Hidden among the picturesque Sudeten ranges are two pearls of military architecture that will transport us into the fascinating world of 18th-century fortification art. The first of these, the Silver Mountain Fortress, located on the peaks of the Owl Mountains, impresses not only with its monumental structure, but also with its spectacular location, which is a tourist attraction in itself.

Built between 1765 and 1777 by order of King Frederick II the Great of Prussia, the Silver Mountain Fortress was in its time the most modern fortification in Europe. Its main element, the Donjon, a massive central fort 60 meters in diameter, towers over the area and provides an excellent vantage point. The most fascinating aspect of this mountain fortress is its self-sufficiency - in the 18th century it housed up to 4,000 soldiers, its own brewery, bakery, hospital and powder magazine. The system of underground corridors and ventilation chimneys testifies to the advanced level of military engineering of the time.

A special attraction for families with children will be the historical re-enactments organized here. Guides dressed in uniforms from the Franco-Prussian War era introduce visitors to the atmosphere of the old days, telling colorful stories and anecdotes related to the fortress. Children can not only learn about history here, but also experience it with all their senses - touch heavy cannons, try on elements of uniforms or walk the route of the old guard.

Just 30 kilometers away is another gem of fortifications - Klodzko Fortress, located in the picturesque basin of the town of the same name. This 17th-century Renaissance fortification is an excellent example of the evolution of European defensive art. The history of the place dates back to the Middle Ages, when there was already a castle on the hill, but it was the Baroque fortifications that gave the fortress its current majestic character.

The biggest attraction of Klodzko Fortress is the extensive network of underground mine passages over a kilometer long. Walking through these mysterious tunnels, you can feel the thrill and imagine how they were used in the past for defense and communication during sieges. The maze of corridors, chambers and staircases creates a fascinating underground tourist route that will delight both children and adults.

From an educational point of view, both fortresses offer invaluable lessons in history and military engineering. However, they differ in character - while Silver Mountain impresses with its mountainous location and panoramic views, Klodzko Fortress impresses with its elaborate system of underground passageways and close proximity to the historic city. The two fortifications complement each other perfectly, creating a complete picture of the evolution of European defensive art over the centuries.

Leaving the picturesque Sudetenland, it is worth heading to the west of Poland, where a true phenomenon of 20th century military engineering awaits us - the Międzyrzecki Fortified Region. This vast system of fortifications, built by the Germans in the 1930s, was intended as an impassable barrier on the eastern border of the Third Reich. Today it is not only a testimony to military history, but also a unique nature reserve.

Międzyrzecki Rejon Umocniony, also known as MRU, is more than 30 kilometers of underground tunnels connecting bunkers and forts, which form a real underground city. Visiting this complex is an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. The tourist route leads through concrete corridors, ammunition chambers, barracks and battle stations. Particularly fascinating are the preserved elements of original equipment - ventilation systems, gas filters or armored dome mechanisms.

What makes MRU unique compared to other fortifications is its dual role - as a military facility and a nature reserve at the same time. More than a dozen species of bats have found shelter in the underground, taking a liking to the constant temperature and humidity in the tunnels. Thus, the Museum of Fortifications and Bats in Pniewo offers not only a history lesson, but also nature education. Children will be delighted to observe these fascinating mammals in their natural habitat.

Moving to the east of Poland, we come across another pearl of fortifications - the Przemyśl Fortress, or more precisely, Fort I Salis-Soglio. This monumental structure is part of one of the largest fortification systems in Europe, which on the eve of World War I was the third largest fortress on the continent, second only to Antwerp and Verdun.

Fort I Salis-Soglio, built between 1882 and 1886, represents the pinnacle of Austro-Hungarian fortification art. Its massive brick walls, moats and casemates are very impressive even to modern visitors. Interestingly, the fort was designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape - its slopes are covered with earth and overgrown with vegetation to camouflage the structure from enemy reconnaissance.

Visiting the fort is a real trip back in time. Walking through the corridors and posterns (underground passages), you can imagine the life of the garrison during the siege. Of particular interest are the preserved barracks rooms, powder magazine and artillery positions. Fort I Salis-Soglio played a key role during World War I, when the Przemyśl Fortress repelled a Russian siege for 173 days, one of the longest siege episodes in modern history.

Both fortifications - the MRU and Fort I Salis-Soglio - represent different eras and defensive philosophies. The Międzyrzecki Fortified Region is an example of modern fortification made of concrete and steel, with advanced technical systems, while the Przemyśl fort represents the classical school of fortification from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, where massive earth and brick structures played a major role. The juxtaposition of these two facilities allows us to understand how quickly the art of war evolved in response to the development of weapons and tactics.

To complete our fortress tour of Poland is Fort Gerhard in Swinoujscie, located on the Baltic coast. This 19th-century Prussian fortification, also known as Fortress East (Ostfort), is an excellent example of coastal defense architecture and offers visitors not only a history lesson, but also breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea and the Swina estuary.

Built between 1856 and 1863, Fort Gerhard was part of an elaborate defense system to protect the strategically important port of Swinoujscie. Its massive walls, moats and bastions were designed to withstand shelling from sea and land. Interestingly, the fort was never conquered or even attacked - for more than a century of its existence it served mainly as a deterrent to potential aggressors.

What distinguishes Fort Gerhard from other Polish fortifications is the unusual form of sightseeing. Tourists here are not ordinary visitors - they become 'recruits' conscripted into the Prussian army. The guides, dressed in historical uniforms, take on the role of Prussian non-commissioned officers, who guide visitors through 'military training'. This interactive form of touring makes history vivid and fascinating even for the youngest.

During the 'drill' you can learn the ins and outs of daily life in a 19th-century garrison, learn basic military commands, and even take part in a simulation of the fort's defense. Of particular interest are the preserved elements of the original equipment - cannons, shooting positions or soldiers' barracks. From the crown of the walls there is a beautiful view of the sea and the harbor, which is an additional attraction for visitors.

Fort Gerhard is also known as the 'Lighthouse Fortress', as it is home to the tallest lighthouse on the Polish coast (68 meters). Combining a tour of the fort with a visit to the lighthouse creates a complete tourist offer that will satisfy both history buffs and seascape enthusiasts.

To sum up our tour of five remarkable fortifications in Poland, it is worth noting how diverse our country's military heritage is. From the mountain fortresses of Srebrna Góra and Klodzko, to the underground labyrinths of the Międzyrzecki Fortified Region, the monumental Fort I Salis-Soglio in Przemyśl, to the coastal Fort Gerhard - each of these structures represents a different era, architectural style and defense philosophy.

This diversity makes fortifications a fascinating subject for family educational excursions. Here children can not only learn about the history of Poland and Europe, but also understand how the art of war has changed over the centuries. Interactive forms of sightseeing, historical reconstructions and the opportunity to explore secret nooks and crannies make learning history an exciting adventure.

It is also worth noting that all the described fortifications are perfectly suited for family tourists. They offer routes of varying degrees of difficulty, making it possible to adapt the tour to the age and abilities of children. Most of the sites also have catering and sanitary facilities, making it easy to plan day trips.

An expedition in the footsteps of Polish fortifications is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to actively spend time outdoors, admire beautiful landscapes and experience family adventures together. It's a trip that will remain in the memory of both children and adults for a long time.