Gdansk

Gdansk, also known by its German name Danzig, lies on the southern coast of Gdansk Bay on the Baltic Sea. As a result of urban growth it has been virtually joined together with neighbouring spa town Sopot, giving easy access to the attractions there.

Historically an important seaport since medieval times and subsequently a principal ship-building centre, Gdańsk was a member of the Hanseatic League. The city is famous worldwide as the birthplace of the Solidarity movement which, under the leadership of Lech Walesa, played a major role in bringing an end to Communist rule in Poland. Today Gdańsk remains an important industrial centre, together with the nearby port of Gdynia.

The city can trace its history back to the 980s when Mieszko I of Poland built the Gdansk stronghold. Gdańsk soon became the main centre of a Polish splinter duchy known as Pomerelia ruled by the Dukes of Pomerania. By 1308 the city had became a flourishing trading city with some 10,000 inhabitants, which exported grain from Poland via the Vistula river trading routes. On May 25, 1457, Dantzik received the privileges of an autonomous city with self-government, granted by King Casimir IV the Jagiellonian under the sovereignty of Poland. Recognized by the royal charter and the free access to all Polish markets, seaport of Dantzik prospered similar to other Hanseatic cities. The 16th and 17th centuries were a Golden Age for trade and culture of the city. The city suffered a slow economic decline due to the wars in the 18th century, when it was taken by the Russians after the Siege of Danzig in 1734. Danzig was annexed by Prussia in 1793 and remained a part of Prussia - later within Germany - until 1919. As a result of the Treaty of Versailles after World War I, Danzig became a free city under the protection of the League of Nations. During the post Second World War era, German-Polish reconciliation policies driven by West German Chancellor Willy Brandt’s Ostpolitik, German territorial claims on Gdańsk (and all other formerly German territories now under Polish administration) were renounced, and its full incorporation into Poland was recognized in the Treaty of Warsaw in 1970. In 1970 Gdańsk was the scene of anti-government demonstrations which led to the downfall of Poland's communist leader Władysław Gomułka. Ten years later the Gdańsk Shipyard was the birthplace of the Solidarity trade union movement, whose opposition to the government led to the end of communist party rule (1989). Solidarity's leader Lech Wałęsa became President of Poland in 1990. Today Gdańsk is a major industrial city and shipping port.

The city has many impressive buildings from the time of the Hanseatic League. Most tourist attractions are located along or near Ulica Długa (Long Street) and Długi Targ (Long Market), a pedestrian thoroughfare surrounded by buildings reconstructed in historical (primarily 17th century) style and flanked at both ends by elaborate city gates. This part of the city is sometimes referred to as the Royal Road as the former path of processions for visiting kings. Walking this route many historical sights can be seen, among which: the Torture House, Prison Tower, and the Golden Gate. Other attractions include St. Mary’s Church (the largest brick built church in the world), the museum ship SS Soldek, and the historical churches of St. Bridget’s and St. Catherine’s.

Airport information

Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport is located in Rębiechowo, 14kms west of Gdansk.

By car
The airport is located just off the E28, on the road to Rębiechowo. Take the motorway turn off in westerly direction onto the Juliusza Siowackiego.

By coach
Bus line 110 operates a frequent service between the airport and Gdansk Wrzeszcz train station. Journey time is approximately 26 minutes.

Line B operates between the airport and Orunia, via Gdansk city centre (Upland Gate - Brama Wyżynna). Journey time is approximately 40 minutes.

The night line N3 connects the airport with Gdansk Wrzeszcz train station or the city centre.

Tickets for all bus services above can be bought at RUCH booths or from bus drivers (they sell only Travel cards, which contain 3 tickets - 3 x 1,40 zł and 3 x 0,70 zł). • Only tickets issued by ZTM Gdańsk are valid. Passengers under 4 years old and over 70 travel free of charge.

By taxi
A taxi rank is located in front of the main entrance to the passenger
terminal and is serviced by City Plus Taxi.

Hotels
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