The phrase “Widok na Bałtyk” means “view of the Baltic,” and few places deliver it better than Poland’s northern coast. This itinerary pairs the historic port city of Gdańsk—cradle of the Solidarity movement—with the resort town of Kołobrzeg, known for sea air therapies, a proud lighthouse, and leisurely promenades.

Gdańsk’s story spans Teutonic knights, Hanseatic merchants, and postwar rebirth. You’ll walk past medieval gates and amber façades, then step into modern memory at the Museum of the Second World War and the European Solidarity Centre. Between them lie café-lined lanes, shipyard murals, and riverside granaries that glow at sunset.

Practical notes: the coast is breezy year-round, with peak beach season June–September and quieter, great-value months in spring and fall. Poland uses the złoty (PLN); cards and contactless are widely accepted. Sundays may have limited retail hours. Local trains and trams are frequent and affordable, and seafood is stellar—try Baltic herring, cod, and smoked fish straight from the source.

Gdańsk (and the Tricity)

Gdańsk is a jewel-box of brick Gothic churches, gabled warehouses, and the Motława riverfront crane (Żuraw). It’s also a living museum of modern Europe—here the first shots of WWII were fired at Westerplatte, and here workers’ strikes helped catalyze the end of the Cold War.

• Top sights: Long Market (Długi Targ), St. Mary’s Basilica tower, Museum of the Second World War, European Solidarity Centre, Oliwa Park & Cathedral, Mariacka Street for amber shopping, and ferry rides past the shipyards to Westerplatte (seasonal).
• Local flavor: craft beer at Brovarnia and Pułapka; pierogi at Mandu; seafood at Zafishowani and Prologue; coffee at Drukarnia on beautiful Mariacka Street.
• Stay: Base around Main Town, Granary Island, or the peaceful district of Oliwa for green parks and easy SKM train access.

Where to book stays: Browse apartments and homes on VRBO Gdańsk or hotels on Hotels.com Gdańsk.

How to get here: Fly into Gdańsk (GDN). For Europe-based travelers, compare fares on Omio Flights. For long-haul routes, check Kiwi.com or (outside Europe) Trip.com Flights. Within the Tricity, use the SKM commuter trains (Gdańsk–Sopot–Gdynia) via Omio Trains—rides are ~10–20 minutes, ~6–10 PLN each way.

Day 1: Arrival in Gdańsk, Amber Glow on the Motława

Afternoon: Arrive and drop bags. Stretch your legs along Długi Targ: Neptune Fountain, the Green Gate, and riverside granaries. Pop into Drukarnia Café on Mariacka Street for a flat white and sernik (Polish cheesecake); this cobbled lane glitters with amber boutiques.

Evening: Dinner at Zafishowani for Baltic cod with creamy dill sauce and beetroot sides—river views included. If you fancy a nightcap, try Flisak ’76, a cult cocktail den with inventive, story-driven menus tucked in a brick cellar.

Day 2: Memory and Meaning—WWII Museum and Solidarity

Morning: Coffee and a flaky croissant at Retro Café near Piwna Street. Spend 2–3 hours at the Museum of the Second World War—its immersive galleries trace daily life and global conflict with moving personal artifacts. Reserve at least half a morning.

Afternoon: Tram to the European Solidarity Centre (ECS). Walk through the Gdańsk Shipyard Gate No. 2 and the rust-clad ECS, part museum, part civic forum. Lunch nearby at Stocznia Cesarska Food Hall-style vendors (when operating) or head back toward Old Town for hearty potato dishes at Pyra Bar.

Evening: Climb St. Mary’s Basilica tower for dusk panoramas. Dinner at Prologue—a modern Polish tasting menu spotlighting Baltic fish and Kashubian produce. After, sample Polish craft beer at Pułapka (rotating taps, local breweries).

Day 3: Sopot and Gdynia—Pier Walks, Cliffs, and the Sea

Morning: Take the SKM to Sopot (10–15 minutes). Stroll the famed Sopot Pier and the beach. Breakfast at Cafe Ferber on Bohaterów Monte Cassino (aka “Monciak”)—think eggs, cakes, and good espresso.

Afternoon: Ride SKM to Gdynia (10 minutes). Walk the seaside promenade to Orłowo Pier and the Kępa Redłowska cliffs for camera-ready Baltic views. If time allows, pop into the Gdynia Aquarium. Lunch back in Sopot at Bar Przystań—a local legend for fried flounder and fish soup served steps from the sand.

Evening: Dinner at Seafood Station in Sopot (oysters, fish & chips, and a strong Polish wine list). For a beachside drink, check Klub Atelier (seasonal events), or return to Gdańsk for a riverside stroll under the lit-up Crane.

Day 4: Oliwa’s Greens, Westerplatte by Water, and Amber Lanes

Morning: Tram or SKM to Oliwa. Hear the famous organ in the Oliwa Cathedral (check concert times), then wander the manicured Oliwa Park and the Palm House. Coffee and pastries at Piekarnia & Kawiarnia Pellowski nearby.

Afternoon: From the riverfront, take a seasonal boat to Westerplatte (April–October; otherwise bus/taxi). Explore the memorial and remaining bunkers where WWII began. Return to Old Town and browse Mariacka Street for amber—ask about origin and craftsmanship.

Evening: Casual dinner at Mandu (legendary hand-pinched pierogi; try goose or spinach-feta). Finish with a riverside pint at Brovarnia Gdańsk, the city’s maritime brewpub housed in historic granaries.

Kołobrzeg

A classic Baltic spa town, Kołobrzeg blends sandy beaches and a salt-scented promenade with a proud lighthouse and maritime history. The sea breeze is prescribed here—people come for long walks, coastal bike rides, and plates of just-caught fish.

• Top sights: Kołobrzeg Lighthouse, the pier and seafront promenade, the old town Cathedral, and the Eco Park trails. Cycling west to Grzybowo and Dźwirzyno makes a perfect half-day.
• Food & drink: expect fish smokers, chowders, and modern Polish kitchens. Look for daily catch boards and try smoked sprats or herring with onions and sour cream.
• Stay: Seafront spa hotels or apartments near the lighthouse/pier keep you steps from sunset views and morning beach runs.

Where to book stays: Compare seafront options on VRBO Kołobrzeg or browse hotels via Hotels.com Kołobrzeg.

Getting there from Gdańsk: Morning trains take ~3–4 hours. IC/REGIO fares are typically 60–120 PLN (~$15–$30). Check times and book on Omio Trains. Buses run similar durations (often cheaper) via Omio Buses.

Day 5: Train to Kołobrzeg, Lighthouse Sunset

Morning: Depart Gdańsk by train (~08:00–09:00). Grab bakery snacks and drip coffee from Przystanek Piekarnia before you go. Enjoy coastal views as you approach Kołobrzeg.

Afternoon: Check in and walk the seafront promenade. Climb the Kołobrzeg Lighthouse for a sweeping “widok na Bałtyk.” Coffee and cake at Caffe Venezia near the pier—classic gelato, espresso, and window seats for people-watching.

Evening: Dinner at Restauracja Sublima—inventive modern Polish cuisine (reserve for weekends). Prefer something simple? Try a fish shack by the port for grilled halibut or herring. Night stroll on the pier for the sound of waves and soft lights.

Day 6: Baltic by Bike—Eco Park, Grzybowo, Dźwirzyno

Morning: Rent bikes by the promenade. Follow the coastal path through the Eco Park, a bird-friendly wetland with shaded boardwalks. Breakfast on the go: warm rolls and pastries from a seaside bakery stand.

Afternoon: Continue west to Grzybowo and Dźwirzyno (flat, family-friendly ride). Lunch on fresh fish—look for daily-catch boards or places smoking fish out front. Swim or beachcomb before cycling back.

Evening: Dinner at Fishka-Fishka (contemporary seafood; check daily specials). For a local brew, try the Colberg craft beers at a nearby pub or beer shop. If your hotel has a spa, book a Baltic salt or seaweed treatment.

Day 7: Slow Morning by the Sea, Departure

Morning: Sunrise beach walk and coffee at a promenade café. Visit the old town Cathedral or pick up souvenirs—amber pendants, sea salt, or ceramics. Brunch-style plates or sweet crêpes at a central café before checkout.

Afternoon: Head to your onward train station. For connections back to Gdańsk or elsewhere in Poland, search Omio Trains or Omio Buses. Flying home? Compare routes via Omio Flights (within Europe) or Kiwi.com/Trip.com Flights for long-haul.

Extra Tips and Local Gems

• Seasonal ferries: From Gdańsk/Brzeźno to Westerplatte and between Gdańsk–Sopot–Gdynia run April–October; browse options and timing in season and consider Omio Ferries for broader coastal crossings.
• Rain plan: Museums in Gdańsk (WWII, ECS, Uphagen House) are superb; in Kołobrzeg, mix spa time with the Polish Army Museum branch (military history and outdoor exhibits).
• Budgeting: Trams/buses ~4–6 PLN per ride; SKM commuter trains ~6–10 PLN per segment; good mid-range dinners 60–120 PLN per person; specialty coffee 12–20 PLN.

In one week you’ll trace Poland’s Baltic story—from the shipyards of change to seaside promenades and lighthouse horizons. Expect big skies, bracing sea air, and plates of honest, delicious food. The coast invites unhurried hours and many returns.