Gdańsk: Jestem tu znowu (z wycieczkami do Słupska, Grudziądza, Olsztyna)!

As you may (or may not) already know, Poland is a favourite destination of mine. So far this month, I have been here 3 times. I was in Szczecin, then Warsaw and now Gdansk.

I have been to Gdansk 4 times already. At this point, it is a yearly ritual to be in Gdansk and to stay at the same hostel. You can read about my other visits here.

I found some fairly cheap (not as cheap as usual) tickets for Gdansk and decided to book them. I mentioned to work that I would be working out here for my 2 days on day shift this week. They said that was fine and I proceeded to finalise my plans.

I was planning on bringing just a backpack but there just wouldn’t be the room needed for clothes and equipment for working out here.

I couldn’t decide between a priority bag or a checked bag. I had seen so many issues at the gate with people being charged £75 for the bag being even just a millimetre outside the baggage dimensions.

I decided I wouldn’t risk it and paid the money for a checked bag. My bag was less than 10kg anyway, so it was well within the weight limit. There was only a £6 difference between priority and a checked bag each way.

I had everything packed from when we had left Taipei. I did the laundry and packed the day before we left Taipei and then just left the bag on my wardrobe until last night. I did a quick check to make sure I had enough clothes and then just closed it back up.

I finished work at 06:00 and had a couple of hours sleep and then got up and showered and headed to the train.

It was fairly uneventful, thankfully. A couple of noisy kids, but that was about it.

I got to the airport and then went to check in my bag. They have automated scales now and I just used that. My bag was only just over 7kg and then I printed my bag tag and dropped my bag off and waved it goodbye.

I then went to security and for some reason my tray got selected for secondary screening. They checked the screen and couldn’t see anything and just let me have my bag.

I went and got my obligatory meal deal from WHSmith and then headed to the gates where I knew there were plugs so I could charge my phone and just sit. Luckily, these gates were the right gates so I just sat and chilled.

We then boarded, and I fell asleep for most of the flight. I needed it. I woke up to the seatbelt sign going on and then being told we were starting our descent into Gdansk (though the cabin crew said London Stansted and I don’t think they realised).

I got off and went to passport control. They had someone there checking passports and taking pictures (my guess is to speed up the process at the window). I got to the window, my passport was checked and stamped and I went to the baggage carousel. My bag was already out. Woohoo. Luckily for me too as the train to the hostel was in 8 minutes.

I had to go from the airport to Wrzeszcz and change there for a train to Orunia.

I checked my emails and saw that the hostel now has limited reception hours so I had to do a self check in. They want me to go to reception at 08:00 tomorrow morning to finish the check in. I had to email them and tell them I wouldn’t be able to finish it until Thursday as I am getting a train to a couple of different cities. Słupsk on Tuesday and Grudziądz on Wednesday.

On Thursday and Friday I am working so I will have to do the check-in finalisation then.

I dropped my stuff off in the room and then headed out to the Biedronka to get some food and drinks ready for tonight and tomorrow.

It is bed time now as I have to be up early tomorrow to go to the train station for my trip to Słupsk.

Słupsk

Grudziądz

Olsztyn

Day 2 › Słupsk

When I was in Gdańsk last year, I decided I would hop on the train to see other places around. One of the places I looked at was Słupsk but, in the end, Toruń won and I went there instead.

I was determined that I would get to Słupsk the next time I was in Gdańsk.

Well, the next time is here and I spent the day today in Słupsk. I know a couple of people back in England who are from here too. I haven’t told them I was visiting. I will show them the below picture and that will be me telling them.

I didn’t have a great sleep last night, so I was still super tired when I left the hostel. I got up at about 06:45 and showered and got ready, and then headed to the local Żabka and got something to eat and drink and then got the bus to the main station and waited for the train. I had about 25 minutes to wait. I was so cold on the platform that I had to put my jacket on.

Słupsk Itinerary from ChatGPT

Spending 8 hours in Słupsk, Poland, gives you plenty of time to explore the city’s historical sites, parks, and local cuisine. Here’s a mix of things you can do:

Morning (First 2-3 Hours)

Duke’s Castle (Zamek Książąt Pomorskich) – A small but interesting medieval castle with exhibits on Pomeranian history and Gothic artwork.

Mill Gate (Brama Młyńska) – One of the last remnants of the city’s medieval fortifications, located near the Słupia River.

Witch Tower (Baszta Czarownic) – A historic tower once used for imprisoning women accused of witchcraft, now a small museum.

