Poland - Eastern Europe - page 413

the room. The resulting explosion eventually killed four people, but not
Hitler. One of the generals had moved the briefcase just before it exploded,
unwittingly saving the Fuehrer 's life.
Von Stauffenberg quickly flew back to Berlin believing the assassination
attempt had succeeded. Once Hitler recovered from his minor injuries, he
ordered Von Stauffenberg's arrest and the rounding up of anyone and
everyone who might have been involved in the plot. Von Stauffenberg was
executed by firing squad later that night. The Nazis eventually arrested
some 7,000 people on suspected involvement in the coup attempt, though
many of these people had no prior knowledge of the plot and nothing to
do it. Some 5,000 people were executed.
From Olsztyn you can get to the Wolf's Lair by taking a bus or train (about
an hour in summer) to K7trzyn, and then taking a bus from the combined
bus/train station there 8km (5 miles) to the village of Gierlo9. You can also
take a taxi from K7trzyn station to Gierlo9. The fare will run about 25 zl
($8.35/£4.75) one-way. If you're driving, follow the signs to K7trzyn and
then farther to Gierlo9. If you get lost, ask for directions at the K7trzyn
tourist information office (Pl. Pilsudskiego 1; & 089/751-47-65; daily 9am-
6pm). They maintain a mimeographed map with driving directions (it's the
most frequent question they handle).
Once there you can buy a map of the grounds for 5 zl ($1.70/90p) and
walk the red- and yellow-marked paths that connect the bunker ruins. If
you're really interested in the history, hire a private guide to take you
around. Guides start at around 50 zl ($17/£9).
Wolf's Lair (“Wolfschanze” in German, “Wilczy Szaniec” in Polish). Gierlo9
(8km/5 miles east of K7trzyn). Open Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 6pm. Admis-
sion 8 zl ($2.65/£1.40), parking 8 zl ($2.65/£1.40).
Kolobrzeska 1. & 089/522-14-00. Fax [phone]. www.hotel-warminski.com.pl. 135 units. 290 zl ($96/£50)
double. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; exercise room; limited room service; massage; dry cleaning; nonsmok-
ing rooms. In room:TV, dataport, minibar, hair dryer.
Moderate
Hotel Kopernik Nicer than the Gromada, and a decent low-budget pick if you
can't get in at the Hotel Pod Zamkiem. The Kopernik began life as a Socialist-era
block of houses or apartments, but a total makeover and a fresh coat of paint have
given it a modern, efficient feel. The rooms are small, but are clean and the mattresses
thicker than government-issue. The location is a bit out-of-the-way, beyond the Old
Town if you are approaching from the train and bus stations. Take a bus into the cen-
ter and walk a couple of minutes, or take a taxi from the station for about 10 z l
($3.30/£1.75).
Warszawska 37. & 089/522-99-29. Fax [phone]. www.kopernik.olsztyn.pl. 62 units. 195 zl ($65/£35) dou-
ble. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; nonsmoking rooms. In room:TV, hair dryer.