Until the 16th century, when the growing Westerplatte Peninsula finally separated it from the sea, Wisłoujście Fortress stood on the seashore and served as a lighthouse. It also served as a strategic point of defence for Poland, with about 40 bronze cannons and room inside for 1,000 men. The fortress was later seized by the Prussians and used as a prison as late as the 19th century before becoming the base for a sailing club between the wars. Destroyed by the Red Army in 1945, it is only in the last decade that work has begun in earnest to return it to its former glory following its inclusion on the World Monument Watch’s list of 100 most endangered monuments in 2001. So far the renovation works have focused on securing and strengthening the external fortifications with money provided by EEA grants so much of the inside of the fort still requires renovation. That said it is still an interesting place for a short visit with particular interest the view from the top of the tower, the collection of weaponry in the fort’s underground bunkers and the collection of rebuilt houses inside the fortresses. The fort and the surrounding area are also home to hibernating bats, which while winning it a place on the Natura 2000 list, has also made the rebuilding work even greater a challenge.

The easiest way to get there during the summer is to take the F5 water tram which departs from the small pier in front of the Hilton hotel at Targ Rybny. Tickets can be purchased on-board. Your alternative is to take bus 106 from the Music Academy on Łąkowa street and ask the driver to drop you at the Wisłoujście stop. NOTE: Closed for the winter season.