Gdansk (all images)

Gdansk is a major Polish city located in northern Poland on the Baltic coast, along the shores of the Motlawa river. It has 470000 inhabitants and is the major seaport of Poland. Gdansk has a mixed heritage. Originating as a Polish / Kashubian city, first officially mentioned in 997 AD, it was seized by the Teutonic knights in 1308 and joined the Hanseatic league in 1361. After 1454 Gdansk reverted to Polish rule, evolving into Poland's largest city. In 1793 Gdansk was annexed by Prussia, later becoming part of German empire. After World War II Gdansk became again part of Poland.
Gdansk has an interesting historic core, with several buildings in brick Gothic architecture, with a look similar to that of German cities around the Baltic sea. The Gdansk town hall and St Mary's church are the major landmarks of Gdansk. The Long Market and Dluga pedestrian areas have some of the more interesting architecture of the city. The historic core is quite large, extending for several hundred metres north and south of St Mary's church.
Immediately outside the historic core is a large and modern shopping mall, the Forum Gdansk. Clean and nicely set up, it's possible to spend hours shopping around or eating in the food court.
Gdansk is also suitable as a base from which to explore the surroundings, which include the Baltic coast and the castle of Malbork.
How to get to Gdansk
Gdansk has an international airport with flights to many European cities, a train station and a ferry harbour with a ferry to Sweden. It can also be reached by car.
Accommodation
There are countless accomodation options in Gdansk, most of them bookable via the international booking portals.