LOOKING TO PLAN A DAY TRIP FROM GDANSK? Then you’re in the right place. After living in Poland for years, and with Gdansk located just an hour’s flight away from Norway, I have explored the northern part of Poland countless times.
The charming port city of Gdansk has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists in recent years. And while there’s no shortage of things to do in Gdańsk, there are also so many amazing day trips from Gdansk you can take within a 2-hour drive.
To be honest, I never knew Poland looked like this. I think you’ll be amazed.
Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here are my three top picks for day trips from Gdansk:
🌟 The Tricity area – Gdansk is known for its rich history and beautiful architecture, Sopot for its lively beach scene and famous pier, and Gdynia for its modern port and maritime museum. I explored all three cities on a day trip with this private guide and I absolutely loved it!
🐚 Łeba and Słowiński National Park – a charming seaside town located east of Gdansk, known for its beautiful beaches and sand dunes. Łeba is also the gateway to Słowiński National Park, a unique natural area with shifting sand dunes and rare flora and fauna. You can explore Słowiński National Park as part of this private tour.
🏰 Malbork Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest castle in the world by land area. You can reach Malbork from Gdansk in under an hour by train, car or as part of a guided tour like this one, which includes both Malbork Castle and Westerplatte. Perfect if you’re a history buff like me!
Article overview
Best day trips from Gdansk
I would set aside at least 3 days to get the most out of the Tricity Area and take at least one longer day trip.
Here’s a map of all the day trips from Gdansk I mention in this guide. All are within a 2-hour drive of the city, while most are within 1 hour.
1. Sopot
Located just a short train ride away, Sopot makes for the perfect day trip from Gdansk. With its sandy beaches, historic pier, market and lively nightlife, Sopot has something for everyone.
One of the main attractions in Sopot is the pier, which extends over 500 meters into the Baltic Sea.
Sopot is also home to some beautiful beaches. The most popular beach is Sopot Beach, which is over 4 kilometers long and has plenty of facilities, including showers, changing rooms, and lifeguards. Other beaches close to Sopot include Jelitkowo Beach and Orłowo Beach.
Another unique site is the Crooked House which was built in the 1940s and is now home to a shopping center. Climb the lighthouse for panoramic views across the city.
Gdansk to Sopot guided tour
Limited on time? The highlights of Sopot can be explored in a few hours, so unless you want to lounge on the beach I recommend joining this guided tour of the Tricity area.
With a guided tour, you can sit back, relax, and let someone else take care of the logistics, so you can make the most of your time and enjoy the sights.
2. Gdynia
Gdynia is a beautiful port city located on the coast of the Baltic Sea, just 30 minutes away from Gdansk. It is known for its stunning beaches, charming promenade, and maritime history. It is a must-visit when you’re in Gdansk, especially during the summer months.
One of the best things to do in Gdynia is to visit the Gdynia Aquarium, which is home to over 1,500 species of marine animals from all over the world.
If you’d rather spend your time outside, Kamienna Góra is a picturesque hill located in the heart of the city. This natural landmark offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the Baltic Sea.
The Tricity area is also a great 30th birthday destination, I celebrated mine there. Affordable accommodation, food and cocktails, fun nightlife and it’s easy to get around. It doesn’t get much better!
3. Sobieszewo Island
Sobieszewo Island is a beautiful island located just a short drive from Gdansk. The island is known for its stunning beaches, rich wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for a day trip from the city.
One of the most popular attractions on the island is the Ptasi Raj (Bird’s Paradise) Nature Reserve, which is home to a variety of bird species, including herons, cormorants, and ducks. You can explore the reserve on foot or by bike.
However, the main drawcard of Sobieszewo Island is the beach. The island boasts several kilometers of sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The beaches are clean and well-maintained, with amenities including beach bars, restaurants, and water sports rentals.
The island was once home to a military base, and you can still see some of the old bunkers and fortifications that were built during World War II. If you visit Poland in summer, the Baltic beaches are a must!
4. Łeba and Słowiński National Park
Łeba is a charming coastal town, located 1 hour and 30 minutes northeast of Gdansk by car. Its miles of pristine beaches lead to the protected Słowiński National Park, home to natural forests and lakes, but most notably, the beautiful shifting sand dunes, known by many as “Poland’s desert”.
You can explore the park on foot or by bike. Be sure to climb the highest dune, known as the “Światowit” dune, which offers panoramic views of the park and the sea.
The park is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 250 species of birds, and several lakes and rivers, including the Leba River, which is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing.
We rented a car and drove to Łeba from Gdansk early in the morning. I absolutely loved it! We parked at a place called Rabka and walked from there. You also have the option to buy a ticket for one of the park’s shuttle golf carts/buses.
If you prefer for someone else to get you there, click on the top-rated guided tour below for more information!
🎫 Check it out >> Top rated Słowiński National Park private tour
5. Hel Peninsula
Hel Peninsula is a narrow strip of land that spans approximately 34 kilometers between the Bay of Puck and the Baltic Sea. Home to some of Poland’s most beautiful beaches (Chałupy, Jastarnia, and Jurata), it is the most popular summer destination for Poles. I have also been here several times and love it!
