Gdynia

All About Gdynia

Gdynia was a small fishing village in the shadows of Gdańsk for a long time. Its ultimate metamorphosis into a sprawling city took place when the government announced the building of a port here in 1920. As a result, Gdynia is a relatively new city with a contemporary vibe, noteworthy modernistic buildings, and an emerging culinary status. At its heart, though, Gdynia, Poland continues to be a center of commerce backed by its magnificent harbor.

Over the past few decades, the unmatched treasures of Gdynia, Sopot, and Gdańsk have led these coastal towns to become revered tourist destinations. Home to the Polish Navy and the Paris Commune shipping yard, the westernmost of the tri-cities already has a developing maritime heritage. Tourists arriving with ferry tickets to Gdynia should come prepared for a vacation in an extraordinary seaside town. One where culture and tradition walk hand-in-hand with style, modern thinking, and a deep appreciation for the good things in life.

Routes and Ferries to Gdynia

Ferry tickets to Gdynia are a laid-back way to reach the Polish coastline from Karlskrona in Sweden. Boats on this route cross the Baltic Sea in 10 to 13 hours, depending on weather conditions. Stena Line has three ships sailing between the cities with two to three departures daily. You can use Ferryscanner to book ferry tickets to Gdynia easily. Prices start from €100 and go up based on the passenger’s cabin and dining selections.

On land, Gdynia is well-connected to the rest of the country by road and rail. Gdynia Główna Train Station has an architecturally impressive pre-war designed building. Trains from here leave for Sopot, Gdańsk, Warsaw, Krakow, and other Polish cities. Buses to various domestic and European locations depart from just outside the train station.

Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa is the nearest international airport to Gdynia. Located 21km away, it caters to several low-coast as well as popular airlines throughout the year. Air passengers can fly to Gdańsk from Amsterdam, Aberdeen, Hamburg, Liverpool, Munich, Oslo, and many other European cities. From the airport, a train or a taxi is ideal for a transfer to Gdynia.

Port of Gdynia

The Port of Gdynia came into existence only in 1922. However, it quickly became a relevant import and export hub for Poland over the next decade. By 1931, the port’s ferry terminal was active, with transatlantic boats regularly docking at the harbor. Unfortunately, development ended once Germany occupied Poland and converted the port into a naval base. Consequently, the region was heavy bombed during WWII. Moreover, soldiers left the harbor in shambles when retreating at the end of the war.

Situated on the northwest edge of the Gulf of Gdańsk, the port is once again thriving along with the city. The calm waters around the shoreline make it a preferred choice for mooring. There are several docks for bulk cargo and container ships at the port.

When arriving with ferry tickets to Gdynia, you’ll find that the terminal has a waiting room, WCs, vending machines, luggage storage, a kid’s play area, and free WiFi. Buses and taxis are present outside the terminal. A taxi takes 15 minutes to the center, whereas the bus will take you to the central train station for €0.65.

Best Beaches

Between the tri-cities of Gdynia, Sopot, and Gdańsk, tourists are spoilt with choice when it comes to selecting a beach. Still, before even thinking about visiting Gdynia’s neighboring towns, set aside a few days solely for discovering the city’s famous and hidden seaside gems.

Gdynia Beach

The 200-meter-long Gdynia Beach is the heart of all excitement and entertainment on sunny days. The vast beach fills up by noon, so get there early if you want a spot by the water. With something on offer for every beach-goer, one can swim, rent loungers and umbrellas, or dine at cafes that line up along the promenade. There are showers, WCs, and a playground for kids if you wish to spend a few hours on the sand.

Beach Gdynia Babie Doly

Don’t let the cute-as-a-button name fool you. Gdynia Babie Doly beach is actually an isolated and wild sandy stretch with no amenities but a unique attraction. Located 20-minutes away from the city center, the beach is the perfect place to view the abandoned Torpedownia. A few meters into the sea, this building was a German station used for launching and testing torpedos during WWII. Adventure seekers should swim or take a boat to this crumbling structure with care.

Psia Plaża

Among the best beaches in Gdynia to visit with dogs, Psia Plaża is a short hop away from Sopot. From the town center, one can take a 25-minute bus ride to this expansive sandy shoreline. Several dog-lovers bring their pets here daily, who then have abundant space to run around. There aren’t any facilities here, but the beach is clean, and the surrounding trees provide shade when the temperature gets hot. A dog park nearby completes the picture, making Psia Plaża the ideal place for a picnic with your four-legged friends.

