City break? Beach retreat? Lakes and forests? Why not do them all!
Visit Gdansk and discover the nearby coastal gems and rural landscapes
It’s a common debate among friends and couples planning a holiday – do we go sun, sea and sand or do we hit the town? There’s no need to fall out over it if you’re coming to Poland – you can enjoy the best of both worlds here.
Many people head to Poland to explore its delightful cities – and rightly so – they’re ideal for a short cultural break. But, did you know we also have beaches close to one of the top cities? If Gdansk is on your wishlist for this summer, it’s the perfect destination to combine sightseeing with sunbathing!
Regarded as one of the most culturally and historically significant cities in Poland, Gdansk offers a brilliant city and coastal experience. The city is home to some of Poland’s finest museums, a vibrant culinary and beer scene and is just a short journey away from the Polish Riviera of Sopot.
Gdansk
Forming the Tri-City with Sopot and Gdynia, among the top things to see and do in Gdansk are Gdansk Shipyard, the Museum of the Second World War, Neptune’s Fountain, and The European Solidarity Centre. Or, you could take a city cruise or a walk along the Royal Way – a vibrant and colourful promenade bursting with character. Gdansk is an ideal destination for history lovers, offering curious visitors a glimpse into the city’s past. The best way to get to know Gdansk is to wander through its brightly coloured, lively streets. The legendary Długi Targ, known as the Long Market, is the main thoroughfare of Gdansk. This hub is full of character, packed with colourful pastel buildings, buzzing bars, underground restaurants and the iconic Neptune Fountain.
Sopot and Gdynia
Gdansk is a great base for exploring the white sands of the Baltic coast at the nearby seaside resorts of Sopot and Gdynia. Known as the Polish Riviera, Sopot is just a 15 minute journey away. Wander along the tree-lined seafront, discover white sandy beaches taking in the refreshing Baltic sea air along the wooden pier -the longest in Europe! Visitors can chill out in one of the many cafes and restaurants overlooking the beach. Even if you don’t pack your bucket and spade, don’t forget the sun-block. It can get pretty hot here in the high season!
In Gdynia, a former fishing village just a further 15-minute train ride away, stroll along the seafront promenade to see the famous Gdynia Maritime Monument. Experience an authentic taste of the region at some of the newest foodie hotspots or enjoy fresh cod aboard a Baltic boat.
Kashubia
Another cool place to go to if you’re visiting Poland is Kashubia – a brilliant add-on to your city break in Gdansk. Stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Masurian Lakes, this region is often referred to as ‘Kashubian Switzerland’ which maybe gives you an idea of the landscape. Lakes, hills, and streams are plentiful and this lesser known gem is easily reached from Gdansk and small enough to see in a day or two. Not only beautiful to look at, this area is unique to Kashubian traditions and if you enjoy learning about other cultures and ethnicities, you will love it here.
One of the most distinctive features of Kashubia is the language- its a sort of mix between Polish and German with its own vocabulary and pronunciation.
Kashubians consider themselves poles but have held onto their identity, heritage and culture. They are friendly people and you will enjoy meeting and interacting with them on your visit to the region.
If you’re looking for attractions or things to do in Kashubia, or even learn more about Kashubian traditions and culture, visit local museums and galleries. A good starting point would be the Kashubian Regional Museum in Kartuzy or Kashubian Ethnographic Park.
As you would imagine, the lakes are hugely popular and a haven for water sports fans. You can do plenty on dry land here, but with waterways as pretty as these, it would be a shame not to spend a few hours out on a boat.
So if you want to try somewhere new, the stunning landscapes and intriguing cultural heritage are reason enough to stop by Kashubia.
There you have it; no more arguments – natural beauty, city sightseeing and seaside fun all rolled into one trip.
Life’s a beach!
