Gold, Amber, Artwork and Military Paraphernalia: The Continuous Crusade for Lost Nazi Treasures

During World War II Poland and other parts of Central Europe were damaged, and many museums and precious collections were destroyed. Now, explorers are trying to find the places where gold, pieces of art, small planes, military cars, guns, and other artifacts were hidden in 1945.

Apart from millions of murdered people, thousands of looted places, and hundreds of ruined cities, World War II also brought a number of stories about hidden treasures. Although most of them are untrue, there are several tales which are real.

Legends about hidden treasures, paintings, gold, and military goods transformed many people into treasure hunters. Nowadays, in Poland there are possible archaeological sites that are damaged by amateur treasure hunters who commit illegal excavations while trying to find items left or lost by Nazis many decades ago. No matter how fascinating the stories about the lost treasures are, the reality is often sadder than most people expect.

Where is the Lost Amber Room?

The story of the amber room is one of the most famous tales about Nazi treasure. It has led many professional and amateur researchers onto adventures. The Amber Room was created in the 18th century in Prussia. It originally contained 450kg (992.08lb) of amber decorated with gold, pieces of art, jewels, and mirrors. It was located in St Petersburg from the times of Peter the Great, until the day when the Nazis dismantled it and decided to transport it to Königsberg Castle (Kaliningrad) (which was controlled by them at the time).