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At the mouth of the Świna

West Fort

A fort from 1856-1861 at the mouth of the Świna, with underground passages, artillery galleries and concrete bunkers from different eras.

  • 1 hr
  • On a walk to Stawa Młyny
The West Fort from the air, with the sea and a ferry in the background

The fort at the port entrance

The West Fort was built in 1856-1861 as part of the Prussian Świnoujście Fortress and, together with the forts on the other side of the river, guarded the entrance to the port. Its oldest part is the square redoubt, which now houses a museum of the fortress’s history.

During the Second World War the Germans called it Fort Henningsen. After 1945 Soviet troops were stationed here and added concrete gun emplacements. After 1962 the fort was handed over to the town.

What you will see

  • Underground passages and artillery galleries.
  • Concrete command bunkers from different periods.
  • An exhibition on the history of the fortress and its defenders.

The fort is right at the entrance to the breakwater, so the easiest time to visit is on your way to Stawa Młyny. In summer it is cool in the underground passages, so bring a warmer top.

Check opening hours and prices on the fort’s website. Off-season it may open for shorter hours.

Frequently asked questions

Are the West Fort and Fort Gerharda the same thing?

No. The West Fort stands on the left bank of the Świna (Usedom), while Fort Gerharda, also called the East Fort, is on the right bank in Warszów, next to the lighthouse.

Worth seeing nearby

All attractions
The gate and round rotunda of Fort Anioła in Świnoujście Forts and monuments

Fort Anioła (Angel Fort)

A round, three-storey rotunda from the mid-19th century at the edge of Park Zdrojowy. Inside there are exhibitions and a café with a fireplace; on the roof, a terrace with a rose garden.

1 hr 450 m

Stawa Młyny on the breakwater by the beach Beach

Beach by the breakwater and Stawa Młyny

The eastern end of the beach, right at the mouth of the Świna. From here you can watch Stawa Młyny, the port entrance and the ferries sailing to Sweden.

650 m

Stawa Młyny against a blue sky Sea and port

Stawa Młyny and the western breakwater

The white "windmill" at the end of the breakwater is the symbol of Świnoujście. In fact it is a 19th-century navigation mark that still guides ships into the port today.

1 hr including the walk along the breakwater 850 m

For the whole family

Baltic Park Molo Aquapark

An aquapark on the promenade with indoor and outdoor pools, slides, a wave pool and a sauna area. A lifesaver on a rainy day with children.

2-4 hrs 900 m

Where to eat nearby

Distance as the crow flies. We choose the venues ourselves, with no paid listings.

Lunch and Polish cuisine

Prochownia

A restaurant in the historic powder magazine of the old fortress, between Fort Anioła and the West Fort. Brick vaults, a tiled stove and regional food from its own smokehouse.

ul. Jachtowa 4, Świnoujście 250 m

Beer, bowling and dancing

Miedziowy44 brewery

A small brewery in the Interferie Medical SPA hotel in the seaside district. Beer brewed on site and, in the same venue, bowling and billiards.

ul. Uzdrowiskowa 15, Świnoujście (hotel Interferie Medical SPA) 700 m

Fish and seafood

Morskie Smaki

Fish and pierogi on ul. Uzdrowiskowa, in the eastern part of the seaside district.

ul. Uzdrowiskowa 42, Świnoujście 800 m

Fish and seafood

Oyster

A seafood restaurant in the Radisson Blu Resort hotel. Its centrepiece is a tank with lobsters and oysters.

al. Baltic Park Molo 2, Świnoujście (Radisson Blu Resort) 1.0 km

Walks and routes passing this way

See also

Attractions
Stawa Młyny against a blue sky Sea and port

Stawa Młyny and the western breakwater

The white "windmill" at the end of the breakwater is the symbol of Świnoujście. In fact it is a 19th-century navigation mark that still guides ships into the port today.

1 hr including the walk along the breakwater

The gate and round rotunda of Fort Anioła in Świnoujście Forts and monuments

Fort Anioła (Angel Fort)

A round, three-storey rotunda from the mid-19th century at the edge of Park Zdrojowy. Inside there are exhibitions and a café with a fireplace; on the roof, a terrace with a rose garden.

1 hr

A brick fort with a grass roof Walk

The fort trail

From the seaside district through Park Zdrojowy to Fort Anioła and the West Fort, finishing along the breakwater at Stawa Młyny.

3.9 km approx. 55 min

Fort Gerharda in Świnoujście History

The Świnoujście fortress and its forts

In the mid-19th century Prussia surrounded the harbour entrance with a network of forts. Three of them survive and can be visited: Fort Gerharda, Fort Anioła and the West Fort.

Stay longer

Stay a few steps from the beach

We have five apartments in the seaside district, 80 to 150 metres from the promenade. You book directly with the owner.

See the apartments Check availability