Midday (Lunch & Exploration – 2 Hours)

**Lunch at Pyszna Chatka or Herbaciarnia w Spichlerzu – Try local Polish dishes like pierogi, żurek (sour rye soup), or fresh fish from the Baltic Sea.

Strolling Along the Słupia River – A relaxing walk along the river, with picturesque views and green spaces.

Afternoon (Final 3 Hours)

Museum of Middle Pomerania (Muzeum Pomorza Środkowego) – Learn about the history and culture of the region.

Krzywa Hala (The Crooked Hall) – A unique, curved building with fascinating architecture.

Chill at Park Kultury i Wypoczynku – A peaceful park with walking trails and ponds, great for relaxing before heading off.

If you have extra time, you can also check out local shops or grab a coffee at Kawiarnia Antrakt for a cozy break.

The train arrived and I was glad to get onto a warm carriage. I sat back and just enjoyed the journey. The sun was out and it was shining in the window and it was glorious.

I got off the train and had a quick look at the map to make sure I was going in the right direction. The station here is under construction works so the signage is a bit lacking.

I got my bearings and headed down the street to the I ❤️ SŁUPSK sign so I could get some pictures. I got the pictures I wanted and then headed in the direction of the tourist office.

On the way to the sign and the tourist office there were some bear statues and I had a look and they placed them around the city as a bear hunt and a way to help children learn how to read a map.

I got to the tourist office and got my souvenirs and then asked for some suggestions. She said that today the museums were closed. Apparently, museums have to open on a weekend in Poland so the workers get Monday and Tuesday off instead.

She suggested a couple of churches and then a walk along the river.

I headed out across the street and got some pictures of the town hall.

Once I was done here, I headed to the New Gate and walked through there and to the Old Town.

I went into Kościoł Mariacki and had a look around.

It was a very unassuming church with some cool stained glass windows.

I left here and then walked around the church and headed to the river.

It was a nice walk along the river. It was quite peaceful too.

I kept seeing things out of the corner of my eye and would venture off towards them and then remember I wanted to walk along the river.

I came across quite a few bits of wall murals too. The lady at the tourist office did say that the city has a lot of wall murals and street art. She wasn’t wrong.

I then came across the city library. It is in an ornate building and a pretty cool one at that. If you look close enough, you’ll see that it leans a little.

I let my feet carry on directing, and we came across a small park. It was Chopin Park. The path was laid out in the form of piano keys.

I carried on walking and came across more bear statues. It’s pretty cool they have them to help the children learn to read a map.

I crossed the road and headed along the river again, and then came to a bridge and crossed that and then just walked until the next turning and then carried on.

I then headed up towards another park and then found a Catholic Church. Sadly you couldn’t go in (this was the case with a few of the churches here. You could only see the main part through a locked gate) so I sat and looked through the gate.

I decided I wanted some food and looked at the map. I saw there was a KFC not too far away and I headed for that.

I got some chicken and fries and sat here for about an hour. I was conscious of the time I had left and didn’t want to spend all of it just sitting here.

I left and then headed towards the river. I came across the museums of the city, but they were all closed. It was a nice walk around, nonetheless and made for some good pictures.

I carried on walking along the river again, taking in all that was there. It’s a really beautiful city.

I crossed the river and found some benches and sat there for about 20 minutes, just soaking up the sun. It was so nice. I don’t usually like to sit for too long, but today it was really nice to do.

I left here and decided that I would take a slow stroll to the local mall and get something to eat and drink for the train, and then head towards the station.

I sat at the station for about 90 minutes and enjoyed it.

Słupsk is a really nice city and one that I can recommend if you’re in the area. They look after it – they were repainting the benches in the parks, and it was nice to see them care about the city
Total steps: 18,724

