Alternative tourguide
Welcome to the alternative guide to the Tri-City, where we invite you to explore the hidden gems of Gdynia, Sopot, and GdaÅ„sk—far from the typical tourist paths. This is your keyto discovering the lesser-known trails, secret spots, andunique corners that locals cherish. From quiet, tucked-awayscenic viewpoints to unexpected art spaces and historical pockets of charm, this guide reveals a side of the Tri-City that often goes unnoticed.
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning travelerlooking for a fresh perspective, let this guide lead you to the places where authenticity thrives, away from the commercialhustle and bustle. Explore, wander, and uncover the true soul of the Tri-City!
Let’s start our journey in Gdynia, where two striking coastal landmarks await discovery: the Torpedo Station in Babie DoÅ‚y and the OrÅ‚owski Cliff. These scenic spots offer an unforgettable seaside experience, perfect for a quiet walk away from the crowds.
The abandoned Torpedo Station, a relic of World War II, stands hauntingly in the water, creating a dramatic silhouette against the horizon. It’s a hidden gem for history enthusiasts and those seeking a unique coastal view.
A little further south, the Orłowski Cliff offers breathtaking panoramas of the Baltic Sea. This natural wonder, with its steep cliffs and serene beaches, is ideal for a peaceful stroll along the shore, with stunning views at every turn. Both locations combine history, nature, and tranquility, making them perfect destinations for a refreshing seaside walk in Gdynia.
The history of Gdynia torpedo sites began during World War II. Construction began in 1940. A research base and a torpedo training ground were built at an express pace. The twin objects for the torpedo launch were located in Gdynia Babie Doly and Gdynia Oksywie. They were called torpedo stations, and the entire facility was called Torpedowaffenplatz Hexengrund. The torpedo stations were built a few hundred meters from the shore and connected to the mainland by wooden jetties.
Hint: When visiting the ruins of the former torpedo house, you should reserve a little more time for a walk along the cliffs and the beach in Babie Doly. Torpedoes and piers look picturesque from several perspectives, moreover, the ruins are more and more popular, so in the season there can be quite a lot of people willing to take photos.
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From Sopot, you may walk along the beach to Gdynia. Due to the attractiveness of the cliff in OrÅ‚owo, it is worth taking this walk which shouldn’t take more than 1 hour (from Sopot pier to Gdynia Orlowo pier). On the way, you pass the pier in OrÅ‚owo and the old marina of fishing boats. Here you can buy great smoked fish and fish skewers. This is the only fishing harbor you’ll see in the area. • Right next to the pier you will also find a small cafe and museum - Domek Å»eromskiego, where the famous writer and his family spent several months in 1920. It is worth coming here, if only for delicious cakes!
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Hint: While wandering the beach, apart from collecting interesting pebbles, it is worth taking a look at the dark-brown layers of sand, which are a cluster of heavy minerals. And at the foot of the cliff there are layers of brown coal. You may also walk up the cliff and take a deep breath while exploring panoramic view of the coast
Make the most of your free time in Sopot by exploring the picturesque lanes of Upper Sopot, where architectural gems await at every turn. These charming streets showcase the heritage of the resort town, founded by Jean Georges Haffner, a doctor in Napoleon’s army. Strolling through this area offers a glimpse into Sopot’s rich history, combining beauty, elegance, and the unique character of this beloved seaside destination.
Lysa Góra rises at an altitude of 110 m above sea level. and is one of the tourist attractions in Pomerania. There is a wonderful view of the Bay of GdaÅ„sk and GdaÅ„sk. The perfect place for a walk - discover the unknown in Sopot!
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Strzeleckie Hill (Wzniesienie Strzeleckie) Is located in the vicinity of the Forest Opera. The most convenient access to it is via stairs from ul. Moniuszki - right next to the bench of the partner city of Zakopane. We start the trip going up Monte Cassino Street, passing through two tunnels. Then, going straight along 1 Maja Street, we come to the intersection with Armii Krajowej Street. Crossing the street, we pass the fire brigade building on the right. After 100 meters we come to the next intersection, go right to the other side of the intersection. We leave it on the right and go straight ahead along the sidewalk. After 50 meters, we reach the 200-meter Viewpoint sign. We start climbing the stairs in the marked place. At the end, we come to the viewing platform with a beautiful view of the Bay of Gdańsk.
