Hitler’s “Werwolf” Base Near Vinnitsa
If you drive 10 kilometers from Vinnytsia to the village of Stryzhavka, you’ll find a landmark associated with one of the most terrifying tyrants in the history of the world.
These are the remains of Hitler’s forces in Ukraine near Vinnitsa, where he visited on numerous occasions and directed military operations.
Why Werwolf?
The name of the “Werwolf” base near Vinnytsia—originally built under the code name “Eichenhain” (“Oak Grove”) – has deep personal and linguistic roots, as “Wolf” was Adolf Hitler’s favorite pseudonym.
The German word “wehren” meaning “to defend,” “to protect,” or “to fight,” was added to “Wolf.” This is why Hitler imbued the name with the ideological meaning of “Armed Wolf” or “Defending Wolf,” intended to become an impregnable stronghold on the eastern borders of his empire.
However, due to the similarity in sound, the complex entered history with the grim connotation of a werewolf; and while the name became established in Russian as “Werwolf”, archival documents indicate that Hitler himself changed the spelling, and the unit was officially designated “Wehrwolf”.
The History of Hitler’s “Werwolf” Base Near Vinnytsia
After German troops occupied Ukraine, the Nazi leader found it necessary to be as close to the front as possible and to command his troops.
Historians estimate that there were about 20 officially planned or constructed Führerhauptquartier (FHQ) headquarters in Germany, France, Belgium, Ukraine, Russia, and Poland. Of these, Hitler actually used slightly more than half to command his troops. “Wehrwolf,” near Vinnytsia, was one of those that was actually operational.
Construction of the Wehrwolf began in late 1941. It involved both engineers and workers from Germany, as well as Soviet prisoners of war, who were eventually shot. The work was carried out in secrecy, and even local residents were unaware of it.
As a result, an entire city sprang up in the middle of the forest. It included residential buildings, barracks, an officers’ club, a swimming pool, a power plant, a water tower, a Gestapo headquarters, and a runway. The facility was guarded by camouflaged machine-gun emplacements and artillery. In the middle of it all stood a massive bunker with 9-meter-thick concrete walls. They say it could withstand a direct hit from an aerial bomb. Not only the factories of Vinnytsia but those of the entire Reich worked to maintain this complex.
Hitler visited here three times, staying for several months each time. His last visit ended in September 1943, when the fate of the Donbas defense was being decided. In March 1944, as Soviet troops advanced, the facility was evacuated and everything there was blown up.
Historical and Memorial Complex in Memory of the Victims of Nazism
Today, the site of Hitler’s “Werwolf” command post near Vinnitsa is located within the “Historical and Memorial Complex in Memory of the Victims of Nazism”. It is a fenced-off area with remnants of a forest, surrounded by the private homes of the village residents.
The area spans several hectares, with the remains of the bunker – concrete blocks reinforced with rebar – scattered throughout. For a small entrance fee, visitors can walk around the grounds. There is also a pavilion featuring a scale model of the headquarters complex and a small museum offering an interactive history of Hitler’s bunker near Vinnytsia.
You can take a guided tour to learn about what happened here – see the pool at the Werwolf headquarters and visit the cemetery with Soviet memorials.
The guide will share not only historical facts but also little-known details – such as how planes were shot down in the area and locals dismantled them for household items, or how paths were paved with mine casings and tank tracks, and machine gun emplacements were repurposed as gates and fences.
There is information that a direct telephone line was laid here from Himmler’s bunker in Gegewald near Zhytomyr, and there are rumors that the headquarters had a direct line to Berlin.
How to Get to Hitler’s “Werwolf” Headquarters
The historical complex and the remains of the headquarters are located in the village of Strizhavka, 10 kilometers from Vinnytsia. You can get there by car or public transportation. If you take the bus, you’ll have to get off on the highway and walk 2 kilometers.
Hitler’s Werwolf Headquarters, Stryzhavka Village, Turystychna Street.
