CRUISE TO GDAŃSK POLAND

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The Republic of Poland is the 9th largest country in Eu- rope, bordering Russia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Slo- rkey vakia, the Czech Republic and Germany. an The population of Poland is currently 38.6 million peo- reece ple. Warsaw, the capital, and Poland’s largest metropoli- tan area, has a population of 1.7 million people. The five other largest cities are: Łódź, Kraków, Wrocław, Poznań and Gdańsk.

The establishment of a Polish state can be traced back to 966, when Mieszko I, ruler of a territory roughly co- extensive with that of present-day Poland, converted to Christianity. The Kingdom of Poland was founded in 1025.

The name “Poland” originates from the tribe “Polanie” which means “people living in open fields”.

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Westerplatte Quay

Westerplatte Quay, where cruise ships moor, is a unique place, thanks to its location in the direct vicinity of the port’s entrance. This reduces to a minimum the time required for docking. In terms of tourism, arriving passengers can get to one of the most valuable historic buildings in Gdańsk – the Wisłoujście Fortress within 5 min- utes, and to the Memorial to the Westerplatte Defenders situated within 5 minutes walking distance from the quay. It was here that on 1 September 1939 World War II began, with the shelling of West- erplatte by the Nazi battleship Schleswig-Holstein.

Cruise ships dock right at the foot of the monumental Memorial to the Westerplatte Defenders raised as a commemoration of those events. There is a pier near the quay where pleasure boats stop in the summer season, offering trips to the Old Town – the historic heart of Gdańsk.

Preface Westerplatte Quay is well connected with the national and inter- national road system, ensuring easy and fast transport both to the centre of Gdańsk (15 minutes to the Old Town) and to other renowned tourist destinations, including Malbork and Warsaw. The Port of Gdańsk is Poland’s largest and oldest port, which for centuries, thanks to its flourishing sea trade, has been a driving force behind the economic and cultural growth of its city. Stemming from that foundation, Gdańsk grew in the 16th century to become the largest and the richest town in Poland, as well as the biggest port on the Baltic Sea.

Nowadays, Gdańsk continues to be recognized as the maritime capital of Poland, attracting 3.5 million tourists from across the world each year. Its abundant historic monuments and beautiful town houses, charmingly stretching along the bank of the Motława River, recall the architecture of Amsterdam or the atmosphere of Venice.

Not only history enthusiasts, but all those sensitive to beauty will find scenic spots here, filled with a unique atmosphere, and will appreciate the charm of Gdańsk’s old, picturesque streets, resounding with music played by buskers that come here from Port of Gdańsk — all over the world.

However, Gdańsk is not the only place in northern Poland that is worth visiting. Pomerania ranks among the most attractive and Berths for Cruise Ships most diverse regions in terms of landscape to be found in Poland. Here, we can find peaceful seascapes, the beauty of hills and lakes, and even a unique desert area on the Łeba Lagoon. The Port of Gdańsk – a Polish port located on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea – This brochure presents the most attractive sights in Gdańsk and across the region, the musts in any sightseeing itinerary. It also is visited each year by thousands of tourists arriving on board cruise ships. gives the most important information, especially for cruise operators organizing trips to this part of the Baltic, regarding the Port of Gdańsk and what it can offer to cruise ships. It includes a variety of recommended tour itineraries, ensuring that visitors The port is divided into two sections – the Inner Port and the Outer Port. can enjoy an even more pleasant stay in this unique place, where you cannot help but keep coming back once you have tasted its As a rule, cruise ships are accommodated in the inner section that offers quays suited charms. for handling cruise ships, including Westerplatte Quay and WOC Quay.

4 5 Why Port of Gdańsk?

