Underground tunnels – the Tezno zone

Tezno’s underground industrial heritage

Beneath Maribor’s Tezno business and production zone lie manufacturing tunnels dating from the Second World War. The Germans began building them in 1943 in response to the threat of Allied air raids. Fifteen metres below ground, a network of underground passages covering 8,512 m² was created to accommodate aircraft engine production and allow work to continue during attacks on the factory.

The tour traces the history of wartime manufacturing, the later TAM factory and today’s Tezno business and production zone. Inscriptions and sketches preserved on the tunnel walls add to the account of their past.

Tour programme and inclusions

The guided tour includes:

• a short photo exhibition about the construction of the tunnels;

• a walk through the underground manufacturing passages;

• an account of the aircraft parts factory and the history of its production tunnels;

• an introduction to the TAM factory and the Tezno business and production zone.

The organiser provides safety helmets and torches. Each group can have a maximum of 30 visitors.

Equipment and access

Access involves descending 90 steps to a depth of 15 metres. The temperature remains at 12 °C and the tunnels are damp. Warm clothing and waterproof footwear, such as ankle boots or higher walking boots, are appropriate. Care is needed when walking because of holes in the floor.

Meeting point and parking

The meeting point is beside Perhavčeva Street, in the courtyard before the Messer company.

When arriving from Ptujska Road, the entrance to the zone is at the junction between Hofer and Lidl. Continuing straight through the traffic lights leads along Perhavčeva Street. After the first hall on the left, a left turn leads into the meeting-point courtyard.

Parking is available behind the old boiler house. At the traffic lights, a left turn leads to a larger car park on the left behind the building. From the car park, the walking route returns to Perhavčeva Street and continues to the meeting point before Messer.

Booking and group conditions

Current dates and bookings are available on the official tunnel website. Group enquiries must be submitted at least five days before the visit. The provider responds within two days. The exact arrival time must be stated when booking and observed on the day. Cancellations on the day of arrival are not refunded.