Among the hills of morainic origin rising above Rumia, Markowiec Hill stands out, with an elevation of 92 meters above sea level. It dominates the western borders of Rumia, the valley of Zagórska Stream, and the entire Reda-Łeba Plain.
The name of the hill
Markowiec Hill is named after the Markowiec family, the pre-war owners. It serves as a viewpoint for the Kashubian Plain, Oksywie Islet, and the Gdańsk Bay. A black hiking trail (Zagórska Struga Trail) runs through the hill.
Markowca Hill, photo by Ewa Jaroszyńska
Markowiec Hill during World War II
- Markowiec Hill serves as a natural “bastion,” protruding from the west into the vast glacial valley stretching from Reda towards Gdynia
- Already in the Iron Age, people recognized the hill as a good place to establish a settlement, as evidenced by traces discovered by archaeologists. However, it is primarily known for defensive battles during World War II. Here, the Polish forces defended themselves until September 12, 1939, and later, the Germans installed an anti-aircraft artillery battery on the hill. In March 1945, this battery inflicted heavy losses on the Soviet Red Army units liberating Gdynia, and especially on the Polish tanks of the 1st Armored Brigade named after the Heroes of Westerplatte
- Until just a few years ago, well-preserved remains were still visible, including a fire control post shelter, five gun emplacements, and trench lines
Markowca Hill, photo by Ewa Jaroszyńska
How to get there ?
- For decades after the war, Rumia’s youth gathered at Markowiec Hill, covering the remnants of fortifications with various graffiti, spending evenings by (illegal) bonfires and drinking (prohibited) beer, leaving piles of trash behind.
- Today, Markowiec Hill can be accessed via comfortable paths and stairs, allowing visitors to climb the tower – a viewing platform. From here, one can admire the panorama of Rumia, Gdynia, the Reda Plain, and even the Hel Peninsula.
- For adrenaline seekers, there is a climbing wall, mountain bike trails, and a ropes course at Markowiec Hill. There is also a playground for children, and many spots for recreation and relaxation for everyone.
- Those interested in the history of the site will find preserved fragments of wartime fortifications, gun emplacements, all presented and described in detail on nearby display boards.
- How to get there? The city of Rumia has prepared a mini guide with a map showing the locations of objects on the hill, including access roads and parking areas. It can be downloaded from rumia.eu/gora-markowca.
Markowca Hill, photo by Ewa Jaroszyńska
Markowca Hill, photo by Ewa Jaroszyńska
Rumia
Although Rumia appears in documents over eight hundred years ago, it is hard to find a historical center around which the life of its residents revolves. The present-day city was formed 70 years ago by the merging of the villages of Rumia, Janowo, Szmelta, Biała Rzeka, and Janowo, and has since become the largest non-county town in Poland.