QUAYS LOCATION: • cruise quays in the direct vicinity of the port entrance • cuts time required for ships entering the port (estimated time: 15-25 minutes)

CITY LOCATION: • the Port of Gdańsk is located a short distance away from the city centre • estimated journey time from the port quay to the Old Town: 15 minutes

PASSENGER SAFETY: • taxis licensed by the Port of Gdańsk offered at cruise quays with guaranteed, fixed prices

SPECIAL PRICE OFFER FOR CRUISE VESSELS: • up to 50% frequency discounts for cruise vessels

Transport of Passengers From The Quay

With the focus on improving the quality of tourist services, the seeing itinerary, and at the same time enjoying the comfort Port of Gdańsk has implemented special facilities dedicated to and reassurance of fixed transport prices for trips around cruise passengers. On each of the two quays, visitors are of- and outside the city. fered special transport licensed by the Port of Gdańsk, includ- ing taxi services, which guarantees fixed prices that are known On the quays, during the ship’s docking time, there are special in advance depending on the destination. This arrangement al- boards showing the prices of transport services, which ena- lows tourists to enjoy full flexibility in terms of their preferred bles cruise passengers to make a precise cost estimate of the way of spending time in Gdańsk, pursuing their individual sight- trip to their required destination.

6 7 Price Offer for Cruise Ships

Up to 50% discount for cruise vessels

The Port of Gdańsk has implemented a special price offer for cruise vessels, with up to 50% discounts available.

By the tariff, the maximum calculation base of port fees for cruise vessels calling at the Port of Gdańsk is 60,000 GT. All vessels with gross tonnage exceeding this value will be charged as per 60,000 GT.

A special offer is addressed to cruise ships calling at Gdańsk more than once dur- ing a given calendar year.

Vessels making their second and third calls are automatically eligible for a 20% discount on their tonnage fee. On the fourth and fifth calls, there is a 40% dis- count, and for each subsequent call made in a calendar year, the tonnage fee will be only 50% of the baseline.

International Cruise Organisations

For several years now the Port of Gdańsk has been an active member of international cruise organisations

One of the objectives set by the Port of Gdańsk is ensuring the highest quality of service offered to cruise vessels and passenger traffic in the port, and also meet- ing the requirements of both cruise passengers and tour operators. Mindful of this goal, for several years now the Port of Gdańsk has been an active member of international cruise organisations, such as Cruise Europe, which includes more than 100 European ports from four regions of the continent: Iceland & Norway, the Baltic Sea, Great Britain & Ireland, and Europe’s West Coast.

Since 2011, the Port of Gdańsk has also been a member of Cruise Baltic. This or- ganisation comprises ports and cities from ten countries of Europe’s Baltic Sea Region, and aims at promoting the tourist attractions and the beauty of the Baltic Sea Region among cruise passengers, carriers and tour operators.

8 9 Why Gdańsk and Pomerania?

THE GDAŃSK BOOK OF RECORDS

• Gdańsk – one of the oldest cities in Poland (more than a thousand years of history) • Żuraw (Great Crane) – the biggest port crane in the world until the 19th century • Wielki Młyn (Grand Mill) – the biggest mill in medieval Europe • Dwór Artusa (Artus’ Court) – housing the biggest Renaissance tile stove in the world • Bazylika Mariacka (St. Mary’s Church) – the biggest brick church in the world • Bazylika Mariacka (St. Mary’s Church) – housing the biggest medieval clock in the world • Bazylika Św. Brygidy (St. Bridget’s Church) – housing the biggest amber altar in the world • Archikatedra Oliwska (Oliwa Cathedral) – the longest church in Poland, housing a pipe organ that was considered the biggest in Europe when built in the mid-18th century • Stocznia Gdańska (Gdańsk Shipyard) – the site that witnessed the biggest late 20th cen- tury social movement on the continent, leading to the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe

THE POMERANIA BOOK OF RECORDS

• Pomerania – the most heavily forested region in Poland (36% of the region) • Sopot – the longest wooden pier on the Baltic Sea (512 metres long) • Łeba – the largest moving dunes in Europe • Malbork – the largest medieval castle in the world • Wdzydze Kiszewskie – the oldest open air museum in Poland • Szymbark – Centre for Education and Regional Promotion – the longest plank in the world, the longest table in the world, the largest concert grand piano in the world and the upside down house

10 11 JOURNEY TIME: from Port of Gdańsk 15’

The Royal Route

The Royal Route in Gdańsk was the longest urban axis in the European Middle Ages

The Royal Route — the most popular tourist destination that thanks to Gdańsk’s history, numerous historic monu- ments, its unique ambience and the music played by buskers is a must for any visitor to Gdańsk. The Royal Route took its name from the role it played in the past centuries. This used to be the way for Polish royalty to enter the city. The royal entourage proceeded through Brama Wyżynna (Upland Gate), and then through Złota Brama (Golden Gate) opening onto Długa Street, where hours on end were spent entertaining the king with performances by tightrope walkers, street acrobats or with knights’ tournaments. It was here that kings listened to the city mayors’ wel- come speeches. The Royal Route takes visitors from Brama Wyżynna and Wieża Więzienna (Prison Tower), through Złota Brama up to Zielona Brama (Green Gate) seated by the Wisła river. The Royal Route is lined all along with quaint historic town houses owned in the old times by Gdańsk’s wealthiest citizens, mayors and merchants. Each of the houses has its own unique and rich history, secrets and legends.

As we walk onto the Royal Route, our attention is drawn by the Gothic and Renaissance building in the distance, adorned with an elegant clock tower. This is the Ratusz Głównego Miasta (Main Town Hall) – the most significant secular building in old Gdańsk. In historic times, it was the seat of the city authorities and nowadays it is house to the Gdańsk Museum. Its interior – with the emblematic Wielka Sala Rady (Great Council Hall), also known as Sala Czerwona (the Red Chamber), is an example of one of the most opulent town hall interiors in modern history. The name of the magic Dwór Artusa (Artus’ Court) is closely related to the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. In historic times, the court provided an important venue for merchants, craftsmen, tradesmen and the wealthy The chambers, richly decorated with paintings by the most outstanding Dutch artists, with “The Apotheosis of Gdańsk” residents of Gdańsk who, similarly to the Knights of the Round Table, gathered in guilds. Dwór Artusa played the role of an taking the lead, each year attract hundreds of tourists wanting to travel back in time, in their imaginations, to the age of exclusive, high profile socializing venue for the local élite who, surrounded by its beautiful interiors, richly decorated with the city’s splendour and prosperity. paintings and tapestries, entertained themselves with music and a variety of acts from singers and jugglers. The most pre- cious part of the interior, of astonishing artistic beauty, is the world’s largest ceramic-tiled stove, 11 metres high, weighing Another highlight that catches the eye is the beautiful building of Dwór Artusa (Artus’ Court), with a symbolic feature of 13 tonnes and covered with 520 colourful tiles. Gdańsk – Fontanna Neptuna (Neptune’s Fountain) – nestled right at its entrance. The figure of Neptune, the ancient Ro- man god of the seas and oceans, symbolizes the close ties between the city and the sea. The fountain is a major landmark Zielona Brama (The Green Gate), according to legend, took its name from the abundant seaweed and moss that used to in the city, and its most popular photo spot. There is a legend associated with the fountain that explains the invention of densely cover its originally wooden structure, giving it its green colouring. The direct vicinity of the Motława river may Gdańsk’s famous liqueur, Goldwasser. The legend has it that centuries ago Neptune became upset about the coins that attest to this story. The gate is one of Gdańsk’s water gates and was designed as the royal residence for the Polish kings were thrown into the fountain and he struck his trident on the water smashing the gold into fine flakes. Ever since that to stay during their visits to Gdańsk. It also provided the main premises to the Nature Society and the Museum of Nature. time golden flakes have added glitter to the delicious root and herbal liqueur from Gdańsk, which was enjoyed by King Nowadays, one of its halls is the office of the former president of Poland and the co-founder of Solidarity – Lech Wałęsa. Louis XVI of France and the Tsarina Catherine the Great of Russia. To the present day, this beverage containing small We would like to recommend this short 900-metre itinerary abounding with Gdańsk’s most important and beautiful historic flakes of 22 and 23 carat gold suspended in alcohol, is solely associated with Gdańsk and is its flagship product. monuments to all those who wish to see the very heart of historic Gdańsk.

12 13 JOURNEY TIME: from Port of Gdańsk 15’

The Polish Venice

Leaving the Royal Route, immediately past the Brama Zielona (Green Gate), the fairy tale view of the Gdańsk waterfront can be seen, with historic houses perched on the Motława river, which can easily remind visitors of Venice. As is the case with the “city of gondoliers”, the houses appear to grow out of the water which, especially in summer, is crisscrossed by pleas- ure boats and galleons packed with tourists keen to get a taste of a sea adventure.

Setting out from the Zielona Brama, our attention is immediately drawn to the characteristic round-shouldered structure of Żuraw (Great Crane) emerging from the background, which until the 19th century was the biggest operating port crane in the world. It was right here that, centuries ago, the very heart of the port in Gdańsk pulsed. During the port’s operation in the centre of the Stare Miasto (Old Town), all the houses stood right on the Motława river. Today, the front walls of the buildings are separated from the river by a stone riverwalk called the Long Embankment. From the very beginning, Żuraw played a double role of defensive city gate and port operating crane, powered by human muscle. Nowadays, Żuraw is part of the Central Maritime Museum and frequently visited mainly thanks to the interesting mechanism inside. It is comprised of two pairs of step wheels trodden by erstwhile port workers who set the mechanism in motion, capable of lifting goods weighing up to 4 tonnes.

Opposite Żuraw, the historic Spichlerze, or Granaries accommodate the Central Maritime Mu- seum, presenting old Gdańsk through the lens of its former flourishing and vibrant port city life. The museum is situated on Ołowianka (Lead Island) and can be reached from the Żuraw by ferry. Ołowianka owes its name to the port granaries and warehouses that were located here and used for storing lead, among other goods.

Walking along the Długie Pobrzeże (Long Embankment), we pass by the city’s beautiful, his- toric water gates – Brama Chlebnicka, Brama Mariacka – opening onto Mariacka Street leading to the magnificent Bazylika Mariacka (St. Mary’s Church) – Brama Świętego Ducha, Brama Świętojańska, and Brama Straganiarska, until we reach the scenic Baszta Łabędź, or Swan Tower that stood at the exit to the city.

A stroll along the river bank is a great way to relax. It is lined by amber jewellery shops and galleries offering beautiful and unique amber works of art by renowned Gdańsk artists and jewellers, and inviting passers-by to step in and buy the unusual items of amber jewellery. A step further on, we can enjoy a cruise on the Motława river or to the scenic Hel Peninsula. A tasty meal on a boat trip to the accompaniment of sailors’ music is a must of any sightseeing itinerary in Gdańsk.

14 15 JOURNEY TIME: from Port of Gdańsk 15’

Heavenly Churches

There are three most significant churches that deserve special attention: Bazylika Mariacka, Archikatedra Oliwska and Bazylika Św. Brygidy

Thanks to its thousand years of history, Gdańsk abounds not only in secular buildings, but also in religious ones. The three most important churches that deserve special attention are the Bazylika Mariacka, Archikatedra Oliwska and Bazylika Św. Brygidy. The latter made its name as a memorial to Poland’s recent history related to the Solidarity move- ment, and also thanks to its unique amber main altar.

Bazylika Mariacka (St. Mary’s Church), also called the “crown of Gdańsk”, is the largest Gothic brick church in the world. This is the only Polish church with its length marked on the floor of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Its modest interior houses such works of art as the Gothic stone sculpture called the “Gdańsk Pieta”, the copy of Hans Memling’s “Last Judgment” (the original can be found in the National Museum in Gdańsk), or the largest Gothic astronomical clock in the Bazylika Św. Brygidy is also famous for its amber altar – a work still in progress – but already today recognized as the world, measuring 14 metres in height – a “medieval computer” showing the abridged calendar of fixed holidays, the New largest amber altar in the world. Once completed, the altar will be 12 metres high, 9 metres wide and will cover a surface Moon dates, the position of the Sun and Moon in relation to the houses of the Zodiac and many other features. Following of as much as 120 sq. metres. the tour of the Bazylika Mariacka, we recommend climbing its 80-metre high tower with a viewing platform at its top which affords a splendid panoramic view of the city. The Bazylika towers over the exit of the most beautiful street in Another historic monument recommended in this itinerary is the Archikatedra Oliwska (Oliwa Cathedral), renowned mainly Gdańsk – Mariacka Street - with dozens of amber jewellery shops. The street is lined on both sides with quaint Gdańsk thanks to its 18-century pipe organ, considered the largest instrument of its type in Europe at the moment of its construc- town houses, most of them reconstructed after the destruction of the Second World War. tion. With a length of 107 metres, this church is the longest in Poland. It is surrounded by a beautiful park landscaped on the grounds of the former abbey orchards owned by Cistercian monks. In the middle of the park the Abbots’ palace is located, It is worth staying in the city centre and walking to the Bazylika Św. Brygidy (St. Bridget’s Church), which thanks to its lo- which nowadays has been adopted as a Contemporary Art Museum. The park is abundant with plants, trees and vegeta- cation in close vicinity of the Stocznia Gdańska played a significant role in the 1980s, during the world-famous Solidarity tion brought here from all over the world. The scenic alleys of neatly trimmed treetops and bushes, the shimmering of the strikes and Martial Law. The numerous historic items collected inside remind visitors of those memorable events when cascades of the Oliwski Stream, as well as the sumptuous flower beds, lead the way towards the soaring Archikatedra the Gdańsk shipyard workers, with the Solidarity movement, launched the chain reaction of political transformation not Oliwska, popular with visitors due to its organ music concerts. During the summer season, concerts are held on an hourly only in Poland, but also in other European countries. basis and in the low season the sound of its unique pipes can be heard at least once a day.

16 17 JOURNEY TIME: from Port of Gdańsk 15’

The land of Amber

This “Baltic gold”, as amber is often called, has played an important role in Gdańsk up to the present day

Gdańsk is a city at the crossroads of the historic and contemporary amber routes. The ancient amber route by the Wisła river led from Gdańsk to southern European countries, towards the Black Sea and also to Rome and Greece. The Amber Route played an important role at that time not only due to its economic significance, but also culturally since it pro- vided a channel by which to disseminate knowledge and culture.

The turn of the 16th and 17th centuries was called the golden age of Gdańsk. Work was in full swing at the local workshops, busy producing beautiful amber objects to meet the orders of wealthy Gdańsk burghers, the aristocracy and also royal and princely courts all across Europe. This “Baltic gold”, as amber is often called, has played an important role in Gdańsk up to the present day. There is an abundance of amber shops and workshops in the Old Town of Gdańsk offering unique items of jewellery, highly appreciated and admired by tourists visiting Gdańsk.

“The land of amber” tour is especially recommended to those wanting to have a closer look at the most outstanding pieces of amber art, and to learn about the history and technology of amber and its processing by the Gdańsk-based artists and craftsmen.

The best place to start this itinerary is the Amber Museum housed in the Wieża Więzienna (Prison Tower) presenting an extensive collection of amber works of art, including the world’s biggest sculpture made from a single chunk of amber weighing 2.5 kilogrammes – “Female nude”. Another venue worth visiting is the Archeological Museum, with the per- manent display “Amber through the centuries”. This exhibition presents the origins and the history of amber, as well as historic objects of amber art. Additionally, it is possible to attend a session showing the processing of amber and to find out about the history of the Amber Route in ancient Europe.

The mastery of the Gdańsk artists working with amber can be also admired in the Bazylika Św. Brygidy where construction work is now in progress on the largest amber altar in the world. Currently, the pieces of the altar and the amber behemoth are on display (more about Bazylika Św. Brygidy in the itinerary “Heavenly churches”).

While visiting Gdańsk, it is also worth turning your steps to the amber workshops and gal- leries that abound in the Old Town of Gdańsk. In addition to purchasing beautiful pieces of amber jewellery, tourists can observe up close the processing of precious stones and silver, and how amber jewellery is manufactured.

18 19 JOURNEY TIME: from Port of Gdańsk 15’

The Walls That Came Down European The Solidarity Route Solidarity Centre

Poland, and especially Gdańsk, gained world-wide fame thanks to kickstarting the collapse of communism in the countries “Europe starts here” — this motto of the European Heritage Label welcomes all those who cross the threshold of the of Central and Eastern Europe. It was especially in the 1980s that Gdańsk became the arena for the Gdańsk shipyard Europejskie Centrum Solidarności (European Solidarity Centre) in Gdańsk. The European Commission has distinguished workers struggle for freedom, which was closely observed and supported by the rest of the world. This itinerary’s name – the complex of the Historic Gdańsk Shipyard—BHP Hall, Gate No. 2, Plac Solidarności with the Monument to the Fallen “The walls that came down” – is inspired by a song by Poland’s famous bard of the Solidarity movement, Jacek Kaczmarski. Shipyard Workers of 1970 and the ECS — because it symbolises the birth of Solidarity and the peaceful revolution that has This song, titled Mury [Walls] and echoing the Biblical tale of the walls of Jericho, was regarded as an anthem of all those transformed Central and Eastern Europe. who identified themselves with the fight for democracy that was taking place in Gdańsk. The European Solidarity Centre, Gdańsk is a cultural institution with the aim of promoting knowledge about the peaceful The itinerary “The walls that came down” is designed as a step-by-step presentation of all the sights that more than 30 victory of Solidarity. Since the opening of its new building in August 2014, the ECS has welcomed 2.3 million visitors from years ago bore witness to those memorable events. We recommend that this tour start at Plac Solidarności (Solidarity all over the world, making it one of Poland’s biggest tourist attractions. The ECS is also the only cultural institution in Square), towered over by the 42-metre high Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers. Composed of three crosses with Poland to receive the Council of Europe Museum Prize (2016), which has been awarded annually for more than 40 years to anchors attached, it was erected as a commemoration to the shipyard workers killed during the protests. To date, the museums that have made a significant contribution to the understanding of Europe’s cultural heritage. In 2017 the ECS was monument is one of the most important commemorative places in Gdańsk where high-ranking international politicians, awarded the Certificate of the Polish Tourist Organisation, an award commonly known as the Oscar for tourism. presidents, heads of governments, royalty as well as Pope John Paul II all paid their tribute to the victims. The heart of the ECS is a permanent exhibition dedicated to the history of Solidarity and the changes in Central and Eastern Behind the monument, Gate No. 2 is located, leading to grounds that have been partly opened to the public for the Europe. Besides modern spatial structures and multimedia presentations, the interactive exhibition contains authentic sightseeing of the Stocznia Gdańska, or Gdańsk Shipyard. The main objects include the symbolic gates, shaped like a ship’s shipyard equipment and precious memorabilia. The ECS features an education centre, a research centre, an archive, a bow cut in half, a fragment of the Berlin Wall, torn down in 1989 – a gift from the city of Berlin, a fragment of the Gdańsk library and a media center. Last but not least, it is a public space, a venue for hands-on solidarity and civic engagement, Shipyard wall, as well as a military armoured personnel transporter used by the communist riot police to disperse street a meeting place for citizens who feel responsible for the development of democracy. It is here that international and local demonstrations. The admission ticket, designed in the form of the ration cards that enabled citizens to purchase food workshops, debates, conferences, film festivals and concerts take place. products, also includes entrance to the famous former Health and Safety at Work Hall, which decades ago provided the venue for the negotiations between the shipyard workers and the communist regime. As a conclusion, we recommend a visit to the multimedia exhibition – Roads to Freedom – featuring a 1970s shop interior, the pen with which Lech Wałęsa signed the August Accords with the communist government, and the ply-wood tables containing the hand-written demands of the striking shipyard workers – an item that has been listed as a UNESCO Memory of the World.

The itinerary “The walls that came down” can be especially recommended to all those who want to take a journey back in time, to learn about the most significant systemic changes in Europe and to feel the atmosphere of those years.

