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Kybartai Underground Tunnels Beneath the Railway Warehouse

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The Kybartai underground tunnels are a mysterious, history-filled site accessible only by arrangement with Kybartai Community Chairman Vitas Katkevičius. Built in 1870, the cellars were unexpectedly discovered in 2002 during the renovation of the old customs warehouse. It is believed that goods were stored here, and the ice-filled cellars served as refrigerators. A tunnel leads to a bricked-up opening, the secrets of which remain undisclosed.

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Architecture
Kybartai
Vilkaviškis Tourism and Business Information Center

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Restoration began in 2009, and today visitors can enjoy a conveniently arranged entrance and a display of historical photographs. Although some restoration work remains, this unique site invites visitors to explore Kybartai’s past and immerse themselves in the enigmatic atmosphere of the underground. The underground tunnels beneath the historic railway station in Kybartai are a rare site that can only be visited by prior arrangement with Vitas Katkevičius, Chairman of the Kybartai Community. The history of these cellars dates back to 1870 when they were constructed as customs warehouses. Goods transported through customs were stored here, and the ice-filled cellars acted as refrigerators. Notably, about 10% of the Russian Empire's exports and imports passed through Kybartai, highlighting the site's strategic importance. The tunnels were discovered accidentally in 2002 during renovations to the old customs warehouse. They were initially flooded, requiring water to be pumped

out. It is speculated that the tunnels were not only used for storing goods but perhaps also for ensuring the safety of rulers. Legend has it that these tunnels provided access to the railway station and nearby villages. However, the tunnel ends at a bricked-up opening, leaving its mysteries unresolved. In 2009, the World Kybartai Community held the first event in the tunnels. Despite the inconvenient entrance, which required guests to climb through a hole in the wall, the event inspired the community to care for the site. Significant efforts were made by the Kybartai Community to improve visitor accessibility: the entrance was widened, stairs were installed, and the foyer was arranged to exhibit historical photographs. Although much work remains, including clearing accumulated sludge and restoring the authentic brick flooring, plans are underway to fully restore the tunnels. This unique site invites travelers to delve into history and immerse themselves in the mystical past.

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