The towers of the former NSDAP training center

Even before the outbreak of World War II, the Third Reich decided to build three training centers, known as “Ordensburgen” (monastic castles). One of them was Falkenburg, a center located in Budowa near Złocieniec. It was designed to resemble a Teutonic Knights’ castle. This entailed significant costs, as many facilities were planned there, including a hospital, a cultural complex with an amphitheater, and even a soccer stadium. These costs proved too much for the Reich to bear. The project was never completed. However, two towers, among other structures, remained. They served as chimneys for the central heating boiler room and were also intended to function as pillars. Originally, there were to be four towers supporting the roof of the enormous “House of Knowledge” hall. The third tower was built to a height of 15 meters but was demolished in the 1960s. There were insufficient funds to complete the rest. Today, therefore, two 50-meter-tall towers stand tall.

You can apply for a permit at the local office to tour the complex. Once inside, it’s worth climbing the north tower, which offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area and the former Ordensburg complex.