Day Trip Destinations Near Gdańsk

Sopot
About half an hour's train ride from Gdańsk is Sopot with its long sandy beaches.

Once you've explored the sights of central Gdańsk, it's definitely worth venturing out to discover what the surrounding area has to offer. The region around Gdańsk is packed with fascinating day trip destinations that'll take you deep into Poland's history, culture, and natural beauty.

Just a stone's throw from Gdańsk, about 10 kilometers away, Sopot awaits with its long sandy beaches, Europe's longest wooden pier, and vibrant spa town atmosphere. In summer, Sopot really comes alive with activity. Equally close, around 20 kilometers away, you'll find Gdynia, a modern port city with its own unique character. Getting to both cities is a breeze thanks to the local train connections.

If you're up for a slightly longer journey, about 50 kilometers from Gdańsk, you'll reach Malbork, home to the world's largest brick castle. For those craving nature and outdoor activities, head to the Hel Peninsula. This narrow strip of land is particularly popular with surfers and is also home to the Fokarium, a conservation center for endangered seals. Though it's a bit further out, Toruń definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary. In Toruń, you can visit the Copernicus House Museum and the famous Gingerbread Museum, among other attractions.

Sopot, A Beach Getaway Near Gdańsk

Looking for the best beaches along the Gdańsk region's 30+ kilometers of sandy coastline? You'll find them in Sopot [on map]. This charming seaside town has been drawing beach lovers for over a century and has recently reclaimed its spot among the Baltic's top beach destinations, right up there with Jūrmala and Jõesuu. Getting here from central Gdańsk is a breeze, just hop on a local train and you'll be there in about 30 minutes. Get off at Sopot's main railway station [on map], then it's roughly a kilometer stroll to the beach along the main drag, Bohaterów Monte Cassino street [on map].

The atmospheric Molo pier [on map] in Sopot ranks among Europe's longest seaside piers. Meanwhile, the nearby Monte Cassino street has transformed into a buzzing nightlife hub, though it might not be everyone's cup of tea. Take time to wander Sopot's charming streets and admire the beautiful, often quirky architecture scattered near the waterfront. The beach area and downtown are dotted with parks and walking paths that are especially lovely in the early evening, perfect for soaking up that vacation vibe.

The beachfront area is packed with interesting sights too. The Sopot Lighthouse (Latarnia Morska Sopot) [on map], built in the early 1900s, towers an impressive 30 meters high and offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the Baltic Sea. On Monte Cassino street, you'll do a double-take when you spot Krzywy Domek [on map] (Bohaterów Monte Cassino 53) – this building's wavy, surreal design makes it look like something out of a fairy tale and it's become a must-see attraction.

Culture buffs should check out the Forest Opera (Opera Leśna) [on map] (Stanisława Moniuszki 12) for an unforgettable concert experience surrounded by nature. History enthusiasts can explore the Archaeological Open-Air Museum Grodzisko w Sopociessa [on map] (Jana Jerzego Haffnera 63), where a reconstructed early medieval Slavic fortress lets you step back in time to discover the area's ancient past.

Dar Pomorza sailing ship, Gdynia
Gdynia is a charming port city near Gdańsk. One of its highlights is the museum ship Dar Pomorza, definitely worth checking out if you're into maritime history and sailing ships. Photo: Przemyslaw Reinfus

Gdynia, A Maritime Day Trip Destination

Gdynia [on map] is a lovely port city just a quick half-hour train ride from Gdańsk's main railway station [on map]. It makes for an excellent day trip when you're visiting Gdańsk. Getting to Gdynia from Gdańsk is super easy, just hop on one of the local trains that run several times an hour. Last time I checked, a one-way ticket cost around six złoty. If you're planning to explore more of the Tri-City area, consider getting a 24-hour pass instead.

One of Gdynia's star attractions is the massive aquarium (Akwarium Gdyńskie) in the harbor area [on map]. This marine life center is packed with diversity, home to around 200 different species including fish, reptiles, and invertebrates. You'll get to explore creatures from coral reefs to open oceans, from the Amazon River to the Baltic Sea.

Another fascinating spot that opened relatively recently is the Emigration Museum (Muzeum Emigracji w Gdyni) [on map], housed in the former marine terminal building. This was the very place where thousands of Poles departed for their new homelands. The museum does an excellent job of telling the story of Polish emigration from the 1800s to the present day.

If you're into maritime history and ships, the museum ship Dar Pomorza [on map] is definitely worth your time. This full-rigged sailing ship, built in 1909, served as a training vessel for Polish maritime schools until the late 20th century. Today, you can explore its decks and learn about sailing ship construction and Poland's maritime heritage.

The Orłowo district [on map] of Gdynia features a pedestrian pier (Molo Orłowo) [on map] and adjacent beach that are both worth visiting. The pier offers stunning views over the Baltic Sea and is a popular spot for leisurely strolls. Meanwhile, the nearby beach is perfect for relaxing, splashing around, and soaking up the sun.

For panoramic views, head up to the viewpoint (Punkt widokowy - Kamienna Góra) [on map] that rises above the city, it's a favorite spot for photography and taking in the scenery. From the hilltop, you can gaze out over Gdynia's cityscape and harbor. The easiest way up is via the cable car (Kolejka na Kamienną Górę) [on map], which was free last time I checked.

Gdynia also boasts plenty of quality restaurants [on map], many of them clustered around the main harbor piers.

