The Hanseatic pearl on the Motlawa
Gdansk
Gdansk lies about 85 km south of Jastarnia - 1.5 to 2 hours by car or approximately 2 hours by train (changing at Gdynia). A thousand-year-old Hanseatic city rebuilt after wartime destruction, it captivates with its architecture, amber-trading heritage and vibrant port atmosphere. It is easily the best day trip from the peninsula.
What to see in Gdańsk?
Long Market and Neptune Fountain
The main showpiece avenue of Gdansk with its 17th-century Neptune Fountain. Lined by townhouses rebuilt after the war in Hanseatic style.
St. Mary's Basilica
The largest brick church in the world. 405 steps up the tower lead to a panorama of the entire city and port.
European Solidarity Centre
A modern museum dedicated to the Solidarity movement and Poland's path to democracy. An interactive exhibition on the grounds of the former Gdansk Shipyard.
Westerplatte
The peninsula where the first shots of World War II were fired on 1 September 1939. A monument to the defenders and the remains of the guardhouse.
The Crane on the Motlawa
A medieval port crane from the 15th century - one of the most recognisable symbols of Gdansk. Now part of the National Maritime Museum.
Mariacka Street
The most atmospheric street in Gdansk. Townhouses with stoops, amber galleries and open-air cafes.
What to try in Gdańsk cuisine?
Gdansk is the capital of Polish amber - on the Long Market and Mariacka Street you will find dozens of galleries and workshops. The Amber Museum in the Great Mill is worth a visit, with inclusions dating back millions of years.
The city also has a lively craft-beer scene - venues in the Old Town serve locally brewed beers, often inspired by historical Hanseatic recipes. Gdansk cuisine blends Kashubian traditions with German and Dutch influences - fish soups, herring prepared several ways and Goldwasser (a liqueur with gold flakes) are local specialities.
How to get from Jastarnia to Gdańsk?
- Distance from Apartament Zdrojowy 323: approx. 85 km (1.5-2 h by car, approx. 2 h by train).
- Train: POLREGIO from Jastarnia to Gdynia Glowna (approx. 1 h 10 min), then SKM to Gdansk Glowny (approx. 30 min). Total time: approx. 2 h.
- Seasonal ferry from Hel to Gdansk (Zegluga Gdanska): approx. 2 h, operates April-September.
- By car: S6 and DW216 - expect traffic jams leaving the peninsula in peak season.
- Gdansk Old Town is largely pedestrianised - comfortable shoes are essential.
Direct booking
Apartament Zdrojowy 323 - book direct, no booking-platform fees
You message the apartment service team directly. Same room, same quality - the 15–18% Booking.com/Airbnb commission becomes your saving.