Westerplatte

Overview

Westerplatte is the peninsula at the mouth of the Dead Vistula where World War II began. On 1 September 1939, the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein opened fire on the small Polish garrison here, marking the first military engagement of the conflict. Today, a monument and memorial park honor the 182 Polish soldiers who held out for seven days against overwhelming odds.

Highlights

• Monument: A 25-meter granite memorial erected in 1966, visible from far out at sea.
• Guardhouse No. 1: Ruined defensive positions preserved as they were after the battle.
• Scenic Setting: The forested peninsula offers peaceful walks along the waterfront.

History

The Polish Military Transit Depot at Westerplatte was established under the Treaty of Versailles. On 1 September 1939, the 182-man garrison resisted for seven days against 3,400 German troops with naval and air support before surrendering.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Take the seasonal river ferry from the Green Gate for a scenic approach.
• Tip 2: The site is open-air and free — plan 1 hour for the memorial and ruins.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.