Upper Sopot is a very quiet part of the city. Rarely visited by tourists, so it may become your favorite. Upper Sopot is famous primarily for low, villa buildings surrounded by forest. Wandering the streets of: Abrahama, Mickiewicza, Krasickiego, Andersa, Armii Krajowej, Wybicki, Å»eromskiego, Herbert, one has the impression of being transferred in time while wandering between the monuments of Sopot - tenement houses and villas. In Upper Sopot you will admire many beautiful villas and tenement houses, but special attention should be paid to these buildings: HISTORICAL VILLA AT WYBICKIEGO 31 - Designed in 1910. Before World War II, this place was inhabited by the general representative of the famous company Bosch. VILLA SOPOCKI BELWEDEREK - It is located at Mickiewicza 34-36 Street. It serves as a residence. HUBERTUS VILLA - It is located at 5 Abraham Street. It is called "the pearl of secession". GOYKI 3 Art Inkubator – Historic Jüncke's villa at ul. Jakuba Goyki 3 in Sopot is a palace from 1894, with an observation tower (open to visitors). There are art studios, offices and a café ... here, with a cup of coffee, we finish our walk around historic Sopot.
And of course, GdaÅ„sk. The street art gallery in the Zaspa district and the Imperial Shipyard are must-see spots that truly capture the spirit of this historic city. Zaspa’s large-scale murals, painted on the sides of residential buildings, turn the district into an open-air gallery, showcasing GdaÅ„sk's creative energy. Meanwhile, the Imperial Shipyard, once a symbol of industrial power, now reflects the city's transformation, blending history with modern culture and innovation. Both places embody the resilient and artistic soul of GdaÅ„sk
Gdańsk Zaspa Mural Gallery The Monumental Painting Collection in Gdansk is an integrated open air gallery consisting of 60 large format murals painted in the settlement of Zaspa. The first 10 pieces in the Collection were painted in 1997 during the festival organised to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of Gdansk. Zaspa is one of the largest "plattenbau" settlements in Poland. Designed according to the principles of modernistic urban planning, was thought to become a self-sustained machine for living, The settlement was developed on the grounds of a former airfield, which gave architects unlimited spatial options. Unfortunately, due to unrealistic goals and the financial crisis of the 1980's, the settlement ended up as yet another concrete desert. Throughout 80's and 90's, Zaspa struggled with social problems typical for such places. In an attempt to address such problems, local activists introduced art into the material and social structure of the neighborhood. The Collection of Monumental Painting is one of the most prominent activities of such. The Collection changed Zaspa by creating the means of identification for its inhabitants and mobilizing them become local guides to the murals and history of the place.
Hint: train from Sopot is best way to get to Gdansk Zaspa (direct train goes every 10 minutes and it takes no more than 15 minutes to get there)
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Stocznia Cesarska (Imperial Shipyard)
Just a short walk away from the Central Train Station and the Old Town. The Imperial Shipyard is located on the banks of the Martwa Wisla river. The Imperial Shipyard is a place of great historic importance. From its origins in the 19th century to the memorable events, which led to the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.
Hint: Fire Station building - from its origins in 1884 until 2002 the building was accommodating the shipyard’s fire brigade. After its already long life, we are thrilled to open the next chapter in the Fire Station’s history. From September 2019 till December 2021 we have renovated the heritage building and adapted it for its new use. In March 2022 the renowned wine importer and gastronome Robert MielżyÅ„ski opened MielżyÅ„ski GdaÅ„sk. On the ground floor, you will find the ‘warehouse’ wine shop and bar. The restaurant with an open kitchen is located on the first floor and it includes an outdoor terrace. https://stoczniacesarska.pl/pl/
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M3 Crane (next to Imperial Shipyard)
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