20 21 JOURNEY TIME: from Port of Gdańsk 55’

Treasures of the Middle Ages Malbork Castle

Less than 60 km away from the centre of Gdańsk, in the nearby town of Malbork, the largest medieval castle in Europe is located, which is also the largest brick castle in the world. The cas- tle, placed on the list of UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites, has made Malbork famous not only in Poland but also abroad. From the 13th century onwards, this formidable castle compound built on the Nogat river provided the headquarters of the Order of Teutonic Knights, who in the 14th century relocated their seat here from Venice and established Malbork as the capital of the Teutonic state.

Its beautiful cloisters, mighty towers and numerous refectories and courtyards make up a castle compound with a total volume of more than 250,000 cubic metres. Each year, usu- ally in the second half of July, a spectacular show “The siege of Malbork castle” is staged to commemorate the events of several centuries ago when Polish and Lithuanian troops under the command of the Polish King Jagiełło captured the castle in Malbork. In honour of that oc- casion, the fortress becomes a stage for numerous hosts of knights clad in their glittering armour, beautiful horses, siege machines and huge banners, which together create a unique atmosphere taking spectators on a journey back in time to the 15th century. This event is ac- companied by knights’ tournaments, fencing and craftsmanship training, performances show- ing the knights’ way of living, archery and horse riding tournaments, as well as a variety of other attractions.

Another interesting event is the light and sound performance staged everyday during the sum- mer season, and showing the castle’s unique beauty by night. Its cloisters, courtyards and chambers, illuminated with colourful lights can capture the imagination of even the most skep- tical of spectators.

Sightseeing Malbork castle, due to its enormous size, may take a whole day, but will undoubt- edly remain a memorable experience.

22 23 JOURNEY TIME: from Port of Gdańsk 90’

Paradise Landscapes Kashubian Switzerland

It is an itinerary showing one of the most spectacular regions in Poland – Kashubia, which is often called Kashubian Switzerland, thanks to its scenic charm and unique landscapes. The association with the Alpine country of Switzerland comes naturally when looking at the many postglacial lakes surrounded by rolling hills, which add to the stunning Kashubian landscapes.

One of the must-see locations in this region is Wdzydze Kiszewskie which is home to the oldest open air museum in Poland, covering 22 hectares and presenting a wide variety of buildings and structures typical of Kashubia and neighbouring Kociewie, including farm houses, mills, inns, barns and outhouses, workshops and other structures illustrating the erstwhile ways of country living in this region. A walk around the outdoor museum surrounded by picturesque Kashubian landscapes, and a look inside the reconstructed farm houses, equipped in many cases with the original fittings and furnishings dating back to the former times of this region, such as the famous Kashubian embroidery, affords a fascinating adventure while exploring the cultural history of northern Poland, the land inhabited by the Kashubian people, who till the present day have preserved their unique identity, their own language and a variety of vibrant customs.

At less than 30 kilometres away from Wdzydze there is another interesting place in Kashubian Switzerland – Szymbark – This performance will make a huge impression on those who only know about war from their forebears’ accounts or from nestled at the feet of Wieżyca, the highest hill on the Central European Lowland. books. Emotions will be also running high when visiting the Siberian Exiles’ Home, which was brought to Szymbark in pieces and then reconstructed to provide a venue for this highly valuable Regional Education Centre. For several years now, this location has enjoyed special popularity with tourists thanks to the one and only Upside-down house. As the name indicates itself, the house has been built in reverse order, with its roof anchored firmly one metre into Szymbark has also been frequently mentioned in the Guinness Book of Records, since it is home to the longest plank in the the ground. Visitors to the house walk on the ceiling and the floor is over their heads. The initiators of this concept created world, the longest table in the world and the biggest concert piano in the world, weighing nearly 2 tonnes. it as a memorial to the toppling of communism, when life in Poland was based on values that were considered upside down. A visit to Szymbark is a great opportunity to taste, perhaps for the first time ever, fish that we earlier caught ourselves. Other The house is a symbol of those times, and allows visitors to experience an odd feeling, which literally and figuratively evokes local specialties include Kashubian beer, brewed exclusively in Szymbark according to a special Kashubian recipe. dizziness and strange emotions. While in Szymbark, it is well worth wandering briefly in the underground tunnels and visit the Bunker of Pomeranian Griffin, where an audio war sounds performance can be heard. The short, two minute long audio The district’s natural attraction is its lakes, with rental shops offering kayaks, boats and water bikes. The Kashubian lakes recording played in the dark takes listeners into the whirlwind of terrifying war combat, exposing them to the sound effects provide ideal conditions for windsurfing and other water sports that, thanks to the fairytale surroundings, will surely acquire of whizzing bullets, roaring bomber plane engines and shelling. a fresh, new dimension.

