The barracks were originally constructed as part of the German military transit depot, known as the Wehrmacht-Transitlager.
The structure survived intensive artillery fire during the September 1939 battle, which destroyed the upper floors.
It was one of the few buildings on the peninsula left standing after the conclusion of the battle.
Archaeological excavations conducted in recent years have uncovered period-specific military artifacts within the barracks' foundation.
The building's layout was designed to accommodate over 100 soldiers, including supply and storage areas for the garrison.
The New Barracks (Nowe Koszary) at Westerplatte represent the largest surviving military structure from the 1939 defense of the peninsula. Built between 1911 and 1914 by the German military, the building originally served as a transit depot barracks. During the 1939 German invasion, it was a central site of combat and suffered significant structural damage from shelling. The building remains in a semi-ruined state, characterized by exposed brickwork and structural skeleton frames. As of 2026, the ruins are integrated into the broader Westerplatte Museum and Memorial complex. Visitors can walk through designated sections to observe the preservation of post-war scars on the masonry. It functions as a tangible reminder of the localized destruction experienced during the outbreak of World War II.
From the exterior corner facing the waterfront, where the contrast between the preserved masonry and the overgrown vegetation is most evident.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear as the ground inside the ruins is uneven and covered with loose gravel or debris.
Bring a portable flashlight to see into the shadowed corners of the inner structure.
Allow extra time to read the on-site information boards, which provide context for the specific damage patterns visible.
Do not wander outside the designated walkways, as the site contains hidden uneven surfaces and structural hazards.
Do not climb on unstable walls or cross cordoned-off safety barriers; maintain a respectful demeanor as it is a memorial site.
