How long does it take to walk the Warsaw Uprising Trail?

The full walk takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much time you spend inside the Warsaw Uprising Museum. If you visit every exhibit in the museum, you should budget at least 4 hours for the total experience.

Is the Warsaw Uprising Museum worth visiting?

Yes, it is widely considered one of the best museums in Poland. Its immersive, multi-sensory design makes the complex history of 1944 accessible and deeply moving for all visitors.

Can I see the Warsaw Uprising Monument for free?

Yes, the Warsaw Uprising Monument is a public outdoor sculpture located at Krasiński Square and is accessible 24/7 without any admission fee.

Is the Warsaw Uprising Trail accessible for wheelchairs?

The route is largely accessible as it follows city sidewalks. The Warsaw Uprising Museum is fully equipped with elevators, though some areas have cobblestones that may be slightly bumpy.

What happened at the PAST-a building in 1944?

The PAST-a building was a vital German stronghold and telephone exchange. It was captured by Polish insurgents on August 20, 1944, after a bloody 20-day siege, marking one of the greatest tactical successes of the Uprising.

How do I get to the Warsaw Insurgents Cemetery?

The cemetery is located in the Wola district. From the city center, you can take trams 13, 26, or 27 to the 'Cmentarz Wolski' stop, which is right next to the entrance.

When is the best time to visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum?

The best time to visit is on a weekday morning right at opening (8:00 AM or 9:00 AM depending on the day). Note that the museum is usually closed on Tuesdays and offers free admission on Mondays (check current schedules).

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

3 hr

Duration

5

Stops

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Tour

Warsaw is a city that refused to die, a metropolis literally rebuilt from the ashes of World War II. This self-guided walk takes you through the heart of the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, a 63-day struggle against Nazi occupation that defined the Polish spirit and resulted in the near-total destruction of the city. This neighborhood stroll connects the physical scars of the city with the stories of the men, women, and children who fought in the sewers and streets. You will start at the world-renowned Warsaw Uprising Museum, housed in a former power station, which serves as the definitive repository of this history. From there, the walking route leads you toward the city center to see the ruins that were rebuilt into modern landmarks. You will encounter the Prudential Building, once the tallest in Poland, which stood as a skeletal symbol of defiance after being hit by thousands of shells during the conflict. The path also leads to the Warsaw Uprising Monument, where dramatic bronze figures emerge from the pavement to commemorate the insurgents. This walking route is more than a history lesson; it is a journey through the 'Phoenix City.' It is an ideal way to explore Warsaw independently, allowing you to pause for reflection at these powerful sites. By following this trail, you will understand how the events of 1944 shaped the modern layout and the resilient identity of the Polish capital today.

Highlights

The immersive exhibits of the Warsaw Uprising Museum
The historic PAST-a building, a site of fierce urban combat
The iconic Prudential Building (Hotel Warszawa), a symbol of survival
The dramatic bronze sculptures of the Warsaw Uprising Monument
The solemn grounds of the Warsaw Insurgents Cemetery

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (5)

1

Warsaw Uprising Museum

Start exploring with Zigway at this former tram power station, now one of Poland's most visited museums. On August 1, 1944, at exactly 5:00 PM—known as 'W-Hour'—the Polish Home Army rose up against the German occupiers. This museum captures the intensity of those 63 days through an immersive design that includes a replica of a Liberator B-24 bomber and a recreation of the city's sewer system, which insurgents used for movement. As you walk through the industrial halls, listen for the 'heartbeat' of the city—a rhythmic thumping sound that permeates the building, symbolizing the life of Warsaw in 1944. It is a profound introduction to the scale of the sacrifice and the complexity of the struggle.

2

PAST-a Building

This tower, once the headquarters of the Polish Telephone Joint-stock Company (PAST), was the tallest building in Warsaw when it was completed in 1910. During the Uprising, it became a strategic fortress for the German forces due to its height and thick walls. For 20 days, Polish insurgents launched repeated assaults to capture the building and the vital communication lines it housed. They finally succeeded on August 20, 1944, using improvised flame throwers made from fire extinguishers. Today, the building still bears the marks of the battle, and the 'Kotwica' (Anchor) symbol of the Polish Underground State sits atop its roof as a permanent reminder of the victory.

3

Hotel Warszawa (Prudential Building)

Standing before the Hotel Warszawa, you are looking at the 'Skyscraper of Resistance.' Originally the Prudential Insurance building, this 16-story steel-frame tower was a marvel of pre-war engineering. During the Uprising, it was hit by approximately 1,000 shells, including a 2nd-ton mortar shell that was captured in one of the most famous photographs of the war. Despite the massive explosion that tilted the building, the steel frame held firm. It became a symbol of Polish endurance—a skeleton of a building that refused to fall. It has since been meticulously restored to its Art Deco glory, serving as a luxury hotel, yet its history as a defiant landmark remains its most significant feature.

4

Warsaw Uprising Monument

Located at Krasiński Square, this is perhaps the most emotionally charged monument in the city. Unveiled in 1989, the bronze sculptures depict two scenes: a group of insurgents engaged in battle and a smaller group descending into a manhole. This refers to the evacuation of the Old Town, where thousands of fighters and civilians crawled through the narrow, filthy sewers to escape German encirclement. The monument stands on the very ground where many of these escapes took place. Take a moment to look at the faces of the bronze soldiers; they represent the diverse range of people—from professional soldiers to young scouts—who fought for the city's freedom.

5

Warsaw Insurgents Cemetery

To reach this final stop, a short tram ride toward the Wola district is recommended. This is the largest war cemetery in Poland and the final resting place for over 100,000 people, most of whom were civilians killed during the Uprising and the subsequent massacres in Wola. Unlike the more decorative military cemeteries, this site is characterized by its scale and the 'Mound of Ashes'—a monument containing the remains of those burned by German forces. It is a place of deep silence and reflection, emphasizing that the Uprising was not just a military operation, but a human tragedy of immense proportions. The 'Fallen Unconquered' monument here serves as a final tribute to the city's spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 1944 Uprising Trail is the most comprehensive route, starting at the Warsaw Uprising Museum and moving through the City Center to the Uprising Monument. It covers approximately 5-6 kilometers of significant historical sites.