Fort Ostróg, Fort in Srebrna Góra, Poland
Fort Ostróg, also known as Fort Spitzberg, is a historic military fortification on Mount Ostróg in Srebrna Góra, Poland. It is one of six parts of the Srebrna Góra fortress system, sitting on the northernmost peak of the Górki Bardzkie range at over 600 meters above sea level.
The fort was built between 1769 and 1772 as part of the Prussian Srebrna Góra fortress, designed to guard a mountain pass and the southern side of the defensive system. After the military left in 1867, the site changed hands several times before being used as a prisoner of war camp for Polish officers during World War II.
Fort Ostróg is also known as Fort Spitzberg, a name that dates back to the time when the area was part of Prussia. Guided tours today focus on the stories of Polish prisoners held here during World War II, giving visitors a personal sense of what life was like inside the walls.
There are parking areas near Srebrna Góra and at the Przełęcz Srebrna mountain pass, from where a short walk of about ten minutes leads up to the fort. Groups of 20 or more can arrange visits at any time with prior booking, and a visit typically takes around an hour.
When the fort was built, workers had to lower the top of Mount Ostróg to make room for the structure. During World War II, three Polish officers managed to escape from the camp here, with one reportedly reaching as far as Syria.
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