Our urbex adventure in Poznan begins with the U11 IIIa Shelter, located at 44 Gnieznieńska St. This historic site is a real treat for lovers of fortifications and military history. The shelter, part of the city's defense system, was built at the beginning of the 20th century and served a variety of functions, from a room for the commander, to an artillery battery attendant, to a dressing room.

How to get to the shelter? The easiest way to get there is to take bus line 157 or 166 to the 'Miłostowo' bus stop, and then head along Gnieznieńska Street. Note: Getting to the shelter requires a short walk along a path through the forest - turn left just after the train tunnel. The area is open and accessible all year round, but it is best to visit during the day when visibility is good.

Before the hike, it's a good idea to bring sturdy off-road shoes, a flashlight (preferably a headlamp) and warm and comfortable clothes that can get dirty. Remember that the shelter can be damp and cool, even on warm days. For safety, we recommend visiting in a group of at least 2-3 people.

Inside the shelter, a real trip back in time awaits you. The single-space facility could accommodate one to two platoons of soldiers. Corrugated sheet metal supported by a steel structure was used in the construction, which gives the interior a distinctive austere look. Note the three entrances and four windows that once lit up the interior.

Use caution when exploring - some passages may be narrow or partially collapsed. There are no deep wells, but watch out for uneven ground. For younger explorers (the recommended age is a minimum of 12), this can be a fascinating history lesson, but always under the watchful eye of caregivers.

Near shelter U11 IIIa there are also remains of other fortification structures, such as infantry shelter U9 IIIa and U10 IIIa. It is worth taking the time to explore the entire complex, observing the changes in the forest terrain, which testify to the area's ancient military past.

After exploring the shelter, you can relax in the nearby Citadel Park, which offers not only beautiful green areas, but also many other military sites to see. It's the perfect place for a picnic and relaxation after an exciting exploration.

Another fascinating place on the map of Poznan urbex is the bunkers near the Świerczewo traffic circle. This is a place where history literally emerges from under the ground, offering an unforgettable experience for lovers of urban exploration.

How to get there? The bunkers are located near the Swierczewo traffic circle, on Bohaterów Westerplatte Street. The easiest way to get there is by streetcar line 1, 7 or 13, getting off at the 'Swierczewo Roundabout' stop. From there it's just a few minutes' walk.

The remains of the fortifications, including the famous J1 IX Infantry Shelter, await you at the site. Although the buildings are in a state of disrepair, they are a fascinating example of military architecture from the early 20th century. The site is open and accessible year-round, but is best visited in spring or autumn, when the vegetation is not too lush and does not hinder exploration.

What should you know before visiting? First of all, be prepared to walk on rough terrain. Sturdy trekking shoes are absolutely essential. It's also a good idea to bring a flashlight, as some nooks and crannies may be poorly lit. Clothing should be comfortable and dirt-resistant - remember that you will be moving through ruins.

Safety is key, so we recommend visiting in a group. Children under the age of 12 should remain under close adult supervision. Watch out for protruding structural elements and do not climb on unstable parts of the ruins.

What will you see at the site? First of all, the impressive remains of fortifications that were once part of the defense system of Poznan. You may see traces of shooting ditches, systems of shelters connected by connecting ditches, and even the remains of an anti-tank ditch from the end of World War II.

One of the most interesting features is the aforementioned J1 IX Infantry Shelter. Although now in ruins, it still gives an idea of the scale and importance of these fortifications. Walking among the remains of the bunkers, you can literally touch history and imagine what the place looked like decades ago.

After exploring the bunkers, take a short walk to the nearby Fort IXa in Debec. This is another fascinating fortification site that will complete your adventure with Poznan urbex.

Remember that while this place is fascinating, it demands respect. Don't leave trash, destroy remnants or take away 'souvenirs'. May future explorers also enjoy the place as you found it.

For those who want to deepen their knowledge of Poznan's fortifications, we recommend a visit to the Museum of Armaments at the Citadel. There you will find professionally prepared exhibitions and additional information about the city's defense system.

Our journey in the footsteps of Poznan's urbex would not be complete without a visit to several other fascinating locations. We'll start with the 19th century Fortress Sluice Ruins, located in the Szeląg district, on the Warta River. A testament to the engineering thought of the 19th century, this remarkable site is an excellent example of how fortifications integrated with the natural features of the terrain.

How to get there? The easiest way is to take bus line 184 or 185 to the 'Szelągowska' stop. From there, head in the direction of the Warta River. Note - access to the sluice can be difficult due to dense vegetation, especially during the summer season. We recommend visiting in early spring or late autumn.

What will you see at the site? The preserved abutments of the weir, which were once part of an impressive structure 82 meters long and 19 meters wide. The sluice, built between 1828 and 1832, had 12 spans and could flood the area south of the weir in case of an emergency. Although the bridge was demolished in 1923, the remains are still impressive.

Remember to be safe - the terrain is steep and can be slippery. Sturdy trekking shoes are a must. Due to its proximity to the river, a visit with small children is not recommended.

The next point on our map is the Fortification in the Main district. This is a fortification complex from the 1860s that offers a fascinating trip back in time. How to get there? The best way is to take bus line 157 or 166 to the 'Główna' bus stop, and from there head towards the forest by the Warta River.

A real treat for urbex lovers awaits you on the spot - a vast area with the remains of shelters, shooting ditches and other defense elements. You can see shelters for infantry companies, artillery and ammunition shelters. Of particular interest is shelter J2 IV, built in 1887-1890.

Before visiting, remember to prepare properly. Sturdy shoes, a flashlight and comfortable clothing are a must. Due to the extensive terrain and potential obstacles, we recommend a visit for those over 15 years of age. Also remember that some objects may be unstable - use caution and do not enter areas that look dangerous.

The last point of our tour is the Coal Canal, located near the former 'Garbary' thermal power plant. This place, although less known, offers an interesting perspective on the industrial history of Poznan. How to get there? The best way is to take streetcar line 3, 4 or 17 to the 'Garbary' stop and from there head towards the former CHP plant.

At the site you can see the remains of the industrial infrastructure, including elements of the coal canal and the former pumping station. This is a great place for those who are interested not only in the military, but also in the industrial history of the city.

Remember that the area can be overgrown and difficult to access. Appropriate clothing and footwear are a must. Due to the nature of the site, we recommend a visit for those over the age of 16.

All in all, Poznań offers an extremely rich and varied range for lovers of urban exploration. From military fortifications to industrial relics, each site tells a fascinating story of the city. Remember, however, that safety is paramount - always explore in a group, respect the terrain and don't take unnecessary risks. Poznan urbex is waiting to be discovered - see you on the trail!