Gdynia

Gdynia is situated on the Northern Coast of Poland in the Gulf of Gdansk. It is one of the largest developments and ports in the Pomeranian region and makes up one third of the “Tri-City Area” with a current population of roughly a quarter of a million. The village was first mentioned in texts in 1253 but did not become developed until 1920 when Pomerania was given to Poland and Gdynia was nominated a suitable area to build a naval port. Currently two passenger ferries run daily to and from Karlskrona, but plans are in place to expand the commercial opportunities as part of the Gdynia City Development Strategy. The city’s best views can be found atop the Kamienna Góra Hill which stands 45m above sea level, allowing you to take in the port and surrounding coastline or even a parade of boats. Despite the city’s atmosphere as a new and vibrant place, there is no shortage of things to see in terms of history with museums, ancient buildings and churches. The surrounding area is home to maritime and some furrier wildlife, the both beaches and woodland and park areas are easily accessible from here.

Attractions

[http://www.aquarium.gdynia.pl/ Gdynia Aquarium] – The aquarium is located at the end of the promenade on Aleja Jana Pawła II Street. There are marine and freshwater specimens as well as a special Baltic Sea Fauna section. There is also a “museum” section which explains other habitats and environments, regardless of whether or not they may appear in the Baltic.

Naval Museum – The museum itself is at 3 Sędzickiego Street and has a massive amount of military paraphernalia and equipment including war planes, helicopters and gun carriages. In addition, the Warship "Błyskawica" Poland’s most famous and successful World Ward 2 ship has been converted to a museum in itself and is berthed at Pomeranian Warf at Zjednoczenia Avenue.

Watersports – Gdynia is very popular with outdoor enthusiasts and boats, both wind and motor-powered can easily be hired at the marina to cruise or tear round the gulf.

Polish Feature Film Festival and Heineken Open'er Festival – The annual festival takes place in September at the Music Hall. Films set for full release are premiered here in the competition in addition to special commemorative screenings. The event has been running since 1979, and recently has seen an expansion towards other film events such as exhibitions and opportunities to meet actors and actresses at the city’s main Kościuszki Square. The musical equivalent is the Heineken Open’er Festival which is held each year at Kościuszki Square and is the largest open air festival in Poland. The world’s best popular electronica, rock and hip hop artists perform to crowds which have often travelled as far as the artists to get there. Outdoor concerts also take place each Sunday on Kamienna Góra Hill.

Shopping

Shopping is one of the main attractions for Scandinavian tourists off the boat from Karlskrona who flock to Świętojańska Street for the boutiques and comparatively low prices. The Batory Centre not only has some excellent shopping opportunities, but also a fairly spectacular building to boot. Out of town there are a few larger mall-type establishments, such as “Géant” or “Hit”, selling pretty much everything imaginable. For groceries, the covered markets are your best bet, selling fresh fruit, vegetables and meat at prices to please the locals.

Nightlife and Eating Out

The massive amount of sea-trade has had a very large impact on the dining and nightlife available in the city. The cuisine is excellent, probably the best in Pomerania, and the service is also very high owing to the large ex-pat population that is pandered to. The unimaginatively named [http://www.tajmahal.com.pl/index2.html Taj Mahal] boasts the title of Gdynia’s first Indian restaurant, and it can also lay claim to the best. The menu offers great choice and helpful suggestions for combinations of dishes although the décor and waiting staff could be seen as a slightly strained attempt to push its authenticity. Pueblo and the affiliated [http://www.etnica.com.pl/ Etnica] are quite possibly two of the most enjoyable places to eat. The Mexican food is excellent, served in a busy atmosphere and accompanied by superb beers and cocktails. Etnica also has a choice of four different eateries; bar, bistro, restaurant and banquet room.

As with any seaport, the sex-trade is thriving. Brothels, prostitutes and escorts are commonplace, and the practice is unregulated by the government so definitely something to steer well clear of. The nightlife punches well above its weight compared to neighbouring Gdansk and Sopot considering its population. Many of the cafes and bars have small intimate dancefloors, far more appealing than the techno-fuelled expanses that are standard across the rest of Poland. [http://www.coco.net.pl/ Café Coco] and Desdemona are popular with the trendier art crowd. The more serious clubbing takes place at [http://www.mandragora.art.pl/ Mandragora] which brings in International house and techno DJs weekly.

Tourist Information

Municipal Tourist Information Centreul. 10 Lutego 24 (building PLO)81-364 GdyniaTelephone: (+ 48 58) 622 37 66Email: gcit@gdynia.plWebsite: [http://www.gdynia.pl/it www.gdynia.pl]

Baltic Tourist Information PointAl. Jana Pawla II81-345 GdyniaTelephone: (+48 58) 621 77 51Email: bpit@gdynia.pl

Airport

The [http://www.airport.gdansk.pl/service/en/strgl.php Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport] is the closest to Gdynia and has flights to and from the main cities in Poland and Europe. There are a good number of shops and a tourist information desk. The airport is roughly 10 km out of the centre of Gdansk and there is a regular bus service and busy taxi rank from the city. Gdansk can be reached by train from Gdynia Glowna station in twenty five minutes or via free shuttle bus from Stena Line bus terminal, Terminal Promowny, which is 5km northwest of Gdynia. There is another smaller airport at Babie Doly, although this is currently exclusively for Naval use.