Gdansk Shipyard: the Birthplace of Solidarity

The Gdansk Shipyard (Stocznia Gdańska) played an important role in European history. It was here that demonstrations began in the formerly Lenin Shipyard which would lead to the birth of the Solidarity (Solidarność) movement in 1980. This trade union was led by Lech Wałęsa and eventually resulted in Poland's first post-communist election in 1990. This presidential election was won by Lech Wałęsa and brought the end of the communist regime in Poland.

Today some of the important places of the uprisings and buildings can still be visited. You can take a cruise on the River Motława to see a part of the shipyard or a bus tour to visit the buildings. One of the most important places in the Gdansk Shipyard is the Monument of the Fallen Shipyard Workers at the shipyard's gates. Next to it you can find the European Solidarity Centre, inside the building is also a museum with a permanent exhibition. Here you can find more information about the story of Solidarity.

Search location on Beautiful Places Map

Read More

A Cruise on the Motława River with the Galleon Lion

At the Old Harbor in Gdansk you can find many ships for a cruise on the Motława River. They all follow the same route from the harbor through Gdansk Shipyard, to Westerplatte and back.

We chose the Galeon Lew (Galleon Lion) because it looks spectacular and the children couldn't wait to set aboard a pirate ship. The galleon has an upper and lower deck and offers the possibility to eat or drink during the trip. There's also a tour guide on board who explains more about the important sights during the cruise in Polish, German, English and Russian.

From the galleon you have a great view of the docks and the ships in Gdansk Shipyard. You get the possibility to get off the ship at Westerplatte and get picked up by the next galleon. The whole cruise takes around 90 minutes. More information about a cruise on a galleon on the Motława River you can find here.

Location: Długie Pobrzeże, 22-100 Gdańsk, Poland

Search location on Beautiful Places Map

Read More

Old Harbor at the Motława River in Gdansk

The Motława River embankment is one of the most visited places in Gdansk. You can find here lots of cozy restaurants, beautiful buildings and it is a starting point for cruises on the Motława River with a visit to Gdansk Shipyard.

Lots of tourists are also attracted by one of the symbols of the city, the medieval port crane (Zuraw) which dates back to 1442-1444. It now is part of the National Maritime Museum and houses a collection of permanent exhibitions.

Another part of the National Maritime Museum that can be visited in Gdansk's old harbor is the SS Sołdek. This was the first ship built after the Second World War in the Gdansk Shipyard (Stocznia Gdańsk). It also was the first seagoing ship in the history of the Polish shipbuilding industry.

Close to the SS Sołdek you can find the Granaries on Ołowianka Island. They consist of three buildings of which the walls survived after World War II and were reconstructed in 1985. Now they are the main exhibition space of the Central Maritime Museum.

Location: Długie Pobrzeże, 22-100 Gdańsk, Poland

Search location on Beautiful Places Map

Read More

The Long Market in the Main Town of Gdansk

The Long Market (Długi Targ) in Gdansk is part of the Royal Way which begins at the Golden Gate and ends with the Green Gate. Like in the Long Street (Ulica Długa), you can find here lots of colorful and important buildings. It also has many small tourist stalls and restaurants.

One of the eyecatchers here is the Neptune Fountain from the beginning of the 17th century. It was designed by Abraham van den Blocke and symbolizes the strong connection between Gdansk and the sea.

Another important landmark at the Long Market is Artus Court (Dwór Artusa). This house is located behind the Neptune Fountain and was originally built around 1350. The impressive facade was also created by Abraham van den Blocke between 1616-1618. Artus Court served as a meeting place for rich merchants and patriciates and was a centre of social life. It now is part of Gdansk History Museum.

Location: Długi Targ, Gdańsk, Poland.

Search location on Beautiful Places Map

Read More

Walking Between Treetops in Ziegelwies

This treetops walk is located at the Walderlebniszentrum(forest adventure center) in Ziegelwies, close to the Lechfall in Füssen. It crosses the Austria-Germany border and offers magnificent views of the surrounding area. The length of the path is 480 m and its highest point is 21 m above the ground. You can access the path either from the Austrian or the German side.

Besides having a treetop walk, the Walderlebniszentrum also has 2 hiking trials which are ideal to visit with children. The Auwaldpfad(river forest trail) is 1,5 km long and the Bergwaldpfad(mountain forest trail) is 1,7 km long. Both paths are located in Ziegelwies and start at the forest adventure center.

Location: Tiroler Str. 10, 87629 Füssen, Germany.

Search location on Beautiful Places Map

Read More

Highline 179: Spectacular Footbridge in Austria

Located in Reutte, Austria, Highline 179 is one of the longest span footbridges in the world. With a length of 406m and a height of 114m, the bridge connects the ruins of Ehrenberg Castle and Fort Claudia. The metal footpath of Highline 179 is 1,2 wide and you can see straight down below, you'll also notice that it slightly moves. The name of the bridge comes from highway 179 that runs under it.

When it opened in 2014, Highline 179 was the longest span Tibet-style suspension bridge in the world. In 2017 its first place was taken by the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge which opened then in Randa, Switzerland.

Tickets for Highline 179 can be purchased at the visitor centre below or from the machine at the bridge. Remember that it is a steep walk to the top but is rewarded with beautiful views.

Location: Klause 1, 6600 Reutte, Austria.

Search location on Beautiful Places Map

Read More