Last weekend we spent in Gdansk, Poland. We went by ferry from Karlskrona to Gdynia, and then by taxi and train to and from Gdansk and Sopot. I had a gloomy vision of Poland since my school days – coal, polluted, misty, drab…and no one could convince me of anything else. I had to see it with my own eyes….And, I was met by lovely people (not that good English speakers, but there are hands, feet, body and face to use!), a wonderfully restored city and a glorious resort in Sopot.
Early morning mist and we woke up to this wiew of the harbour. Looking out through the window, the big cranes were sailing by…
….behind the containers, the city itself was rising from the morning mist.
The King walked this way when he had received the key to the city. Dluga – or the Long Street. It is difficult to understand how all these magnificent buildings all were rebuilt from the disasters of WWII.
Passing the Town Hall, which is the highest building in the city – 81 metres – we reached the fountain of Neptune. But first, let’s take a closer look at some of the architecture.
Oh, the doors and their ornaments…
…and all the old and new signs and lamp posts, intricately woven in iron.
Many old ladies were selling their home made knittings – among many other things…in the street.
And the colours were amazing – on houses and people and clothes and …
…balloons!
This fountain, built in 1549, was so popular with the citizens that they took it down piece by piece to hide it during the war. Not until 1954 was it put together again!
And now, the mighty Neptune himself guided us to…
…the Waterfront. Restaurants, cafés and people, people. More from the beauty, the people and the ships on the Waterfront in the next post!
Leya 
Stunning, stunning … stunning. What a fantastic weather you had … that blue sky. Your post has really done Gdansk justice. Amazing images and so you.
Viveka – I couldn’t believe my eyes that this city has so much beauty. A real treat.
Yes, it’s a truly beautiful city.
The ironwork is wonderful, isn’t it? Love your photos again 🙂
Thank you kindly – I’m glad you like them!
images of neptune keep appearing; makes me want to refresh my memory regarding the story’!
Yes!
You know Leya, i have the same feeling about Poland, having grown up in the Czech Republic and seen it thru an early childhood filter of communism. So good to see. Such a beautiful place. Hooray for spirited people and for freedom. 😀
Yes, hooray for them all! It’s interesting how we feel or think about things we’ve once heard or been taught. Luckily the remedy is seeing the thing with your own eyes!
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Tack, Lisa!
💞💐
Wow, I love all your photos! I have read so much about Poland during WWII. I didn’t know it is this beautiful.
No, a very positive surprise, really!
What a cool place. I never thought of a Polish city looking like this. That’s the funny thing about misconceptions.
Misconceptions are very frequent – even if we think we don’t have them…
Your photos are beautiful and so inspiring!
I’m glad they are inspiring! Gdansk felt like a giant cream cake with frosting – and chocolate…
So beautiful. The colours are lovely. 🙂
I’d have nothing against going back for another visit.
What a beautiful walk and beautiful sunny day!
We were vere lucky with the weather!
How lovely that Gdansk was much much better than you expected.
Yes, isn’t it. When you believe something to still be dark and ugly…I’m happy for the people there – they are proud over their city.
Stunning photos of a beautiful place seeped in history
Thank you, Seonaid. I really enjoyed this short trip. And the people were very welcoming and nice too.
Beautiful !
Thank you – I was greatly surprised!