Gdynia: what to see
A century ago Gdynia was a small village. Today it is one of the cities in the Trójmiasto agglomeration. You won’t see any monuments, but there are plenty of modernist-style buildings from the 1930s, and a marina with huge ships. Active travelers can take a cycle tour along the nature trails or walk along the beach. But there are other places that you simply must see in Gdynia. There are weekend entertainments for visitors. Gdynia is a competitor to Sopot and Gdańsk for tourist attention. Do you want to know what happiness feels like? Then go to Gdynia.
Kosciuszko Square and Gdynia Quay
Travellers and holidaymakers have long favoured Kosciuszko Square. Visitors always choose the route that leads along the pier, where there are plenty of shops and cafés. There’s a great view of the historic and modern vessels which provide entertainment for the tourists. A must-see is the Polish destroyer Blyskavica and one of the famous sailing ships, the Dar Pomorya.
Not to be forgotten is Kosciuszko Square, where numerous concerts, festivals and other open-air events are held. The square has an extension, the South Pier. Be sure to take a 60 minute cruise around the inner port.
The Gift of Pomerania
The famous ship is over a century old. It was built in the 20th century for the German Navy, but came under Polish ownership. For over 50 years she was a part of the Polish warships. In the 80s of the 20th century, a museum was opened on her. When visiting the decks of the sailing ship, take a tour of its important strategic sections.
Gdynia Beach
Not far from Kosciuszko Square, Gdynia’s most popular tourist beach is situated. The beach is wide and sandy, with a gently sloping entrance to the sea – it is a very safe place for young travellers. In the summertime there is a sea of holidaymakers. Come and admire the beauty of the coastline and the architecture.
The Blyskavica ship
Beyond Kosciuszko Square on the left-hand side of the Southern Pier, the warship Blyskavica sails in the sea waves. She was built in the second half of the 1930s at a British shipyard in Cowes.
In the 1970s, the destroyer became a museum object. It is the oldest active warship in the world. Today, tourists can spend a few days in the ship’s quarters and visit exhibitions of the uniforms.
Gdynia Aquarium
It is a zoo, which is very closely linked with sea creatures and plants. Visitors can see over 60 tanks, where representatives of the underwater world from all corners of the world are gathered.
Gdynia Hill: Kamienna Góra
In the central part of the city there is a hill called Kamienna Góra. You can look out over the hill and its surroundings: the city, the port and Kosciuszko Square. You can take a stairway or a funicular up to the highest point of the hill. On the square you can admire the cross erected in the 90s of the 20th century, which is 25 metres high. If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, pay a visit to Kamienna Góra.
Orlovo Pier
Formerly Orłowo was a fishing village, in the 1930s it was a famous spa, today it is the most beautiful area of Gdynia. The wooden pier is a major landmark, preserved from the First World War. The pier can be toured free of charge. You can admire the sea, the promenade and the buildings on the shore from the pier.
Kempa Redlovska and Cliff Orlowski
If you come for a holiday in Gdynia, don’t forget to visit Kliepa Orłowski, a beautiful part of the Gdańsk Bay. This is the steep seashore of Kempa Redlowicki, which stretches 650 metres. Tourists also like to take walks in this area.
Gdynia Emigration Museum
Historical museum which exhibits historical documents of Polish emigration. It is the first institution of its kind in the country. You can see collections about Polish emigration and the achievements of Polish citizens abroad. The facility is located in the Sea Station with a huge history.
