Fort No. 5 "Friedrich Wilhelm III"

Memorial to the fallen soldiers. visitkaliningrad (Atlas Obscura User)

During the 18th and 19th-centuries, 12 forts were constructed around Konigsberg as defensive fortifications. These German forts were called the “Night feather bed of Konigsberg”. All the forts were designed with bricks and concrete, and were built in a uniform manner.

The fort was attacked by the 43rd Soviet Union Army during the East-Prussian Operation of 1945 and put up a fierce defense. On April 6, troops blockaded the entrance in an attempt to push back Soviet forces. For the entire day, the battalion fought to penetrate the fort, however, they were unsuccessful. The shells did not break through the concrete mass, but they were able to fracture the fortification.

After a stubborn battle, the garrison defending fort finally surrendered. Around 15 soldiers of the Red Army were awarded the highest title in the Soviet military, Hero of the Soviet Union. Their names are forever immortalized on a memorial stone at the site, which now exists as a museum complex.

Along with memorials and tributes to the fallen soldiers, a few other war remnants from the battle are located around the site.

Know Before You Go

To get inside a ticket is required. The museum is part of the Kaliningrad Museum of History and Art. You can take an audio guide in Russian or English.