Total miles: 8.31

Total kilometers: 13.37

Below are some pics from today
Day 3 › Grudziądz
Today was the day I planned to head to Grudziądz for the day. I had already bought my tickets a few weeks prior to coming to Gdansk.
Thankfully today wasn’t as early of a start as yesterday and for that I was grateful. Nevertheless, I was still tired and wished I could’ve slept more.
I got myself out of bed and showered and headed to reception to finalise the checking in that I couldn’t yesterday. They weren’t able to do it and said I could do it later.
I left and went to Żabka to get a drink and some food for the train journey. As I was heading to the bus stop, the bus was there but I wasn’t registering it for some reason. If the traffic lights had changed just 30 seconds earlier, I definitely would’ve made the bus.
I had 12 minutes to wait for the next one. I was watching the traffic build up and I was worried I mightn’t make the train. I’d built in 30 minutes to sit around on the platform at the station.
The bus arrived and it was full but I wasn’t going to wait for another one. I squeezed myself on and the usual 10 minute journey took about 25 because of the traffic. I was getting concerned the closer we were getting to the station because of the time.
I finally got off the bus and then to the platform with about 10 minutes to spare. Panic over.
I got on the train and was the only one in the compartment. I loved it. I didn’t have to share it with anyone for the entire journey.
It was a fairly uneventful ride. It was just under 2 hours. I was happy to just sit back and watch the scenery go by. Some of it was familiar from the last few times I was here.
Grudziądz Itinerary from ChatGPT
Spending 8 hours in Grudziądz, Poland, gives you plenty of time to explore its medieval history, scenic views, and local food. Here’s how you can make the most of your visit:
Morning (First 2-3 Hours) – History & Views
Grudziądz Granaries (Spichrze Grudziądzkie) – The city’s most iconic landmark! These medieval granaries, overlooking the Vistula River, create a unique skyline. You can visit some of them to learn about their history.
Góra Zamkowa (Castle Hill) – While the original Teutonic castle is mostly ruins, the Klimek Tower offers an amazing panoramic view of Grudziądz and the Vistula. Great for photos!
Old Town & Market Square – Stroll through the charming Rynek, admire the colorful townhouses, and visit St. Nicholas Church, the city’s oldest church.
Midday (Lunch & Relaxation – 2 Hours)
Lunch at a Local Restaurant – Try Polish dishes at Restauracja Savoy or Hotel Rad (which serves good regional food). If you want something casual, Cafe Fado is a great spot for coffee and light meals.
Walk Along the Vistula Boulevard (Bulwar Nadwiślański) – A scenic riverside walk with benches, cafes, and beautiful views of the river and granaries.
Afternoon (Final 3 Hours) – Museums & Green Spaces
Grudziądz Museum (Muzeum im. ks. dr. Władysława Łęgi) – A great place to learn about the city’s medieval and wartime history.
Citadel of Grudziądz – A huge 18th-century fortress that played a role in Napoleonic wars and World War II. It’s not always open for tours, but you can explore the area around it.
Relax in Tarpno Park or Jezioro Rudnickie – If you want to escape the city center, Lake Rudnickie is perfect for a peaceful walk or a quick swim in summer.
I got to Grudziądz and got off and headed out of the station. The station is undergoing some sort of renovation, so it was really quiet and a little eerie.

I had a quick look at the map and figured out where I needed to go and headed out in that direction.
The area around the station wasn’t noteworthy as it was on the outskirts of the city.
I carried on walking and came across the American embassy (read McDonald’s) and knew I was headed the right way.
I got to the outskirts of the old town and headed for the tourist information office. Partly to get some souvenirs and partly to get some recommendations.
On the walk there, I came across several statues/monuments and street art. It was really cool to see them.
I found the tourist information and got my souvenirs, and then some recommendations.
One of the recommendations was to go to the Klimec Tower. It was free to get in and go to the top.
Before I headed there, I went into the church next to the old town square. It was a pretty cool church and quite ornate inside. I wasn’t sure if it was free to enter, so I had a look inside the doors and then walked out to take some pictures.
I then went back and asked if I could go in, and they said yes. It was nice to walk around there.
I left here and saw another church that I wanted to look at. I went in there, and there were quite a few people inside and confession was going on too. I managed to get a couple of pics inside. It was really ornate too. More so than the other one.
I left here and then decided to head to the tower. There are old remains of the castle that are on show and it was cool to see that they preserved them.
I then headed to the tower and I was ready to go to the top. There are 129 steps to the top. I promise the views are worth it.
I gave myself about 30-40 minutes here. I was conscious of the time because the train back was at 17:06, and it was the last direct train to Gdańsk. I didn’t want to be stuck here (as nice as it is).
I left here and then went to see the granary buildings (another recommendation from the tourist office). They are so well preserved and a lot of them have been turned into museums.
I got told to get a picture from down by the river as this is where they look best. You decide.
I had seen another statue out of the corner of my eye and headed for that. On the grass close by, there were street signs with the name Grudziądz on them (they were from other Polish cities alongside some German ones too).

