In autumn, Gdańsk reveals its completely new, calmer face, full of colour and melancholy.
Did you know that the Oliwa Cathedral, with its 7,876-pipe organ, offers exceptional concerts, perfect for an autumn evening? Or maybe you are more drawn to wandering through golden parks or the wild nature of Sobieszewska Island?
Discover with us how beautifully Gdańsk changes at this time of year and let yourself be inspired to take a walk that will show the city from a completely different, lesser-known perspective. Autumn is the perfect time to walk where in the middle of the season it is teeming with tourists.
Oliwa Cathedral and Oliwa Park
The Oliwa Cathedral, built in the Gothic-Romanesque style, is one of the most important monuments in Gdańsk, and its history dates back to the 12th century. Inside, it houses the famous Oliwa organ , which has 7,876 pipes, some of which are movable, which creates spectacular sound presentations.
Autumn organ concerts are held regularly, creating a unique atmosphere when walking through this peaceful part of the city.
Next to the cathedral is Oliwa Park , which in autumn delights with a blaze of golden and red colours. Walking along the alleys, you can admire, among others, the Linden Alley or the picturesque ponds, which in autumn create ideal conditions for photography.
Fewer people walking around allow for a quiet, reflective walk among the rustling leaves.
The Abbots' Palace , located in the park, is an important cultural point. Today it houses the Department of Modern Art of the National Museum , which allows you to combine the pleasure of walking with visiting art exhibitions.
Thanks to this harmony between culture, history and nature, Oliwa Park and its surroundings are a great place for an autumn walk, allowing both relaxation and discovery of the charms of Gdańsk .
The Virgin Island of Sobieszewo and the Bird Paradise Reserve
Sobieszewska Island is an oasis of peace and nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the center of Gdańsk. In the fall, when the crowds of tourists disappear, this place becomes a paradise for lovers of long, peaceful walks.
Surrounded by forests, dunes and sandy beaches, every step on the island allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature, which changes with the rhythm of autumn colours. The island offers many hiking and cycling trails, perfect for autumn walks.
One of the most interesting points is the Ptasi Raj Reserve , which attracts nature and photography enthusiasts. In autumn, when birds migrate, it is an ideal place to observe many species. Additionally, the silence and peaceful atmosphere encourage relaxation in the fresh air.
Sobieszewska Island is a place that captivates with its peace, beauty of nature and wildlife in its autumnal setting. It is an ideal choice for those seeking peace and contact with nature in a slightly wilder environment.
Jelitkowo and Ronald Reagan Park
Jelitkowo is a picturesque district located between Gdańsk and Sopot, known for its wide, sandy beach and peaceful recreational areas. Park Jelitkowo , founded in 1875 as a spa park, is located near the mouth of the Oliwa Stream into the Bay of Gdańsk, making it an ideal place for autumn walks.
Charming paths lead along the protected dunes, and numerous bridges crossing the stream add a romantic character to the place.
The mouth of the Oliwa Stream into the Baltic Sea is especially beautiful in autumn, when falling leaves are reflected in the water and the area becomes more quiet and peaceful.
Walkers can enjoy sea views along the promenade that runs along the beach, and there is also a network of walking paths that lead to nearby Reagan Park.
Ronald Reagan Park is a unique place that combines natural green areas with beautiful views of the Bay of Gdansk. Numerous walking and cycling paths lead through areas full of forests, ponds and recreational areas.
In autumn, the park delights with golden leaves, creating the perfect setting for a walk in nature. The park also has numerous rest areas, playgrounds and sculptures that give this place a unique character.
The underrated Oruński Park
Park Oruński is one of the most charming and at the same time less known and appreciated places in Gdańsk, even by the Gdańsk residents themselves. It is located in the south of the city, in the Radunia River valley, and offers beautiful landscapes surrounded by natural gorges and ponds.
In autumn, this park transforms into a real palette of colours – gold, red and brown leaves cover the paths, creating the perfect backdrop for peaceful walks and photographs. This place is less crowded than the more famous parks of Gdańsk, which ensures peace and quiet and ideal conditions for relaxation.
In addition to beautiful views, Oruński Park also offers interesting architectural elements, such as historic bridges, which add charm to the entire area. This place is popular with locals who value its peace and closeness to nature, and autumn is the best time of year to walk around this place.
Oruński Park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in the natural surroundings, away from the crowds that can be found in other, more famous parks. In the fall, it takes on a special charm, making it an ideal choice for a quiet walk in nature.
The main city in Gdansk without crowds
It is best to start a walk around the Main Town in Gdańsk from the Golden Gate , which symbolically opens the entrance to the Royal Route . Passing through the gate, you will find yourself on Długa Street, full of beautiful, historic tenement houses.
Autumn is the perfect time for such a walk, because there are significantly fewer tourists, and the mild, warm weather and the colors of the leaves give the place a unique atmosphere.
Continuing your walk, you will reach Długi Targ , the heart of Gdańsk. It is worth stopping here to admire the Neptune Fountain , the symbol of the city, and the majestic tenement houses surrounding it, including the Artus Court .
Fall brings a more leisurely pace to the area, allowing you to fully appreciate the historic charm of the place.
After a walk along Długi Targ, it is worth crossing the Motława River via the Green Bridge , which leads to Granary Island . This part of Gdańsk has recently been renovated and combines modernity with the historic character of the city. Walking among the restored granaries, you can feel the breeze of old times.
After visiting Granary Island, return to the Main Town via the modern swing footbridge , which is an interesting attraction in itself.
Once you’re back on the mainland, it’s worth taking a walk along Długie Pobrzeże , along the Motława River. Here you can admire views of the Crane and the waterfront, which becomes even more picturesque in autumn.
Finally, it is worth ending the walk in a quieter part of the city, entering Mariacka Street , which at this time of year is not as crowded with tourists as in the summer.
Continue along Piwna Street , which leads towards the Great Armoury – a monumental building that was once the city arsenal. From there, it is easy to return to Targ Węglowy , where you can end your walk, admiring the remaining architectural gems of Gdańsk.
This route connects the most important monuments of Gdańsk with lesser-known corners, offering ideal conditions for an autumn hike.
Westerplatte and Wisłoujście Fortress Not Only for History Fans
We end our list of the best places for an autumn walk at the historic and monumental place of Westerplatte , located on the Bay of Gdańsk. It was here, in September 1939, that the battle for Westerplatte began, symbolizing the outbreak of World War II.
Today it is a place of national remembrance, but also an ideal space for a quiet autumn walk. In autumn, with fewer visitors, Westerplatte becomes a space for reflection and quiet contact with history.
During the walk, it is worth visiting the monumental Monument to the Defenders of the Coast , which commemorates the heroes of the battles for Westerplatte. From the top there is a beautiful view of the sea, which makes this place even more special.
It is also worth taking a walk along the remains of bunkers and fortifications, which in autumn, surrounded by falling leaves, take on a raw, melancholic charm.
After Westerplatte, it is a good idea to head towards the Wisłoujście Fortress , which is one of the most picturesque and mysterious monuments of Gdańsk. The fortress, located on the Martwa Wisła River, was a strategic defensive point of the city already in the Teutonic times.
A walk around the fortifications, surrounded by water and autumn greenery, allows you to feel the old atmosphere of the city. You can see the remains of walls, towers and fortifications that defended Gdańsk for years.
A walk around Westerplatte and Wisłoujście Fortress is the perfect ending to an autumn walk around Gdańsk. This place offers not only contact with nature, but also deep reflection on the history that can be felt here at every step.
Comments