Category: Beach

Category: Beach

Tri-City Poland

Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot

Tri-City, located on the Baltic Sea coast in northern Poland, is a vibrant metropolitan area that consists of three cities: Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia. Each city has its own unique character, but together they form a dynamic region that offers visitors a range of cultural, historical, and recreational activities.

Tri-City

The area is home to some of Poland’s wealthiest people. Nearly 35% of taxpayers from Tri-City are in the middle and high taxable income groups (average for Poland 10%). Approximately 12% of Tri-City taxpayers are in highest taxable income group (Polish average 3%).

Gdańsk

Gdańsk is the largest and most historic city in the Tri-City area. Known for its rich maritime history and its connection to the Solidarity movement, Gdańsk is a city that is steeped in culture and tradition. Visitors to Gdańsk can explore the medieval Old Town, which is home to historic sites like the Golden Gate, St. Mary’s Church, and the Neptune Fountain. Gdańsk is also known for its shipyards, which played a key role in the Solidarity movement and the fall of communism in Poland. The European Solidarity Centre, located in the shipyards, is a museum that tells the story of the movement and its impact on Polish history.

Gdańsk is Poland’s principal seaport as well as the capital of the Pomeranian Voivodeship. It is also historically the largest city of the Kashubian region.

The city is close to the former boundary between West Slavic and Germanic lands, and it has a complex political history with periods of Polish rule, periods of German rule, and two spells as a free city. It has been part of modern Poland since 1945.

Walking in the city and getting to know its history etched in the monuments will give you many magical moments and true emotions. Gdansk is a pearl of bourgeois architecture, boasting beautiful houses and a unique market. It is a world of cosy streets and historical churches. These are also perfectly preserved fortifications, ranked among the biggest in Europe, and interesting harbour architecture.

10 Interesting Facts about Tri-City

  1. Gdańsk is known and has been known as Danzig, Gdania, Gyddanyzc, Kdanzk, Gdanzc, Danceke, Danzc, Danczk, Danczik, Danczig and Gdąnsk amongst others!
  2. Gdańsk was the birthplace of the Solidarity movement which, under the leadership of political activist Lech Wałęsa, played a major role in bringing an end to Communist rule across Central Europe.
  3. Gdańsk has been around a long time. It was founded in 997.
  4. Sopot Pier is the longest in the Baltic at 640 metres.
  5. The area around Gdansk is famous for Amber which is also known by many other names such as: jantar, good stone, sacred stone, gold of the north, Baltic gold, and electron. Amber is also a mineral of many colours. Depending on the age amber nuggets range from nearly white, through all shades of yellow and orange, to dark, almost cherry-like red.
  6. Gdansk is the sixth-largest city in Poland.
  7. The Gdańsk Crane (a popular tourist attraction) was the largest port crane in Medieval Europe.
  8. Gdańsk is situated at the mouth of the Motława River, connected to the Leniwka, a branch in the delta of the nearby Vistula River, whose waterway system supplies 60% of the area of Poland and connects Gdańsk to the national capital in Warsaw.
  9. The name Gdańsk is thought to originate from the Gdania River, the original name of the Motława branch on which the city is situated.
  10. For much of its history, the majority of the inhabitants of Gdańsk were German-speakers, who called it Danzig. This name was also used in English until the end of World War II and is still used in historical contexts. Other former English spellings of the name include Dantzig, Dantsic and Dantzic.

Sopot

Sopot, the smallest of the three cities, is a charming seaside resort that has been a popular vacation spot since the 19th century. Sopot is famous for its long sandy beach, its elegant spa architecture, and its vibrant nightlife. Visitors to Sopot can stroll along the historic pier, which is one of the longest wooden piers in Europe, and enjoy the views of the Baltic Sea. Sopot is also home to the Forest Opera, an open-air amphitheatre that hosts a range of cultural events during the summer months.

Tri-City

Sopot has a great geographical location – lying between the beautiful woods of the Tri-City Landscape Park, and the numerous sand beaches of the Bay of Gdańsk. Sopot is known for the endless quantities of tourists, who mainly visit the city during the summertime.

Monte Casino Street (ul. Bohaterów Monte Cassino) is the centre of Sopot, a pedestrianised promenade. To discover the real charm of the town, turn into one of Monte Casino’s side streets, where you’re bound to admire numerous art nouveau houses, parks and gardens. One such beautiful street shelters the splendid Sierakowskich Court (Dworek Sierakowskich).

At the end of Monte Casino you’ll find the Wooden Pier (Molo). It is the longest wooden pier in Europe. During the summertime, for a small fee you can enter the pier, and admire the coastline. You’ll enjoy the sight of the Grand Hotel (one of the largest and most impressive in the Tri-City) on one side, and the Zhong Hua Chinese Hotel on the other, where the Łazienki Południowe (Southern Baths) used to be.

In summer, there are jazz concerts on the hotel’s terrace every Thursday. Another destination for a long walk is the Castle Hill Caves, Sopot’s oldest historic site and the only monument of this kind located in the centre of a contemporary European city.

Each August Sopot plays host to the annual International Sopot Song Festival. The Opera Lesna in the heart of the Tri-City Forest is where you can watch and listen to the best artists arriving in Sopot and still feel the special atmosphere of this magic place.

Today Sopot bustles with cafes, bars, restaurants and clubs. Nightlife and countless summer events are what makes this city so popular. So let yourself be mesmerized by this remarkable resort where you will surely find something for yourself.

Gdynia

Gdynia, the youngest of the three cities, is a bustling port town that is known for its modern architecture and its role as a gateway to the Baltic Sea. Gdynia is home to the Polish Naval Museum, which showcases the history of the Polish navy and its role in World War II. Visitors to Gdynia can also explore the city’s many parks and beaches, which offer a range of recreational activities like cycling, hiking, and water sports.

Gdynia is a young, but quickly expanding port situated right by the seashore, offering many tourist attractions as well as splendid shopping opportunities and a lot of entertainment.

Tri-City

The city was founded as a Polish harbour in 1926. Because of its unusual location, you will easily catch great views of the sea and beautiful scenery, and also find long promenades, beautiful waterfronts, marinas and yacht clubs. Gdynia is the only city in Poland and one of the few in Europe to pride itself on such a long and accessible seashore.

The city has a good transportation system, so you won’t have any problems reaching Gdynia from either of the other cities.

Kosciuszki square (Skwer Kościuszki) is the sightseeing centre of Gdynia. The ships moored in the dockyards, like the ORP Błyskawica destroyer (“Lightning”) or Dar Pomorza (the Pomeranian Gift) for instance, are the biggest tourist attractions.

The beach in Gdynia hosts ‘the Summer Theatre Stage’. So, if you are a theatre lover you should definitely see one of the most interesting plays of the season.

Recreational activities

The Tri-City area also offers a range of recreational activities for visitors. The beaches of the Baltic Sea are a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing. The Pomeranian Voivodeship, which includes the Tri-City area, is also home to several national parks and nature reserves, which offer opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities.

Tourism in Tri-City

There’s plenty to do around Tri-City, there are lots of tourist attractions and a lively nightlife scene not to mention all the fun of the seaside. Either enjoy sunbathing or take part in any of the many water sport activities on offer. From theatre to Rock concerts to quality restaurants, its all available in the Tri-City area.

Check out the top 10 things to do in Tri-City.

You will find some well-known events in Gdansk, in particular International Pop festivals such as the Heineken Opener Festival.

In conclusion, Tri-City is a dynamic and diverse destination that offers something for everyone. From the historic charm of Gdańsk to the seaside beauty of Sopot and the modern energy of Gdynia, the Tri-City area is a destination that is sure to delight visitors. With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and natural beauty, the Tri-City area is a destination that should not be missed.

For detailed tourist information about Poland, please visit our travel partner at, the Poland Travel Agency.

Tours of Tri-City

 

 

Kashubia

The Kashubians – Welcome to Kashubia

Kashubia is a region located in northern Poland, known for its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and unique language. This area, which stretches from the Baltic Sea coast to the Masurian Lakes, has a long and fascinating history that has shaped its culture, traditions, and identity. Among larger cities, Gdynia contains the largest proportion of people declaring Kashubian origin. However, the biggest city of the Kashubia region is Gdańsk, the capital of the Pomeranian Voivodeship and the traditional capital of Kashubia.

The total number of Kashubians varies depending on one’s definition. A common estimate is that over 300,000 people in Poland are of the Kashubian ethnicity. The most extreme estimates are as low as 50,000 or as high as 500,000.

Kashubia

Language

One of the most distinctive features of Kashubia is its language, which is a Slavic dialect with its own vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. While Polish is the official language of the region, Kashubian is still spoken by many residents and is recognised as a regional language by the Polish government. This language is just one of the many ways in which Kashubia stands out as a unique and vibrant place.

In 2005, Kashubian was for the first time made an official subject on the Polish matura exam (roughly equivalent to the English A-Level and French Baccalaureat). Despite an initial uptake of only 23 students, this development was seen as an important step in the official recognition and establishment of the language.

Today, in some towns and villages in northern Poland, Kashubian is the second language spoken after Polish, and it is taught in regional schools.

Since 2005 Kashubian enjoys legal protection in Poland as an official regional language. It is the only tongue in Poland with this status. It was granted by an act of the Polish Parliament on January 6, 2005.

Lakes, forests, and beaches

The region’s natural beauty is another major draw for visitors. Kashubia is home to several stunning lakes, forests, and beaches, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Wdzydze Landscape Park, for example, offers visitors a chance to explore the region’s diverse wildlife and plant life, as well as take part in activities like hiking, kayaking, and fishing. The Kashubian Switzerland is another popular spot for outdoor recreation, with its rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque valleys.

Kashubia

Cultural heritage

Aside from its natural beauty, Kashubia is also known for its rich cultural heritage. The region has a long and storied history, with roots dating back to the medieval period. Over the years, Kashubia has been influenced by a variety of cultures and traditions, including Polish, German, and Scandinavian. This has resulted in a unique blend of customs, music, and cuisine that is unlike anything else in Poland.

Folk art

The Kashubian culture is particularly notable for its distinctive folk art, which includes intricate embroidery, woodcarving, and pottery. Visitors to the region can explore several museums and galleries that showcase these traditions, such as the Kashubian Ethnographic Park in Wdzydze Kiszewskie and the Museum of Kashubian Pottery in Chmielno. These venues offer visitors a chance to learn about the history of the region and see some of its most beautiful works of art up close.

Tourist Attractions

Kashubian Ethnographic Park: At Wdzydze Kiszewskie is an outdoor museum of traditional Kaszubian buildings, founded in 1906. The buildings were collected from the region, lovingly restored and furnished and set up as a folk village. Perhaps some of them were abandoned by the Kaszubs as they left to look for a new life overseas. In the area of 22 hectares there are approximately 40 buildings: 7 farmyards, 2 manor houses, 5 cottages, 4 nobleman houses, a village school with a classroom, a church, a sawmill, a windmill and a smithy.

Centre for Education and Regional Promotion in Szymbark: Danmar is a timber house builder and is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Kashubian culture. They have on exhibit new and old solid timber houses, even a church, a replica underground bunker as used by the partisans during WWII (Gryf Pomorski), an ‘upside down’ house and a restored steam train as used to transport people to the camps in Siberia. They have the longest plank of sawn wood in the world. It was cut from a Douglas fir measuring 36.83m and can be found in the Guinness Book of Records. Many Polish celebrities were involved in the sawing including Lech Walesa. It is well worth a visit.