While a day trip to “Hel” might not be at the top of your list, the fact that this Polish peninsula has one less “l” than hell itself should pique your interest. You can take a boat or bus from Gdańsk to Hel for a day trip.
The Sealarium in Hel is a great place to learn about the local marine life and see seals up close. The sanctuary is home to several species of seals and sea lions, and visitors can watch them being fed and trained.
And at the Hel Fortifications, built in the early 20th century to defend the peninsula from invasion, you can explore the tunnels and bunkers and learn about the history of the area.
Hel day trip from Gdansk
So as you can see, Hel Peninsula is a great day trip destination from Gdansk for or those looking to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. If you don’t want to drive by yourself or rely on public transport, this Hel Peninsula Private Guided Tour is the perfect option.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Baltic Coast from the comfort of an air-conditioned car. OR even better, enjoy the same view from a cruise. Yes, that’s right, this private tour can be done on land or on the water. You choose when you book!
🎫 Click for more info >> Gdansk Hel Peninsula Private Tour by Cruise or Car
6. Rewa
Rewa, a small fishing village located on the Bay of Puck, about halfway between Gdansk and Hel, is one of my favorite places in Poland. I have visited on a day trip from Gdansk several times but also stayed here for my summer holidays.
One of the main attractions in Rewa is its beautiful beach, which stretches for over 2 kilometers and offers stunning views of the bay. I love the laidback surf vibe here, you can try windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing. Though I prefer shopping in the surf shops.
If you prefer to stay on land, several hiking and cycling trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The nearby Beka Nature Reserve is also worth a visit.
7. Rzucewo Castle
On our way to Hel, we stopped by Rzucewo Castle, a neo-gothic structure built in the 1800s to resemble a medieval fortress. There is an old linden trees alley leading to the castle, which – according to legend – was planted by King John III Sobieski himself.
The castle changed hands many times over the years and was confiscated by the Germans during World War II, before being turned into a Plant Breeding and Seed Technical School.
In 1997 restoration began to turn the castle into a hotel and restaurant as it still remains today. We enjoyed beef cheeks with Silesian noodles and Sirloin beef steak with pepper sauce for only $45 including a glass of wine.
After your lunch or dinner, go for a stroll through the manicured garden, lounge on the beach during the summer months, go horse riding through the woodlands, enjoy a massage or rent a bike and explore the surrounding area.
8. Malbork Castle
Malbork Castle is the largest castle in the world measured by land area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of my favorite castles in Poland. It is located in the town of Malbork, just a short distance from Gdansk, making it an ideal day trip destination for my fellow history buffs.
The castle was built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights, a Catholic religious order that played a significant role in the history of Poland. Over the centuries, the castle has been expanded and renovated, and today it stands as an impressive example of Gothic architecture.
I have taken a day trip to Malbork Castle from Gdansk several times, by train and by car.
Guided tour to Malbork
🌟 My top pick >> If you’re a history buff like me, I recommend this day trip to Malbork Castle and Westerplatte from Gdansk. Continue to the beautiful Polish countryside where you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch, before finishing the day at Westerplatte, where World War II began.
If you prefer a human guide >> Explore the impressive Malbork Castle on this half-day trip from Gdansk with an English-speaking driver and an English guide. You leave early in the morning to beat the crowds, and that means you still have the afternoon and evening to enjoy in Gdansk.
9. Elblag Canal Cruise
The Elblag Canal, also known as the Elblag-Ostroda Canal, is a canal in Poland that has been in operation for over 150 years, stretching from Elblag to Ostroda and spanning more than 80 kilometers.
It is the longest navigable canal still in use in Poland and one of the most fascinating canals in Europe. What sets the Elblag Canal apart is its innovative engineering, which was necessary to overcome a challenging section of the route where the water level rises by 100 meters over a distance of approximately 10 kilometers.
Rather than building traditional locks, an ingenious system of inclined planes was used to lift boats out of the water and place them onto tracks, which then dragged them across dry land.
The Canal Cruise below is one of the best day trips you can take from Gdansk. The scenery is absolutely stunning and how often will you experience boating across water and land!?
🛥️ Click here to learn more about this Elblag Canal Cruise
10. Torun
Another of my favorite day trips from Gdansk is to the charming city of Torun. It is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, impressive Gothic cathedrals, and being the birthplace of the famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus.
One of the must-see attractions in Torun is the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I love to go for a stroll through the cobblestone streets and admire the colorful facades. The Old Town Square is also a popular spot, with its beautiful Town Hall and the leaning tower of the Church of St. Mary.
Another highlight of Torun is the Copernicus Museum, which is housed in the astronomer’s former home. The museum showcases Copernicus’s life and work, including his revolutionary theory that the Earth revolves around the Sun.
If you prefer to sit back and relax, join a guided tour from Gdansk which conveniently includes transportation to and from your hotel and a knowledgeable guide to show you around the city.
11. Frombork
The most recent place I visited on a day trip was Frombork, the “Jewel of Warmia”. It is a charming small town located on the Vistula Lagoon, about 90 kilometers from Gdansk.
