Muzeum Obrony Wybrzeża w Świnoujściu

About the museum

Fort Gerhard, also called the Eastern Fort (Fort Wschodni), was built in 1848–1859 as one of the key works of the Świnoujście Fortress. It lies on the eastern bank of the Świna strait and was meant to defend the entrance to the port. In the 1870s the fort was rebuilt in connection with the development of artillery and armoured ships: the redoubt was covered with earth, the moat was altered and new ramparts with eleven artillery positions were raised. It is one of the best-preserved Prussian coastal forts in Europe.

The Muzeum Obrony Wybrzeża (Museum of Coastal Defence) was founded in 2001 as a small exhibition on the history of the Świnoujście Fortress, and since 2010 it has been based in the fort. It is a private institution that collects exhibits related to the development of coastal defence and coastal fortifications. It publishes its own publications, organises educational events and also revitalises other historic fortifications. The museum also includes the Underground City on the island of Wolin and Fort Spitzberg in Srebrna Góra.

The visit to the fort takes the form of a humorous military training session: groups are led by a uniformed “Prussian soldier”, and participants undergo several trials. The route takes about 75 minutes. Since 2023, following the introduction of a security zone around the LNG terminal, the fort can be reached only by boat.

Highlights

• one of the best-preserved Prussian coastal forts in Europe
• visit in the form of a “military training” session with a uniformed guide
• museum with exhibits on the development of coastal fortifications
• two-storey artillery redoubt and coastal gun positions
• boat trip to Wolin Island combined with the lighthouse

Permanent exhibitions

• Muzeum Obrony Wybrzeża – wystawa stała – Exhibits on the development of coastal defence and coastal fortifications, shown in the redoubt of the fort.
• Fort Gerharda – trasa zwiedzania „szkolenie pruskiego rekruta” – Visit to the fort with a guide in uniform: drill grounds, moat, ramparts with artillery positions and the interiors of the redoubt.

Founded

2001

Operated by

Muzeum Obrony Wybrzeża w Świnoujściu (placówka prywatna)

Admission & discounts

The price given is for the “3 in 1” package ticket: a return boat trip, a guided visit to Fort Gerhard and the museum, and admission to the lighthouse (standard PLN 94, reduced PLN 68). Tickets are bought on the fort's website or from the operator Adler. The price includes the guide, admission to the museum and to the temporary exhibitions.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the museum there are no restrictions for visitors with disabilities, and the route is adapted individually; details are worth arranging by telephone.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The museum ensures that the “training” programme is adapted to the age of participants; among visitors there have also been infants and senior citizens.

Getting there & parking

Since 2023 the land road to the fort has been closed because of the security zone around the LNG terminal. The only way there is a boat trip with the Adler line from the quay in central Świnoujście; package tickets include the return trip.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Free toilets are available on the fort's grounds. Souvenir stalls are at the ticket office and in front of the museum.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit