Location & Historical Background
Romantic Setting
Gdańsk lies at the mouth of the Motława River on the Baltic coast, where waterways, shipyards, and colorful merchant houses meet the open sea. Sea breezes soften the city’s grand façades, while today’s visitors are struck by the harmony between restored historic streets and expansive waterfronts.
Origins & Foundation
The settlement that became Gdańsk existed as early as the 10th century, rising quickly as a key Baltic port. Legend says the city was founded where amber washed ashore in such quantities that traders simply stopped leaving. Its strategic position soon made it a vital member of the Hanseatic League.
The Three Greatest Blows
Teutonic Takeover (1308)
In 1308, the Teutonic Knights seized Gdańsk in a violent takeover, killing many inhabitants and reshaping the city’s political order. Though trade eventually recovered, the event left a deep scar in local memory.
World War II Outbreak (1939)
On 1 September 1939, World War II began with the attack on Westerplatte near Gdańsk. The city suffered occupation, destruction, and immense human loss during the war years.
Post-War Population Exchange (1945)
After 1945, Gdańsk’s population was almost entirely replaced as German residents fled or were expelled and Polish settlers arrived. The city had to rebuild not only its architecture, but its identity.
The Golden Age
Gdańsk’s golden age spanned the 16th and early 17th centuries, when it became one of Europe’s richest ports. Grain trade, shipbuilding, and maritime autonomy funded grand townhouses, churches, and civic buildings that still define the city’s unique character.
Why Visit the City Today
Today, Gdańsk is open, confident, and proudly layered. Its historic center dazzles, its shipyards tell powerful modern stories, and nearby beaches add space and light. Few cities combine beauty, history, and relevance as naturally as Gdańsk does.
Tourist Information & Must-See Places
Practical Information (Estimated Averages)
- Average lunch: €9–14
- Average accommodation (per night): €90–150
- One beer: €3–4
- One coffee: €3–4
Most Interesting Parts of the City
Main Town (Główne Miasto), Long Market (Długi Targ), Motława waterfront, and the former shipyard areas.
Top 3 Must-See Attractions
Long Market & Neptune Fountain
The ceremonial heart of Gdańsk, lined with ornate merchant houses that showcase centuries of maritime wealth.
Medieval Crane (Żuraw)
An iconic port structure symbolizing Gdańsk’s shipbuilding power and Hanseatic trade dominance.
Westerplatte
The site where World War II began, now a memorial landscape reminding visitors of the city’s global historical role.
Final Summary
Gdańsk doesn’t just face the sea—it faces history head-on. Come for the beauty and breeze, stay for the stories and substance, and leave knowing that ports don’t just move goods—they move ideas.