Fort IV

Fort IV is a pentagon-shaped military fortification in Warsaw's outer ring with a dry moat, defensive walls, and brick buildings. The grounds span roughly 400 meters in width and 200 meters in depth with multiple caponieres extending through the interior.

Construction took place between 1883 and 1890 as part of the defensive strategy to protect roads and rail lines leading away from the capital. The fort served as a key position in Warsaw's outer defensive ring against external threats.

The fort has become a gathering place for local residents who especially visit in winter months. Families use the frozen moat as a natural ice rink where community members organize supervised skating.

Bring a flashlight when exploring the interior, as many sections remain dark and require careful navigation through narrow passages. Wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is uneven and there are tight spaces to move through.

The moat freezes solid during winter months and is maintained by the community as a natural skating surface. This turns a 19th-century defensive structure into an unexpected gathering point where history and everyday recreation coexist.