Exploring the Schwabenweg Road: Wehrmacht's Main Route to Musta-Tunturi Pass on the Kola Peninsula
VlogДва Якута - Two Yakuts•2,641 views•Feb 10, 2023
A month-long autonomous journey through northern Russia's Kola Peninsula, featuring off-road adventures, historical insights, and aerial views of the Wehrmacht's military road and command post Nord.
Blurb
- Journey through the Kola Peninsula's northern wilderness, focusing on the historic Schwabenweg Road built by the Wehrmacht during WWII.
- Overcoming natural obstacles like river fords and exploring the impact of tides on travel.
- Detailed historical context about the road's construction, its strategic importance, and the 55 km cable car system used for military supply.
- Stunning aerial footage showcasing the tundra, lakes, and rugged terrain.
- Exploration of the preserved "General Dietl's cabin" near the German command post Nord.
- Insights into the challenges of maintaining the road and surviving infrastructure like bridges in harsh northern climates.
- Personal experiences, humor, and practical off-road driving tips woven throughout the narrative.
Want the big picture?
Highlighted Clips
Starting the Journey and Approaching the Ford
The team prepares to cross a ford on the Schwabenweg Road near Pechenga, dealing with military restrictions and terrain challenges.
Tide Effects and Tundra Beauty
Exploring how tides affect the ford crossing and marveling at the vast tundra landscape that dramatically changes with the water levels.
Historical Background of the Schwabenweg Road
An in-depth look at the Wehrmacht's construction of the road and the 55 km cable car system for military logistics during WWII.
Road Condition and Northern Nature
Discussion on the current state of the Schwabenweg Road, its durability, and the unique northern flora like dwarf birch and blueberries.
Introduction and Route Overview
The video opens with the team preparing to revisit a location near Pechenga to reach the ford marking the start of the Schwabenweg (Швабская дорога), a German military road on the Kola Peninsula. They face uncertainty about passing through a military training ground and the challenges of crossing the ford. The narrator sets the tone with a mix of anticipation and humor, emphasizing the rugged northern Russian landscape they will traverse.
"Собираемся завтра штурмовать вот этот брод через реку... кто хочет ехать на швабскую дорогу, то тут проблема проехать."
"В интернете прочитали, что она в идеальном состоянии, но я бы так честно говоря не сказал."
Key points:
- The journey starts near Pechenga, aiming for the ford on the Schwabenweg road.
- Military restrictions complicate access; the road passes through a shooting range with locked gates.
- Alternative routes involve tricky muddy detours.
- The team plans to cross the ford the next day, aware of the challenges ahead.
- The video promises a blend of historical facts, nature views, and light humor.
Crossing the Ford and Tundra Landscape
The team attempts the ford crossing over a river with a complicated name (something like Kikasaki). They discuss the importance of timing the crossing with the tides, as the water level changes dramatically due to the tidal system in the Murmansk region. The landscape transforms from dense low shrubs to vast tundra, revealing breathtaking views.
"Обязательно дожидайтесь отливов... вчера кромка воды была вот на этом месте."
"Теперь перед тобой тундра вокруг, ни души, невероятно большая видимость... в голове всплывает только одно слово — Обалдеть."
Key points:
- The ford crossing is best attempted during low tide to reduce water depth and difficulty.
- The Murmansk region experiences significant tidal fluctuations affecting river crossings.
- The tundra landscape is vast and open, with sparse vegetation and stunning visibility.
- The team notes the surreal beauty of the northern wilderness.
Historical Context and Engineering Feats
A historical insert explains the strategic importance of the Schwabenweg road during World War II. Built by the Wehrmacht in 1942, it served as a vital supply route to the Musta-Tunturi ridge, where German forces constructed defensive lines. The road was ingeniously engineered to navigate the rugged terrain with minimal elevation changes, passing numerous lakes and hills. Additionally, a 55-kilometer-long cable car system was built to supply troops, showcasing remarkable military logistics.
"В 1942 году немцы начали строить линию обороны... для этого нужна хорошая транспортная инфраструктура."
"Канатная дорога длиной 55 километров снабжала несколько лагерей... была очень дешевой, быстро строилась и невосприимчива к снежным буранам."
Key points:
- The Schwabenweg was critical for German military operations on the Kola Peninsula.
- The road’s design minimized elevation gain and loss, skillfully avoiding difficult terrain.
- A cable car system supplemented the road, enabling efficient supply delivery even in harsh weather.