24 25 Pleasures of Active Living

Why not try a game of golf played on one of the many golf courses available in the Pomerania Region?

Although a visit to Gdańsk may be considered by many as nothing but visiting historic monuments, you can also spend your free time here actively. Those wishing to try more active forms of leisure and recreation will certainly enjoy the itinerary “Pleasures of active living”, offering an alternative full-day’s agenda of activities.

One suggestion is a game of golf played on one of the many golf courses available in the Pomerania Region. Some of the venues especially recommended by golf enthusiasts include the Postołowo Golf Club, situated 31 kilometres south-east of Gdańsk or the Sierra Golf Club – 45 kilometres north-east of Gdańsk. Both are 18 hole master class courses with a par of 72, surrounded by the beautiful green areas of Pomerania and specially designed with the most demanding play- ers in mind. Halfway along the seaside boulevard, the opportunity arises to take a stroll along the famous Sopot wooden pier, which These are some of the longest golf courses in Europe, open to both professional and recreational players. Perfectly at over half a kilometer long is considered to be the longest boardwalk on the Baltic Sea. While in Sopot – a world- blended with the surrounding landscape, they are equipped with modern driving ranges, naturally created streams, renowned beach and health resort, often called the Riviera of the North – take a walk along the famous pedestrianized ponds, hills and bridges. Bohaterów Monte Cassino Street, colloquially referred to as “Monciak”. Both facilities offer state-of-the-art equipment, such as GPS Golf caddies, supporting players with maps, distances, Horse riding enthusiasts will enjoy the pleasures offered by the local stables, where horses can be hired for group or player location, scores and other details. These features are but a few of the many advantages presented by the recom- individual riding trips along the seaside or in the local woodlands. mended golf courses which are well worth a visit even during a short stay in Gdańsk. Trójmiasto, or Tricity has the best developed and the longest network of cycling routes in the country, which is an attrac- Another idea involves actively spending time by the seaside. All along the coast of the Gulf of Gdańsk – streching from tion for lovers of outdoor activities. Gdańsk to Gdynia – there are beautiful sandy beaches and the seaside boulevard, which are a great attraction through- out the year. Active visitors will undoubtedly enjoy this alternative form of leisure, including a stroll in the beautiful The itinerary “Pleasures of active living” is one of a handful of suggestions offering various forms of active pastimes in green areas accompanied by the roar of the surf, a bike ride, or in-line skating on the specially provided trail, adjacent Gdańsk Pomerania. This is one of the most beautiful regions in Poland, boasting the most diverse variety of landscapes. to the beaches on one side and the green belt on the other, lined with quaint restaurants and coffee bars, encouraging Whether it be a weekend getaway or a holiday, there is certainly a wealth of reasons why so many tourists each year passers-by to take a short break over a tasty meal or a cup of aromatic coffee. choose Pomerania as their destination of choice.

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Address: Port of Gdańsk Authority S.A. 18 Zamknięta Street, 80-955 Gdańsk tel. / phone: (+48) 58 737 93 00 e-mail: [email protected]

Special gratitude goes to: Pomorskie Tourist Board Centre of Education and Promotion of the Region European Solidarity Centre Postołowo Golf Club The Malbork Castle Museum Kacper Kowalski Wojciech Jakubowski for their consent to use pictures in the brochure.

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