Miedzrecki Rejon Umocniony
Probably the most interesting sight in the area of Wielkopolski is the Miedzrecki Rejon Umocniony, a hugely fortified underground tunnel system built by the Nazis between 1934 and 1938. Today you can tour over 10 kms of this underground. There are guides who speak English, German and the price is 16 zl each (US$4) for a small group. The young guide was a mine of information and said he’s only met three English people before. It is also the biggest place in Europe which is a reserve for bats. They gather in one area of the tunnels over winter and hibernate.
Gun turrets can be seen on artificial hills made by the Germans, and all the arms are connected by a central tunnel, which is more than 30 m below ground level. There is a stretch of “Dragon’s Teeth”, serving as anti-tank defenses. The system doesn’t stretch all the way along the old Polish-German border (pre 1939 that is) because it is aided in place by natural obstacles like lakes.
Furthermore there are many other bunkers which can be visited between Katawa and Skwierzyna. They are on hills, practically hidden by trees which were not part of the countryside when the defenses were built, but they can be spotted by white and yellow markings on the trees. Many were blown up by the Red Army on their discovery of them after the war and they are abandoned, but fascinating. A Polish counter-culture/sub-culture exists/visits these tunnels from time to time and I have been told that there is a huge techno party which takes place in the main tunnel system in the summer.
Definitely visit Espoo
The city of Espoo, known as the garden city, is like a minature Finland. Even though it has the second most inhabitants after Helsinki, it has managed to stay very close to nature. In Espoo, you should visit the suburb of Tapiola which is one of its kind in the world as far as architecture and culture are concerned. Tapiola is only aobut 10 minutes away from Helsinki and all the attractions there are within walking distance.
Rocking out in Helsinki
Helsinki is a great city with a booming nightlife, but Tallin in Estonia, is also not to be missed. The cruise to get there is worth the trip alone and for young people you should have no trouble meeting fellow travellers with similar interests.
A highlight of Croatia
From the Adriatic coastline with the most pristine and clean waters to the rugged peasant villages, you will always find the most friendliest and hospitable people in the world. It’s a small country with a big history. Croatia is a land of hope and sorrow, always in search for a better tomorrow.
Sibenik is one of the major towns on the Dalmatian coast, with its cathedral being unique as it is not known how it was put together – it was built without anything holding the stones together in the manner of a jigsaw puzzle.
