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Europe Poland Gdansk Do & See Westerplatte

Overview

Westerplatte

The guide was updated: 2023-10-26

This peninsula, north of Gdansk, is the site where World War II began, when Nazi German battleship Schleswig-Holstein fired at a Polish garrison on the coast. Visitors can now visit the ruins of the peninsula’s barracks and blockhouses, one of which has been converted into a museum.

Useful Information

Address: Ulica Sucharskiego 1, Gdansk
Public Transport: Bus: Westerplatte

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Great Crane (Zuraw)

Great Crane (Zuraw)

This is Gdansk’s most famous landmark, a crane that was used to lift heavy goods and place masts onto ships’ decks. Today, it houses a branch of the city’s maritime museum in the crane.

Long Street and Long Market

Long Street and Long Market

Stretching from the Upland Gate to the Green Gate, this is one of the most beautiful areas of Gdansk. Wealthy townsfolk used to live along Long Street, Ulica Dluga, and around Long Market, Dlugi Targ.

St. Mary’s Church (Kosciol Mariacki)

St. Mary’s Church (Kosciol Mariacki)

Rumoured to be the world’s largest brick church, St. Mary’s can hold up to 25,000 people. For a breathtaking view of the city, climb the 405 steps to the top of the 78-metre tower. Inside the church, you’ll find a 14-metre astronomical clock. Pop by at noon to see Adam and Eve tolling a bell atop the clock.

National Museum

National Museum

Housed in a 15th century Franciscan monastery, this museum is truly stunning. On display is a wide range of Gothic artwork. The flagship piece of the museum is Hans Memling’s triptych "Last Judgement."

Three Crosses Monument

Three Crosses Monument

At the gates of the Gdansk shipyard, this 42 metre tall steel monument commemorates the shooting of dock workers during a strike in December 1970. More than 1,000 workers were injured and 42 killed when the communist government authorized the army to fire at striking workers.

Westerplatte

Westerplatte

This peninsula, north of Gdansk, is the site where World War II began, when Nazi German battleship Schleswig-Holstein fired at a Polish garrison on the coast. Visitors can now visit the ruins of the peninsula’s barracks and blockhouses, one of which has been converted into a museum.

Old Town

Old Town

This area was almost completely destroyed during war time but has later been rebuilt and is now one of the most popular attractions in the city. Stroll along the narrow pebbled streets, lined with beautiful old buildings and feel the old-time atmosphere.

Oliwa Cathedral

Oliwa Cathedral

This cathedral, located in a tranquil park in the outskirts of Gdansk, holds beautiful artworks in several different styles, such as Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Classical style. The organ is something in itself. If you happen to be there when it is played on, don't miss to take a look at the moving wooden figures on top of it.

Oliwa Zoo

Oliwa Zoo

This large zoo with lots of exotic animals is fun for the whole family. It is located in the area of Oliwa but is easy to access with local transport. Since the park is quite big, don't forget to put on your walking shoes and bring some snacks and drinks.

Baltic Opera

Baltic Opera

Finally in 1950, this opera house could open up its doors, after a war period when all opera and theatre stages in Gdansk were destroyed by the Red Army. Since then it has been well visited by a cultural interested crowd. Several different music and dance performances are held here every year.

Neptune's Fountain (Fontanna Neptuna)

Neptune's Fountain (Fontanna Neptuna)

Most visitors of Gdansk just wander right into this beautiful fountain it when strolling around the city. The square where it is located, is almost always crowded and this is not only a must photo shoot for tourists but also a popular meeting spot for the locals.

Town Hall (Ratusz)

Town Hall (Ratusz)

The town hall of Gdansk is mostly visited because of its high tower and the spectacular view you have from here. While you are here, visit the small museum too. Here you are able to see lots of photos of the almost completely destroyed city during World War II.

Polish Post Office Museum

Polish Post Office Museum

This small museum shows a piece of very important history. The courage of the postal workers during World War II, is exhibited in different ways and visitors are often touched by the stories told here. It also shows the history of the Polish postal system.

Brzezno Beach and Pier

Brzezno Beach and Pier

Gdansk is a city by the sea and just 15 minutes from the city centre, you find Brzezno Beach and Pier. This is a 500 metres long sandy beach with restaurants and bars. The pier, built in the late 19th century, also serves visitors with cafés and toilets.

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