Gdańsk, Sopot, Gdynia – The Tricity

The Tricity, an urban complex extending along the Bay of Gdańsk, is one of Poland’s largest tourist attractions. Each of the cities making up the Tricity offers a different atmosphere. Gdańsk is a Hanseatic town more than 1,000 years old, while the lively Sopot and Gdynia are proof of the economic spirit of the Poles who, having regained their independence in 1918 after a century and a half of occupation, took less than 10 years to build one of the greatest ports on the Baltic. The history of the Tricity is an important element of the contemporary consciousness of every Pole: it was here that the strikes of 1970, 1980 and 1988 set in motion the destruction of the communist system. In 1980, Lech Wałęsa led the strike at the Lenin Shipyard in Gdańsk, which became the cradle of the Solidarity social movement. The trade-union leader went on to become the president of Poland and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Swimming, strolling, or maybe a cruise?
Sightseeing around the Tricity is relatively simple, because the cities are like beads on a string – the transport corridor linking Gdańsk with Gdynia. The charms of living in the Tricity combine harmoniously with natural attractions. The coastline offers a variety of environments, from the sandy beaches in Sopot and Gdańsk and the lowland coast of the Bay of Puck, to the cliff coastline of Redłowo and Oksywie. The vitality of flora and fauna on Sobieszewska Island, at the mouth of the Vistula, is truly amazing. An adventure on the Baltic Sea can start with a visit to one of the beaches in Stogi, Brzeźno or Sopot. Piers are a seaside attraction here. The oldest and longest pier in Sopot offers a walk of 516 meters into the sea. A seaside cruise is available from Długie Pobrzeże in Gdańsk, the pier in Sopot and the port in Gdynia. Most of the ships sail to Hel, a picturesque fishing port on the other side of the Bay of Gdańsk.
Meetings with the past
The heritage of material culture in the Tricity, despite wartime destruction, is impressive. The Main Town in Gdańsk is a classic example of a Hanseatic town. The narrow façade of Mannerist houses line streets that were once lively trading centres, and today attract tourists with their picturesque appearance. The narrow streets are full of life in all seasons. In August, crowds are attracted to the Dominican Fair. To really feel the atmosphere of old Gdańsk, it’s best to walk along Długa and Nowy Targ streets, closed from both ends by spectacular gates: Złota (Golden) and Zielona (Green).

On Długi Targ Street is the Neptune Fountain, and behind it is the Artus Court, once the city’s most important building, the centre of political life and merchant societies. Nearby is the beautiful Gothic Main Town Hall. It houses a museum displaying famous Gdańsk carved furniture. The Town Hall tower is a scenic view point. Długi Targ Street, under the arcades of the Green Gate, will take you to Długie Pobrzeýe – a fragment of the old Gdańsk port with the characteristic Þuraw (Crane). This tourist attraction was once an important reloading station. It’s located close from here to Mariacka Gate, which leads into the narrow stone-paved Mariacka Street. On its axis is Mariacka (St. Mary’s) Basilica, the largest brick Gothic church in Europe.
The National Museum houses a collection of old paintings and other crafts. The most famous work is The Last Judgment, a painting by Hans Memling. The life of the Gdańsk townspeople is displayed at exhibitions in the Gdańsk History Museum, Artus Court and Uphagen’s House, where visitors can admire the wealth and splendour of the apartments of Gdańsk’s patricians. The history of maritime culture can be viewed at the Central Maritime Museum. The Maritime Aquarium in Gdynia is a delight for lovers of exotic aquatic life.Also intriguing are the smaller “beads” of the Tricity necklace on the Gdańsk-Gdynia route. Wrzeszcz has an atmosphere from the late 19th and early 20th century, including eclecticstyle houses and Vienna Secession-style villas. Sights worth seeing include a 19th-century brewery and a settlement of workers’ cottages. This is the hometown of Günter Grass, winner of the Nobel Prize for literature. Oliwa, site of the International Organ Festival, is famous for its cathedral, containing an original Rococo organ.
Unusual spectacles and concerts
The Tricity is well known for its unique theatrical performances. The summer stage of the Municipal Theatre in Gdynia operates next to the pier in Orłowo. Its “foundations” are immersed in the Bay of Gdańsk and viewers are able to admire performances from the beach. The Atelier Theatre is located on the beach next to the historical Grand Hotel in Sopot. In summer, André Hubner-Ochodlo, a German artist with Ukrainian roots, comes here to present Polish-German-Jewish repertoire. The Theatrum Gedanense Foundation, under the patronage of the Prince of Wales, organises Shakespeare Days and the National Shakespeare Festival in Gdańsk. Also active in Gdańsk is Schola Cantorum Gedanensis, considered the best Polish choir, and Capella Gedanensis, which specializes in the music of old Gdańsk. The historical organs of the Oliwa Cathedral, St. Mary’s Church and St. Nicholas’ Church attract many outstanding musicians. The Forest Opera in Sopot was the venue for Wagner festivals before World War II, while today it hosts concerts and the International Song Festival.
Something for gourmets
The Tricity is famous for fish. The Fish Hall in Gdynia offers all kinds of seafood. The Polish Baltic coast is rich in herring, cod, salmon, eel, turbot and flounder. Hel hosts an annual competition for the most interesting herring dish. Beer famous across Europe has been brewed in Gdańsk for centuries.

Other local specialties include Goldwasser – a clear herb liqueur with gold flakes, Piołunówka – a modern version of absinthe, and Dzika Pszczoła (Wild Bee) – a honey vodka withforest herbs. Amber is a typical souvenir from Gdańsk. If you fail to find any on the shore, there are ready-made amber decorative items and jewellery on sale at numerous souvenir stores in the Tricity.
Environs – a trip into the Middle Ages
Tourists with a desire for trips further away can go to Malbork with its extensive Gothic castle complex. The Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights once lived in this fortress. “Light and sound” spectacles are held here as well as knights’ tournaments for those who find looking at museum collections is not enough.