Poland: Gdansk and Sopot
Gdansk is a fascinating city situated by the Baltic sea. It is a city with a thousand-year-old tradition. It was foundet approx. 1000 years ago. In the 13th century the city was granted civic rights and became one of the greatest ports in Europe. In 1361 it became a member of the Hanseatic League - as defined in its statute "a union of towns, cities and their communities meant to ensure success in trade undertakings on land and sea and provide protection against piracy and violence." The Golden Age of Gdansk lasted from the 15th to the 18th century, when it flourished as the main port of the huge grain, timber and glass exporter that Poland was at that time. The WWII started near Gdansk on the Westerplatte peninsula on September 1, 1939. Just like Warsaw, Gdansk was devasted during WWII. Now it's beautifully restored and life has been brought back from ruins. And the city is fascinating again with its monuments and old buildings.
 Neptune´s Fountain |
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 The Golden Gate |
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Sopot is Poland`s most fashionable seaside resort and has the longest pier on the whole Baltic and some of the finest beaches in the region. However, the water isn´t the cleanest and so the beaches are good for walking, relaxing, but not for swimming. The city Sopot is a very green one. It has preserved much of its 19th-century charm, with lots of fanciful summer houses.
 Beach in Sopot |
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 Swan feeding |
 Sopot jetty |
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 Enjoying the sun |
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