A nineteenth-century star-shaped Prussian fortress — ramparts, gates and kilometres of walls. Approx. 26 km.

Boyen Fortress — a star on the isthmus between lakes

Boyen Fortress (Twierdza Boyen) is a nineteenth-century Prussian fortification built in 1844–1856 in the shape of a six-pointed star, on the isthmus between Lake Niegocin and Lake Kisajno in Giżycko, about 26 km from Ostoja Dwa Jeziora. It has ramparts, moats, gates, barracks and a museum. Open all year round — for families and history lovers.

On the isthmus between Lake Niegocin and Lake Kisajno stands one of the best-preserved nineteenth-century fortifications in Poland. Boyen Fortress, built in the middle of that century in the shape of a six-pointed star, survived the wars almost untouched.

A walk around it means kilometres of ramparts, moats, gates and barracks, all of which you can explore freely. The site has a fortress museum, several sightseeing routes and exhibitions — including one on gunpowder weapons and a former carrier-pigeon station. In season, events and re-enactments take place in the amphitheatre.

It is a place for a longer walk — for history lovers, but also for families who enjoy discovering nooks and crannies.

Why it's worth a visit

One of the best-preserved nineteenth-century fortifications in Poland — it escaped wartime destruction.
The shape of a six-pointed star and kilometres of ramparts, moats, gates and fortress roads, all open for you to wander.
The Boyen Fortress Museum, three sightseeing trails and exhibitions, including one on gunpowder weapons.
A unique carrier-pigeon station — the curiosity children ask about most.
Open all year round, including winter; in season, events are held in the amphitheatre.
For families it is an adventure in exploring hidden corners, for adults a great slice of East Prussian history.

At a glance

star-shaped fortress from 1844–1856
ramparts, moats, gates and barracks
museum and sightseeing routes
carrier-pigeon station
events in season.

Practical information

approx. 26 km
all year round (opening hours change every month — check the website)
allow at least 2 hours
closed-toe shoes; with children, take care on the steep ramparts.

From Ostoja

A day in Giżycko: the fortress, the pier, the swing bridge and the Parrot House in Wilkasy.

Frequently asked questions

How much time should you plan?
At least two hours — the site is very extensive.

Is it open in winter?
Yes, all year round. Opening hours change every month — the fortress website lists the current times.

Is it an attraction for children?
Yes, as long as you take care on the ramparts.

How far is Boyen Fortress from Ostoja Dwa Jeziora?
About 26 km — the fortress is in Giżycko.

What should you bring?
Closed-toe shoes, and a torch for the interiors — they can be dark. With children, watch out for steep ramparts and edges.

What can you combine with Boyen Fortress in one day?
The Parrot House and Squirrel House in Wilkasy (approx. 5 km from Giżycko), and in winter the ice rink in Giżycko.

Are events held at the fortress?
Yes, in season events and re-enactments are organised in the amphitheatre.

Where to stay near Giżycko?
At Ostoja Dwa Jeziora in Kal near Węgorzewo — approx. 26 km from Giżycko, offering an SPA and the Qchnia Dwa Jeziora restaurant on site.