Hel, From Fishing Village to Beach Paradise

Hel [on map] is a charming little town that started life as a fishing village. It sits right at the tip of the oddly-shaped Hel Peninsula [on map] on Poland's northern coast, if you look at a map, you'll see what I mean! Getting there can be a bit of a trek (expect a good two hours from Gdańsk), but come summer, this place transforms into a buzzing beach resort. The stunning sandy beaches are a magnet for windsurfers and kitesurfers, and you can rent all the gear you need from the villages of Władysławowo [on map] and Jastarnia [on map] along the peninsula.

Hel packs in plenty of cool attractions for such a small place. The Seal Sanctuary (Fokarium) [on map] is a conservation center for endangered seals where you can get up close with these fascinating marine mammals. The Fisheries Museum [on map], housed in a former church, tells the story of the area's rich fishing heritage. Train buffs will want to check out the Hel Railway Museum [on map].

The wider Hel Peninsula has loads more to explore. At the very tip of the peninsula stands the 40-meter-tall Hel Lighthouse (Latarnia Morska Hel) [on map] – definitely worth a visit. In Jastarnia village, there's another lighthouse built in 1950 (Latarnia Morska Jastarnia) [on map] that lighthouse enthusiasts will love. The Hel fortifications played a crucial role during World War II and are fascinating to explore. History buffs should definitely visit the Museum of Coastal Defense (Muzeum Obrony Wybrzeża) [on map] within the fortified area.

Among the villages dotting the Hel Peninsula, Jurata [on map] is famous for its gorgeous sandy beaches and laid-back vibe. The village of Kuźnica [on map], located at the narrowest point of the peninsula, is also worth a stop. Meanwhile, Chałupy [on map] village is a hotspot for windsurfers and kitesurfers. The town of Władysławowo [on map] draws tourists with its activities, you can even join a fishing expedition here.

Don't miss the chance to feast on fresh seafood at Hel's local restaurants [on map] – it's an absolute must!

My favorite way to reach Hel is by ferry, though buses will get you there too. Żegluga Gdańska ferry company [on map] offers various routes to the Hel Peninsula and other coastal destinations.

Dar Pomorza sailing ship, Gdynia
Malbork is famous for having the world's largest brick castle, built in the 13th century as the headquarters of the Teutonic Order. Photo: Maryna Konoplytska

Malbork

Located a bit inland from Gdańsk, Malbork [on map] makes for a popular day trip destination. The train ride from Gdańsk's main station takes just under 40 minutes. This short and affordable journey also gives you a nice glimpse of the Gdańsk countryside.

Malbork's claim to fame is its massive Gothic fortress (Zamek w Malborku), [on map] built in the 13th century as the headquarters of the Teutonic Knights. The castle complex has three main sections: the High Castle (the original fortress where the knights lived), the Middle Castle (with additional buildings and administrative spaces), and the Lower Castle (home to warehouses and workshops).

This is the world's largest brick castle, they used tens of millions of bricks to build this beast! While it took a beating during World War II, it's been beautifully restored since then. UNESCO added Malbork Castle to its World Heritage list in 1997, and these days it seems to be especially popular with German tour groups. The walk from Malbork train station [on map] to the castle grounds is about 1.5 kilometers and well-marked with signs.

Inside the castle museums, you'll find over 40,000 artifacts on display, including one of Europe's most impressive collections of medieval architectural elements, an amber collection, ancient weapons and military gear, plus an extensive coin collection linked to Malbork's historical mints. Wide moats and double defensive walls surround the entire fortress.

If you visit in midsummer, you might catch the annual medieval fair, which culminates in the "Siege of Malbork", one of Poland's biggest historical reenactments.

While you're in town, families might enjoy a visit to Dinopark, [on map] a dinosaur-themed park that's perfect for kids and makes a nice complement to the castle visit.

You can easily combine a Malbork visit with a day trip to Toruń, but if you're planning to do both, definitely set aside a full day for the adventure.

Toruń

Toruń [on map] makes for a perfect day trip destination. Thanks to its convenient location, fascinating sights, and compact size, you can explore all the essentials in just a few hours.

The city is best known as the birthplace of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, who spent most of his life here. Back in the day, Toruń was also one of the Hanseatic cities, members of the Hanseatic League, a medieval trading alliance that dominated commerce across Northern Europe and the Baltic region from roughly the 1200s to the 1600s.

The heart of the city beats at the Old Town Square, Rynek Staromiejski [on map]. The square is surrounded by impressive buildings including the Town Hall, Artus Court [on map] and the "House Under the Stars" [on map]. Since Toruń's historic center largely escaped the devastation of World War II, you'll see buildings here pretty much as they were centuries ago. On summer days, the city buzzes with a lively, pleasant atmosphere, and you can enjoy excellent food and drinks at reasonable prices in the cafés and restaurants around the main square.

One of the city's most famous attractions is the 13th-century Leaning Tower of Toruń (Krzywa Wieża w Toruniu) [on map], which tilts about one and a half meters off vertical due to the clayey ground beneath it. Local legend has it that a Teutonic knight fell in love with a merchant's daughter and, as punishment for breaking the order's rules, was forced to build a crooked tower.

Toruń Cathedral [on map] is an impressive Gothic structure housing Poland's third-largest church bell, the Tuba Dei, which dates back to 1500 and weighs nearly 7.5 tons. Other notable buildings include the neo-Renaissance city theater (Teatr im. Wilama Horzycy) [on map] and the baroque Dąmbski Palace [on map], which now houses the university's arts department. The city walls with their gates are also an important part of Toruń's historical heritage.

Don't miss the Living Museum of Gingerbread (Żywe Muzeum Piernika) [on map], where you can get hands-on with the city's famous gingerbread-making tradition that dates back to the 13th century. You can join workshops and bake your own gingerbread using traditional methods. The combined zoo and botanical garden [on map] is another popular spot to check out.