Orłowo Beach

Orłowo Beach, with cliffs in the background and a woodland surrounding, is one of the three main beaches in Gdynia. Located in the south of the city, tourists can either drive 15 minutes or take an hour-long walk to get here. The beach has a natural feel about it and is very much family-friendly. It has a lovely 430-meter-long pier perfect for a romantic stroll, a separate section for dogs, and bars on the promenade. For an authentic snack, look out for local fishers selling smoked fish.

Redłowska Beach

Located at a distance of 4.5km from the city, sunbathers have to walk 30-minutes from the train station, through a forest, to reach Redłowska Beach. Worth every minute of the trouble, the 400-meter-long beach is a delight to spend the day at. Lifeguards are on duty during summers, a play area keeps the little ones busy, and rope swings hanging from trees are a favorite with the young at heart. If wishing for an activity-filled day, take a walk through Kępa Redłowska Nature Reserve, where wild boars, foxes, and badgers roam freely.

Places to Visit

Food, fish, film, and fantastic stories about the Polish diaspora, the best places to visit in Gdynia are brimming with much activity and infotainment. From rainy day excursions to educational attractions for children, the delightful city of Gdynia has plenty on offer besides excellent beaches.

Miejska Hala Targowa

Miejska Hala Targowa is a massive, covered marketplace in central Gdynia that looks like an airplane hangar at first look. Built in the 1930s, this farmer’s market has several stalls where locals sell everything from fresh vegetables, cheese, and meats to electronics, souvenirs, and clothing items. A pleasure to walk around, tourists should particularly keep an eye out for made in Poland and made in Gdynia products. A section of the market hosts events and workshops by artists. An excellent place to visit in Gdynia for bargain hunters, bring along cash as many stalls don’t take credit cards.

Gdynia Film Center

A must-visit for cinephiles, Gdynia Film Center is the venue for the famous Polish Film Festival held annually. Also a film school, there are workshops for professionals and amateurs to take. Casual movie-goers can watch international and regional films at the studio. Unlike a commercial multiplex, screenings here have an academic touch, which means no popcorn or talking while the film is on.

Gdynia Aquarium

An exciting place to visit in Gdynia for the entire family, the city aquarium dates back to 1971. Featuring over 1500 sea creatures, Gdynia Aquarium consists of 68 big and small tanks classified into different segments. Children can learn about coral reefs, Amazon rainforests, and aquatic life from other parts of the world. A separate exhibition concentrates on marine life in the neighboring Baltic Sea. An adult ticket for the aquarium costs €6.30, with discounts for families and groups.

Emigration Museum

The Emigration Museums takes on a unique approach to understanding Polish culture. It studies the 200-year-old history of people moving away from Poland to different parts of the world. Through permanent and temporary exhibitions, visitors get a sense of why and where people went after leaving their homes. Many of whom passed through the ferry terminal of Gdynia. Opened in 2015, the museum is free to visit on Wednesdays, with a ticket costing €2.15 on other days.

ORP Błyskawica Destroyer

A Polish destroyer that actively served in WWII, ORP Błyskawica is open to visitors from May to November. The ship was put in service in 1936. At the start of the war, it sailed away from Poland, participating in several sea battles over the following years. Today, ORP Błyskawica is the oldest destroyer of its kind globally and a recipient of the Virtuti Militari award. To know more about the destroyer’s captivating escapades, all you require is the €3.45 museum ticket and a vivid imagination.

Transportation Around Gdynia

Traveling on public transportation is super easy in Gdynia. A €2.81 ticket allows you to use the bus and trolleybus networks for 24-hours within the city and in Sopot. Single, 60-minute and fast lane tickets cost even less. During the summer months, water ferries operate around town.

Szybka Kolej Miejska (SKM) is the commuter train system that runs between the tri-cities.  While regular rail service is also available, most people choose SKM since it is faster, with departures every 10-15 minutes. A Metropolitan ticket, valid in all three cities, costs €4.98 and is a good option if you plan to travel between Gdynia, Sopot, and Gdańsk frequently.

Gdańsk Tourist Card is an outstanding alternative for travelers. With this pass, tourists can use all tri-cities public transports for 24, 48, or 72 hours. Moreover, the card offers several discounts and free entry into museums.

Those who prefer to self-drive can hire a vehicle from top rental agencies in Gdynia. Alternatively, utilize the pick and drop cars or bicycles available at various city locations for local transport. Taxis are not too expensive, easy to find, and metered. Nevertheless, always book one in advance. More importantly, only choose genuine taxis that are marked and have phone numbers printed on the outside – or book an Uber. When traveling between cities, keep in mind that the taxi driver can legally charge a higher rate once you cross the border.