Our exploration of the Silesian underground begins with a visit to Combat Shelter No. 75, located in Ruda Śląska at 111B Józefa Piłsudskiego Street. This impressive facility, part of the Silesia Warring Area, is a real treat for history and fortification enthusiasts. The shelter, built in resistance class 'D', was equipped with an armored observation and combat dome and armed with three heavy machine guns and one or two hand-held machine guns. To get to the shelter, it's best to use public transportation - the nearest bus stop is just a five-minute walk from the facility. Keep in mind that tours of the interior are only possible on certain dates, so it's a good idea to check availability in advance on the facility's website or contact the local association of fortification enthusiasts. During your visit, pay attention to the preserved furnishings, such as armored shields and the fortress grille, which are painstakingly recreated by the facility's caretakers. This is an excellent opportunity to show children what the World War II fortifications looked like and tell them about the history of the region. For the youngest explorers, prepare comfortable shoes and warm clothes - the shelters are often cold! There is also Combat Shelter No. 76 in the area, which is worth visiting on occasion. This facility, like its neighbor, has an armored dome and is well preserved. For families with children, we recommend scheduling your visit in the morning, when the temperature is most comfortable for sightseeing. Remember to bring flashlights - they will come in handy to illuminate the dark corners of the shelter. There is a park nearby where you can have a picnic after the tour. Ticket prices usually range from £10 to £20 per person, but it's best to check exact information before visiting. For a complete picture of the history of the Silesia Warring Area, it is also worth visiting nearby Swietochlowice, where there is another fascinating facility - Combat Shelter No. 5. This two-story colossus, built in 1936, could accommodate 8 to 20 soldiers and was equipped with an advanced defense system, including an armored door to protect against gas attack. The facility is available for tours on scheduled dates, and its location next to the streetcar tracks makes it easily accessible to tourists. Before visiting, it's a good idea to make sure of the current opening hours and any age restrictions for children.

Continuing our journey through the Silesian underground, we can't miss Combat Shelter No. 34, located in Ruda Śląska. This heavy combat shelter, made in resistance class 'E', is a real giant among fortifications. Equipped with an armored observation and battle dome for a heavy machine gun, it was armed with an impressive arsenal, including an anti-tank cannon. To reach the shelter, it is best to use a car - the facility is located on state road 925. Parking is available nearby. Visiting from the outside is possible at any time of the year, but going inside is restricted for security reasons. It's worth bringing a camera to capture the shelter's distinctive silhouette and preserved elements, such as detonation plates and an emergency exit. For families with children, we recommend planning a visit during the day and taking binoculars with you - the top of the shelter offers an interesting view of the surrounding area. Another fascinating object on our route is Combat Shelter No. 18 in Ruda Śląska. This heavy, single-story artillery shelter, also known as a traditor, is distinguished by its observation-combat dome and armored half-dome. It was armed with a Model 95 cal. 75mm field cannon and machine guns. To reach the shelter, it is best to use GPS navigation - the facility is located in a forested area. Parking for cars is available a short distance away. A tour of the interior is not currently possible, but the facility looks impressive from the outside. This is a great opportunity to tell your children about World War II defense systems. Remember to wear appropriate footwear - the terrain around the shelter can be uneven. For thrill seekers, we recommend a visit to Combat Shelter No. 44, also known as the 'Devil's Shelter'. Located in Ruda Śląska on Wrzosowa Street, this facility is shrouded in dark legend. Visiting requires extreme caution and is not recommended for young children or sensitive individuals. Entrance to the shelter is difficult, and the interior can be dangerous due to uneven ground and limited visibility. If you decide to explore, be sure to bring strong flashlights and dress in sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty. Remember that you enter at your own risk - consider using a guide familiar with the site. For families with children, a better choice would be to visit the nearby Combat Shelter No. 52 in Dobieszowice. This restored facility offers a safe and educational tour. The shelter is open to the public from May to September on weekends, from 2-6 p.m. Admission is free, although you can support the Pro Fortalicium association with a voluntary donation. Inside, a fascinating exhibition awaits, showcasing pre-war Polish uniforms and replicas of weaponry. This is the perfect place to show children in a safe way what life was like in a combat shelter.

Our journey through the Silesian underground would not be complete without a visit to the Dobieszowice Military Shelter-Museum. This facility, located at 36 Wesola Street, is a real gem for lovers of military history. The museum is open from May to September on weekends, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free, making it a great option for families with children. Inside, an extensive collection of period artifacts awaits, including shelter equipment and pre-war Polish uniforms. To reach the museum, it is best to use a car - there is a small parking lot behind the bunker. There are special attractions for children, such as the opportunity to try on a replica helmet or view through a periscope. Remember to dress warmly - the shelter has a constant low temperature. There are also trenches with a dugout nearby, adding to the experience of your visit. Another fascinating site on our route is Resistance Point Hill 307 Niezdara, located in the village of Sącz. This heavy battle shelter with an armored dome mod.38WI is a true giant of fortifications. It was armed with a wz.38 - 37mm fortress cannon, heavy machine guns and illuminating charge launchers. To reach the site, it is best to use GPS navigation - the shelter is located on a hill and is easily visible from state road 78. Parking for cars is available nearby. Visiting from the outside is possible all year round, but going inside is limited. Note the shot-through dome - a trace of the battles that took place here. For families with children, we recommend bringing binoculars - the resistance point offers a beautiful view of the area. At the end of our trip, it is worth visiting Combat Shelter No. 5 in Chorzow, located on DK79. This two-story structure, built in 1936, is an excellent example of Polish fortification thought. The shelter is available for tours on designated dates, which you should check before visiting. Its location right next to the streetcar tracks makes it easily accessible to tourists using public transportation. Inside, you can see what life was like for the soldiers in the shelter - from the fighting chamber to the storage rooms. For children, it's a great 'live' history lesson. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothes - the shelter is at a constant low temperature. There are refreshment facilities nearby, where you can rest after the tour. To sum up our journey through the Silesian underground, it is worth noting that each of the described sites offers a unique experience and an opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the region. Remember to check up-to-date information on accessibility and possible restrictions before each visit. Exploring shelters and fortifications is not only a history lesson, but also an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. When discovering the secrets of the Silesian underground, remember to be respectful of these historical sites and to be cautious while visiting. This is a journey that will remain in your memory for a long time!