I left here and went and got some food. I found a diner (of sorts) and had some chicken and chips.
The food was nice and VERY inexpensive. It cost 24zł – or £4.23. Delicious and cheap – my favourite!
I left here and carried on walking. I had a couple of hours left before I needed to head to the station. I let my feet do the directing.
I went by the main post office and then found another church (it wasn’t open).
Once I was done here, I decided to take a slow walk around and then head to the station. I found a hotel and had to use their bathroom. Dinner was working its magic.
I left here and took a slow walk to the train station. By this time, I had about 70 minutes before the train and it would take me about 25-30 minutes to get there.
All in all though, Grudziądz is a great place to visit. Definitely a place that can be done in a few hours and one I would recommend visiting. I just wish I had another hour or two so I could’ve hopped on the tram and went to the outskirts.
The train back was pretty uneventful. I had the compartment to myself again, so I put the window down and just put some music on and watched the world go by.
On the way back there was a bridge that I wanted to get some pictures and a video of. The bridge is a closed road bridge and half of it seems to be missing. It also afford some great views to the other side of the river and the horizon.

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Total steps: 16,058

Total miles: 7.14

Total kilometers: 11.49

Below are some pics from today
Days 4 & 5 › Gdansk
The plan for these two days was to work from the hostel and not do a lot. That’s precisely what happened.
I had decided that on my lunch I would head to Orunia station so I could get some train videos. I have done it the last few years, so why break with tradition!
On the Friday, the hostel put on a BBQ so I went down to see what it was about and sat there for 10 minutes and then headed back up to work. It was also too cold to sit outside for much longer than that.
I really didn’t do a lot these two days. I didn’t even go into the city centre. I was just so tired.
You can see the train videos below.

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Total steps: 13,610

Total miles: 6.23

Total kilometers: 10.03
Day 6 › Olsztyn
I figured I should go to bed at a reasonable time last night since I had to be up early for the train this morning. Yeah. That didn’t happen. Lucky me. Ha.

I was feeling sick during the night (as I have for most of this trip) and woke up a few times. I was beginning to wonder whether or not I should go.

I got up just before the alarm and showered and got ready, and headed out for the bus.

I was so confused walking to the bus stop. I couldn’t figure out what day it was and then I realised it was Saturday and not Sunday as I thought. I don’t know why I was so confused but I felt better knowing it was Saturday.

I went to Żabka and got some chocolate for the train, and then headed to the bus.

I was shocked at how busy the bus was at 08:10 on a Saturday morning. It was standing room only.

I got to the station and then went to the platform and just sat on the platform. It was so cold. The wind was crazy. It dropped the temperature by about 10°. I’m so glad I was wearing my jacket.

The train came and I got on and I got to the compartment and I was by myself in it until Elbląg. It meant I could have the temperature up to 25° and get warm.

It was nice to watch the scenery go by. The clouds were fairly low and it made for some great shots.

As we were travelling, we got close to Malbork and I shot the below video from the train. Quaint houses, trees, a river, Malbork Castle. It was an awesome view.

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We carried on and the weather took a turn and it started snowing. Then it was bright sunshine again. Then it started snowing/hailing again.

The train ride has been a constant sun/snow/sun/hail/snow/sun journey. It’s been cool to see it. Though I’m not much of a fan of not knowing how the weather was going to be when I got to Olsztyn.

Olsztyn Itinerary from ChatGPT

Olsztyn, the capital of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship in Poland, offers a blend of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. Here are some activities you can enjoy over 6 hours:

Olsztyn Old Town

Start with a stroll through the charming Old Town, where you can admire colorful buildings and visit the Olsztyn Castle. The castle is home to a museum showcasing the region’s history and offers beautiful views of the city.

St. James Cathedral

Visit this Gothic cathedral, one of the city’s key landmarks. The interior is stunning, and you can take a moment to appreciate its architecture.

The Planetarium and Observatory

If you’re interested in science, the Olsztyn Planetarium offers shows and exhibitions about the stars and universe. It’s a great stop for those keen on space and astronomy.

Łyna River Walk

Take a relaxing walk along the Łyna River, especially around the areas near the Old Town. There are some scenic spots, and you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Old Town Market Square

Spend some time at the Market Square, where you can enjoy local cafes, shops, and street performances (depending on the time of year).

Jerzy Grotowski Theatre

If you enjoy the arts, check if there are any performances or exhibitions happening at the local theatre.

Visit a Local Park or Green Space

If the weather is nice, you could also visit Park Jakubowy, one of Olsztyn’s oldest parks. It’s perfect for a short, relaxing walk.

Local Cuisine

Try some traditional Polish food at a local restaurant or café. Dishes like pierogi (dumplings), bigos (hunter’s stew), or żurek (sour rye soup) are local favorites.

If you’re able to combine these activities, you should have a great time exploring Olsztyn in 6 hours!

I got there, and the snow had stopped. I left the station and bought a day ticket for the tram. Usually I would walk to the centre, but I was feeling so cold that I decided I would take the tram instead.

