Secret network of tunnels discovered at former Nazi base

The corridors have been discovered in a complex of bunkers located in Mamerki (Warmian-Masurian province). During the WWII Wermacht was stationed in this area, and stories about treasures hidden here by German soldiers have evolved into legends. According to one them, the Amber Room had been buried somewhere in Masuria.

In 2019, a disused sewage drain was discovered. There were hopes it would lead to a treasure trove, as it was located close to a bunker which had served as a casino during the war.

This year the search was resumed. "Thanks to a modern ground-penetrating radar, we've located five entrances to underground tunnels" - said Bartłomiej Plebańczyk from the Mamerki Museum. "This is the biggest discovery in Mamerki so far. It looks like the network of tunnels is at least 50 metres long, and it may turn out even longer after proper examination" - he stressed.

He added that a company specialising in inspection cameras was asked to check the tunnels for potential unexploded bombs. "Once it's been complete, we will properly penetrate the tunnels" - Plebańczyk said.

The Mamerki complex was built in 1940-1944. 30 massive bunkers and over 200 other structures were hidden in a forest near the Mamry Lake. The buildings served as barracks, strongholds and anti-aircraft batteries, as well as casinos, kitchens, post office, cinema, hospital, sauna and stables. 40 generals resided at the base, as well as some 1,500 soldiers.

The Amber Room was stolen by the Germans from the Catherine Palace near St. Petersburg during the war and the 450 kg of amber panels, gems, gold leaf and mirrors that made up the decorations, said to be worth as much as 500 million dollars, were taken to the castle in Königsberg, today’s Kaliningrad. 

However, in 1945, when the Russians entered the city, they did not find any trace of the Amber Room. The piece of art is considered the most valuable treasure lost after the WWII.