What About Poland: Daytrip to Gdansk - November 30, 2024

A little day trip was scheduled for November 30, 2024. Although Mr. Gym and his merry band of adventurers would remain based in Warsaw, they would visit the Christmas Markets in Gdansk that day and return to their hotels in the capital the same night. This would be done via high speed rail, in the comfort of the 1st class cabin, for about $40 Canadian. It was 2-3 hours each way and although driving might take the same time, there were no worries about traffic jams, road conditions or parking. Furthermore, the central station in Warsaw was walking distance from the hotel and the central station in Gdansk was walking distance from The Christmas Markets. It was a grand adventure for Gym and Mrs. Gym who are train neophytes.

Poland's Baltic Sea coastline stretches some 440 kilometres between the German and the Russian (Kaliningrad enclave) borders. Gdansk is the largest port city in Poland. It has a population of about 500,000 people.  Like Warsaw, Gdansk was almost completely destroyed during WW2 but the Old Town has been re-built to its former glory, similar in style to its prewar form.

The whole day was a blast for the group, albeit a little chilly. Gym and his dear wife were supposed to stop here in 2021 but that did not come to pass. They were on a Baltic Sea cruise and Gdansk was removed from the itinerary so more time could be spent in Finland. It was nice then that they could finally visit the northernmost of Poland's largest cities. The train rides were a fun way to do it, they were on time and the scenery from the train, was of an idyllic rural setting. Many of the fields were still green and some vegetable storage crops had yet to be harvested. The entourage ate a late lunch at a very nice brewpub next to the train station. Mr. Gym recommends the Brower, the service was good and food and drink were top notch.

To Gym, the Gdansk locals seemed like a tougher crowd. There was a lot a tall, slim people with angular and weathered faces. Gym also noticed more than one anchor tattoo (on the men). This probably belied the fact that most men derived livelihoods from maritime careers. They were all very friendly though and English was widely spoken, making it a comfortable setting for the day-tourists. Gym hopes to someday have time to explore more of this fine city on a subsequent trip. 

We traveled on these high speed trains made in
France 

Train Station in Gdansk - very roomy and modern inside

Mrs G had a little bit of Schnitzel for lunch

Roland found a cool Brazilian Coffee
House near here to warm up and
have a 'fortified' coffee.

Renovations happening at the iconic
Golden Gate.

As it was a weekend Gdansk,  the "Long Market"
 was crowded with many tourists and locals alike.

All the booths in the market are decorated
for the season 

Mrs. Gym near the entrance to the
Gdansk Christmas Markets

Strolling around the Gdansk Christmas Market,
 it was a little chilly. The temperature was 4C but 
the humidity was very high. Mulled wine seemed 
a common solution for many locals.

 

Stay tuned!