WWII Tunnel St. Anthony Channel
Explore 'Hitler's Eye,' a 250m WWII German military tunnel offering a glimpse into wartime engineering and strategic naval passage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
WWII Tunnel St. Anthony Channel
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 'Hitler's Eye,' a 250m WWII German military tunnel offering a glimpse into wartime engineering and strategic naval passage.
"A freely accessible and interesting place that was built by the Germans during the war as a military tunnel."
🚶♀️ Easy Access Trail
The hike from the decommissioned military base to the tunnel is straightforward and scenic. :athletic_shoe:
🔦 Bring a flashlight
Essential for exploring the dark interior of the tunnel safely. :flashlight:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
WWII Military Tunnel
St. Anthony Channel
Explore the 250m 'Hitler's Eye' tunnel, a remarkable WWII German military construction.
Scenic Swimming Spot
Near the tunnel entrance
Enjoy a refreshing swim with a concrete pad for sunbathing, a local favorite.
Medieval Altar
Above the tunnel
Discover a hidden medieval altar by climbing above the submarine tunnel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Tunnel
Tunnel's Historical Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Access Trail
The hike from the decommissioned military base to the tunnel is straightforward and scenic. :athletic_shoe:
🔦 Bring a flashlight
Essential for exploring the dark interior of the tunnel safely. :flashlight:
Swimming in a submarine tunnel on the island of Vis, Croatia
The "Hitler's Eyes" E-Boat Tunnel in the Šibenik Canal, supposedly built to circum-navigate a mine field.
🏊♀️ Cool off spot
The area offers a great spot for swimming and relaxing on concrete pads. :swimmer:
🤫 Respect the quiet
Avoid loud disruptions, especially if guided tours are present. :shushing_face:
Abandoned WW2 Torpedo Boat Tunnel I swam thru (vid in comments)
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Access Trail
The hike from the decommissioned military base to the tunnel is straightforward and scenic. :athletic_shoe:
🔦 Bring a flashlight
Essential for exploring the dark interior of the tunnel safely. :flashlight:
🏊♀️ Cool off spot
The area offers a great spot for swimming and relaxing on concrete pads. :swimmer:
🤫 Respect the quiet
Avoid loud disruptions, especially if guided tours are present. :shushing_face:
👟 Watch your step
The tunnel floor can be slippery; be cautious to avoid falling into the water. :slippery:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the WWII Tunnel St. Anthony Channel a freely accessible and historically interesting site, often visited as a detour to St. Nicholas Fortress. While some enjoy walking through the tunnel, others prefer its exterior and the nearby swimming spots. The unique 'Hitler's Eye' nickname and wartime engineering are highlights, though some note potential slipperiness inside.
"I definitely recommend a visit, it's a freely accessible and interesting place that was built by the Germans during the war as a military tunnel. It's only about 250 metres long, but I wouldn't go in it. Obviously, judging by many photos here, a lot of people have done that. :-) I am a chicken.
It's just a little detour on the trail to St. Nicholas Fortress."
Hama
"Definitely worth the walk. Cool swimming spot with concrete pad to lay on. Interesting little cave church. We walked all the way through the tunnel. The hike from the decommissioned military base was easy."
Car Car La la la la
"Really cool, there’s a little spot to lie down, we hiked there and happened to get at the same time as a guided tour and the tour guide was cursing people who parked here small boats, he disturbed everyone’s peace (not cool bro), apart from that, absolute gem"
Sophie Ritchie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The tunnel is accessible via a trail from a decommissioned military base, often visited alongside St. Nicholas Fortress. Many visitors arrive by boat, enjoying the scenic approach through St. Anthony Channel.
Parking can be limited and sometimes causes issues with guided tours. It's advisable to arrive early or consider alternative transport like a boat.
While a longer walk, it's possible to reach the tunnel from Šibenik, especially if you're combining it with a visit to St. Nicholas Fortress. The path offers coastal views.
Many visitors arrive by boat, which offers a unique perspective of the tunnel and the surrounding channel. Guided boat tours are also available.
The area is generally safe, but caution is advised when walking through the tunnel due to potential slipperiness. Stick to marked paths.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the tunnel is freely accessible to the public. There are no admission fees required to explore the tunnel or the surrounding area.
As it's an open-access site, there are no official opening or closing hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
The WWII Tunnel St. Anthony Channel is a free attraction. You can explore it without purchasing any tickets.
While technically accessible anytime, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the surroundings.
There are no specific entry restrictions, but visitors are advised to be cautious inside the tunnel due to its damp and potentially slippery conditions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside the 250-meter tunnel, you'll find impressive wartime engineering. Some visitors walk through, while others prefer to view it from the entrance.
It's possible to walk through, but be very careful as the floor can be slippery and there's water. Many people choose to only go partway in.
The tunnel is locally known as 'Hitler's Eye' due to its strategic military purpose during WWII, allowing German torpedo boats to bypass defenses.
Yes, the tunnel is a detour on the trail to the historic St. Nicholas Fortress. You can also find a cool swimming spot and a medieval altar nearby.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as the path and tunnel floor can be uneven and slippery.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the imposing entrance of the tunnel, the scenic views of St. Anthony Channel, and the surrounding coastal landscape. The interior can be challenging but offers a unique perspective.
It can be tricky due to low light and slippery conditions. A flashlight can help illuminate the tunnel's structure, and a wide-angle lens might be useful.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful lighting for exterior shots of the tunnel and the channel.
Check local drone regulations before flying. While not explicitly mentioned, it's always best to be aware of any restrictions in protected or military-adjacent areas.
A camera with good low-light performance and a wide-angle lens would be beneficial for capturing the tunnel's scale. A waterproof phone case could be useful if you plan to swim.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Parents should be mindful of the slippery surfaces inside the tunnel if they choose to explore it with children. Keeping a close eye and holding hands is recommended. The short, scenic walk to the tunnel is also manageable for most families. Consider it a brief but memorable detour on your way to St. Nicholas Fortress.
⚓ Boat Enthusiasts
Many boat tours include a stop at the tunnel, allowing passengers to disembark and explore briefly. The channel itself is picturesque, making the journey to the tunnel a scenic part of the experience. Docking can sometimes be an issue, so be aware of any local guidelines.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Strategic Importance of the Tunnel
This engineering feat highlights the advanced military planning of the era. The tunnel's construction was designed to shield vessels from both aerial bombardment and naval attacks, making it a vital component of the German naval operations in the Adriatic. Its existence underscores the historical significance of Šibenik as a strategic port during the war.
Today, the tunnel stands as a tangible reminder of this history. While its military function is long past, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into wartime engineering and the strategic landscape of the Adriatic during WWII. The sheer scale of the construction is impressive, even to modern visitors.
Experiencing the Tunnel and Surroundings
For those who are not afraid of the dark and damp, walking through the 250-meter tunnel is an option. However, visitors are strongly advised to exercise caution due to the slippery surfaces and the presence of water. Some choose to explore only a portion of the tunnel, while others venture all the way through.
Beyond the tunnel itself, a short climb above it can lead to a surprising discovery: a medieval altar. This adds another layer of historical interest to the site, blending WWII history with older heritage. The entire area provides a mix of history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit