Going on a trip? Go hiking and remember always to take a map. What else? A backpack, water, a snack, a raincoat and a first aid kit. Hiking means exploring and reaching places inaccessible by car. Hiking means emotions and experiencing the beauty of nature. Hiking is available all-year-round, not only during spring or fall. See how your city transforms when the nature awakens, when its colors change and when it hides under the snow.
Live in harmony with nature: don’t leave trash, don’t destroy, don’t pluck – keep in mind that nature is a common good, don’t build campfires, don’t make noise, keep your dog on the leash and clean up after it, park your car in designated places only, don’t scare the animals, don’t steal eggs from the nests, don’t destroy poisonous mushrooms – some are needed in the ecosystem, don’t part forest litter – it is the forest’s natural source of moisture, don’t pick unfamiliar plants – this will save your from consequences such as poisoning.
Remember – you are the guest here!!!
www.Gdańsk4u.pl www.Gdańskconvention.pl
Green Gdańsk Hikes and much more…
Green Gdańsk
Tri-City Landscape Park 1 Features areas that are rich from the natural, historical and cultural perspective, including nature reserves called the Springs in Eve’s Valley (Źródliska w Dolinie Ewy), the Hussars’ Ravine (Wąwóz Huzarów) and the Forests in the Strzyża Valley (Lasy w Dolinie Strzyży). The most interesting areas can be explored by following the marked trails of the Polish Tourist Country-Lovers’ Society (PTTK): Tri-City – yellow, Kartuzy – blue, Skarszewo – green, Wzgórza Szymbarskie – black, and even the Daniel Chodowiecki horse trail. There are also bicycle lanes available for those who like to spend leisure time actively. Follow the trail in the Samborowo Valley (Dolina Samborowo) to discover the park’s natural assets. Learn about the Devil’s Stone (Diabelski Kamień) on the Devilish Hill (Czarcie Wzgórze) and the massive fallen Douglas-fir – with a trunk circumference of 4 m – known as Dominic’s Lover (Kochanka Dominika). See 11 monumental oaks, including the Thick Oak (Gruby Dąb) – with a trunk circumference of 5.60 m, and a cross commemorating the victims of December 1970. Arrival from the Gdańsk Główny PKP railway station: by tram no. 6 (bound for Jelitkowo), 12 (bound for Zaspa) and 11 (bound for Abrahama) to Abrahama stop, then on foot along Abrahama street to the Samborowo Valley (Dolina Samborowo); or by tram no. 6 and 12 to Oliwa, then on foot along Kwietna street to the Valley of Joy (Dolina Radości); by car towards Strzyża and Oliwa.
Adam Mickiewicz Oliwa Park 2 Surrounds the Abbots’ Palace (Pałac Opatów) and presents the old beauty of garden art and the wealth of tree species. The original creators of the monastic garden from the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries were the Cistercians. The southern part of the park, also known as the French part, has not changed much since
the Oliwa Park
Hikes and much more…
the rule of abbot Jacek Rybiński (second half of the 17th century). Well-cut avenues of trees with a linden lane called the Road to Eternity (Droga do Wieczności), symmetric shrubs and flower beds contrast the northern part and its irregular clusters of trees and bushes. A beautiful rock garden (rockery), dating back to around 1910, features several hundred plant species. The adjoining botanic garden with an abundant collection of flora was developed between 1952 and 1956. The former orangery, where oranges, lemons and grapevines used to be cultivated, was converted to a palm house in the 1950s. It is now the home of exotic plants. The Oliwa Stream (Oliwski Potok), with a waterfall and cascades, adds to its charm. Arrival from the Gdańsk Główny PKP railway station: by Fast City Train (SKM) to Gdańsk Oliwa station (bound for Wejherowo), then on foot towards Grunwaldzka avenue; by tram no. 6 (bound for Jelitkowo) and 12 (bound for Zaspa); by car towards Oliwa.
Pachołek Hill
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(100.8 m above sea level) Overlooks the Old Oliwa (Stara Oliwa) in the Tri-City Landscape Park (Trójmiejski Park Krajobrazowy) and is located at the junction of Opacka and Spacerowa streets. The hill can be reached via the Kartuzy trail. The observation deck (15 m) provides a wide panorama of Gdańsk, the Gdańsk Bay (Zatoka Gdańska) and the Oliwa Forests (Lasy Oliwskie) with the Valley of Joy (Dolina Radości), the Valley of Solemnity (Dolina Powagi), the Valley of Clean Water (Dolina Czystej Wody), the Springs in Eve’s Valley (Źródliska w Dolinie Ewy), the Valley of Forest Mill (Dolina Leśnego Młyna), and the Valley of Oliwa Stream (Dolina Oliwskiego Potoku). This part of Oliwa is a perfect location for hikes. Arrival from the Gdańsk Główny PKP railway station: by Fast City Train (SKM) to Gdańsk Oliwa station (bound for Wejherowo), then on foot towards Spacerowa street; by tram no. 6 (bound for Jelitkowo) and 12 (bound for Zaspa), then on foot towards Spacerowa street; by car towards Oliwa.
the Road to Eternity
J. J. Haffner Brzeźno Park and beach in Brzeźno 4 This seaside park was named after a doctor who built the first bathing beach in Gdańsk. Between 1840 and 1842 the seaside forest was converted to a park, then a place where the customers of the nearby bathing beach and spa could rest. Nowadays its green paths are roamed by the locals and tourists. The remains of old fortifications are surrounded by trees such as gray and black alder, ash, white willow, pine, sycamore, silver birch and elm. One attraction in Brzeźno is the 130 m pier built in a place which was referred to as Saint Peter (Święty Piotr) in the 18th century. The Brzeźno beach is separated from the forest by a pedestrian/ bicycle promenade. During the summer season the beach is guarded. Arrival from the Gdańsk Główny PKP railway station: by tram no. 13 (bound for Brzeźno); by car towards Brzeźno.
Jelitkowo Park and beach in Jelitkowo
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Visited by locals and tourists all-year-long. The park was established in 1875 as a spa park at the mouth of the Oliwa Stream (Oliwski Potok) near the Gdańsk Bay (Zatoka Gdańska). A pedestrian/ bicycle promenade and a protected sand dune area are located nearby. The beginning of the 20th century saw the opening of the Spa House (Dom Zdrojowy) (still there today) and a pier (unfortunately, nothing remained). Numerous cultural events are organized in this part of Gdańsk. During the summer season the beach is guarded. Arrival from the Gdańsk Główny PKP railway station: by tram no. 2, 6 and 8 (bound for Jelitkowo); by car towards Jelitkowo.
Green Gdańsk
President Ronald Reagan’s Park 6 The youngest park in the city and the third largest seaside park in Gdańsk, whose area covers 55.5 ha. This is a must for anyone seeking rest or a place for some quality time with family or friends. The day passes pleasantly among the forests, meadows, ponds and alleys for pedestrians. Those who like to spend leisure time actively can go cycling or enjoy the skatepark. The park is separated from the beach by a bicycle lane and a protected sand dune area. Arrival from the Gdańsk Główny PKP railway station: by tram no. 2, 6 and 8 (bound for Jelitkowo) and 13 (bound for Brzeźno); by car towards Jelitkowo and Brzeźno.
Motława Channel
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Just 1.5 km from the downtown, between the Dolne Miasto and Olszynka districts, there is an old moat surrounding the bastions of St. Gertrude (Św. Gertrudy), Bison (Żubr), Wolf (Wilk), Jump (Wyskok), Bear (Miś) and Rabbit (Królik) – former fortifications that protected the city from the side of the Vistula Plain (Żuławy Wiślane). The picturesque landscape of Opływ Motławy encourages to hiking, cycling and canoeing along a beautiful trail. Nature lovers can find water and waterside plants, shoals of little fish, water and waterside birds as well as insects. The nearby places worth seeing include: the Stone Sluice (Śluza Kamienna), the Lowland Gate (Brama Nizinna), former Rifle Factory (Fabryka Karabinów), and the Milk Vats (Stągwie Mleczne). Arrival from the Gdańsk Główny PKP railway station: by bus no. 121 (bound for Dolne Miasto) and 123 (bound for Równa); by car towards Dolne Miasto and Olszynka.
Orunia Park
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The second largest (11 ha) city park in Gdańsk, located near the Radunia Canal (Kanal Raduni) in the Valley of Oliwa
the President Ronald Reagan’s Park
a view from the bastion of Bison
Stream (Dolina Oliwskiego Potoku). A perfect place for rest in the bosom of nature, away from the big city noise, dating back to the 16th century. Its enchanting features include a picturesque lane of 40 linden trees from the 19th century, the upper and the lower pond with weeping willows, a waterfall and a historic manor house from the 19th century (currently a kindergarten). The nearby legendary Hill of Five Brothers (Wzgórze Pięciu Braci) (42 m above sea level) boasts historic trees and two age-old boulders on the peak. Inside the hill there is a historic ice house, where ice blocks used to be stored all-year-long. The other side of the pond and the stream boasts the second hill (54 m above sea level), called the Mountain of Tears (Góra Łez) or the Mountain of Crying (Góra Płaczu). The botanic wealth of the park comprises old trees: a huge oak (with a trunk circumference of 5.30 m), beautiful copper beeches in front of the manor house, and more than 200 years old beeches near the upper pond. Arrival from the Gdańsk Główny PKP railway station: by bus no. 151, 205, 207, 209 and 210 (Gościnna stop); by car towards Orunia.
Sobieszewo Island
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A natural oasis surrounded by the Bold Vistula (Śmiała Wisła), the Dead Vistula (Martwa Wisła) and the Gdańsk Bay (Zatoka Gdańska). In 1994 it was classified as a Protected Landscape Area (Obszar Chronionego Krajobrazu). The island features nature reserves classified as the NATURA 2000 areas: the Bird Paradise (Ptasi Raj), and the Gull Sandbank (Mewia Łacha). Its seashore, sand dune forests, rushes and riverside meadows are a true delight. The longest (11 km) beach in Gdańsk and the bathing beaches in Sobieszewo and Orle encourage to sunbathing during the summer. Those who follow the natural/ educational trail in the Bird Paradise (Ptasi Raj) nature reserve can find flocks of gulls, terns, ducks, plovers and swans. The beauty and charm of the island is revealed during hiking and cycling via the trail from
the Gradowa Mountain
Sobieszewo to Świbno. Places worth seeing include the island’s only natural monument – a 450-year-old oak in Wieniec, the Wincenty Pol Exhibition Room (Izba Pamięci Wincentego Pola), historic manor houses, sluices in Przegalina and wooden thatched cottages. Attention! Access to the Gull Sandbank (Mewia Łacha) is limited during the breeding season. Arrival from the Gdańsk Główny PKP railway station: by bus no. 112 (bound for Przegalina) and 186 (bound for Górki Wschodnie); by night bus no. N7 (bound for Sobieszewo Wyspa) and N9 (bound for Przegalina); by car from Gdańsk – via the Dead Vistula (Martwa Wisła) pontoon bridge (open 24/7/365).
Grodzisko Fort and Gradowa Mountain 10 19th century city forts surrounded by greenery in the very heart of the city. The 27 ha park features: ca. 300 plant species, over 150 insect species, 5 snail species, 3 amphibian species, 1 reptile species, ca. 60 bird species, and 13 mammal species. Those who follow the natural tail can see ecological sites, natural monuments, houses for birds and bats as well as the park’s only body of water – the Wet Moat (Fosa Mokra). This unique park presents an opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the forts while enjoying recreational leisure time activities. The Gradowa Mountain (Góra Gradowa) (46 m) provides a panorama of the downtown and the shipyard area and its peak features the Millennium Cross (Krzyż Milenijny), commemorating 2000 years of Christianity and 1000 years of Gdańsk. This place is a must for those who follow the Tri-City trail. Arrival from the Gdańsk Główny PKP railway station: on foot, above the PKS bus station, via alleys for pedestrians.
and the Napoleonic Redoubt