Twierdza Srebrna Góra, Historic fortress in Srebrna Góra, Poland
Festung Silberberg, also known as Fort Srebrna Góra, is a hilltop fortress in Srebrna Góra, Poland, built between three peaks and designed to control a mountain pass. It consists of six forts connected by thick walls, with the central Donżon Fort sitting on the hill called Warowna Góra.
The fortress was built between 1765 and 1777 on the orders of King Frederick II of Prussia to secure the mountain pass against Austria. Its strength was such that it was never taken in battle, including during a siege by Napoleon's forces in 1807.
The fortress draws history lovers and hikers who walk its old paths and take in the views from the hilltop. Reenactment events are held there from time to time, bringing past military life back into view.
The fortress is free to enter and can be reached on foot from the town of Srebrna Góra, with signs pointing the way. The paths around the site are well marked and easy to follow for most visitors.
During the Second World War, the fortress was used as a prisoner of war camp holding Polish officers, some of whom escaped and crossed several countries to reach free territory. It also earned the nickname 'Gibraltar of Prussia' long before then, a reference to how difficult it was to take by force.
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