A Step-by-Step Guide To 8 Epic Sights You Need To See In Gdansk, Poland- Baltic Sea 4
Port of Gdansk, Poland
This is a seaport located on the southern coast of Gdansk Bay in Northern Poland by the Vistula estuary (longest river in Poland). Port of Gdansk (pronounced as Ge-dansk) is one of the longest ports in the Baltic Sea region. It is divided into 2 parts: the inner port and the exterior one.
The inner port handles ferry, phosphates, liquid and bulk sulphur as well as fruit handling terminals. The exterior port on the other hand, handles coal, crude oil, LPG, and deep water container terminals. Port of Gdansk is also a direct connection into the Baltic Sea of Eastern European countries such as Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine and Belarus.
An Overview On Gdansk:
It’s one of Poland’s oldest cities founded in the 7th century but it rose into prominence in 997 A.D. when Bishop Alderberdt of Bohemia came into the area and baptized the settlers into the Christian faith.
Due to its good location along the Baltic Sea and the abundance of its amber stones, German ancient powers left their indelible mark on Gdansk. From a Hanseatic port town, to Teutonic Knights and Prussian kings, the influence of Germany couldn’t be denied. In those times, the city was renamed into Danzig. But Gdansk had its moments of freedom though, between 1920-1939 it was a Free City and under the jurisdiction of Poland.
However at Westerplatte area in Gdansk, the Nazis fired their first shot that signaled the start of World War II and Germany‘s reign of terror in the whole of Eastern Europe began. After the war, Gdansk became a Communist stronghold until 1989. It was in its famous shipyard that started the Solidarity movement which eventually led to the fall of Communism not only in Poland but in the whole Eastern bloc as well.
After a few days at Szczecin in September 2004, we sailed next to the Port of Gdansk, still with the Sallie Knutsen oil tanker. This is one of the most beautiful cities of Poland and for a good reason. Lovely old town feel, budget prices, multi-cultural ambience and friendly locals – Gdansk has it all. So here’s a step-by-step guide to 8 epic sights you need to see in Gdansk, Poland.
1. Follow the Royal Way at Dlugi Targ.
The main street of Gdansk and although its name means “long street” or “long market”, you can walk the entire length in just 10 minutes. But Dlugi Targ has the most notable attraction along the way. Look up beyond the crowds and you will see a ton of beauty on both sides of the road. Pastel-colored buildings with unique designs and stunning details line Dlugi Targ. In a matter of 10 minutes a walk along this street feels like you are in a fairyland- an epic sight you need to see in Gdansk, Poland.
2. Shop for amber jewelry at Ulica Mariacka.
One of the coolest streets and an epic sight you need to see in Gdansk, Poland is Ulica Mariacka. Aside from the attractive buildings that line this street, the whole area is a place to haggle for Gdansk‘s unique amber jewelry and other artifacts. Gdansk is Poland‘s amber capital, washed ashore by the Baltic Sea for hundreds of years. And the multi-colored stone was used to make jewelry, art and sculpture. Mariacka Street is a showcase of this ingenuity.
3. See the world’s most unique astronomical clock at St. Mary’s Church.
St. Mary’s Church is the focal point of Gdansk’s Old Town. It’s a towering Church and known as one of the largest brick Catholic Churches in the world. But what really draws tourists to explore St. Mary‘s is its legendary astronomical clock. Built between 1404-1470, this astronomical clock does not only show the exact time but also the day, month, phases of the moon, position of the sun and at noon time presents biblical scenes. An epic sight you need to see in Gdansk, Poland, it is believed that the one who designed was forcibly blinded so he will not be able to make another one of this kind of astronomical clock anymore.
4. Take a shot of Goldwasser Liqueur for good luck.
The symbol of Gdansk, Goldwasser is an herbal liqueur distinguished by the flakes of gold mixed in it. An epic sight you need to see in Gdansk, Poland, this is a 16th century drink invented by a Dutchman who became a citizen of Gdansk in 1598. It is believed that if you drink a shot of Goldwasser, it will bring good luck.
5. Visit St. Bridget’s Church for its amber altar.
Best remembered as the refuge of labor leaders in the Solidarity movement, St. Bridget’s Church was almost destroyed during World War II. It was reconstructed in 1973 based on original designs that date back to the 15th century. The Church contains the remains of St. Bridget but its stand out feature is its amber altar. An epic sight you need to see in Gdansk, Poland, the amber altar of St. Bridget’s Church is the only one of its kind in the world. It is simply something that captivates one’s attention.
6. Enjoy a beer at Beer Street.
Ulica Piwna is one of Gdnask Old Town’s main streets. When translated to English, the meaning of the street’s name is “beer street”. And yes, you’re right…it’s an area of pubs and cafes where you can have Gdansk‘s craft beer. Situated at the area is a historic beer bell as well. Locals say this bell was used to announced the opening of bars in the old days. Ulica Piwna indeed is an epic sight you need to see in Gdansk, Poland.
7. Explore the world’s largest castle, Malbork Castle.
Within an hour’s train ride from the city of Gdansk is Malbork Castle, the biggest castle in the world, even larger than Windsor Castle in the UK. An epic sight you need to see near Gdansk, Poland, Malbork Castle was established by the Teutonic Knights during the Middle Ages. The Teutonic Knights is a group of German Roman Catholic Order of crusaders who came to Poland to convert the people into the Catholic faith.
Malbork Castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has undergone through a lot of ownership after the Knights abandoned the area, but it was never invaded even during World War II. There are several tales or mysteries linked as to why Malbork was never conquered such as evil spirits and extra terrestial beings guarding the castle. And so these mysterious facts made it a top tourist destination in Gdansk.
8. Indulge yourself on a Polish milk bar (Bar Mleczny).
Gdansk is a city not only for taking in its stunning attractions but also to savor its lovely cuisine as well. And there is a surplus of Polish food assortment to indulge in at affordable prices. When they say milk bars in Gdansk, the Polish don’t mean a milk in a bar but it’s a cafe or restaurant serving high quality Polish meal at a very reasonable price.
An epic sight you need to see in Gdansk, Poland, a trip to a milk bar introduces you to traditional Polish foods like pierogi (Polish dumpling), golabki (stuffed cabbage rolls), or kotlet schabowry (pork cutlets) with a drink of kampot (unsweetened mix of berries) or kefir. For a taste of authentic Polish treat, a visit to a milk bar should be a must in your itinerary when you go to Gdansk, Poland.
A city often ignored as tourists tend to explore Warsaw in Poland, but Gdansk, like Szczecin has a charm and magic that is unrivaled. A very safe city to visit I guarantee that this city will amaze you at every bend. If you’re planning to travel to Europe someday, Gdansk, Poland is highly recommended for you…just GO. Milego dnia i badz bezpieczny. (Good day and be safe.)
Reference: Wikipedia