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Spring is the time when Gdańsk comes to life in a way that can enchant even the most demanding tourist. This is when nature fills the streets, parks and forests with fresh, iodized air and a whole palette of colors. Cool mornings give way to warm afternoons, and the scent of spring flowers intertwines into a unique blend of the seaside city.
If you feel like a walk that will be soothing, an adventure of discovery and a journey through history at the same time, then it's great, because I have prepared a route for you that will allow you to experience Gdańsk in three extraordinary versions.
It all begins in the heart of the Tri-City Landscape Park, in a place that is an ideal refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Oliwa Forests stretch across hills that are covered with the first light green beech leaves at this time of year. It is here that you will find the Valley of Joy – a charming place whose name is not accidental.
When you enter the valley, you feel a change – the air becomes cooler, filled with the scent of damp earth and resin. The murmur of the Oliwa Stream accompanies you the entire way, and its clear surface reflects the rays of the sun, twinkling in the treetops. With a bit of luck, you can spot a kingfisher and larger mammals, including roe deer, which come down to the stream in the morning to quench their thirst.
Walking along the forest paths, you will come across traces of ancient history. The remains of old water mills remind us of the times when this place was bustling with crafts.
For many visitors, but also residents, the highlight of a walk through the Oliwa Forests is climbing Pachołek Hill, which is just over 100 m above sea level. This is where the panorama of Gdańsk and the Bay of Gdańsk spreads out. The view makes you feel like a conqueror for a moment, with the city at your feet. I encourage you to go here at sunset, when the city is bathed in gold, and birds sing their evening songs in the treetops.
Photo: Tri-City Landscape Park
If you want to feel how history intertwines with nature, visit Oruński Park – one of the most picturesque and underrated places in Gdańsk. This once avoided pearl is close and easily accessible even for inexperienced tourists.
Upon entering the park, you will be greeted by ancient trees, and further on you will see numerous attractions: ponds with ducks, picturesque bridges and romantic corners that encourage you to relax. The heart of the park is a historic manor house, formerly owned by Gdańsk merchants. In the summer, the amphitheater in the park resounds with concerts, but in the spring it is an oasis of peace – you can sit on a bench here and listen to the birds singing or simply – to the silence.
Oruński Park in spring is a real paradise for photography enthusiasts – blooming fruit trees, clearings and clouds reflected in the water create an almost fairy-tale scenery. If you feel like having a picnic, take a blanket and a few treats – it is the perfect place for a longer rest surrounded by nature.
Photo: Oruński Park in Gdańsk
Gdańsk has many smaller protected nature areas that are worth discovering during spring walks. One of them is the Xerothermic Grasslands in the Oruński Stream Valley – a unique community of thermophilic plants in the region, which owe their presence to a specific microclimate.
These grasslands are a real botanical gem. You will find about 50 rare species of plants here, which in spring and summer create a colourful carpet on the sunny slopes of the valley. This place is a paradise not only for botanists, but also for nature lovers. On warm days, you can see numerous butterflies here, including the protected blue tit, and small insects and lizards scurry among the grass, taking advantage of the warmth of the heated rocks.
The xerothermic grasslands in the Oruński Stream Valley are proof of how rich and diverse the nature of Gdańsk is. This is a place full of life, offering moments of respite and contact with wildlife – almost in the heart of the city.
Gdańsk is of course not only about nature. When the spring sun slowly sets, it is worth going to Góra Gradowa to admire the panorama of Gdańsk in the warm rays of evening light.
This historic hill, once a defensive fort, is now one of the most interesting viewpoints in the city. From the top, there is a view of the Main City, the port and the Bay of Gdańsk. You can also visit the Hewelianum Centre here – an interactive museum that presents history and science in a modern way.
Walking along the fortification walls, you can feel the spirit of the past and wonder how the city has changed over the centuries. And when you sit on a bench, looking at the city in the evening glow, you get the impression that Gdańsk is revealing its most beautiful face to you.
It is worth stopping here for a while and waiting for the night illuminations - the twinkling lights of the city combined with its historical character create a unique atmosphere. You can also look for one of the many events organized on Góra Gradowa - concerts, festivals or astronomical shows, which will further emphasize the extraordinary nature of this place.
Photo: Gradowa Hill in Gdańsk
The forests, parks and hills of Gdansk offer an extraordinary mix of nature and history, all in the heart of a vibrant city. Spring is the best time to discover them – at your own pace, with an open mind to new experiences. Use the spring sun to discover, experience and enjoy everything Gdansk has to offer. Will you take this journey? I highly recommend it :)
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