Book your Gdansk flight with Icelandair

Introduction to Gdansk

Welcome to Gdansk! This vibrant city in north Poland blends centuries of maritime history with colorful architecture and a postcard-worthy riverfront. There's plenty to explore, from storied shipyards to atmospheric old‑town streets.

Icelandair is adding Gdansk (Gdańsk in Polish) to its schedule in fall 2026, flying 3 to 4 times a week from September 18, 2026, to late March 2027. Book your flight to Gdansk from Iceland and North America for your chance to experience rich Hanseatic heritage, fresh Baltic Sea breezes, and warm Polish hospitality.

Before (or after) you discover Gdansk's charms, how about uncovering some of Iceland's appeal? When you book flights to Gdansk with Icelandair, you have the opportunity to add a stopover in Iceland at no additional airfare.

What makes Gdansk special?

Gdansk sits on Poland’s Baltic coast at the mouth of the Motława River, a position that made it one of the most important Hanseatic ports in Northern Europe. You feel that history immediately in the Main Town, home to cobblestone streets and colorful merchant houses.

Across the river, Granary Island mixes historic warehouses with modern hotels, restaurants, and riverfront paths – a good place for a scenic stroll. For insight into Gdansk's more recent role on the world stage, the Shipyard district tells the story of the Solidarity movement that helped reshape Europe in the late 20th century.

Gdansk is a gateway to Kashubia, a culturally distinct region with its own language, traditions, and folklore. Its hills, lakes, and villages add another layer to Gdansk's identity and make the area feel deeply rooted in local culture.

Attractions in Gdansk

Start explorations with Gdansk's headline sights in the Main Town, the beautifully restored historic district. Check out the ornate merchant houses of Długi Targ (Long Market) and the iconic Neptune Fountain, then step inside St Mary's Church, one of the world's largest brick churches. Nearby is the medieval crane, a symbol of the city's maritime influence.

A must‑see for history buffs is the striking Museum of the Second World War, one of Europe's most impressive and thought‑provoking museums. Its immersive exhibits offer a powerful look at how the war shaped Poland and the wider world.

Other places to add to your list: the European Solidarity Centre for modern history, the landmark Green Gate, the Amber Museum to learn why the region is famous for 'Baltic gold', and the pretty Oliwski Park.

Activities in Gdansk

A cool way to experience the city is from the water. Hop on a Motława River cruise or take a boat to Westerplatte, where the first shots of World War II were fired. These trips offer a fresh perspective on Gdansk's shipyards, granaries, and waterfront architecture. A fresh outlook over the city's red rooftops is also popular: climb the 300 steps of the Main Town Hall's iconic tower, or the 400 steps to the viewpoint of St Mary's Church.

Also high on visitor wish lists: delving into the city's amber heritage – this is the 'world capital of amber', after all. You can browse artisan workshops, or try your hand at polishing a piece of amber or creating jewelry. And if you're craving a breath of sea air, the sandy beaches of Brzezno and Sopot are just a short tram or train ride away – perfect for a coastal walk or a seaside sunset.

What to eat in Gdansk

Street snacks and Polish comfort foods are easy to find here. Try zurek (sour rye soup), barszcz (beetroot soup), or pierogi, Poland's beloved dumplings filled with everything from potato and cheese to berries and cherries. Another local staple is smoked fish, especially herring and salmon, served in simple, satisfying plates along the waterfront.

Gdansk is also a good place to try hearty Kashubian cuisine, which features rustic dishes like potato pancakes, slow‑cooked meats, and seasonal mushrooms and berries. Look for traditional restaurants in the Old Town or along the Motława River to sample these regional flavors.

To drink, try Goldwasser, the city's famous herbal liqueur flecked with real gold. Sweet treats are everywhere: sernik (cheesecake), makowiec (poppy‑seed cake), and szarlotka (apple pie) are classic choices.

Shopping in Gdansk

If you're on the hunt for local treasures, start with amber: Gdansk is one of the world's best places to buy it. Picturesque Mariacka Street and surrounds are lined with artisan workshops and boutiques selling everything from simple polished stones to intricate jewelry.

Gdansk's Christmas market is one of Poland's best, and a true winter highlight. From the last week of November, Targ Weglowy (Coal Market Square) transforms into a twinkling maze of wooden stalls, and local artisans sell handicrafts, amber, woolens, ceramics, and tasty traditional treats. The result is a festive wonderland.

For a broader shopping experience, the Old Town streets offer a mix of local crafts, ceramics, textiles, and contemporary Polish design. And if you want a break from the historic setting, the Forum Gdańsk mall is not too far away.

Getting around the city

Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN) is the main gateway, about 16km (10 miles) west of the historic center. From the airport you can take a train to the center of Gdansk, to Gdańsk Główny (main) station – however, the journey requires a transfer at Gdańsk Wrzeszcz station. A bus can be more direct, and several routes, including the 210 line, link the airport with central Gdańsk. Taxis and ride-shares are available, and the car journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

Gdansk itself is compact and easy to navigate. The tram and bus network covers the city, while the SKM urban trains are ideal for travel to Sopot and Gdynia along the coast. Walking is often the best way to enjoy the historic center, and the riverside paths make it simple. In summer, water trams and ferries run along the river.

Travel beyond Gdansk

For a change of scenery, there are some great escapes just beyond Gdansk. It's easy to explore the 'Tricity' area, made up of Gdansk, Sopot, and Gdynia. Each city has a unique personality: Gdansk is historic and cultural, Sopot is relaxed and beachy, and Gdynia is modern and maritime. The best day trip is to Sopot, where the long sandy beach and historic wooden pier make it perfect for a breezy afternoon by the Baltic.

For quieter landscapes, head to the Kashubian countryside for hills, forests, and lakes. It's an easy getaway for hiking, cycling, or soaking up rural Polish culture. History lovers might prefer a trip to the 13th-century Malbork Castle, one of Europe's largest medieval fortresses and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – it offers impressive insight into the power of the Teutonic Knights.

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