Location: Brûly-de-Pesche, Couvin Municipality, Namur Map
Führerhauptquartier Wolfsschlucht I, commonly known as Wolf's Gorge
I, was a temporary military headquarters used by Adolf Hitler during the
early stages of World War II. The codename "Wolfsschlucht" (Wolf's
Gorge) was personally chosen by Hitler, reflecting his affinity for
wolf-themed names (derived from his first name, Adolf, meaning "noble
wolf" in Old High German). It served as an advanced command center
during the Battle of France, specifically Operation Fall Rot, the phase
of the campaign focused on conquering France after the invasion of the
Low Countries. Located in a remote, forested area for security and
concealment, it was one of several Führer Headquarters (FHQs)
established across occupied Europe, but notable for its brief usage and
modest scale compared to larger complexes like Wolfsschanze in East
Prussia.
The site was selected for its proximity to the front
lines—near the French border—allowing Hitler to closely monitor
operations while remaining relatively safe from Allied attacks. It
symbolized the rapid German advances in 1940, embodying the Blitzkrieg
strategy's success. Today, Wolfsschlucht I stands as a preserved
historical site, offering insights into wartime command structures,
local impacts, and resistance activities.
Wolfsschlucht I is situated in the small, isolated village of Brûly-de-Pesche (also spelled Brûly de Pesche), within the municipality of Couvin in southern Belgium's Ardennes region. It lies in a wooded clearing in the Ardennes forest, near the French border, approximately between Couvin and the French town of Rocroi. The site's coordinates place it in a rural, forested area that provided natural camouflage and seclusion, making it ideal for a covert headquarters. The exact address for visitors is Place Saint-Méen, 5660 Brûly-de-Pesche. Access is primarily by car, and the site can be challenging to locate without a good map, as it is off the beaten path in a quiet, forested zone.
The establishment of Wolfsschlucht I was a direct result of the rapid German advances during the invasion of Western Europe, which began on May 10, 1940. Initially, Hitler oversaw the campaign from FHQ Felsennest near Rodert in Germany. However, as German forces pushed deeper into Belgium and France, a more forward-positioned headquarters was needed to maintain close oversight of operations. Construction began immediately after the German occupation of Belgium in May 1940, with the site selected for its proximity to the front lines and the French border. Originally codenamed "Anlage Waldwiese" (Forest Meadow Installation), Hitler personally renamed it Wolfsschlucht upon arrival, evoking a sense of dramatic flair. The village of Brûly-de-Pesche, home to just 119 inhabitants at the time, was forcibly evacuated to accommodate the headquarters, highlighting the disruptive impact of the occupation on local civilians. This site not only facilitated military command but also became intertwined with the local resistance movement later in the war.
Construction of Wolfsschlucht I was carried out by the Wehrmacht and
Organization Todt, beginning in late May 1940 and completing in about
two weeks—a testament to the urgency of the German war machine. The
entire area was fenced off with defensive positions, including
anti-aircraft emplacements, to secure it against potential Allied
attacks. Key structures included:
Hitler's Bunker (Abri
d'Hitler): A small, concrete-reinforced shelter designed for 2-3 people,
accessible via two armored doors. It served as Hitler's personal
air-raid refuge and command post.
Wooden Chalets/Barracks: Three
Bavarian-style wooden chalets were built; two for Hitler and his
officers, and one as a dining room. These were prefabricated and
assembled on-site for quick deployment.
Air-Raid Shelters: Additional
shelters made of stones and sandbags were constructed for staff. One
such shelter later gained historical significance for its use by the
resistance.
Omega Structure: A stone-built, omega-shaped platform
where Hitler addressed his commanders, who would stand in a semicircle
around him.
Stream and Support Rack: A nearby stream, believed to
have medicinal properties, was equipped with a rack for support. Hitler
reportedly walked in it to alleviate foot discomfort.
Swimming Pool:
A pool was dug out specifically for Hitler's use.
Converted Village
Buildings: The local church was repurposed as a cinema for screening and
censoring newsreels, with its bell tower converted into a water tank.
The village school was also commandeered for military purposes.
Temporary Airfield: A small airfield was built just south of the village
to facilitate quick travel.
The site's design prioritized
functionality and camouflage over permanence, blending into the forest
environment.
Hitler arrived at Wolfsschlucht I on the morning of June 6, 1940, and
used it as his base until June 28, 1940 (though some accounts specify
until June 24). During this period, he directed the concluding
operations of the Battle of France, leveraging the site's location to
stay near his advancing troops. The headquarters housed Hitler's command
staff, including high-ranking officers, and facilitated daily briefings.
Key events include:
Preparation of the French Armistice: The
terms of the French surrender, signed on June 22, 1940, in the Forest of
Compiègne, were drafted in the converted village church.
Reception of
Capitulation News: On June 17, 1940, Hitler received word of France's
request for an armistice. Footage captured his excited reaction—a leg
stomp and arm gestures—which was later manipulated by Allied
propagandists into the infamous "Hitler jig" or dance.
Meetings and
Tours: Hitler hosted Italian dictator Benito Mussolini here on June 18,
1940 (though not explicitly detailed in all sources, it's inferred from
the timeline). He also departed briefly to tour World War I
battlefields, accompanied by veterans and media, emphasizing his
personal connection to past conflicts.
Daily Life: Hitler watched
censored films in the church cinema, addressed commanders at the omega
structure, and used the stream for personal relief. The site symbolized
the peak of German success in the West, but Hitler left shortly after
the armistice, never returning.
After Hitler's departure, most
barracks were dismantled, but the site shifted roles: air-raid shelters
were repurposed by the Belgian resistance to hide Allied pilots, smuggle
individuals across borders, and treat the injured, underscoring its dual
legacy in occupation and defiance.
Following the war, Wolfsschlucht I fell into obscurity but was
preserved as a historical remnant of the German offensive and local
resistance. Today, it operates as an open-air museum known as the "Grand
Quartier Général Allemand 1940" or "Great German Headquarters 1940." The
site is family-friendly and educational, attracting visitors interested
in WWII history.
Current features include:
Preserved
Structures: The original bunker, two remaining wooden barracks (now
exhibition halls), the omega platform, air-raid shelters (one
reconstructed for resistance history), and the stream area.
Exhibitions: Permanent displays in the barracks cover life at the
headquarters, Hitler's entourage, and the resistance movement.
Multimedia elements include touch screens, video montages (in Dutch,
French, English, and German), and films on occupation and personal
insights into Hitler's stay.
Visitor Experience: A guided walking
route with audio systems in multiple languages leads through the forest
site. Educational panels detail the village evacuation, resistance
activities, and key events. The church, restored post-war, hosts regular
memorial services attended by veterans and locals.
Accessibility and
Significance: Open for visits, the site uses modern tools to engage
audiences while emphasizing the human cost of war. It serves as a
poignant reminder of Belgium's occupation, with ongoing efforts to
educate about both the Nazi regime and acts of heroism. As of recent
updates, it remains a well-maintained, if somewhat remote, historical
attraction.