Dorota Laitinen - Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia

I would like to propose you a few sightseeing routes:

I. The Old Town – part 1 (about 3 hours)

Beautifully rebuilt after 90% destruction after World War Two . This is a paradise of old churches, buildings and constructions representing many architectural styles.
ROUTE: The Royal Way: Upland Gate- Gateway Complex (Torture House & Prison Tower)- Golden Gate- St. George Brotherhood Court - Dluga street – Main Town Hall –Dlugi Targ – Neptune Fountain – Artus Court – Golden House – Green Gate , Dlugie Pobrzeze – Great Crane , Mariacka street – St.Mary’s Church, Piwna street – Great Arsenal, Targ Weglowy

II. The Old Town – part 2 (about 2 hours)

In this part of the town we may understand the importance of the Teutonic Order rule in Gdansk development. We can feel historical events such as dramatic defence of the Polish Post Office on the 1st Sept 1939 when the World War Two broke out or the mass strikes in Gdansk Shipyard in 1980 which started the Solidarity movement.
ROUTE: The Polish Post Office Defenders square ( Plac Obroncow Poczty Polskiej), St. Bridget’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, Radunia Channel - Great Mill, Jan Hevelius statue, Old Town Hall, “ Roads to Freedom” exhibition, Fallen Shipyard Workers monument, Main Railway Station.

III. Oliwa ( about 3 hours)

One of the most beautiful Gdansk districts, where we find many monuments of culture and nature. While walking in the famous Oliwa Park we can admire unique nature compositions, picturesque streams, lakes and waterfalls. The biggest attraction in Oliwa is the Cathedral with its history dating back to 1188. There you can indulge in the impressive sounds of the church organs during a concert.
ROUTE: Park of Adam Mickiewicz, Palace of Abbots , Oliwa Cathedral.

IV. Sopot (about 5 hours)

Sopot is called “ The Pearl of the Polish coast” or “The Summer capital of Poland”. Its location and climate make it the most famous resort and Spa in the whole country. Many attractions and pre-war architecture, particularly its characteristic verandas, create unique ambience and attract plenty of tourists who fall in love with Sopot at first sight.
ROUTE: Garrison church of St. George, Boh. Monte Cassino street - a promenade, Crooked House, Resort square, pier , Grand Hotel, Forest Opera.

V. Gdynia

Pre-war miraculous symbol of development of Polish marine industry. Those who are fond of historical monuments may feel disappointed since despite its long history Gdynia cannot boast many of them. It amazes us with its image of a modern, open city always ready to develop.
ROUTE: Kościuszko square, Southern pier – museum ships: “Błyskawica” – historic destroyer and a WWII veteran, ”Dar Pomorza”- a three-masted training ship, Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium, Naval Museum, Stone Hill.

VI. Westerplatte

A place which reminds us about the beginning of one of the most dramatic events in the world’s history, i.e. is the outbreak of the Second World War. Today it is a beautiful, quiet spot overlooking Gdansk port and the bay.