One of the three cities that make up the Tricity area in northern Poland, Gdynia is located on the Gulf of Gdańsk. It is a major economic, cultural, and tourist center.
Although Gdynia was a small fishing village for centuries, its development accelerated rapidly after Poland regained independence in 1918. In the 1920s, a modern seaport was constructed here, which became crucial for Poland’s economy—especially as an alternative to the nearby Gdańsk, which at the time was under the administration of the Free City.
Gdynia is well known for its modernist architecture, a hallmark of the interwar period.
The city is surrounded by the Tricity Landscape Park hills, making it an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Within city limits, visitors can enjoy numerous beaches, with the most popular ones located in Orłowo, Redłowo, and Śródmieście (city center).
Tourist Attractions
- Kościuszko Square and the Southern Pier (Molo Południowe): Popular promenade spots with scenic views of the harbor and docked ships.
- ORP Błyskawica: A historic Polish destroyer turned museum ship.
- Dar Pomorza: A museum tall ship and a symbol of Gdynia.
- Orłowo Cliff (Klif Orłowski): A picturesque cliff in the Orłowo district, perfect for scenic walks.
- Gdynia Aquarium: A popular destination for marine wildlife lovers.
Port of Gdynia is one of the largest seaports in Poland and plays a vital role in international trade. The city is also a center for maritime industry, technology, and services.
Dar Pomorza
One of the most famous Polish sailing ships and an icon of Polish maritime history. It served as a training ship for Polish sailors for over half a century and is currently a museum ship in Gdynia.
It was built in 1909 at the Blohm & Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany. Originally, it was named Prinzess Eitel Friedrich. In 1929, thanks to funds raised by the Pomeranian Committee of the National Fleet, the ship was purchased for Poland.
Dar Młodzieży
The sailing ship replaced the aging Dar Pomorza, which served a similar role for many decades. Compared to Dar Pomorza, Dar Młodzieży is larger, faster, and equipped with modern navigation equipment.
It is one of the most recognizable Polish ships worldwide and a testament to Poland’s continued presence in global sailing.
