Positioned 300 meters off the coast of Gdynia's picturesque Babie Doły, the remains of a German WWII torpedo-testing station stand as silent witnesses to a turbulent past. These ruins, mysterious and captivating, have attracted the curiosity of history enthusiasts and explorers alike. This article invites you to join a walk along Gdynia’s Baltic shoreline, exploring the complex history and enduring mystique of these maritime relics.
Text & Photo: Bjørn Joachimsen
A Historical Backdrop: Gdynia’s Strategic Wartime Complex
The story of Gdynia’s torpedo testing facilities is intertwined with the German Wehrmacht’s naval ambitions during WWII. The location was part of a large, secret military project called "Torpedowaffenplatz Hexengrund," which included two main sites: Babie Doły and Oksywie. The Germans established this sophisticated complex to develop and test new models of torpedoes, both aerial and submarine—many of which significantly influenced naval warfare tactics during the war.
Construction began in 1940 amidst growing wartime needs. The Germans imported various torpedo types, including Italian F5W and Japanese models, and developed their own, like the F5 series, including the radio-guided F5b torpedo, which was advanced for its time. The facilities included not only the testing platforms but also workshops, power plants, accommodations, and transportation infrastructure, such as a narrow-gauge railway (the “Kaszubski express”) linking the complex with the port and other military facilities.
Standing at the edge of history—the mysterious ruins of Gdynia’s old torpedo testing station tell stories of war and resilience. Photo: Bjørn Joachimsen.
In 1942, the site was fully operational, with daily tests involving hundreds of torpedoes launched from land, ships, and aircraft—especially from aircraft based at nearby airfields designed for military testing. The complex’s strategic location on calm, protected waters made it ideal for precise experiments and innovations. The German military considered the site highly secret and well-guarded, with access restricted and underground tunnels and bunkers supporting operations.
By the end of the war in 1945, the Germans evacuated, and Soviet forces seized the site, dismantling and transporting most equipment back to the USSR. Post-war, the site was abandoned; many structures fell to neglect, and nature gradually reclaimed it.
The Ruins of Babie Doły: An Architectural Ghost of War
Built on sunken caissons, the Babie Doły torpedo station was once a hub of cutting-edge military research. Today, only skeletal remains and remnants of the complex’s foundation survive, a stark reminder of its former strategic importance. After WWII, the Red Army stripped the site of all usable equipment—what couldn’t be moved was left to decay. The wooden walkways connecting the platform to the coast were demolished to prevent unauthorized access, and subsequent storms and tides further devastated what was left.
A powerful glimpse into the past—exploring the haunting ruins of Gdynia’s WWII-era torpedo base.
Photo: Bjørn Joachimsen
Despite its ruinous state, the site retains a haunting beauty, amplified by its seaside setting and the remnants that hint at its former technological marvel. Its strategic and military significance during WWII, combined with the dramatic landscape, makes it a must-see for history buffs.
Exploring the Area Today
Visitors flock to Babie Doły year-round, attracted by the stark beauty of the ruins, the wild cliffs, and the beaches. The site is especially atmospheric in winter when stormy weather and icy waves enhance its mysterious aura. Walking along the cliffs and beach pathways, one can admire the natural scenery and encounter wooden sculptures created by anonymous local artists, depicting marine creatures and skeletal forms, adding an artistic layer to the site’s historic ambiance.
Practical Tips for Visiting
While the ruins themselves are unsafe for direct access, viewing points along the coast provide spectacular vistas. The nearest parking is near the Polish Naval Aviation Brigade, with bus routes connecting to Babie Doły Beach. Remember to dress warmly in winter and bring your camera—the site’s dramatic remains and panoramic views offer perfect photo opportunities.
Further Reading & In-Depth Resources
To deepen your understanding of the history behind the Torpedownia, consider exploring these resources:
"Obiekty podwodne i militaria Zatoki Gdańskiej" by Antoni Komorowski (source)
"Der Lufttorpedo" by Friedrich Lauck (source)
"Bedeker Gdyński" by Kazimierz Małkowski ([source](https://www.zlotaproporcja.pl/2021/03/10/torpedownia-w-gdyni-bab
References
Torpedownia w Gdyni Babie Doły – historia i obecny stan
https://www.zlotaproporcja.pl/2021/03/10/torpedownia-w-gdyni-babie-doly/Niezwykła historia torpedowni w Gdyni. Co leży na dnie?
https://www.onet.pl/turystyka/szaryburekpl/niezwykla-historia-torpedowni-w-gdyni-co-lezy-na-dnie/vk7hk15,30bc1058Torpedownia w Babich Dołach – historia i opis
https://mynaszlaku.pl/torpedownia-babie-doly-w-gdyni/Zwiedzanie torpedowni w Gdyni Babie Doły z Sopot i Gdyni
https://www.watertaxi.com.pl/zwiedz-torpedownie-w-gdyni-babie-doly-z-sopotu-lub-gdyni/Znaczkowe Miejsca Turystyczne – Torpedownia w Gdyni Babie Doły
http://www.znaczki-turystyczne.pl/znaczkowe-miejsca-turystyczne/torpedownia-gdynia-babie-doly-c1224
Utilise diagonals: Look for diagonal lines created by ruins, shoreline, or landscape features – diagonals add dynamism and depth.. Photo: Bjørn Joachimsen.
Guide to Capturing the Ruins of Torpedownia with an Analog Camera
Photographing the haunting remains of Gdynia’s Torpedownia with an analog camera offers a timeless way to document its atmospheric and historic essence. To get the most compelling images, careful planning, precise framing, and thoughtful technical decisions are essential. Follow this step-by-step guide to master the art of analog landscape and ruin photography at this fascinating site.