- The cable car was rarely damaged despite Soviet artillery fire, highlighting its resilience.
Road Condition and Natural Beauty
The team drives along the Schwabenweg, commenting on its current state. While some sections remain passable, others have deteriorated, especially after rains. The road is not suitable for all vehicles, but it still allows access to the remote northern wilderness. Along the way, they admire the dwarf birch trees, abundant blueberries, and the unique northern flora.
"Дорога нормально проезжаем, но не сказал бы, что на любой машине можно проехать её от начала до конца."
"Вот это карликовая береза... голубики полно, природа замечательная."
Key points:
- The Schwabenweg is partially degraded but still navigable with caution.
- The northern flora includes dwarf birch and plentiful blueberries.
- The road offers a rare glimpse into the pristine and harsh environment of the Murmansk region.
- The team appreciates the craftsmanship of the original German construction, still holding up after 70+ years.
Strategic Importance of the Kola Peninsula
Another historical segment outlines why the Kola Peninsula was vital to Nazi Germany. The port city of Murmansk was a key non-freezing harbor and a base for the Soviet Northern Fleet. The Germans aimed to capture Murmansk to sever Soviet supply lines via the Kirovsk railway. The peninsula also contained valuable copper-nickel deposits. Despite their efforts, the Nazis never crossed the Soviet border here, making it a unique front in the war.
"Кольский полуостров играл очень важную роль... Мурманск — незамерзающий порт и база Северного флота."
"Фашисты не смогли пересечь границу СССР."
Key points:
- Murmansk’s strategic value lay in its ice-free port and connection to central Russia.
- The Schwabenweg was part of German plans to cut Soviet supply routes.
- The region’s mineral wealth was also a target for the Nazis.
- The Kola Peninsula remained the only Soviet border the Nazis failed to breach.
Bridges and Infrastructure Challenges
The video highlights the deterioration of bridges along the Schwabenweg. The harsh climate, frequent rains, and decades of neglect have caused many bridges to collapse. The team notes that detours exist around these damaged crossings, which they also use. This underscores the challenges of maintaining infrastructure in such a remote and severe environment.
"Единственное, что не выдержало испытания временем — это мосты... разрушение мостов и переправ очевидна."
"У таких мест всегда есть объезды, и мы, конечно, тоже используем их."
Key points:
- Bridges on the Schwabenweg have largely collapsed due to weather and neglect.
- Frequent rains swell rivers and streams, accelerating damage.
- Detours are necessary and available around broken bridges.
- Infrastructure maintenance in the Arctic environment is extremely difficult.
Command Post Nord and General Dietl’s Cabin
Near the end of the Schwabenweg, the team visits the Nord command post, located on a mountainside. They explore a preserved cabin known locally as "General Dietl’s house," which served as a medical post for German soldiers. The site includes remnants of military buildings and artifacts, such as a faded signpost and operational maps from 1941-42. The team reflects on the historical significance and the eerie atmosphere of these abandoned wartime structures.
"Мы были в доме врачей... простонародье все зовут его домик Генерала Дитля."
"Мы нашли один из листов оперативной военной карты отряда горных немецких егерей 1941-42 годов."
Key points:
- The Nord command post was a key German military installation on the Musta-Tunturi ridge.
- The "General Dietl’s house" was a field hospital for wounded soldiers.
- The site contains historical artifacts and faded signage.
- The team uses wartime maps to locate and understand the positions.
- The visit adds a tangible connection to the WWII history of the region.
Conclusion and Return to Civilization
With time pressing, the team decides to leave the remote Schwabenweg area and head back to Murmansk. The video closes with a sense of accomplishment and respect for the harsh northern environment and the historical legacy embedded in the landscape. The journey combined adventure, history, and nature in a unique way.
"График поджимал, и уже хотелось в цивилизацию. Мы принимаем решение, что едем в Мурманск."
Key points:
- The expedition was time-limited, prompting a return to Murmansk.
- The experience blended off-road challenges, historical exploration, and natural beauty.
- The Schwabenweg remains a remarkable relic of WWII and a testament to northern resilience.
This detailed breakdown captures the spirit of the video, blending the creators’ personal adventure with rich historical and environmental details about the Schwabenweg road and the Kola Peninsula.
Key Questions
The Schwabenweg Road is a German military road built during World War II on the Kola Peninsula to support Wehrmacht operations, especially to access the Musta-Tunturi Pass and supply front-line troops.
Have more questions?
Analyzing video...
This may take a few moments.