This new kid on the block only came into existence in the 1920's. Gdynia was born out of Poland's necessity to access the sea. As Gdansk (Danzig) was at the time a Free City the decision was taken to turn the small village of Gdynia into a port. Gdynia has since grown into a charming city. Sandwiched between the Baltic Ocean on one side and the forested region of the Tricity Reservation Park on the other the city has become extremely popular with nature lovers who come to enjoy the many scenic walks through the forests or along the shore line.
The obvious place to begin your exploration of Gdynia is probably Square Kościuszki. Located at the end of the Southern Pier ( Molo Poludniowe) it is considered as Gdynia's main square. In the warmer months it is a popular hangout for people who can enjoy the sea scape whilst stopping to browse the souvenir kiosks or sitting down at one of the many bars or restaurants that line the pier.
In the middle of the Square is a monument to all the Polish sailors who lost their lives during World War 2. Alongside is also a monument to one of Poland's favourite sons, the author Joseph Conrad.
On the western side of the pier are two museum ships, the ORP Blyskawica Destroyer and Dar Pomorza Tall Ship. The Blyskawica saw action during World War 2 before being donated to the Polish government as a museum ship. Both ships are still used as training ships and are still manned by sailors from the Polish navy.
From the pier you get a great view of one of Poland's newest residential developments, the Sea Towers. Expected to be completed in 2009 it will be the tallest building in Poland outside of Warsaw and will offer spectacular sea views for many of it's residents.
Further along the pier is the Gemini Centre which houses the Silver Screen Cinema (which often plays English speaking movies). This complex also houses a variety of shops and eateries including Dom Czekolady or House of Chocolate.
At the top floor is an internet cafe and also a terrace with views of the pier.
A few minutes walk from the Southern Pier is the Boulevard by the Sea (Bulwar Nadmorski). This purpose built promenade is lined with benches and is a great place for a Sunday morning stroll.
If you like shopping then Gdynia won't disappoint. Ulica Swietojanska is several miles long and both sides of this street are packed with shops, bars and restaurants.
Gdynia has also become home to countless music, movie and theatrical festivals. The Gdynia Heineken Opener Festival has played host to many international music stars such as Placebo, Franz Ferdinand, Scissor Sisters, Coldcut, The Streets, Kanye West, Basement Jazz and many more. Confirmed acts for the Gdynia Heineken Opener Festival 2008 are Jay-Z, The Raconteurs, Goldfrapp, The Cribs, Sex Pistols, Massive Attack, Chemical Brothers and more. Click here for the official website
If you visit Gdynia then it would be a crime to miss seeing Orlowo beach. Orlowo is famous for it's cliff face and this natural feature is unique along the whole of the Polish coastline. The beach is picture postcard perfect as the blue skies, green forests, clear blue water and the whitewashed wooden pier combine to make it almost impossible to take a bad photo !
A few minutes from the beach is Kliff shopping centre. This is one of my favourite shopping centres in the Tri City. It isn't that big that you are overwhelmed by it's sheer size (a la the Trafford Centre in Manchester) but it isn't too small either. Kliff has a lot of classy stores including a number of clothing and jewellery retailers. A pianist usually tinkles the ivories on the ground floor next to the fountain and coffee shop.
When you are in the Tri City area and someone suggests to you that you should go to Hel don't take immediate offence (unless obscene hand gestures are involved). This is because forty five minutes away from Gdynia lies the Hel Peninsula. The Peninsula is a 35 km long needle of land that juts out into the Baltic Sea. Ranging in width from a few kms at the tip to as narrow as 100 metres in some areas it can be difficult to imagine that such a narrow strip of land can accommodate small towns, roads and even a rail track.
The beaches here are breathtaking. Long, white, sandy beaches attract thousands of visitors and the area now has a well developed tourist economy.
Along the peninsula are many small fishing villages interspersed with more developed towns such as Jastarnia and Jurata. In these towns the property prices of some of the newer developments are amongst the highest in Poland largely due to their proximity to the beach and also because they have cultivated a reputation as being a playground for the rich and famous. The President's summer residence is located on the peninsula and is very easy to spot by it's fenced compound and sentry guards. However, that is all you will see do don't get too inquisitive or you'll probably get shot.
Hel Peninsula creates two microclimates. The northern, Baltic side is subject to the cooler winds coming from Scandinavia whilst the southern side around the bay is more sheltered because of the forests and sand dunes.
The shallow waters in the bay make it a perfect spot for windsurfers as there are many places where the water is deep enough to wind surf but shallow enough to stand if you fall off ! As the waters are shallow they also tend to be
warmer than the Baltic side of the Peninsula.
As the peninsula is made up entirely of sand then during the winter season it is frequently cut off from the mainland. Concerns have recently been voiced that Hel Peninsula may disappear altogether due to erosion so don't miss out on this geographical gem. And if you're still not convinced then visit the peninsula if only to tell your friends back home that you've been to Hel and back !
