Gdansk - Part I

Gdansk, Poland is the birthplace of the Solidarity Movement in 1980 that lead to the downfall of the Soviet Union in 1990. We spent 4 nights in Gdansk. One day we visited the almost adjoining cities of Sopot and Gdynia. Another day we day tripped to Malbork Castle; about hour southeast by regional train. And one day we visited sights in Gdansk (see the next blog post).

We liked Gdansk a lot, partly because we booked an apartment that was between the train station (easy day tripping) and Dluga Street (the Royal Way); that is, almost in the shadow of St Mary's Church. But mostly because Gdansk is interesting, romantic and fun. I'm sure we'll be back.

Even though the walk from our hotel in Torun to the station was 2 kms, the view back to town from the bridge was worth it.


In Gdansk, the old Armory was just around the corner from our apartment, and its facade became an old friend.


The busiest tourist spot in Gdansk, especially when a cruise ship is in port, is the Royal Way/Dluga Street.






Lunch at Vegetarian Restaurant on Dluga Street.


Just off Dluga street is the new, black brick, Shakespeare Theater.


The Old Mill.


The spire of Old Town Hall.


The Old Town waterside.


The so-called Green Gate from 2 angles.




Evening waterfront strollers.


The atmospheric Mariacka Street looking to St Mary's church.


View of Gdansk Glowny Railway Station as we head there to catch the train to Sopot.


Sopot is a seaside resort town right on the Baltic Sea; a 20-minute train ride north of Gdansk with mansions, old hotels, the longest wooden pier in Europe, and many miles of beach. Here are some photos.








The Grand Hotel Sopot.




And just a few more minutes north by train is the port city of Gdyania with some Modernist buildings and its own pier.




We spot a Green Way vegetarian milk bar in Gdynia and each have a set lunch meal. Tasty!


How did this vintage Ford Mustang convertible get to Gdynia?






The Aquarium.


The ORP Błyskawica, a Polish destroyer of WWII vintage.


The Gydnia Market Hall.


Catching the SKM commuter train back to Gdansk.


The Gdansk Market House; outside and inside.




Our late evening stroll. First the Prison Tower.


Practicing my panning technique. Not quite there yet.




Looking down Dlgua Street.






Malbork Castle is about an hour by train southeast of Gdansk. It's said to be the largest brick castle in the world, and was the seat of power of the Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights. Here are some shots from our day trip to the castle.....While waiting for our regular-speed regional train, we spotted this sleek fast train at Gdansk Glowny Station.












Heating ducts in the castle.


Touring school groups in the Middle Castle courtyard.


The courtyard of the High Castle.


The Castle Church.




The Grand Master's seat.;-)