Gdansk is the Polish maritime capital with the population nearing half a million. Lying on the Bay of Gdańsk and the southern cost of the Baltic Sea the city is a thousand years old. With its Hanseatic tradition, it has for ages played a major role in the commercial relationships between Northern and Western Europe on the one hand, and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe on the other hand.

Gdansk City tour (2 hours)

The tour starts at Dlugi Targ (Long Market), which together with Dluga Street forms the Royal Way. Here the most attractive monuments are found, lined up with richly ornamented old houses and public historical buildings. The Gothic town hall, dating back to 14th century, houses the Historical Museum of Gdansk. The showpiece is a carillon, a replica of the 13th century instrument. The Arthus Court is one of the most magnificent building of this type in Europe if front of it there is the Neptune Fountain - a symbol of Gdansk. We left Dlugi Targ through the Green Gate, a gatehouse built for visits of Polish kings. We proceed to Maricka Street, beautiful, fairy-like street at the beginning of which stands St Mary's Church, the largest brick church in Europe, which can seats as much as 25,000 of people. We continue to Dlugie Pobrzeze - Motlawa River waterfront and finish at conspicuous Gdansk Crane stands - the biggest port crane of Medieval Europe.

The city tour may be extended to other historical places. Worth a visit are the Gothic St Catherine's Church and the Oliwa Cathedral famous for its 18th century organ, where organ concerts are held everyday. The Monument to The Shipyard Workers was erected in memory of the workers killed in the December riots of 1970. Shipyard was a cradle of Solidarity movement, whose leader was Lech Walesa. Museum of Solidarity displays documents, pictures and other objects associated with this unprecedented people movement. Another place linked to the modern history is Wasterplatte, where II World War started on 1st September 1939. Definitely worth visiting is a Museum of Amber, with unique collection of Amber works.

Excursions in the vicinity of Gdansk

Sopot

Picturesque pre-war summer resort for citizens of Gdansk with beautiful promenade pier and wide, sandy beach. Excursion may be combined with visit to Oliwa cathedral, where organ concert are played. Approximate duration of combined excursion is 3 hours.

Malbork Castle (4 hours)

After decision was made in 1309 by Grand Master Siegfried von Feuchtwangen to shift Teutonic Orders headquarters from Venice to Malbork the local castle rose in rank to become capital of one of the most powerful states on the southern Baltic coast. During 14th and 15th century the castle was continually enlarging its structure and thus became one of the biggest and most magnificent castles in medieval Europe. Nowadays Malbork castle is the largest brick castle in Europe. The Castle was places on the UNESCO list in1997.

Frombork (6 hours)

Frombork is a small picturesque town with numerous relics of the past, full of mysterious charm. Since the end of 13th century it is the seat of Varmian Chapter. Over 700 year old history of the town left numerous tokens. City centerpiece is unique architecture of the cathedral grouping. Nicolaus Copernicus was living in the town since 1510. Here he was taking astronomical observations and writing his famous treatise De revolutionibus orbium coelestium. Approximate duration of combined excursions to Malbork and Frombork: 8 hours

Shifting Dunes (5 hours)

Slowinski National Park preserves the most beautiful part of the Baltic southern coast, with the biggest sandy dunes in Europe, which move under the influence of strong, stormy winds. The Park was recognized as an outstanding natural value and registered on the World List of Biosphere Reserves in 1967.

Torun (whole day)

Torun is a destination place of its own. The birthplace of Nicholas Copernicus, is the most Gothic urban complex in Poland, one of the most important tourist centres of unique value in the state, right after Cracow the second richest of original and best preserved historical monuments city in Poland. Torun did not suffer damage from the second world war and preserved its unique atmosphere of Gothic. Its idyllic location, on the banks of the Vistula River, where a number of ancient trade routes intersected, is a special attraction of this beautiful city. Toruns Old City was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, thus distinguishing its ancient architectural, cultural, intellectual and economic heritage.