Gdansk, Poland — Attractions
Westerplatte
Westerplatte is where World War II broke out on 1 September 1939, situated at the entrance to the harbor and just a few kilometers from the city of Gdañsk. The Polish garrison held out against the attack for seven days before surrendering to the Nazi German forces, and the site is now a memorial to the defenders, including a small museum, some of the ruins left from the shelling and a massive monument that towers above the area.
- Region/City Name
- Gdansk
- Transport
- Bus 106 leaves from the main train station, or excursion boats include the site in their trip around the harbor
Malbork Castle
Malbork Castle is a classic example of a medieval fortress; it is the world's largest brick castle and one of the most impressive of its kind in Europe. Invited by the Polish Royalty to help suppress the pagan tribes in the area, the Teutonic Knights built the immense castle in 1276 and slowly began to establish themselves as fearsome rulers, taking control of most of northern Poland until, after several unsuccessful attempts to rid the country of the Knights, they were defeated at the Battle of Grunwald in 1410. In medieval times the belief that the bigger the fortress the more powerful those within was clearly portrayed in the building of this immense brick stronghold, incorporating a system of multiple defense walls with gates and towers. The inner castle includes arcaded courtyards, chapels, a treasury, the Knights' Hall and an armory. The interiors house several exhibitions, including displays on the castle's history, and collections of tapestries, coins and medals, medieval sculptures, and weapons. During summer the courtyard is a venue for sound and light shows.
- Region/City Name
- Gdansk
- Address
- Ul. Staroscinska 1
- Phone Number
- (0)55 647 0800
- Email Address
- info@zamek.malbork.pl
- Website
- www.zamek.malbork.pl
- Transport
- 31 miles (50km) from Gdañsk by train or bus
- Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 7pm from May to September, 10am to 3pm from October to April
- Admission
- 35 zl (adults), concessions 25 zl.
