Parks of Gdańsk and nearby sandy beaches
Gdańsk sits right on the Baltic Sea coast, and you can feel the ocean's presence everywhere, from the climate to what's on your plate. While you'll spot patches of greenery scattered throughout the city, don't expect to find parks on every corner.
Orunia Park - Park Oruński
Park Oruński, or Orunia Park [on map], is one of Gdańsk's largest urban parks, sprawling across more than 17 hectares. You'll find it in the Orunia district [on map], which sits outside the city center. Getting there is easy, just hop on a local train heading south for a few stops and get off at Gdańsk-Orunia station [on map]. From there, it's about a 500-meter walk to the edge of the park.
Back in the 17th century, Orunia was an independent area that attracted the upper middle class looking for a place to live and unwind. The area became dotted with summer homes, grand buildings, and lush green spaces. Unfortunately, wars and industrialization have taken their toll, and today only fragments of this once-beautiful area remain. Orunia Park stands as one of the most significant reminders of the old district's glory days. By the 18th century, the park had already gained fame for its unique plant life, and in 1918 it officially became a recreational area for Gdańsk's citizens.
The park features two lovely ponds connected by a stream. The smaller pond on the eastern side is particularly charming, thanks to the weeping willows that line its banks. These weeping willows (Salix babylonica), originally from East Asia, are stunning trees with incredibly wide canopies and beautiful branches that cascade almost to the ground.
Among the park's attractions, you'll find a monument dedicated to the Tatars of the Republic of Poland [on map], which was officially unveiled in 2010 following an initiative by the National Tatar Cultural Center. There's also a small amphitheater [on map] for events and performances, plus the historic Oruński Manor [on map], built in the 16th century. Over the centuries, this manor has been home to several prominent Gdańsk merchant families, including the Schachmanns and Czirenbergs. You can also explore a 17th-century ice cellar [on map], which once served as the manor's food storage facility, keeping ice and perishable goods fresh in the days before modern refrigeration.
Park Oruński is perfect for outdoor activities and relaxation. You'll find playgrounds for kids, walking paths for jogging and cycling, and picnic areas where families can spend quality time together.
Oliwa Park Area in Oliwa
The garden suburb of Oliwa [on map] sits just under 10 kilometers from downtown Gdańsk. Getting there is a breeze, just hop on a train to Gdańsk-Oliwa station, which is on the same line that goes to Sopot or Gdynia.
About a 10-minute walk from Oliwa station, you'll find Oliwa Park [on map], packed with fascinating attractions. Among the park's gems are the Pałac Opatów [on map] building, which houses a contemporary art museum, and a beautifully preserved cathedral right next door. The church dates back to around the 13th century, and during summer, you can catch organ concerts every hour from Monday to Saturday. The Pałac Opatów building, now home to the Museum of Modern Art, used to be the abbot's residence. There's also an ethnographic museum on the grounds.
The park has plenty more to explore. At the Palm House (Palmiarnia) [on map], you can admire exotic plants from around the world, while the elegantly designed Japanese Garden (Ogród Japoński) [on map] offers a peaceful spot to unwind. Don't miss the Whispering Grotto (Groty Szeptów) [on map], an acoustic marvel where whispers carry clearly from one side to the other.
About 800 meters from the park, the observation tower on Pachołek Hill (Wzgórze Pachołek. Wieża Widokowa) [on map] offers stunning views over Gdańsk, Sopot, and the Bay of Gdańsk. It's a perfect spot for capturing some amazing photos of the surrounding landscape. A bit further out, about 2 kilometers from the park (walkable or a quick taxi ride), you'll find Gdańsk Zoo [on map], one of Poland's largest. It's home to over a thousand animals representing nearly 200 different species.
On a beautiful summer day, Oliwa Park is the perfect place to spend time enjoying its gorgeous greenery and sculptures. You'll also spot squirrels, ducks, and swans making their home here. Finding the park is easy, just follow the signs from Oliwa train station.
Gradowa Hill - Góra Gradowa - Grodzisko
Just outside Gdańsk's old city walls rises Gradowa Hill, standing nearly 50 meters tall [on map]. Here you'll find the grass-covered ruins of a 19th-century hilltop fortress. Locals often refer to the hill and its surroundings as Grodzisko, which means "ancient fortress" or "castle hill" in Polish. Thanks to its strategic location, this spot played a crucial defensive role throughout the city's history. Today, it's a lovely park area offering spectacular views over the city center.
Gradowa Hill boasts several must-see attractions. The Millennium Cross (Krzyż Milenijny) [on map] is definitely one of them, this 16-meter-tall monument was erected in 2000 to celebrate two millennia of Christianity. It's one of the city's most prominent landmarks, and the views from up there are absolutely stunning. Another highlight is the early 19th-century fortress itself, whose walls have been beautifully reclaimed by nature. The park is filled with diverse vegetation, and if you're lucky, you might spot various small furry creatures hopping around the slopes, there are info boards telling you all about them.
The hill is also home to the Hevelianum Science Centre [on map], featuring multimedia and interactive exhibitions that explore nature and science. They're even planning to add a planetarium to the complex. Hevelianum is perfect for kids and teens with a passion for science and discovery. It brilliantly combines play with learning, inspiring visitors to explore the world from fresh perspectives.
The Sandy Beaches of Gdańsk and Sopot
The closest sandy beaches to Gdańsk, like Brzeźno [on map] and Jelitkowo [on map], are popular spots for a leisurely stroll.
But if you're after the best beaches in the Gdańsk area, and we're talking over 30 kilometers of sandy coastline here, you'll want to head to Sopot [on map]. This place has been a beloved beach resort 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 there from central Gdańsk is a breeze, just hop on a local train and you'll be there in about half an hour. Get off at Sopot's main railway station [on map], then it's roughly a kilometer walk to the beach along the main drag, Bohaterów Monte Cassino street [on map].
Sopot often enjoys warm, sunny days from early June through late August, though the weather can be a bit unpredictable. Once you hit the beach, you can kick back, soak up some rays, and try out all sorts of beach activities. Thanks to the long stretches of sand, you'll always find a peaceful spot to enjoy the Baltic vibes, even on the busiest afternoons.
Sopot's atmospheric Molo pier [on map] is one of Europe's longest beach piers, definitely worth a stroll. The nearby Monte Cassino street has become quite the nightlife hub these days, though it might not be everyone's cup of tea. What's really worth doing is wandering Sopot's charming streets and admiring the beautiful, often quirky buildings right near the waterfront. The beach area and town center are surrounded by parks and walking paths that are especially lovely in the early evening when you can really soak in that vacation feeling.
The Sopot beach area is packed with interesting sights too. The Sopot Lighthouse (Latarnia Morska Sopot) [on map], built in the early 1900s, stands an impressive 30 meters tall and offers stunning views over the city and the Baltic Sea. On Monte Cassino street, you'll find the mind-bending Krzywy Domek [on map] (Bohaterów Monte Cassino 53) – you'll do a double-take when you see this building. Its unusual, wavy design makes it stand out like nothing else and it's become quite the tourist magnet.
Culture buffs should check out the Sopot Forest Opera (Opera Leśna) [on map] (Stanisława Moniuszki 12) for an unforgettable concert experience surrounded by nature. And if you're into ancient history, the Sopot Archaeological Open-Air Museum at Grodzisko w Sopocie [on map] (Jana Jerzego Haffnera 63) features a reconstructed early medieval Slavic fortress where you can explore the area's ancient past.