Frombork’s Old Town is a charming area filled with historic buildings, quaint cafes, and shops. Take a stroll around the town and soak in the atmosphere.
My favorite part about the town is Frombork Cathedral, the burial place of Nicolaus Copernicus, which features beautiful stained glass windows and a stunning view of the Vistula Lagoon.
The Copernicus Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Nicolaus Copernicus. It features a collection of scientific instruments, manuscripts, and other artifacts related to the famous astronomer.
🎫 Check price and availability >> Copernicus Trail in Frombork from Gdansk
12. Kashubian Switzerland
Located just a short drive from Gdansk, Kashubian Switzerland is a beautiful region known for its lush landscapes, rolling hills, and crystal-clear lakes. I’m so happy we rented a car so we could explore at our own pace.
One of my favorite stops was the town of Kartuzy, which is home to a stunning 14th-century monastery and Wdzydze Landscape Park, which covers an area of over 100 square kilometers. You can make use of the park’s many hiking trails, go fishing, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.
If you’re a history buff like me, a visit to the Museum of Kashubian Pottery in Chmielno is a must. The museum showcases the traditional pottery-making techniques that have been used in the region for centuries.
You can also explore Kashubian Switzerland as part of the guided tour below. Learn about this historical area as you visit the towns of Kartuzy, Chmielno, and Szymbark, followed by a trip to Wieżyca Hill.
13. Lawendowa Osada Lavender Farm
Lawendowa Osada Lavender Farm is a picturesque farm located in the Kaszuby region, about an hour’s drive from Gdansk. Set amidst rolling hills and lush greenery, it is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
You can explore the lavender fields, learn about the cultivation process and purchase a variety of lavender products. Guided tours are available in English, Polish, and German.
In addition to the lavender fields, the farm also offers accommodation in chalets or glamping tents, as well as a small shop where you can purchase handcrafted lavender products such as soaps, oils, and candles.
🌟 Remember to always get insurance before you travel to Poland or anywhere else. SafetyWing is an affordable subscription travel insurance that you can purchase even after departure. Read my complete SafetyWing review here.
14. Stutthof Concentration Camp
Stutthof Concentration Camp is located about 34 kilometers east of Gdansk and is one of the most significant historical sites in Poland. It was the first concentration camp built by the Nazis outside of Germany and was operational from 1939 until 1945.
It is estimated that about 65,000 people died in Stutthof, and those who survived suffered from inhumane living conditions, forced labor and medical experiments.
During a visit to Stutthof, you can learn about the camp’s history and see the barracks, gas chambers and crematoriums. The museum also displays personal belongings of the prisoners, such as shoes, glasses, and suitcases, which provide a stark reminder of the atrocities that occurred.
Guided tours are available in multiple languages, the museum is open every day except for Mondays and some public holidays.
🤍 Check price and availability here >> Stutthof Private Tour led by Expert-Guide
15. Westerplatte
Westerplatte is a peninsula located in the Gdansk harbor and is known as the place where World War II officially began. I visited by ferry from the city center which took around 30 minutes.
Once you reach Westerplatte, you’ll first see the many monuments and memorials dedicated to the Polish soldiers who fought here. The most prominent of these is the Monument of the Coast Defenders which depicts a soldier standing tall with a gun in his hand, looking out to sea.
Apart from the monuments, you can also explore the ruins of the barracks and the ammunition depots that were destroyed during the war. The ruins have been preserved and serve as a reminder of the devastation that war can bring.
🌟 As mentioned above, this guided tour from Gdansk includes both Westerplatte and Malbork Castle, perfect if you’re a history buff like me!
How to get around
The best part about visiting Poland is that it’s easy to get around by car, bus and train, taxis are affordable and there are so many amazing guided tours to choose from.
You can reach many of the destinations I mention in this guide by train. I use this site to find timetables and prices.
Rent a car
I have rented a car several times at Gdansk Airport to have the freedom to explore at my own pace. I normally don’t like to drive in the big cities in Poland, traffic can get a little crazy. However, the Tricity area and the surrounding countryside haven’t been any problem at all.
So if you are comfortable driving, I highly recommend you rent a car. I always use DiscoverCars, a comparison site that covers 10,000 destinations worldwide. They often have the best deals, they include smaller rental companies and they offer FREE cancellations up to 48 hours before your reservation.
You can read about my experience renting cars in Kraków, which is more or less the same as in Gdansk.
🚘 Check price and availability >> Rental cars in Gdansk
Private driver
🔥 HOT TIP >> If you’re looking for a private driver to take you around Poland or Central Europe, I recommend GFP Travel. Tomasz is a pleasure to communicate with, and nothing is too much. They go above and beyond to make sure your trip is the best it can be.
You choose where you want to go or ask them to plan everything for you. Our guide Lucas was knowledgeable and very patient when I wanted to stop everywhere to shoot photos. It’s a great way to explore castles in Poland and even cover many in one day.
🚕 You can book your private driver here >> Car services in Poland & Central Europe
🤩 Read next >> My perfect 2-day Gdansk itinerary including everything you need to know!
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