What happened here
The peninsula held the Military Transit Depot — a small Polish post. On 1 September 1939 the battleship "Schleswig-Holstein" opened fire, and the garrison under Major Henryk Sucharski and Captain Franciszek Dąbrowski held out for 7 days despite the enemy's overwhelming strength. Westerplatte became a symbol of resistance and of the start of the war.
What to see
- The Monument to the Defenders of the Coast — a monumental mound of the 1960s and a landmark
- The ruins of the barracks and guardhouses — surviving relics of the battlefield
- An open-air exhibition — information boards and the Museum of Westerplatte and the War of 1939 (a branch of the Museum of the Second World War)
- The cemetery and places of remembrance — the site is one for reflection
Getting there
The most pleasant way is to come by boat from the Motława (a trip through the harbour, with frequent sailings in season), or by city bus from the centre. The site is extensive and open — allow 1.5–2 hours and dress for windy seaside weather.
How to get there and practical info
- Location
- The peninsula at the harbour entrance, about 7 km from the centre
- Getting there
- By boat from the Motława (in season) or by city bus
- Admission
- The site is free; exhibitions according to museum rules
- Character
- A place of remembrance — reflection and suitable dress
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Weather
- Windy by the water — take a windproof jacket
When to go
Quiet, with the first boats from the Motława starting.
The most visitors, frequent boats and anniversary ceremonies on 1 September.
Empty and atmospheric, with fewer boats.
Raw, with boats usually suspended — go by land.
Other sights in Gdańsk
Straight-line distances from „Westerplatte" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
Places from our list that have Westerplatte within walking distance or a short drive.
