces destroyed most of the Wolf’s Lair bunkers during their retreat. However, many structures survived the blasts, and their massive ruins can still be visited today. Currently, the Wolf’s Lair functions as an open-air museum and is one of the most important tourist attractions in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship.

Gierłoż and its surroundings are where history meets the beauty of Masurian nature. Here are some of the must-see attractions:

Masurian Nature – Forests, Lakes, and Bats

Gierłoż lies in the heart of the Masurian forests, part of the Natura 2000 network. The Wolf’s Lair bunkers serve as winter shelters for rare bat species such as the western barbastelle. The surrounding areas are perfect for nature lovers – numerous walking and cycling paths lead through scenic landscapes.

Swimming and Cycling Trails Around Gierłoż

Nearby are charming lakes like Lake Mój and Lake Łabędź, surrounded by reeds and habitats for water birds. Active tourists can enjoy cycling routes such as the one from Lubawa to Dylewska Góra or trails around the Lubawa region, which wind through forests and picturesque scenery.

What Else to See Around Gierłoż?

Beyond the Wolf’s Lair itself, the Gierłoż area offers several other attractions worth visiting. Nearby is the theme park “Mazurolandia”, combining entertainment with historical education. The park features activities related to the region’s history, military topics, and the Middle Ages. Visitors can explore reconstructed forts, try ancient crafts, and enjoy interactive exhibitions.

The Gierłoż region is also ideal for those seeking active recreation. Numerous tourist and bike trails lead through scenic Masurian forests and lakes. The well-developed accommodation base – including hotels, guesthouses, and agritourism farms – ensures a comfortable stay for tourists of all preferences and budgets.

Gierłoż and its surroundings show how places marked by tragic history can become meaningful tourist destinations, combining education with leisure. Visitors to this place have the opportunity to learn about World War II history while relaxing in the beautiful landscapes of Masuria.