Modlin Fortress – what to see a few minutes from the hostel

If you have a few hours before your flight or you're staying longer, visit Modlin Fortress – one of the largest fortifications in Europe, right next to Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki.

A few impressive facts

• The fortress stands where the Narew and Wkra rivers flow into the Vistula.
• Construction began in 1807 on Napoleon's orders, and it was later expanded by the Russians in the 19th century.
• The citadel barracks are about 2,250 metres long and are often called the longest building in Europe.
• Around 200 million bricks were reportedly used to build it.
• In September 1939 about 15,000 Polish soldiers defended the fortress until 29 September – a day longer than Warsaw.
• In 1919 the fortress was "guarded" by a tame polar bear called Baśka Murmańska – a street is named after her today.
• Scenes from Polish films such as "C.K. Dezerterzy", "Pan Tadeusz" and "1920 Battle of Warsaw" were shot here.

What you can visit

• The Red Tower – viewing terraces with a panorama of the rivers.
• Prochownia 197 – Historical Education Centre – an exhibition about the 1939 defence of Modlin.
• The Citadel – parts of it are open on guided tours.
• Granary ruins on the Narew – a monumental granary designed by Jan Jakub Gay; after a fire in 1939 about half of it survives as picturesque ruins.

Parts of the area can be explored on your own. Guided tours, evening routes and current opening hours are on the tour organiser's website (twierdzamodlin.com) – the site has several owners and the offer changes seasonally.

Getting there from Rest Hostel

The fortress is a few minutes by car from the hostel (there's parking by the visitor area). It's also a nice bike ride or longer walk along the Narew.