The Polish sea is not only lying on the beach and enjoying the charm of unparalleled beautiful beaches. An attractive alternative besides enjoying the charming cycling route is urbex.
Urbex (Exploration Urbaine) is the activity of discovering and visiting abandoned places, such as buildings, factories, hospitals or other facilities that were once used extensively but are now abandoned. At the seaside, especially in tourist destinations, it is possible to come across all kinds of abandoned places, although it is important to remember to respect the law and safety during such explorations.

Bunkers in Ustron Morski

Ustronie Morskie is a seaside town in Poland, situated on the Baltic Sea. It is a popular tourist resort, especially in summer. It offers a wide, sandy beach and various attractions for tourists.
The Battery of Fixed Artillery in Ustron Morski is a World War II defensive facility that was often used to protect the coast against potential enemy landing threats stretching through the coastal forest (from the village of Wieniotowo to the mouth of the Red River). It reached combat readiness in 1954. It consisted of 4 130 mm. gun positions (Soviet-made B-13 model), which were to defend the access to Kołobrzeg harbour. It was deformed in 1974, and 4 fire positions were allowed to be visited. Although no pieces of equipment can be found inside the structure today, exploring the successive rooms in the three-storey bunkers may prove to be an interesting adventure for urbex enthusiasts.

Bunkers in Mielenek

The post-German bunkers are located about 500 metres from 1 Maja Street, right next to the red hiking trail stretching to Mielenek. The most convenient way to reach the fortifications is on foot or by bike. There is no asphalt road there. The bunkers, some 200 metres away from each other, were erected at the turn of 1940 and 1941 by the Germans to defend the Baltic coast. They probably served as depots for ammunition and other explosives, or as observation posts. Several enthusiasts are reported to have found parts of ammunition and soldier's equipment in their vicinity. Both bunkers measure approximately 11 metres by 7 metres and have two windows each, interestingly without an entrance hole. Their walls are 50 cm wide and their ceilings are covered with corrugated sheet metal. One of the bunkers is supplemented by a small extension. German texts can still be found in the bunkers.

How to prepare for a visit to seaside tourist attractions

Here are some steps you can take to prepare for urbex exploration:

Obtain information:

Carefully get information about the place you plan to explore. This includes history, condition of buildings, safety risks, and legal information. Consult local guides, urbex photographers or online communities for guidance on safe exploration.

Equipment and clothing:

Dress appropriately, wearing hardy clothing and footwear with a sturdy sole. Prepare a torch, pencils, map, camera, possibly a protective mask and gloves. Take a first aid kit with you for any minor injuries.

Technical security:

Make sure your photographic equipment and other devices are charged.
If necessary, protect yourself from intruders, for example with locks or other security measures.

Team:

Exploring abandoned places can be safer in a group. Find partners to explore together. Communicate with other explorers before going out and share plans so everyone is aware of where you are.

Respect for the place:

Proceed with respect for the place you are exploring. Do not destroy or steal.
Avoid publishing location information in order to protect sites from vandalism and safeguard against accidental damage.

Safety:

Safety should always be the priority. Avoid risky behaviour, such as climbing dangerous structures or being in areas where ceilings or walls may be unstable.

Remember that urbex exploration involves certain risks, and safety and compliance with the law should always be a priority.

The bunkers in Ustronie morskie and Mielenek are open to the public all year round - an interesting alternative for inclement weather during the holiday season.