Bunkers in Węgierska Górka - Westerplatte of the South

The bunkers in Węgierska Górka, known as the Westerplatte of the South, are a complex of World War II fortifications located in the Beskid Żywiecki mountains, near Żywiec. They were built in 1939 in response to the German threat after the occupation of Czechoslovakia. Out of 21 planned bunkers, only five were completed: Waligóra, Wąwóz, Wędrowiec, Włóczęga, and Wyrwidąb. Between September 1 and 3, 1939, about 1,100 Polish defenders faced overwhelming German forces, inflicting heavy losses. Today, the bunkers are open to visitors, with the central bunker Wędrowiec housing a small museum open from May to September. Other bunkers, such as Wąwóz and Wyrwidąb, can be explored with a flashlight, though some are partially damaged. The site attracts history enthusiasts, military fans, and hikers or cyclists who can combine a visit with a climb of Barania Góra. The bunkers are marked on tourist maps, and a path with parking leads to Wędrowiec.