Gdańsk (Eng. spelling Gdansk) is located on the coast of the
Baltic Sea and is noted for beautiful beaches and waterfront
activities along with Old Town Gdańsk featuring stunning Gothic
and Renaissance buildings, including the famous St. Mary’s Church and
the medieval Gdańsk Crane.
Gdańsk/Gdynia are also famous as the place where the revolt
started that brought down the Soviet Union. It started as a workers
strike in the shipyard and spread throughout Poland.
Where Your Ship Docks
While Gdańsk has ocean access most cruise ships will tie up at the deep water facilities in Gdynia about 20 miles from Old Town Gdańsk. Don,t expect public facilities at most piers and walking out can be a challenge.
Wheelchair Accessibility – This port has a dedicated cruise ship pier but the ease of disembarking varies by the individual ships gangway designs. Most piers disembark near town but that is some distance from Gdańsk. For passengers using wheelchairs there can be a moderate ramp incline to deal with..
Transportation
The cheapest way to get from Gdynia to Gdańsk costs only US$2.00, and the quickest way takes just 27 minutes with the train from Gdynia to Gdansk. Rideshare with Uber is available from Gdynia to Gdańsk for as little as US$12 and should take about 26 minutes depending on traffic. A taxi will cost about US$30.
Currency
The local currency is the Polish Zloty (PLN) with 0.26 Zloty equal to 1 US Dollar (1 PLN = 0.26 US$). Credit cards are welcome and ATMs are available.
Tipping
Tipping in Poland is simple. Do it for good service and no more than 10%.
Attractions
The heart of the city is the Motlawa River waterfront. This picturesque waterfront along the Motlawa River is perfect for a stroll, renting a small boat and offering stunning views of the famous Gdańsk Crane and visiting inviting cafes.
The Gdańsk Crane is a medieval port crane in Gdańsk, Poland, built in the late 14th century. It’s one of the biggest wooden structures of its kind in Europe and played a crucial role in the city’s shipping industry.
The European Solidarity Centre – A museum dedicated to the history of Solidarity and the fight for freedom in Poland, providing insights into the country’s socio-political changes.
St. Mary’s Church in Gdańsk is one of the largest brick churches in the world, known for its impressive Gothic architecture and intricate design.
Amber – Gdańsk deserves the title of the World Capital of Amber. Jewellery of amber have been produced here for centuries. Visit the Museum of Amber displaying natural lumps of the resin and its inclusions, as well as finished products,
Amber – Gdańsk deserves the title of the World Capital of Amber. Jewellery of amber have been produced here for centuries. Visit the Museum of Amber displaying natural lumps of the resin and its inclusions, as well as finished products,
Old Town Gdańsk is famous for its stunning architecture, historic character and amazing atmosphere that includes the iconic Main Town Hall Square and St. Mary’s Church. It all provides a beautiful glimpse into the city’s history, but understand much of it is not what it seems.
Gdańsk suffered almost total destruction during the war from both sides, especially in the spring of 1945 when it became a last-ditch German stronghold against the Red Army’s advance on Berlin. Gdańsk had become a military stronghold after being remade into a German vision of what the city should look like featuring iconic German architecture.
The siege of Gdańsk and Danzig was launched by the Red Army against Nazi Germany’s occupied Poland in March 1945. Gdańsk was left in complete ruin due to the bombardments, street fighting, and resulting fires, with most of the city’s landmarks completely destroyed.
The Intentional Travelers 