Command Ridge

Dossier Maps

“Nauru's Highest Peak and WWII Fortress”

Archaeological sitePopular tourist attraction site

Command Ridge is the highest elevation point in Nauru and an essential site for historians and WWII enthusiasts. During the Japanese occupation in the 1940s, this ridge was heavily fortified. Today, it remains an open-air museum featuring rusted anti-aircraft guns, artillery remnants, and a largely intact communications bunker. It offers a sobering study into the Pacific theater of WWII and the strategic exploitation of micro-states. The best season to visit is during the dry months from May to November, ensuring the trails are accessible and less humid. Tourist tip: Hire a local guide; the trails are unpaved and unmarked, and a guide will provide invaluable context regarding the local Nauruan experience during the occupation.