WARTIME GUIDES

"Guide others as you would like to be guided" – these were the words imparted to me by my mentors. Since 2007, I have had the privilege of meeting hundreds of incredible individuals as a tour guide. Together, we have explored the underground wonders of Toruń and marveled at the cityscape from the tops of its towers. Each tour has been a unique and unforgettable experience, with its own captivating story. I am immensely grateful for the recognition "Guide of the year" I have received. It is a tremendous honor and serves as motivation for me to continue guiding for many more years to come. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. One aspect of my work as a guide that holds special significance for me is the opportunity to assist and prepare visits for families of prisoners of war held at Stalag XXA in Toruń and Stalag XXB in Malbork. These brave individuals endured unimaginable hardships during World War II, and it is my duty to ensure their stories are preserved and sh...

Today, I would like to share with you an extraordinary experience of leading a cycling expedition. This unique event allowed us to discover captivating places with a rich history, and one of the poignant stops was visiting the memorial of the victims of the Chroabie camp. Some of the participants were deeply moved, while others expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about this important history. The memorial of the victims of the Chroabie camp is a place that deeply moves and prompts reflection. As I guided our group to this location, the atmosphere was filled with solemnity and respect. The memorial, erected to commemorate the lives lost in the cruel conditions of the camp, serves as a symbolic reminder of the horrors endured by the prisoners. For some participants of our expedition, visiting the Chroabie memorial was a profoundly unsettling experience. Witnessing the impressive sculptures and reading the names of thousands of innocent victims was both emotionally moving and...

I'm happy to share my experience as a bike rally guide. During this extraordinary adventure, tourists had the opportunity to see many interesting places, including the Toruń Fortress Museum, where there is an exhibition dedicated to prisoners of war, and Fort XV, which was associated with the Stalag XXA camp. The Toruń Fortress Museum is an extremely fascinating place that takes us back to times of war. Inside the museum, you can see an exhibition dedicated to the POWs, which shows their living conditions, the challenges they faced and the stories of many unknown heroes. Walking through these rooms and looking at the exhibits, the participants of the rally had the opportunity to understand the difficult reality that the prisoners of war in Stalag XXA had to face. This place gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to their memory and appreciate their courage. The next point of our route was Fort XV, which was an integral part of the structure of the Stalag XXA camp. This mighty fort...

I would like to share with you the extraordinary experience of being a guide on a Countryside Cycling Tour. This remarkable adventure allowed us to discover captivating places with a rich history, and one of the exciting stops on our journey was Fort XIV, which served as a hospital for prisoners of Stalag XXA during World War II. I am grateful to have been a part of this event, and now I would like to share it with you. Fort XIV, situated in a picturesque area, has witnessed many dramatic events. As I led our group to this stop, the participants immediately felt the extraordinary atmosphere of this place. Originally built as part of defensive fortifications, the fort became a hospital for prisoners of war during the war. It was here that the wounded and sick prisoners from Stalag XXA were cared for. During our visit, we had the opportunity to delve into a history that often remains hidden. I shared with the tourists the knowledge about the daily life in the hospital, shedding light on ...

I am pleased to share with you the news of my latest article, which has been published in the Atlas of Toruń Fortress. This time, I focused on Fort XV, which served as a place of imprisonment for the prisoners of Stalag XXA during World War II, and its subsequent history as a Forced Labor Camp. In my article, I delve into the fascinating history of Stalag XXA, where Australian prisoners of war were among those held captive. Through in-depth research, source analysis, and eyewitness accounts, I sought to bring readers closer to the dramatic experiences of these prisoners and the conditions in which they lived. I recount their daily lives, the challenges they faced, and the exceptional bonds that formed among them in the difficult camp conditions. It is worth noting that the history of this place did not end in 1945. After the war, Fort XV was transformed into a Forced Labor Camp, where German and Polish prisoners were forced to perform various physical tasks. This topic was dealt with v...