Fort Friedrichsburg

Festung Groß Friedrichsburg is a square fortification in Kaliningrad with four corner bastions built from robust brick and underground casemates that protected troops during military operations. The fort now houses the Museum of the World Ocean with exhibits about maritime history.

King Frederick William I commissioned the fort's construction between 1657 and 1661 as part of Königsberg's defensive system during the Second Northern War. The design followed classical fortification principles with four corner bastions for strategic defense.

The chapel served as a spiritual center for soldiers and officers stationed here from 1671 to 1816. You can still see traces of this religious function within the fort today.

The site is fairly easy to navigate at ground level, though stairs into underground casemates can be steep and narrow in places. Wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time to explore the different levels at a relaxed pace.

Each of the four corner bastions originally bore the name of a precious stone: Smaragd, Perle, Rubin, and Diamant, a distinctive Prussian naming convention. These poetic names reflect how the military valued and emphasized the fort's strategic importance.

Location: Kaliningrad

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00

GPS coordinates: 54.70459,20.49380

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:01