Twierdza Wisłoujście

About the museum

The first written mention of a wooden watchtower on this site dates from the middle of the 14th century. After Gdańsk freed itself from Teutonic Order rule (1308–1454), brick fortifications were erected here, and in 1482 a brick cylindrical tower was built, serving as a defensive tower and lighthouse, on which a fire was lit at night for ships. In 1518–1521, during the Polish-Teutonic war, wooden fortifications were added around the lighthouse.

In 1586–1587 a four-bastion Fort Carré in the Italian style was built around the tower, and the date 1602 on the entrance portal marks the completion of the last works in the fort. In 1624–1626, to designs by Hieronim Ferrer, the Eastern Entrenchment (Szaniec Wschodni) was erected to shield the fortress. After 1793, under Prussian rule and in the Napoleonic period, the fortress was further modernised.

After the First World War the facility lost its military importance, and in the interwar period sailing clubs were based here. In 1945 it was almost completely destroyed, and since 1974 it has been managed by the Gdańsk Museum. Because of ongoing conservation, rescue and research works, the fortress is open to visitors only on a conditional basis.

Highlights

• The oldest seaside fortress on the Polish coast
• Brick tower from 1482 that also served as a lighthouse
• Four-bastion Fort Carré from 1586–1587
• Napoleonic Barracks, open all year round
• Tactile model of the fortress at the entrance to the Wieniec

Permanent exhibition

• Twierdza Wisłoujście – zwiedzanie fortyfikacji i Koszar Napoleońskich – Visitors see the courtyard and bastions of the fort, the tower from 1482 and the Napoleonic Barracks; the permanent exhibition has recently been substantially changed.

Operated by

Muzeum Gdańska

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Monday – free admission for all visitors.

Free admission applies to, among others, children under 7, people with disabilities and their carers, holders of the Karta Polaka (Pole's Card), members of ICOM and ICOMOS, and journalists with a press card; in organised groups one guide per group and one carer per 10 people enter free. On Mondays admission is free for all visitors. The 90-day pass does not cover the Wisłoujście Fortress.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Visitors in wheelchairs can pass through the courtyard and part of the green bastions, but the site is not fully adapted, and unpaved paths can be muddy after rain. The low threshold at the entrance to the Napoleonic Barracks can be negotiated by wheelchair. The toilets in the Barracks are not adapted for people with mobility impairments. There is an induction loop at the ticket office, and at the entrance to the Wieniec there is a tactile model of the facility (a dozen or so steps lead to the entrance). Fifty folding stick-seats and disposable earplugs can be borrowed free of charge.

Kids & families

A family ticket (PLN 99) is available; children under 7 enter free.

Getting there & parking

The fortress lies on the Przeróbka in Gdańsk, at ul. Stara Twierdza, near the mouth of the Vistula.

Amenities & dining

The branch's website gives no information on a café or Wi-Fi for visitors.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit