Your guide to the best Gdansk day trips for history, hiking, and culture in East Pomerania!
Are you looking for the perfect day trips from Gdansk? With so many wonderful places to explore in and around this charming city, it can be hard to decide where to go.
But don’t worry – whether you want a relaxing beach outing or an educational cultural experience, we’ve got something for everyone!
I’ll show you some of the best destinations in Gdansk, Poland that are just a short drive away. Read on to discover great ideas for your next day trip!
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Pssst…!! You can’t get enough of Poland? Have a look at these other posts I wrote:
- Why You Should Visit Podlasie, Poland
- Slow Life in Pomerania, Poland
- Things to do in Bialowieza Forest
Table of Contents
Practical Information for travel to Gdansk, Poland
✈ Book cheap flights to Gdansk, Poland with Skyscanner
✔ Book your tours in Gdansk with GetYourGuide
➳ Find the best hotel deals in Gdansk with TripAdvisor
❖ Get the best car rental deals with DiscoverCars
✎ Never leave without travel insurance. I get mine at HeyMondo. It’s easy to set up, cheap, and reliable.$ I withdraw money without hidden fees and avoid exchange rates with Wise (you’ll get a free card on top)
Overview: Best day trips from Gdansk, Poland
- Visit Malbork Castle
- Visit Stutthof Concentration Camp
- Do a Hel Peninsula Private Tour with Cruise
- Explore Torun – City of Copernicus
- Enjoy Sopot by Bike
1. Sopot
Sopot is the exclusive and most famous beach resort on the Polish Baltic coast.
As the resort has never been destroyed by the bombings of the Second World War (not as Gdansk, which has been destroyed), its original architecture is still well preserved.
Sopot has a century of history in wellness and spa tourism.
The health benefits of its coveted mineral fountains are well known.
Thus, famous personalities like Fidel Castro, Marlene Dietrich, and even Adolf Hitler stayed in the grand hotels of Sopot.
Sopot’s main attraction is the wooden pier, which is the longest in Europe (the entrance fee is about 2€ in summer).
There’s a lovely bar at the end of the pier, from which you can enjoy fabulous views of the Baltic coast, Sopot’s legendary Grand Hotel, and the Hel peninsula.
The main pedestrian street, Monte Cassino, is a place to be seen and, obviously, for people watching. It’s filled with numerous terraces and shops, the most famous building being the Crooked House.
Sopot is also a great place to indulge in the best Polish food you must try, and I highly recommend Sztuczka Bistro, which serves traditional Polish cuisine with a modern touch.
The watermelon salad and ceviche with local cod were heavens!
If you’re planning a trip to Gdansk, Poland, this is one of the best day trips you can take! There are also many day trips from Sopot!
Buy here your rail tickets from Gdansk to Sopot
2. Kashubian Switzerland
The region of Kashubia, also known as Kashubian Switzerland, covers an area of more than 3000 lakes and several hectares of untouched woods.
Although Gdansk is the largest city in Kashubia, the capital of the Kashub region is disputed between Kościerzyna and Kartuzy.
The Kashubs are ethnically and linguistically different from the Poles but without a separatist movement.
They have lived on the Baltic Coast and Eastern Pomerania since the 7th century AD. A colorful culture developed during centuries when pottery and embroidery were the central arts.
Due to its extensive forests and vast lakes, Kashubian Switzerland is a playground for nature lovers and active travelers.
If you love the outdoors, it’s hard to imagine a Gdansk trip that doesn’t include exploring the Kashubian Lake District.
Indeed, you can choose among many outdoor leisure activities such as sailing, hiking, trekking, and mushrooming, the national sport of East Pomerania.
Never go mushrooming without a guide, by the way!
Canoeing from one lake to another (they are often connected) is a sport with a long tradition in Pomerania.
Almost on any lake you visit, you’ll find a canoe or kayak rental service.
There are over 133km of water routes to be explored. Canoe rental stations can be found in Wdzydze or in Kociewie.
If you hope to take boat trips in Gdansk, head to the Kashubian Lake District!
