Background

German Underground Hospital: A Haunting Reminder of WWII

Explore the depths of Guernsey's WWII history at the German Underground Hospital, a chilling and fascinating subterranean complex.

4.4

Delve into the chilling history of the German Underground Hospital, the largest structural relic of the German Occupation in the Channel Islands. Explore the vast network of tunnels and chambers carved beneath Guernsey, offering a glimpse into the lives of both the occupying forces and the forced laborers who built it.

A brief summary to German Underground Hospital

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Dress warmly, as the underground tunnels maintain a constant cool temperature of around 12°C (54°F).
  • Wear sturdy footwear, as the tunnel floors can be uneven and damp.
  • Allow at least one hour for a thorough self-guided tour of the complex.
  • Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The easiest way to reach the German Underground Hospital from St Peter Port or Guernsey Airport is by bus. The number 71 bus route stops near the hospital. From St Peter Port, the bus journey takes approximately 23 minutes. From Guernsey Airport, the bus journey takes approximately 22 minutes. A flat fare of £1.60 applies to all daytime journeys. Check the latest bus schedules at buses.gg.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from St Peter Port and Guernsey Airport. A taxi from St Peter Port will cost approximately £13-£17 and take around 6 minutes. A taxi from Guernsey Airport will cost approximately £9-£12 and take around 3 minutes. Taxi ranks are located at both the airport and in St Peter Port. It is recommended to pre-book a taxi, especially during peak hours.

  • Car

    If driving from St Peter Port, head southwest on St. Julian's Avenue towards the A2 road. Continue on A2 for approximately 2 miles. Take the exit for La Vassalerie and follow signs for the German Underground Hospital. Free parking is available on-site. Note that the car park surface is loose chippings.

Unlock the Best of German Underground Hospital

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about German Underground Hospital

The German Underground Hospital, also known as Ho. 40, stands as a stark reminder of the German occupation of Guernsey during World War II. This vast complex of tunnels, covering approximately 6,950 square meters (75,000 square feet), was constructed by forced laborers between 1940 and 1944. The hospital is almost entirely hidden beneath a low hill in the heart of the Guernsey countryside, with only the entrances and ventilation shafts visible from the surface. Originally intended as a shelter for a motorized machine-gun company, the plans were changed in 1943 to convert the space into a military hospital. The facility was designed to accommodate up to 500 patients, with the ability to house even more in emergencies. It included operating rooms, X-ray facilities, a dispensary, a laboratory, and even a cinema. However, the hospital saw limited use, primarily during the summer of 1944, when it housed German soldiers wounded in action after the D-Day landings. The harsh conditions of the underground environment, with its dampness and lack of sunlight, proved detrimental to patient recovery, and operations were eventually moved above ground. Visiting the German Underground Hospital offers a unique and sobering experience. The tunnels remain largely as they were left after the war, with remnants of hospital beds, kitchen equipment, and German signage still visible. The site serves as a powerful testament to the lives of those who suffered during the occupation, both the patients and the laborers who toiled under harsh conditions to construct this subterranean complex.

Popular Experiences near German Underground Hospital

Popular Hotels near German Underground Hospital

Select Currency