Gdynia
Seaside Resort in North Poland
Information
Gdynia is a port city in northern Poland. Gdynia, together with nearby Gdańsk and Sopot are often referred as Tricity (pl: Trójmiasto). Gdynia was first mentioned in the 13th century as a fishing village. Its career began after World War I, when it became Poland´s main harbour and the biggest sea port at the Balitic Sea, which it still is.
Gdynia is one of the youngest cities in Poland. In the early 1900's Gdynia was a little village, but after WW1 and the establishment of the Free City of Gdańsk, the Polish Government decided to build a deep-sea port there. Construction begun in 1921. The city rose fast in the 1920's and 1930's and is still growing. Today Gdynia is a modern city with a population of around 250,000 and is the second major port in the Baltic Sea after Gdansk.
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT GDYNIA AND TRI-CITY
Getting to Gdynia
The nearest airport is in nearby Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (25 km). The airport is a a popular destination for low-price flights from many European airports. Domestic flights are also available. Transfer: Bus line 510 connects the airport with Gdynia Central Station, but it runs only few times a day.
Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport - Live Flight Arrivals Information
Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport - Live Flight Departures Information
The main train station is Gdynia Główna served by PKP. Gdynia is one of the biggest railway hubs in Poland with connections to Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan, Wroclaw, Katowice, Szczecin, Torun, Bialystok and many others. If traveling in the coastal area Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia, then look out for the SKM commuter train. Travel from nearby Gdansk takes about 40 minutes (3.50 zl) with the frequent SKM urban trains, which leave every 8-20 minutes.
Sights and tourist attractions
Gdynia is a relatively modern city, but the oldest building in Gdynia is nevertheless the 13th century St. Michael the Archangel's Church in Oksywie. There is also a 17th century neo-Gothic manor house located on Folwarczna Street in Orłowo. However, what attracts most tourists in Gdynia deals with its recent past. In the harbour, there are two anchored museum ships, the ORP Blyskawica destroyer and the Dar Pomorza Tall ship frigate.
Gdynia is famous for its numerous examples of early 20th century architecture, especially monumentalism and early functionalism, and modernism. Great example of modernism is PLO building situated at 10 lutego street. Recently reconstructed Świętojańska street and Kościuszko square are also worth a mention. The surrounding hills and the coastline attract many nature lovers. A leisure pier and a cliff-like coastline in Kępa Redłowska, as well as the surrounding Reservation Park, are also popular locations. A 1.5 kilometre long promenade leads from the marina in the city centre, to the beach in Redłowo. Most of Gdynia can be seen from Kamienna Góra (54 metres asl) or a newly built observation point near Chwaszczyno. You can also take a hydrofoil or ship trip to Gdańsk Westerplatte, Hel or just see the port.
Gdynia is also the host of the Heineken Open'er Festival, one of the biggest contemporary music festivals in Poland. The festival welcomes many foreign hip-hop, rock and electronic music artists every year. The second most important summer event in Gdynia is Viva Beach Party, which is a large two-day techno party made on Gdynia's Public Beach, usually held in August. Gdynia also host some events for the annual Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival.
Map of Gdynia, Poland