Świnoujście has three Prussian forts open to visitors. Two are on the island of Uznam, close to the seaside quarter; the third is across the Świna. Here is how they differ and how to reach them.
A fortress at the mouth of the Świna
In the 19th century Prussia ringed the entrance to the port of Świnoujście with fortifications known as the Świnoujście Fortress. Three forts from the middle of that century survive. The Angel's Fort (Fort Anioła) and the Western Fort (Fort Zachodni) stand on the western bank of the Świna, on the island of Uznam – the same side as the town centre, the promenade and the beach. Gerhard's Fort (Fort Gerharda), also called the Eastern Fort, lies on the eastern bank, on the island of Wolin, in the Warszów district.
That split shapes your planning: the two forts on Uznam can be visited as part of a walk, while the third means crossing the Świna.
The Angel's Fort – a rotunda with a viewing terrace
The Angel's Fort is a round, three-storey building with a terrace and an observation tower, surrounded by an earth rampart. It owes its name to its resemblance to the Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome. It is the smallest of the three and the most intimate: inside you will find exhibitions, and from the top a view over the port area.
Who it suits: anyone who wants to see interesting architecture without a long tour, and visitors short of time. A visit usually takes about an hour.
The Western Fort – fortress history right by the beach
The Western Fort sits at the very mouth of the Świna, not far from the breakwater with the Stawa Młyny windmill beacon. It is surrounded by a moat and houses the Museum of Fortress History, with displays on the development of the defences, including the period of both world wars. The fort was extended over several decades, so you can see how fortification changed – from brick walls to concrete gun emplacements.
Who it suits: military history enthusiasts and families who want to combine a visit with a walk to the windmill on the breakwater. Allow an hour to an hour and a half.
Gerhard's Fort – a tour with drill
Gerhard's Fort is regarded as one of the best-preserved Prussian coastal forts. It is home to the Museum of Coastal Defence, known for its unusual style of tour: guides in period uniform treat visitors as recruits and lead them through the fort as a short ‘training course’. Children often remember this visit better than anything else on the trip.
Right next to it stands the lighthouse – the tallest on the Baltic, with 308 steps up to the viewing gallery. The two make a good combined outing. Nearby, also on Wolin, is the Underground City (Podziemne Miasto), a complex of bunkers linked by tunnels that can only be visited with a guide.
Who it suits: families with school-age children and anyone who prefers a tour with a story to looking at display cases on their own. With the lighthouse it makes a half-day trip. Ask in advance which languages tours are offered in.
How to get to the forts
- The Angel's Fort and the Western Fort (Uznam). From the seaside quarter you can walk through the Spa Park or cycle. The two forts are a short walk apart, so both can be seen in a day.
- Gerhard's Fort (Wolin) on foot or by bike. Cross the Świna on the town ferry, which carries pedestrians and cyclists. From the landing on the Warszów side it is still a few kilometres to the fort – easiest by bike.
- Gerhard's Fort by car. Since 2023 a tunnel under the Świna has linked the two islands, so you can drive there without waiting for a ferry.
Practical tips
- Opening hours and visiting arrangements vary with the season – check them on the forts' websites before you go.
- The interiors are cool even in summer, and floors and stairs can be uneven. Sturdy shoes and a jumper are a good idea.
- Not every part of the forts is accessible with a pushchair.
- If you only have time for one: with small children or on a short stay, choose one of the forts on Uznam; for a longer outing, Gerhard's Fort with the lighthouse.
A base by the promenade
We write about other sights in town on our page about Świnoujście. If you are planning to visit the forts, we would be glad to have you stay with us – our apartments by the promenade are in the seaside quarter, within walking distance of the forts on Uznam.