This journey through Gdańsk follows the historical landscape shaped by World War II. The route helps visitors understand how the years 1939–1945 influenced the city, its inhabitants, and its post-war appearance. It presents both the outbreak of the war and the everyday reality of occupation, destruction, and civilian suffering. The final part of the journey leads beyond Gdańsk, to Sztutowo. This is the site of the former German concentration camp Stutthof, one of the most important places of remembrance in the region. A visit to Sztutowo brings the route to a thoughtful conclusion, encouraging reflection on the scale of wartime crimes and human tragedy.
Plan details
- City: Gdańsk
- Number of days: 2
- Number of places: 22
Itinerary
Day 1
- Terminal Promowy Westerplatte
- Centrum Obsługi Zwiedzających - Pole Bitwy Westerplatte
A branch of the WWII Museum located at Westerplatte, the historic site of the outbreak of World War II. It showcases the battlefield, ruins, and monuments, allowing visitors to learn about the dramatic events of September 1939 and commemorate the bravery of the defenders.
- Magazyny amunicyjne
You are now standing by the ruins of the ammunition warehouses at Westerplatte. This is where weapons, ammunition, and military supplies for the Polish garrison were stored. Looking at these damaged walls, you can almost imagine soldiers preparing to defend against the German attack on September 1, 1939.Although some warehouses survived the first days of bombardment, their ruins now remind us of the heroic resistance of the Polish defenders. Walking among the walls, it’s easy to feel the harsh conditions they endured during the seven-day defense. This place is not only historical but also gives you a real sense of the courage and sacrifice of those who defended Westerplatte in the opening days of World War II.
- Wieża Obserwacyjna
- Plaques Commemorating the Defenders of Westerplatte
mjr. Henryka Sucharskiego 70, 80-601 Gdańsk, Poland
- Placówka "Fort"
80-601 Gdańsk, Poland
- Wartownia 1
mjr. Henryka Sucharskiego 70, 80-601 Gdańsk, Poland
- New Barracks - Westerplatte Walkable Ruins
This site consists of the ruins of the so-called New Barracks, one of the most important military support buildings at Westerplatte. Constructed in the 1930s, the barracks were designed as a modern facility for the Polish Military Transit Depot, housing living quarters, storage rooms, and sanitary facilities.In September 1939, the New Barracks became one of the main defensive positions. The building was heavily shelled by the artillery of the battleship Schleswig-Holstein as well as by land forces. Despite severe damage, the barracks remained the command center and shelter for the defenders for several days. Key decisions regarding the continued defense of the peninsula were made here.After the surrender and the end of the war, the building was never rebuilt. The ruins that remain today reveal the scale of destruction and help illustrate the harsh conditions under which the Polish garrison operated. The New Barracks stand as one of the most powerful reminders of the seven-day defense of Westerplatte and the determination of its defenders.
- Westerplatte
80-001 Gdańsk, Poland
- Restauracja Mesa Westerplatte & Reduta Cafe
mjr. Henryka Sucharskiego 77, 80-601 Gdańsk, Polska
- Wisłoujście Fortress
A historic fortress at the mouth of the Vistula River, serving defensive purposes from the Middle Ages to modern times. Today, it is a branch of the Gdańsk Museum, where visitors can learn about its fortifications, cannons, defensive walls, and the life of the garrison protecting the harbor.
- Schron przeciwlotniczy
80-402 Gdańsk, Poland
- Pomnik Czołgu t-34
Aleja Zwycięstwa 10, 80-219 Gdańsk, Poland
- Stocznia Gdańska
A historic shipyard in Gdańsk, known as the birthplace of the Solidarity movement and an important center of Polish shipbuilding. It symbolizes the struggle for freedom and workers’ rights, featuring technical landmarks and spaces open to visitors, appealing to tourists and those interested in modern history.
- MONTOWNIA FOOD HALL
A modern food hall in Gdańsk offering a wide range of local and international cuisines. It’s a social spot where visitors can enjoy diverse dishes in an informal setting, perfect for lunch, dinner, or a quick meal in the city center.
- Museum of the Polish Post Office
plac Obrońców Poczty Polskiej 1/2, 80-800 Gdańsk, Poland
Day 2
- Bastion Św. Elżbiety
- St. Gertrude Bastion
Gdańsk, Poland
- Cafe Mariacka
Mariacka 21/22, 80-833 Gdańsk, Poland
- Museum of Gdańsk - Main Town Hall
Długa 46, 80-831 Gdańsk, Poland
- Muzeum Stutthof w Sztutowie
Stutthof was the first and longest-operating Nazi concentration camp outside the borders of the Third Reich. Prisoners included residents of Gdańsk and Pomerania, Jews, political prisoners, and prisoners of war. Tens of thousands perished here.Access: https://www.e-podroznik.pl/rozklad-jazdy-bilety/gdansk-sztutowo
- Restauracja Kubicki
Wartka 5, 80-841 Gdańsk, Poland
About this plan
Gdańsk – a living open-air history museumGdańsk is not only the pearl of the Baltic and a city of freedom but, above all, a place of immense symbolic importance for the fate of modern Europe. By choosing to explore Gdańsk in the footsteps of World War II, you enter a space where the echoes of the salvos from the battleship Schleswig-Holstein still resonate within the walls of Westerplatte. It is here, amidst the meticulously rebuilt tenement houses of the Main Town, that you can best feel the weight of history and the spirit of the residents' extraordinary determination. Our Gdańsk historical guide will allow you to discover authentic memorial sites that shaped the modern world.How does our ready-made plan simplify your visit to Gdańsk?Forget about chaotic map-flipping or wasting time on logistical puzzles that often accompany visits to heritage-rich cities like Gdańsk. Our 2-day Gdańsk sightseeing plan is a precisely designed route that leads you "by the hand" through museums and the dark corners of ancient fortifications. Thanks to our itinerary, you save time while ensuring you don’t miss a single key point on the map. By choosing this ready-made tour plan, you gain full historical context without the need to independently develop a complex thematic route.Who is this historical route through Gdańsk for?This unique travel scenario was created for history enthusiasts and those seeking deeper meaning in tourism. It is an ideal proposition for families with school-aged children, for whom an educational trip to Gdańsk will be a living history lesson—far more engaging than textbook descriptions. The plan will also be appreciated by solo travelers and groups of friends who want to explore Gdańsk’s military landmarks in an organized and substantive way. If you value your time and crave authentic experiences, this route is dedicated specifically to you.