Westerplatte is a narrow peninsula at the entrance to Gdańsk's port, and one of the most symbolic places in Poland. Before the war it held a small Polish military depot inside the territory of the Free City of Danzig. In the early hours of 1 September 1939 the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein opened fire on it, in what is widely remembered as the first battle of the Second World War, and the small Polish garrison held out for seven days against overwhelming odds. Today the site is a quiet, wooded memorial landscape. A path leads past the ruins of the barracks, guardhouses and other positions to a mound crowned by the towering Monument to the Defenders of the Coast, with views over the harbour mouth. The Museum of the Second World War is creating a new museum here in phases: an exhibition on the archaeology of Westerplatte is open in the former power station, and a visitor centre helps you get your bearings.
Opening times: the visitor centre is open every day from 9:00 to 16:00. The exhibition in the former power station, Memory buried beneath the surface, is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00 and closed on Mondays, with its ticket office closing at 15:15. Both are closed on 24, 25, 26 and 31 December 2026. Because the new museum is being built in stages, some areas may be fenced off for works, and more parts of the exhibition are opening gradually.
Getting there: Westerplatte is several kilometres from the Main Town. The museum suggests coming by public transport from the main railway station or from the Museum of the Second World War, by car, by bicycle or, in the warmer months, by water: summer boat trips along the river and the port are the most scenic way to arrive, but they do not run in the depths of winter, so plan on a city bus or taxi in November. Bring warm, windproof clothing; the peninsula is exposed to the sea.
Who it suits: history lovers and anyone visiting the Museum of the Second World War, which gives the background to what happened here. It is a peaceful, reflective place rather than a polished attraction, and the walk through the woods to the monument suits families with older children. Allow time to stand at the harbour mouth and watch the ships go by.
What to expect
The experience
A wooded memorial site with ruined military buildings, a monumental memorial on a mound, a visitor centre and an archaeology exhibition in the former power station.
Best time
A dry morning from Tuesday to Sunday, so the exhibition is open and you have daylight for the walk.
How long
Two to three hours including travel from the centre, the exhibition and the walk to the monument.
Tips
Remember the exhibition is closed on Mondays, dress for the wind, and visit the WWII Museum first for context.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers who want to stand on the spot where the Second World War began.
- Families
- Walk the woodland path to the monument with older children and watch the ships entering the harbour.
- Couples
- In summer, arrive by boat along the river for a scenic trip; in winter, enjoy the quiet.
- Pair with
- The Museum of the Second World War, which runs the site and tells the wider story.
- Time needed
- Half a day with travel.
Good questions
Why is Westerplatte famous?+
The first shots of the Second World War were fired here on 1 September 1939, when a German battleship attacked the Polish depot. The small garrison held out for seven days.
Is Westerplatte open in winter?+
Yes. The visitor centre is open daily from 9:00 to 16:00, and the exhibition from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00. Both close on 24, 25, 26 and 31 December 2026.
How do I get to Westerplatte from Gdańsk?+
Take public transport from the main railway station or the WWII Museum, or a taxi. Summer boat trips also stop there, but they do not run in winter.
Is there a museum at Westerplatte?+
A new museum is being created in stages by the Museum of the Second World War. An archaeology exhibition and a visitor centre are already open.
How long should I spend at Westerplatte?+
Allow about an hour and a half on site for the exhibition and the walk to the monument. Add travel time from the city.
