Gdańsk: The Battle of Westerplatte & World War II History Tour
WWII history at Westerplatte in Gdańsk: discover where the war began with the opening shots of 1 September 1939 and learn about the seven-day defense of the peninsula. Visit key sites including the Monument to the Defenders of the Coast, Guardhouse No. 1, the former Military Transit Depot, and the ruins of the barracks.
Basic Information
Total time
1h 30m
Language
English, Polish (check the calendar for availability)
Price
Our “Pay What You Wish” tours don’t have a fixed price — you decide how much the experience was worth. At the end of the tour, please make a fair contribution that reflects your satisfaction and appreciation for your guide’s work. Most guests give between €10 and €50 per person.
Meeting point
Westerplatte ferry stop, close to the Przystań Żeglugi bus stop Nearest public transport: Przystań Żeglugi 01 bus stop; Przystań Żeglugi 02 bus stop
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Walkative Gdańsk guides. Look for the guide with the yellow umbrella.
♿️ Tour not suitable for people with reduced mobility or strollers
❗Our tours run in all weather conditions. High or low temperatures, rain, or snow are never a reason for us to cancel. We’re always here for you! The only reasons for cancellation are extreme weather conditions (such as heavy storms), a guide’s sudden illness, or if there are fewer than 5 registered participants. In such cases, we will always notify you using the contact information you provided when booking the tour.Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our “Pay What You Wish” tours are meant for individual travellers and small groups. Large groups (8 or more people) cannot join these tours, as they significantly affect the experience for others and the guide. For school trips, organised tours, or groups of friends, please book our paid option (18€ per person) or arrange a Private Tour. For more information or to schedule a group visit, please contact us directly.
About the tour
Westerplatte, a small peninsula was the starting point of the world’s largest military conflict. A 7-day long battle between the mighty German Army and a small group of Polish soldiers was the first episode of WW2. Come with us to Westerplatte, to know the history of blood, honour and courage.
At dawn, 1 September 1939, the eyes of the world turned towards Gdańsk. The main gun battery of the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein announced the beginning of a new world war. Surrounded and isolated, Westerplatte, attacked from land, air and sea, was expected to be taken within a maximum of 3 hours. But what was supposed to be a quick victory turned into a furious battle that took 7 days and many brave lives. Soon, stories and songs, the incredible effort of Polish soldiers of Westerplatte.
Come and see with your own eyes how the impossible became possible. Learn how a small company of men fought their way to immortality in the annals of history.
Highlights
- 1
Westerplatte Peninsula
The historic site where the first battle of World War II in Europe took place.
- 2
Outbreak of WWII
Learn about the German invasion on September 1, 1939, which ignited the devastating global conflict.
- 3
Battle of Westerplatte
The story of the epic struggle between a small Polish garrison and overwhelming German forces.
- 4
Battleship Schleswig-Holstein
The German warship that fired the first shots of World War II, starting the assault.
- 5
Polish Soldiers' Courage
Hear stories of blood, honour, and incredible bravery of the Polish defenders against impossible odds.
- 6
The Seven-Day Siege
Discover how a defense expected to last only hours heroically held out for an entire week.
Map
Westerplatte ferry stop, close to the Przystań Żeglugi bus stop Nearest public transport: Przystań Żeglugi 01 bus stop; Przystań Żeglugi 02 bus stop