Step 1: Scout and Select Your Locations
Visit beforehand: If possible, visit the site during different times of day—morning, evening, or overcast days—to observe natural light and shadow play.
Identify vantage points: Look for elevated spots, cliffs, or viewpoints on the beach that offer sweeping panoramas, as well as side angles or spots closer to the ruins.
Consider distant details: Use a telephoto lens to capture specific features and create layered compositions.
Step 2: Find the Best Camera Positions
Use a low camera position: Get close to the ground or lower your tripod to emphasize foreground elements—rocks, grass, textured earth, or debris—to add depth and visual interest.
Focus on composition: Prioritize your framing using principles such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, framing devices, and diagonals to add dynamism.
Emphasize low-angle shots: These boost foreground impact, making your images more dramatic and immersive.
Seek elevated viewpoints for a broad, panoramic view of the entire site, water, and sky.
Close to the water: Position near the shoreline to capture water motion, reflections, or textures in the foreground.
Side angles: Seek angles that highlight textures, details, or the interior of the structures.
Remote or distant viewpoints: Use a telephoto or telezoom lens from afar to isolate and emphasize specific features.
By following this guide, with an emphasis on low-angle shots to boost foreground impact and meticulous framing—utilizing the power of diagonals and shooting both horizontally and vertically—you'll be able to produce striking, atmospheric black-and-white images that beautifully capture the historic and scenic atmosphere of Gdynia’s Torpedownia.
Step 3: Composition Tips
Rule of Thirds: Place main subjects, such as the ruins or water reflections, along the thirds for a balanced and engaging composition.
Leading Lines: Use natural or structural lines like walkways, shoreline edges, or remnants of the ruins to guide the viewer’s eye into the scene.
Framing: Incorporate foreground elements—rocks, vegetation, sculptures—to add depth and context.
Sky and Water Balance: Consider how the sky and water will balance in your frame, especially with dramatic clouds or reflections, to enhance atmosphere.
Negative Space: Use empty sky or water to emphasise the solitude and grandeur of the ruins.
Utilise diagonals: Look for diagonal lines created by ruins, shoreline, or landscape features – diagonals add dynamism and depth.
Shoot Both Orientations: Remember to take photographs in both horizontal (landscape) and vertical (portrait) formats. Different formats can emphasise various aspects of the scene – wide views or tall details – allowing for more flexibility in your final images.
Step 4: Thoroughly Examine and Prepare Your Viewfinder
Inspect your viewfinder carefully before shooting. Ensure the scene is framed as you envision.
Adjust framing, focus, and composition with patience—consider the placement of subject, horizon, and other elements.
Leverage the power of diagonals: seek compositional lines that lead the eye through the scene and bring dynamism.
Watch out for reflections, vignetting, or unwanted objects that might intrude in your shot.
Confirm focus (if manual or through an SLR mirror) to ensure sharpness in key areas.
Step 5: Make All Decisions Before Pressing the Shutter
Decide your desired composition and look—where to place elements according to the rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, and diagonals.
Choose your exposure settings based on lighting conditions, filters, and desired motion effects.
Carefully consider the aperture, shutter speed, and filters to control depth of field, motion, and contrast.
Remember: All artistic and technical decisions should be finalised before pressing the shutter. This discipline ensures your images match your artistic vision.
Step 6: Use the Right Equipment, Filters, and Film
Camera: A sturdy 35mm or medium-format camera with manual controls—in this case, a Pentax 645Nii used for these images.
Tripod: A robust, stable tripod (such as the Sirui R-4214X) to ensure sharpness during long exposures.
Lenses: A wide-angle (24mm-35mm) to capture expansive landscapes, a telephoto (85mm or higher) for detail shots, and a telezoom for versatile framing.
Film: Use low ISO film (ISO 50 or 100, such as Kentmere Pan 100) for maximum clarity, fine grain, and superior quality for long exposures.
Filters:
ND filters (Neutral Density):
To extend exposure times during daylight, creating motion effects like smooth water or blurring clouds.Graduated ND filters:
To balance exposure between the sky and foreground, especially in partly cloudy conditions.Red filters:
To increase contrast in the sky, deepen cloud and sky tones, and enhance high-contrast landscape details, especially when the sky is partly cloudy or clear.
Filter holder: NiSi V7 100mm filter holder with ND8, ND64, ND1000, and GND8 filters.
Additional gear:
Remote shutter release or Kaiser Pro Cable Release to avoid vibrations during long exposures.
Lens hood to minimise flare and increase contrast.
This setup, combined with careful use of filters and film selection, helps you maximize image quality and harness long exposure techniques, especially critical for capturing the atmospheric scenes of Gdynia’s ruins.
Equipment used during the photography:
Camera body: Pentax 645Nii
Lenses:
SMC Pentax-FA 645 1:2.8/45mm
SMC Pentax-FA 645 1:2.8/75mm
SMC Pentax-FA 645 1:4.5/80-160mm
SMC Pentax-FA 645 1:5.6/150-300mm
SMC Pentax-FA 645 1:5.6/400mm
Filter holder: NiSi V7 100mm filter holder with ND8, ND64, ND1000, and GND8 filters
Red filter: 25
Remote release: Kaiser Pro Cable Release
Tripod: Sirui R-4214X
Film: Kentmere Pan 100
Developing: Developed in Ilfotec LC at Stavanger Foto
Digitisation: Scanned with Valoi Easy 120
Torpedownia in Gdynia. Photo: Bjørn Joachimsen.