An extensive cycling network covers most parts of Kashubia, making it perfect for cycling from one town to the next.
Many lakes have lakeside bars that invite you to relax and enjoy peaceful views.
The most popular lakes in Kashubia are Lebsko Lake, Biale Lake, and Klodno Lake.
3. Wdzydze Ethnographic Museum
The Ethnographic Museum is one of the most educational day trips from Gdansk.
It’s the first and largest open-air museum in Poland, and it hosts over 50 buildings showcasing traditional Kashubian architecture, including a church (service is still held on Sunday) and a school.
Here you can learn about the traditional lifestyle of the Kashubs and their daily grind including weaving, food preparation, fashion, and spinning.
This valuable knowledge, which sometimes risks becoming forgotten, is transmitted to the museum visitors in interactive workshops. It can be visited with a tour to Kashubian Switzerland.
There is a wide range of workshops, from spinning, clay, and pottery workshops to painting traditional Kashubian motives on glass or making paper flowers.
It is one of the most emblematic Kashubian traditions. On top of the crafts, make a good souvenir from your excursion to Kashubian Switzerland.
I was lucky enough to attend a paper flower and painting workshop, and contrary to my expectations, I never felt more relaxed.
The ladies organizing the workshop were super patient (with me being rather clumsy…) and were an incredible source of knowledge.
The workshops are held in the museum’s exposed buildings. You can pop in spontaneously or ask at the reception.
In addition, there is an excellent restaurant on site. It serves traditional Pomeranian food, including fish from the surrounding lakes and mandatory dumplings (pirogi).
The interior is decorated with Kashubian items, such as colorful paper flowers, and traditional pastries can be purchased at the bar.
I absolutely recommend their kompot juice which was prepared with more than 4 different kinds of berries.
You should calculate at least 1-2 hours to visit the museum (without doing a workshop). This was one of my favorite places to visit near Gdansk because I learned so much!
Kashubian Ethnographical Park
ul. T. i I. Gulgowskich 68
83-406 Wdzydze
4. Lawendowa Osada – Lavender Farm
The Lavender Farm, Lawendowa Osada, is one of Gdansk’s most intriguing day trips.
Barbara and Bartosz created this purple paradise because they were seeking a more fulfilling and slow-paced lifestyle.
They built 4 beautiful guest houses, all with a lavender and Kashubian theme, where you can spend the night and learn about the health benefits of lavender.
Indeed, Barbara offers workshops like proceeding lavender and cooking workshops but also workshops about women’s empowerment.
The offer of Lawendowa Osada is completed by the wellness and spa facilities. There’s a salt cave onsite with salt from the Adriatic Sea, a jacuzzi located at the edge of the forest, a sauna, and a swimming pool.
The most surprising attraction is, however, the astronomical observer (!!) with a massive telescope. Bartosz will be pleased to give you a short introduction to the Polish starry sky.
While this is one of the best day trips from Gdansk, I highly recommend spending at least 1 night if you can.
This way, you can enjoy the fullest of what the Lavender Farm has to offer and live the slow life for some time.
On top of that, you can’t leave without trying Barbara’s lavender cheese and honey. She definitely served the best Polish dinner and breakfast during my trip to Kashubia. Pay a visit; you won’t regret it.
Book your tour to Kashubian Switzerland
Lawendowa Osada
Młyńska 6a, 83-047 Przywidz, Poland
Tel.:+48 511 975 929
5. Wdzydze Watch Tower
The Wdzydze Watch Tower will provide you with the most beautiful views of Kashubian Switzerland and on its biggest lakes Jezioro Jelenie and Jezioro Golun.
The Wdzydze Watch tower is located only a 5-minute drive from the Kashub Ethnografic Museum, it can thus be easily combined.
The Wdydze watch tower is strategically located at the intersection of several lakes in the Kashubian Lake district. It will give you a good sense of the vastness of the Pomeranian highlands.
The observation tower offers a breathtaking panorama view and camping facilities in the immediate surroundings.
You’ll also find a bar on site that serves delicious Polish soups and traditional pirogi (dumplings). Its terrace is very inviting for relaxing and enjoying the views.
If you want to get active, you can rent a canoe or a windsurf next to the watch tower and explore the lakes by canoe.
Wdzydze Kiszewskie 29,
83-406 Wąglikowice, Poland
6. Lipusz
Lipusz is known to be the capital of bread. Indeed the bread of the quaint town is known all over the area.
Even though the town has only about 2500 inhabitants, it is famous for rural tourism. Thus, it’s the perfect location to slow down and enjoy the beauty of Kashubian Switzerland.
In case you want to fully immerse in Kashubian culture, I recommend to do a bread-baking workshop with Karola in Lipusz or a pottery master course with Asha from Agroturystyka Zielony Kot.
Both crafts are symbolic elements of Kashub culture.
I am missing the words to describe breadbaking with Karola: she bakes over 300 bread leafs every day and won several awards for the best bread in the region.
She is also an avid collectionner of ancient baking molds and recipes. Some of the over 400 molds go back to the First World War. She even holds the oldest Dr. Oetker mold.
To book a workshop with her, contact the Pomorskie Prestige Organization or Michal, our guide for Kashubia.
The clay workshop with Asha is a great way to learn about Kashubian culture and create a meaningful item with your hands.
Admittedly, I underestimated the relaxing effect of forming vessels from clay, but finally, it gave me a deeper understanding of pottery as a Kashubian cultural expression.
7. Koscierzyna
Several towns, including Koscierzyna, located 50 km from Gdansk, dispute Kashubia’s capital title.
The history of Koscierzyna goes back to the end of the 13th century and is situated in what was once called West Prussia, in the Kaszuby district.
I particularly liked the Koscierzyna market Square, which is composed of pastel-colored houses. Its benches invite you to relax and observe the Polish daily grind.
Koscierzyna is famous for its accordion music and nowadays it is a hub for furniture.
However, my favorite place in Koscierzyna was the Stary Browar brewery, where you can learn about Pomeranian brewing traditions.
On top of that, the restaurant and hotel perfectly manage the gap between preserving traditional and interior design based on the latest trends.
The entire building has been built up from ruins and has a 150-year hold history.
The brewery pours nine types of beer every day: Indian Pale Ale, Wheat, Cranberry, Keller, Dark Beer, Red Lager, New England Wheat, Lemon, and American IPA.
The hops and malts come mostly from Polish plantations, and the brewery uses water from its own intake. Feel free to ask for a beer tasting.
There is a direct railway connection from Koscierzyna to Gdansk. This makes it one of the best cities near Gdansk for a day trip!
8. Westerplatte
An excursion to the Westerplatte is one of the classic day trips from Gdansk. Located on the Baltic Sea coast mouth, it was the location of a Polish Military Transit Depot until 1939.
Westerplatte is famous for the Battle of Westerplatte, which started the Second World War. It was the first clash between Polish and German forces during the invasion of Poland.
During your visit to the Westerplatte, you can see the former defenders’ barracks and guardhouses.
One was converted into a museum, and a monument to the events was unveiled in 1966. A museum dedicated to the Battle of 1939 opened in 2015.
9. Gdynia
Gdynia is one of the 3 cities forming the so-called Tri-City (Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia).
All three of these are some of the best places to visit near Gdansk for day trips!
Gdynia is one of the fastest-growing towns in the area and doesn’t really have a historic center. It’s now one of the youngest and trendiest places to live in the region.
The city was founded in 1926 and is famous for its harbor and the longest sea boulevard in Poland.
Nowadays, it’s the main port for cruise ships. The two 130-meter-high Sea Towers are the symbol of Gdynia.
The most important tourist attraction is the historic vessels moored at the quayside.
The only preserved Polish pre-World War II ship is the oldest destroyer in the world today.
The other two are the over 100-year-old Dar Pomorza, a former merchant vessel that is today a museum ship.
10. Hel Peninsula
A day trip to Hel peninsula is not as hellish as it might sound first. The 34 km strip reaches in the Baltic Sea and is not wider than 500m.
The peninsula is dominated by the 2 fishing ports, Hel and Władysławowo, at its base.
Chałupy, Kuźnica, and Jurata are tourist resorts during the short summer and can be quite packed from July to September.
The northern shore is famous for its beautiful beaches, which are mostly deserted.
Hel Island is famous for its delicious seafood restaurants and is a paradise for birdwatchers due to its rare bird species.
Hel peninsula can be easily reached from Gdansk by train or bus and from Sopot by ferry.
11. Stutthof Concentration Camp
If you know anything about WWII, you know this is one of the more difficult day trips from Gdansk, Poland.
But visiting Stutthof Concentration Camp is an important place to visit and a must for any history lovers.
Stutthof was a Nazi concentration camp during WWII where over 110,000 people were helped prisoners.
The conditions in the camp were terrible, and over 63,000 of the inmates died in the camp.
Unfortunately, many more died during death marches just before the camp was liberated.
The best way to get to Stutthof Concentration Camp from Gdansk is by bus or on a guided tour from Gdansk.
12. Malbork Castle
One of the best cities near Gdansk for day trips is Malbork. In particular, you need to visit the magnificent Malbork Castle.
Malbork Castle is part of a large Gothic fortress complex built in the 13th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today.
In addition to its fascinating history, the castle is full of intriguing statues and beautiful architecture. It’s also the largest castle in the world by land area.
It’s worth it to travel to Gdansk, Poland, just to go on a day trip to nearby Malbork Castle! If you only have a few days, you can easily do one day in Gdansk and then a day in Malbork.
The train from Gdansk to Malbork is only 45 minutes!
13. Tczew
Tczew is a beautiful town on the Vistula River in the Eastern Pomerania province.
The most popular reason to visit Tczew on a Gdansk day trip is to see the Ship Wreck Center for Conservation, part of the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk.
Another popular site is the Vistula Museum.
If you are interested in maritime history, this will probably be one of your favorite day trips from Gdansk! If naval history doesn’t interest you, it’s still a nice place to visit if you have the time.
Book here your rail tickets to Tczew.
14. Łeba and Słowiński National Park
Did you know that Poland has dunes? You can bet this came as a shock to me, too!
People come from all over to see the ‘shifting’ sand dunes, which shift slightly every year due to strong winds.
The air in Łeba has even been proven to help with respiratory conditions like asthma.
Located near the most northern point of the Pomerania province are Łeba and the Słowiński National Park, one of Poland’s most amazing places to visit.
This is also a great option if you’re looking for some Gdansk hiking options, as it’s a pretty easy day trip!
15. Kaliningrad (Russia)
Many people don’t realize a tiny part of Russia is right next to Poland and the Baltics.
This is called Kaliningrad and contains some amazing sites you’ve probably never heard of! This makes it one of the most unique day trips Gdansk has to offer.
The must-visit sites in Kaliningrad are the Königsberg Cathedral, Amber Fort, Botanical Garden, and Bunker Museum. There’s even a bizarre monument to Baron Munchausen!
You can visit Kaliningrad as a day trip from Gdansk by bus or car, but make sure you have any required visas in place before you go!
16. Toruń
Toruń, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most captivating day tours from Gdansk, renowned for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture and rich historical significance.
This charming city, the birthplace of the famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, offers visitors a journey back in time as they stroll through the cobblestone streets of its Old Town.
Highlights include the Gothic Toruń Cathedral, the Copernicus House, where the astronomer was born, and the unique Toruń Gingerbread Museum.
Toruń is one of the places near Gdansk with fascinating historical sites and delightful culinary traditions, making it an unforgettable destination for us and any traveler.
17. Elbląg Canal
The Elbląg Canal, an engineering marvel and one of Poland’s most unique attractions, offers extraordinary tours from Gdansk.
This historic canal, built in the 19th century, features a remarkable system of inclined planes that allow boats to be transported over land between sections of water at different elevations.
