Galleon Cruise in Gdansk

Here are a few more photos from our weekend in Gdansk, Poland.  They're from our ride on a pirate ship and an important historical monument.  You may wonder why pirate ships in Gdansk, but it makes perfect sense.  Gdansk is one of the maritime cities of the Hanseatic League, an association of towns along the Northern coast of Europe that banded together in the 13th century.  The league dominated Baltic trade into the 19th century.  It was developed to organize and control trade, but it was also needed for protection from pirates.  So when you go to Gdansk, plan to ride on a pirate ship.

You can choose either the Black Pearl or the Galleon Lion, two "galleon-styled" vessels that take you from the city center, past the shipyards and out to the harbor.  There are snacks and drinks available on-board as well as commentary in various languages. 
 

The easy journey takes you out to the Westerplatte where you can visit the Westerplatte memorial and monument.  Located on a peninsula in Gdansk, this Polish garrison was where the very first battle of World War II was fought.  On September 1st 1939, a German warship open fired upon the Polish garrison. Over 500 German soldiers where held off by 180 Polish soldiers for a week here before the Polish were finally forced to surrender.  The German invasion of Poland had begun.

It's a 90 minute round trip journey for 40 Polish Zloty or about £8 and they have various sailing times throughout the day.  We just walked up and purchased our tickets but visit the website to make sure they will be running during your visit as they are closed during the winter months. 

Will you be planning a city break to Gdansk, Poland? 

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE | BLOGLOVIN