Parowozownia (steam locomotive museum) at Koscierzyna: The open air railway museum at Koscierzyna displays a huge collection of steam locomotives and railway stock, dating back to 1929, and documents the development of the railways in the region. You are free to climb onto these huge engines and even ride on a working steam train!

Sand dunes at Leba: Nearby is the Smoldzino and Slowinski National Park, covering more than 18,000 hectares of dune, forest, water and peat environment, and sand-bars separating lakes Lebsko and Gardno from the sea. Here shifting dunes, which can reach a height up to 120m (400 feet), leave wilderness behind them; and one can feel as though in a real desert, Poland’s Sahara, with sand all the way to the horizon.

Hel Peninsula: The sandy Hel Peninsula, 35 km long, is a unique natural and landscape attraction and some call it the longest pier in Europe. The whole of the Hel Peninsula is incorporated into the Seaside Landscape Park (Nadmorski Park Krajobrazowy). On the Hel Peninsula there are the seaside resorts of Kuznica, Jurata and Jastarnia. At it’s furthest point is Hel, a well known fishing port, and the seat of a fishing museum, as well as a reminder of the last Polish bastion in the September 1939 fight with the Nazi invaders.

Malbork Castle: Malbork is the mightiest ot the Teutonic Knights’ fortresses and the capital of their independent state until returned to Poland at the end of the 15th century. It consists of the Upper Castle, the Middle Castle and the Palace of the Grand Master surrounded by common walls and a moat. The main gate has been reconstructed with its portcullis. Inside there is a museum with many artefacts and a great collection of amber jewellery and figures. You may visit either with a group or by yourself. If you want to take pictures, you need to buy a special ticket.

Bytów Castle: The castle was built by the Teutonic Knights at the end of the 14th century. It is now fully restored, part is a hotel, part is the Museum of Kashubia. Here you may see many examples of fine local art and embroidery.

Chmielno: The Museum of Kashubian Pottery of the Necel family in Chmielno is a showcase of the art of pottery making. Under a master’s expert eye, you can even make your own clay pot!

Kashubian Regional Museum in Kartuzy: will introduce you to some of the intricacies of Kashubian domestic, cultural and religious traditions. Kashubians are a very ancient ethnic group of Slavonic Balts. They resisted polonisation for centuries but regard themselves as Poles. After the partitions of Poland, despite systematic germanisation, the Kashubians maintained close ties with Poland. They did not lose their identity, historical heritage or original culture.

The Kaszubski Landscape Park: attracts nature lovers with its nine nature reserves featuring beautiful Pomeranian beech forests and rare specimens of flora and fauna. The Radunia River Gorge, with the river flowing like a mountain stream through a deep ravine, is one of the park’s most attractive views. The striking beauty of the area is the result of the activity of continental glaciers, which carved out deep valleys and created the rivers and lakes.

Ostrich Farm at Garczyno: It was the first Ostrich farm in Poland, founded in 1993. The ostrich count is about 100. You get the chance to taste the scrambled egg made from the ostrich egg, and you can have a ride on the back of camel. There is also another ostrich farm in the village of Wandowo.

Stone Rings Reserve in Wesior: It’s at the cemetery Gotów. There are about 160 graves and four stone circles dating from the beginning of AD. Supposedly, this place influences people and gives them unforgettable impressions.

Kwidzyn: It is worth visiting the 14th century castle and cathedral complex located there, as well as the Recreational Grounds of Milosna (a beautiful complex of buildings dating back from the early 20th century). Here you can also see a mini-Zoo for children. Moreover, while in Kwidzyn, you can enjoy the numerous town attractions, such as: restaurants, sala s, discos, etc.

Anthem Museum: About eight kilometres east of Kościerzyna is the small village of Będomin. There is the 18th century court which is surrounded with a park of three hundred years old linden and oaks. This court has belonged to Józef Wybicki’s family for many years. The museum has been open since 1798, and it’s the only Anthem Museum in the world.

