Fort Zachodni (West Fort)

Fort Zachodni (West Fort) in Świnoujście is a 19th-century Prussian coastal battery at the mouth of the Świna River, now home to the Fortress History Museum. Ringed by a water-filled moat and overgrown with grass, it sits on the western bank (Usedom Island), and you explore it on your own along a signposted route through courtyards, tunnels and gun positions. Unlike many military sights on the Polish Baltic coast, it stays open year-round, including winter.

Where it is

Świnoujście (roughly "shvee-no-OOY-shcheh"; German: Swinemünde) is Poland's westernmost seaside town, on the German border about 100 km north of Szczecin and around three hours by car from Berlin. The fort stands at ul. Jachtowa 1, in the wooded harbor-mouth area a short walk from the beach and the spa quarter.

History

Known in German as the Westbatterie (Werk IV), it was one of four works of the Prussian Swinemünde Fortress. Built in 1856–1861 as a small artillery redoubt, it was enlarged in 1878–1887 into a heavy fortified coastal battery with a wet moat. In World War I it mounted four 210 mm coastal guns, removed under the Treaty of Versailles.

In World War II a 150 mm battery attached to the German Navy's artillery school was based here. In 1940 it was named "Henningsen" after Lieutenant Wilhelm Henningsen, who had served at the fort and was killed on September 1, 1939, leading an assault company against the Polish garrison at Westerplatte in Gdańsk, the opening battle of the war. In 1945 the battery fired on Soviet positions near Dziwnów and Wolin.

Soviet forces held the fort until 1961, installing three American-made 127 mm guns. It then fell into decay and was used as a fruit and vegetable store in the 1970s. Volunteers leased it in 2001, it opened to the public in June 2004, and the Fortress History Museum was registered here in 2008.

What to see

• The self-guided route – arrows and signs in Polish, German and English lead you around the courtyards, the fire-control tower, underground casemates and the gun gallery.
• The museum room – many exhibits were found in and around the fort.
• Anti-aircraft guns – some can be cranked by hand.
• The moat and ramparts – picturesque, green and rich in wildlife.

Opening hours and tickets (as of October 2026)

Open daily, all year:

• September–October: 10 am–5 pm
• November–December: 10 am–4 pm (weather permitting)
• January–March: 10 am–4 pm (weather permitting)
• April–June: 10 am–6 pm; July–August: 10 am–7 pm

Tickets: PLN 35 adults, PLN 25 reduced (seniors, visitors with disabilities, children aged 7–14, groups of 20+). Prices are in Polish złoty. Current notices are posted at the gate and available by phone: +48 603 597 645; in winter it is worth calling ahead in bad weather.

Is it worth visiting? Practical tips

Yes, especially if you are combining several forts in one day. Allow about 1 hour. Expect cobbles, steps and grassy rampart paths, which are hard going with a stroller; a flashlight (or your phone) helps in the tunnels. A small snack bar operates from May to September, and there is a parking lot right in front of the entrance.

Nearby

Fort Anioła (Angel's Fort), a round three-story tower of the same fortress, is about 450 m away. Walk on to Stawa Młyny, the white windmill-shaped beacon on the western breakwater, and the wide sandy beach. Across the river you can see the Świnoujście Lighthouse and Fort Gerhard, reachable by boat from the town center until October 31.