I already had the route figured out, so it was a case of jumping on the trams and then getting off at the old town.

I went to the tourist information centre to get the souvenirs and ask for recommendations. Their recommendation was to scan the QR code for an online map or pay 1zł for a paper one. Not really helpful.

I figured I would head to the castle and then to the cathedral. As I was in the old town square, the snow started. It was so cold. It wasn’t even fun being in the snow.

I walked around the grounds of the castle. I didn’t want to pay the 25zł to get in. I was cold but I’m also a cheap northerner and didn’t want to spend the money on something I didn’t really care about.

As I was heading out of the castle, the snow was stopping so away went the umbrella. I looked and saw where the river was and there was a church up the hill. I decided to head for that. It turns out it was the church I saw from the train.

I went in, but there was a christening going on, so I quickly left. I walked around the church but had to double back as the gate was locked.

I headed down to the river and walked along there before going back up to the main square. It was a typical Polish city square – but still pretty.

I then went to the cathedral. It was a nice cathedral, but nothing to write home about.

I left here and then hopped on the tram to the end of the line. I waited for about 5 minutes and then got the tram back to the stop for the Planetarium.

I’d seen some buildings I wanted to come back and see, so I did exactly that. One was a pretty cool church inside and out.

I left here and then headed to the mall that was here so I could mostly get warm, but also use the bathroom.

I got done here and walked outside and it was freezing. I walked back to the old town square area but it was just too cold for me. I decided to get the tram to the American embassy by the train station so I could get some food.

I sat in here for a couple of hours and got barely warm and was shivering most of the time. I was so ready for the train back to Gdańsk.

The train turned up on time but for some reason it was showing a delay of 10-15 minutes. I got on and then saw the delay and questioned if I was on the right train. I saw a guard walk by and leaned out of the window and asked her. She said it was the Gdańsk train. I sat back and just waited for it to leave.

The compartment was empty, so it was just me again. I enjoyed being at the back of the train and watching the scenery as we sped by.

When you buy train tickets in Poland, you have to provide your name as it is on your ID as the conductor will check. This journey has been the only one where that has happened. It’s a good job I carry my passport with me everywhere I go when I travel.

All in all though, Olsztyn is a pretty nice , if really small, city and one that you can see in a couple of hours.
Total steps: 12,872

Total miles: 5.83

Total kilometers: 9.38

Below are some pics from today

I was concerned that I wouldn’t hear my alarm because of how late I went to bed last night. I say late, but it was about 22:20 when I finally got in bed.

I saw a notice on the bus that caught my eye. It was all in Polish, but I was able to understand the word marathon and then the date of April 6th. I had a quick look and Gdansk had a marathon here today. I didn’t want to miss the alarm and risk missing my flight and then not being able to get to the airport.

Thankfully, I got a few hours’ sleep and then finished up my packing and headed out to the bus. It was windy, cold and it was snowing a little bit.

I had to change at the main station to another bus, and I was happy to sit on it for 45 minutes just so I could stay warm.

We got to the airport and I went and checked in my bag and then went to departures. I just wanted to get to the gate and sit there and wait.

The border guard was checking my passport making sure that I hadn’t overstayed 90 days in the previous 180. It took her a while as I have about 88 stamps in this passport. She was about to ask a question and then stopped herself. I asked her what she needed and she said she was going to ask about a stamp but then saw it was from 2023.

I got through and then waited for the plane. We boarded, and there was a window seat free so I sat there and the middle seat between me and another passenger was free. I like it when it’s like that after they say boarding is completed.

I slept for about half the flight, but I was still shattered, and I could tell it when I got to the border at Stansted. I was getting annoyed (more than usual) at people just dawdling and watching the eGates open and not move. I was sighing and tutting.

I got through (though I wasn’t in a rush as I still had 2.5 hours until the train) and then went to get my case. I headed to BK and then went and sat on the platform until it was time for the train. It was nice to be in the sun and warm temperatures.

Gdansk was a really good trip. I want to go back again sometime soon.

Total steps: 69,945

Total miles: 31.45

Total kilometers: 50.61

View all of my Gdansk media here

View all of my Słupsk media here

View all of my Grudziądz media here

View all of my Olsztyn media here

chris | Monday April 7th 2025 | Travel| Europe, Gdansk, Grudziadz, Olsztyn, Poland, Slupsk, Travel | 0 Comments

Gdańsk: Jestem tu znowu (z wycieczkami do Słupska, Grudziądza, Olsztyna)!

Słupsk

Grudziądz

Olsztyn

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