Sianowo: features a wooden church built in 1816.

Wiezyca: a viewing tower offering fantastic views and three ski slopes.

Szymbark: where you can enjoy horse and cart rides and where sleigh rides are organised (snow permitting!)

Golubie: very famous for its beautiful botanical gardens.

In conclusion, Kashubia is a region that is steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are interested in outdoor recreation, folk art, or unique linguistic traditions, you will find plenty to see and do here. With its friendly people, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Kashubia is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Poland.

For detailed tourist information about Poland, please visit our travel partner, the Poland Travel Agency.

 


Beach holidays in Poland

Beach holidays Poland – unspoiled beaches

Poland, a beautiful country located in central Europe, has always been famous for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. However, what many people don’t know is that Poland also boasts some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in Europe, making it an ideal destination for a beach holiday.

500 km

The coastline of Poland stretches for over 500 kilometres, offering a diverse range of beaches, each with its own unique charm. From the bustling resort towns to secluded coves and wild, untouched beaches, there is something for everyone.

Sopot

One of the most popular beach destinations in Poland is the seaside resort of Sopot, located on the Baltic Sea. Sopot is known for its long pier, which is the longest wooden pier in Europe and is a favourite spot for strolling and taking in the beautiful views. The town also offers a wide range of water sports, including windsurfing, sailing, and kiteboarding, making it a perfect destination for adrenaline seekers.

beach holidays Poland

Gdansk

Another popular destination on the Polish coast is Gdansk, a historic city that offers not only beautiful beaches but also a rich cultural experience. The beaches here are wide and sandy, with crystal clear water and plenty of beachfront bars and restaurants. Gdansk also boasts a beautiful old town with colourful facades, quaint streets, and charming cafes, making it a great place to explore after a day at the beach.

Hel Peninsula

For those who prefer more secluded and quiet beaches, the Hel Peninsula is the perfect destination. This thin strip of land stretches for over 35 kilometres and is dotted with charming fishing villages and unspoiled beaches. Visitors can enjoy long walks along the shoreline, explore the lighthouses and watch the sunset over the Baltic Sea.

beach holidays Poland

Slowinski National Park

If you are looking for a unique beach experience, head to the Slowinski National Park, located on the Baltic coast. This protected area is home to the famous shifting dunes, which are some of the highest dunes in Europe. The park also has a beautiful beach, surrounded by pine forests and offering plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring.

In conclusion, Poland offers a diverse range of beach destinations, each with its own unique charm. Whether you are looking for a bustling resort town or a secluded cove, Poland has something for everyone. With its stunning coastline, beautiful sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters, a beach holiday in Poland is sure to be a memorable and relaxing experience.

For detailed tourist information about Poland, please visit our travel partner, the Poland Travel Agency.

 

Top 10 tourist attractions in Poland

Tourist attractions in Poland – Top 10

From Poland’s lake district Masuria with over 2,000 lakes to true wilderness areas like The Bialowieza Forest to the stunning Tatra Mountains, you will find that Poland has something to offer every visitor.  Here’s our Top 10 recommended tourist attractions in Poland:

  1. Auschwitz

    It is widely agreed that everyone should visit Auschwitz at least once in their lives, it is a stern reminder of the horrors that human beings can inflict on each other and for some people, a life-changing experience. Auschwitz was a network of concentration and extermination camps built and operated in occupied Poland by Nazi Germany during the Second World War. Auschwitz is the German name for Oświęcim, the town the camps were located in and around; it was renamed by the Germans after they invaded Poland in September 1939. Auschwitz is ranked number one on the Top 10 tourist attractions in Poland, not because it is an attraction as such, but because in our opinion it needs to be seen. – Further information