I was captivated by the stunning landscapes of the Warmian-Masurian countryside, dotted with lush forests, tranquil lakes, and picturesque villages.
This is one of the things to do near Gdansk that makes a perfect, memorable experience for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Join an Elblag Canal Boat Cruise.
18. Frombork
Where to go from Gdansk for a fascinating day trip for history and astronomy lovers? Go to Frombork, a picturesque town on the Vistula Lagoon.
Best known as the final home of the renowned astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, explore the impressive Frombork Cathedral, where Copernicus conducted much of his groundbreaking work.
The adjacent Nicolaus Copernicus Museum provides insights into his life and discoveries, while the Bell Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Frombork is a must in my list of best places near Gdansk to visit!
Book here your Frombork Private Tour.
19. Wladyslawowo
If you don’t know yet what to see near Gdansk, Wladyslawowo, a vibrant seaside town located on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea, is highly recommended.
Known for its wide sandy shores and lively atmosphere, Wladyslawowo is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying various water sports.
The town’s Ocean Park features marine-themed attractions and interactive exhibits that delight visitors of all ages.
Another highlight is the Rozewie Lighthouse, Poland’s oldest lighthouse, where you can learn about maritime history while taking in stunning coastal views.
Book here your bus to Wladyslawowo.
20. Pelplin
If you are tired of a self-guided walking tour of Gdansk, try visiting another area.
Pelplin offers a serene escape with its rich historical and architectural heritage and is one of the best one-day trips from Gdansk.
The highlight of this charming town is the Pelplin Cathedral, a striking example of Gothic architecture. Its Diocesan Museum houses an impressive collection of medieval manuscripts and artworks.
Nearby, the historic abbey complex invites visitors to explore its tranquil grounds and learn about the centuries-old traditions of the Cistercian monks.
General Info about the Pomeranian Province
Geographic situation: Gdansk, a Polish city on the Baltic coast, capital of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, and Kashubia, Poland’s principal seaport and the center of the country’s fourth-largest metropolitan area. Complex history with periods of Prussian or German rule, of self-rule as a “free city.”
Language: Polish. English is widely spoken.
Currency: zloty
| How to get there: By airplane to Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport. Within Europe, you can often find cheap flights to Gdansk, East Pomerania. Airport. – Book here your airport transfer to hotel. By train from Warsaw, Gdynia or Sopot. Check railway prices here. By long-distance bus (super cheap here) from Warsaw and other Polish cities. Rent a car to drive from Warsaw or to explore Kashubian Switzerland. Check rental car prices here. |
I hope some of these, admittedly very personal, highlights of what to see in Gdansk, Poland, could convince you to include Gdansk in your travel plans.
Have you been to Gdansk? Did you enjoy it? In the comment form, please tell me what you loved (or loved less).
Map: Best Day Trips from Gdansk
Disclaimer: I have been a guest of Pomorskie Travel and the Polish Tourism Board. As always, all my opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase one of the items, I’ll receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you.
A short FAQ about the best day trips from Gdansk
What are the best day trips from Gdansk by train?
Hel Peninsula, Gdynia, and Sopot are the best Gdansk day trips by train.
How to go on a day trip from Gdansk to Sopot?
The easiest way to get to Sopot from Gdansk is by train.
How to go on a day trip from Gdansk to Torun?
Torun is less than two hours by train from Gdansk!
What to see around Gdansk?
Around Gdańsk, you can explore historical sites like Malbork Castle and Westerplatte, the scenic beaches of Sopot and Hel Peninsula, and the medieval charm of Toruń. You see many attractions on a day tour in Gdansk.
What to do around Gdansk?
You have plenty of places to visit around Gdansk are historical castles, scenic parks and nature reserves, and cultural and historical sites.
What are things to do in Gdansk?
Things to do around Gdansk include exploring the historic Old Town, visiting the impressive Gdansk Crane and St. Mary’s Church, and strolling along the picturesque Motława River.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
