Is the WWII walking route in Gdansk difficult?

The route is moderate. Most of it is flat, but the walk up to Góra Gradowa involves a steady uphill climb and some uneven paths, which provides the best panoramic views of the city.

What is the best time to start this self-guided walk?

Starting around 10:00 AM is ideal. This allows you to visit the Polish Post Office Museum early and reach the larger Museum of the Second World War before the heaviest afternoon crowds arrive.

Can I see where the first shots of WWII were fired on this walk?

This walk takes you to the ferry point at Przystań Żeglugi 01, where you can catch a boat to Westerplatte. Westerplatte is the actual site where the first shots were fired, located about 7km from the city center.

Is the Museum of the Second World War worth visiting?

Yes, it is considered one of the best history museums in Europe. Its immersive exhibits provide a deep look at the global impact of the war, though it requires a separate ticket and several hours to see properly.

Are there restrooms along this walking route?

Yes, public facilities are available at the Museum of the Second World War and the Hevelianum center. There are also many cafes and restaurants near the Polish Post Office and the waterfront.

Is this Gdansk walking route suitable for children?

The walk is educational, but the subject matter is somber. Older children and teens interested in history will find it engaging, but the Museum of the Second World War contains intense imagery that may not be suitable for very young children.

Where does this self-guided walk end?

The route ends at the Motława riverfront near the Wartka street ferry terminal. From here, you are a short 5-10 minute walk back to the Long Market and the famous Neptune's Fountain.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Gdansk is a city where history is etched into every brick, but no era left a deeper scar than the autumn of 1939. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the very ground where World War II began. Unlike a standard walking tour Gdansk experience, this route allows you to linger at the sites of heroic last stands and modern monuments at your own pace. You will begin at the site of the Polish Post Office, where a handful of postal workers held off the SS for fifteen hours, a story of incredible bravery that set the tone for the resistance to come. As you navigate this walking route, you will encounter the striking Museum of the Second World War. Its bold, leaning architecture is a landmark of the modern skyline, housing one of the most comprehensive collections of wartime history on the planet. This neighborhood stroll through the northern edge of the Old Town connects the dots between the political tensions of the Free City of Danzig and the eventual devastation and rebirth of the city. You will also ascend the heights of Góra Gradowa, a strategic military point for centuries, offering a panoramic view that helps you visualize the city's wartime geography. This history-focused exploration isn't just about dates and battles; it's about the human experience in a city that was the flashpoint for a global conflict. By following this walking tour Gdansk itinerary independently, you have the flexibility to visit the extensive museum exhibits or simply reflect at the moving memorials. The journey concludes near the waterfront, where you can look toward the horizon of Westerplatte, the peninsula where the first shots of the war were fired. It is a profound travel experience for those looking to understand the resilience of the Polish spirit.

Highlights

The heroic site of the Defense of the Polish Post Office

The iconic stainless steel monument to the postal defenders

World-class exhibits at the Museum of the Second World War

Panoramic views of the shipyards and Old Town from Góra Gradowa

Historic Napoleonic fortifications at Hevelianum

The ferry connection point to the Westerplatte battlefield

Tour Stops (6)

Museum of the Polish Post Office

You are standing at one of the most significant addresses in 20th-century history. In 1939, Gdansk was the 'Free City of Danzig,' a semi-autonomous city-state with a majority German population. This building was a sovereign Polish enclave. On September 1st, at the same moment the first shells hit Westerplatte, the German police and SS units attacked this post office. Roughly 50 Polish employees, armed only with light weapons, defended this building for 15 hours against armored cars and artillery. The museum inside tells their individual stories, documenting the bravery of ordinary civilians who became the first resistance fighters of the war.

Defenders of the Polish Post Office Monument

Just outside the post office stands this striking stainless steel monument, unveiled in 1979 on the 40th anniversary of the outbreak of the war. Notice the dynamic, almost explosive form of the sculpture. It depicts a dying postal worker handing a rifle to Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. The names of the defenders are listed here, many of whom were executed shortly after the surrender. It is a powerful symbol of Polish defiance. The site is often adorned with candles and flowers, reflecting its continued importance to the local community as a place of national mourning and pride.

Museum of the Second World War

This massive, leaning red tower is one of the most ambitious museums dedicated to WWII in the world. The architecture itself is symbolic: the building is divided into three zones representing the past (underground), the present (the plaza), and the future (the tower). The main exhibition is located 14 meters below ground to emphasize the 'hell of war.' While you could spend hours here, take a moment to appreciate the scale. The museum doesn't just focus on the military history of 1939, but the civilian experience across the globe, making it a profound stop on your history-themed stroll through Gdansk.

Góra Gradowa

To reach this point, you'll take a short walk uphill to one of the best vantage points in the city. Góra Gradowa has been a military stronghold since at least the 14th century. During the Napoleonic era and both World Wars, its height made it a critical defensive position. From here, you can see the famous Gdansk Shipyards to the north and the spire of St. Mary’s Church to the south. The large Millennium Cross that stands here now was erected in 2000, but the bunkers and earthworks around you are silent witnesses to the city's long history of siege and defense.

Hevelianum

Located on the site of former military forts, Hevelianum is now a science and heritage center. During WWII, these brick fortifications and underground tunnels were utilized by German forces as air-raid shelters and storage facilities. As you walk through the complex, you can see how 19th-century military engineering was adapted for modern warfare. The name honors Johannes Hevelius, the famous astronomer from Gdansk, blending the city's scientific achievements with its martial past. It is a peaceful area today, but the thick walls remind us of the city's former status as a fortified 'Festung' or fortress.

Przystań Żeglugi 01

Your walk concludes at the waterfront. This pier is the primary boarding point for the water tram and ferries heading to Westerplatte. Looking out toward the mouth of the Motława River, you are following the path the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein took before it opened fire on the Polish transit depot in 1939. This spot connects the city center's history to the battlefield at the coast. From here, you can choose to continue your adventure by boat to Westerplatte or turn back toward the heart of the Old Town for a well-earned break at one of the riverside cafes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk itself takes about 45 minutes of movement, but with stops at the major museums and monuments, you should plan for 3 to 4 hours. The Museum of the Second World War alone can take 2-3 hours to fully explore.