    Auschwitz - Tourist attractions Poland

  2. Wieliczka Salt Mine

    The Wieliczka Salt Mine, located in the town of Wieliczka in southern Poland, lies within the Krakow metropolitan area. The mine continuously produced table salt from the 13th century until 2007 as one of the world’s oldest operating salt mines. The mine’s attractions for tourists include dozens of statues and an entire chapel that have been carved out of the rock salt by the miners. About 1.2 million persons visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine annually – Further information

    Wieliczka Salt Mine - Tourist attractions Poland

  3. Zakopane

    Zakopane is a town in southern Poland. The location is informally known as “the Winter Capital of Poland,” and lies in the southern part of the Podhale region at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, the only alpine mountain range in the Carpathian Mountains. It is the most important Polish center of mountaineering and skiing, and is visited annually by some three million tourists – Further information

    Zakopane - Tourist attractions Poland

  4. Tri-City

    Tricity (also Tri-City) is an urban area consisting of three Polish cities: Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot. They are situated adjacent to one other, in a row, on the coast of the Gdańsk Bay, Baltic Sea, in Eastern Pomerania, northern Poland. There’s plenty to do around Tricity, there are lots of tourist attractions and a lively nightlife scene not to mention all the fun of the seaside! Either enjoy sunbathing or take part in any of the many watersport activities on offer. From theatre to Rock concerts to quality restaurants, its all available in the Tricity area – Further information

    Beach holidays

  5. Tatra Mountains

    The Tatras are the highest mountain range in the Carpathian Mountains. Although considerably smaller than the Alps, they are classified as having an alpine landscape. Their high mountain character, combined with great accessibility, makes them popular with tourists and scientists. The area is a well-known winter sports area and includes the resort of Zakopane, the “Winter Capital” of Poland – Further information

    Tatra Mountains

  6. Czestochowa

    Czestochowa is a city in south Poland on the Warta River. It lies among the picturesque Jurassic rocks of Krakow Czestochowa Upland, topped with the ruins of Medieval castles. The town is known for the famous Pauline monastery of Jasna Góra that is the home of the Black Madonna painting, a shrine to the Virgin Mary. Every year, millions of pilgrims from all over the world come to Częstochowa to see it – Further information

    Black Madonna

  7. Masuria

    Masuria is an area in north-eastern Poland famous today for its many thousands of lakes. Today, the region’s economy relies largely on eco-tourism and agriculture. The lakes offer varieties of water sports such as sailing and holiday activities. The whole area has become a prime destination for yachts people and canoeists, and is also popular among anglers, hikers, bikers and nature-lovers – Further information

    Masuria

  8. Kashubia

    Kashubia is a lake district in North Poland. It is surrounded by many hills made by Scandinavian glaciers. Among larger cities, Gdynia contains the largest proportion of people declaring Kashubian origin. However, the biggest city of the Kashubia region is Gdańsk, the capital of the Pomeranian Voivodeship and the traditional capital of Kashubia – Further information

    Kashubia

  9. Bieszczady Mountains

    The Bieszczady Mountains are pleasantly devoid of the trappings of mass tourism and offer visitors the opportunity to discover the, ‘Wild East’ without venturing into Ukraine or the Soviet Union. The scenery in the region is wild and rugged and includes flora such as the Dacian Violet, Carpathian Beech and the Hungarian Violet, all species which cannot be seen further West. The wildlife in the area include bears, lynx, beavers, wolves, European bison and red mountain deer – Further information

    Bieszczady Mountains

  10. Wolf’s Lair

    Wolf’s Lair in Poland is the standard English name for Wolfsschanze, Adolf Hitler’s first World War II Eastern Front military headquarters, one of several Führerhauptquartier (Führer Headquarters) or FHQs located in various parts of Europe. The complex was blown up and abandoned on 25 January 1945, but many of the bunkers were so thick that their damaged walls and ceilings remain – Further information

    Wolf's Lair

We hope that you enjoyed reading the Top 10 tourist attractions in Poland. For further Top 10 lists and detailed tourist information about Poland, please visit our travel partner, the Poland Travel Agency.

Poland tours & attractions