The most beautiful sunset spots and times in Gdańsk
- 15 hours ago
- 15 min read
Have you ever stopped to truly experience a sunset in Gdansk? I'm not talking about catching a glimpse of the colorful sky on the way home. I'm talking about consciously stopping, finding the perfect spot, and watching the sun paint the city anew.
I have been a "hunter" of these daily spectacles for years and I have discovered that Gdańsk is not only about history and architecture.
It is, above all, a canvas on which a unique drama of light and shadow unfolds each evening, where brick, water, and steel gain new, ephemeral life. I invite you on a journey through my favorite stages of this theater, so that you too can discover the magic of Gdańsk sunsets.
When to watch the sunset in Gdańsk
Before we set out in search of the perfect frame, we must understand the rhythm of our main actor – the sun. Knowing "when" is the first step in transforming a chance glimpse into a planned, anticipated event. This is fundamental knowledge for every sunset enthusiast.
Sunset time in Gdańsk depending on the season
The rhythm of the city is inextricably linked to the movement of the sun. In January, it bids us farewell just after 4:00 PM , casting long, blue shadows across the snow-covered rooftops of the Main Town. It's a hasty, almost stolen sunset.
In June, the show runs late into the evening, even after 8:40 PM , giving us time to leisurely celebrate the long days. In mid-July, for example, on July 15, 2025, the sun sets below the horizon at 8:50 PM. This seasonal variation is key to planning the perfect evening.
Approximate Sunset Times in Gdańsk (2025)
Month | Approximate time at the beginning of the month | Approximate time at the end of the month |
January | 15:56 | 16:37 |
February | 16:39 | 17:23 |
March | 17:24 | 19:09 (after time change) |
April | 19:12 | 19:54 |
May | 19:56 | 20:35 |
June | 20:36 | 20:43 |
July | 20:43 | 20:13 |
August | 20:11 | 19:12 |
September | 19:09 | 17:58 |
October | 17:55 | 16:39 (after time change) |
November | 16:37 | 15:52 |
December | 15:51 | 15:55 |
Data source: Own study based on the astronomical calendar.
Day length and its effect on sunset time
It's a simple relationship that we often forget: the longer the day, the later the sun sets below the horizon. In Gdańsk, this difference is truly spectacular. The longest day of the year lasts a staggering 17 hours, 13 minutes, and 35 seconds.
It's a time when summer evenings seem endless, and golden light accompanies us during long walks and outdoor gatherings.
In winter, the situation is reversed – the short days end with an early sunset, which envelops the city in a cozy, early twilight, perfect for a hot tea overlooking the illuminated streets.
Summer and winter time changes and sunset times
Twice a year, Gdańsk's sunset calendar undergoes a true revolution. This isn't just an administrative change, but a dramatic shift in the city's evening schedule.
In 2025, let's get ready for this on the night of March 29 to 30, when we will switch to summer time .
It's as if the city had given us an extra hour of evening light overnight. A similar jump, albeit in the opposite direction, awaits us on the night of October 25th to 26th, when we switch back to standard time .
Summer and winter solstice – the longest and shortest day of the year
These two days are astronomical extremes, almost secular holidays for nature lovers. In 2025, the summer solstice , the longest day of the year, will fall on Saturday, June 21. The sun will reach its highest point in the sky at 4:41 a.m. Polish time, ushering in astronomical summer.
In Gdańsk, daylight will last nearly 17 hours and 15 minutes . This is the time of the so-called white nights , when the sky never becomes completely black, and dusk smoothly transitions into dawn. It's a magical period when the lines between the end of one day and the beginning of another blur.
Its opposite is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year , after which a long, deep night follows, and the sunset is only a short, though often intense, farewell to the light.
These moments of the year most clearly demonstrate how closely city life and our moods are synchronized with the cosmic clock.
Phenomena accompanying sunset
The very moment the sun disappears below the horizon is just one act in a great play. True connoisseurs know that the performance lasts much longer, with its most beautiful scenes taking place just before and long after the main event.
Golden hour in Gdańsk – the perfect time for photographers
About an hour before sunset, the magic begins. Photographers call this time the "golden hour."
It's then that the bricks of Gdańsk cease to be simply red—they become liquid honey. The facades of the tenement houses on Długi Targ seem to glow with an inner glow, and the water of the Motława River transforms into a sheet of liquid gold . This is no ordinary light; it is an elixir that transforms the city into a fairy tale.
Interestingly, the length of the golden hour depends on the season - in Poland , in summer it can last even over 120 minutes in total (morning and evening), while in winter it is shortened to about 60 minutes .
To precisely determine this, I recommend apps like The Photographer's Ephemeris (TPE). It's a secret tool for anyone who wants to capture Gdańsk at its most photogenic.
Silver clouds – an unearthly spectacle after dusk
Once the sun has long since dipped below the horizon and the sky darkens, summer nights in Gdańsk can offer yet another absolutely spectacular spectacle – noctilucent clouds . These are the highest clouds in the atmosphere, forming in the mesosphere at an altitude of approximately 75-85 km.
They consist of tiny ice crystals embedded in meteorite dust. Their magic lies in the fact that, even when it's already dusk on Earth, they, due to their height, are still illuminated by the sun below the horizon. This gives them their characteristic silvery-blue, almost otherworldly glow .
If you want to hunt for noctilucent clouds, it is worth remembering a few rules:
Time of year: The season for observing them in Poland lasts from the end of May to the end of August , and you have the best chances in June and July .
Night time: Look for them shortly after sunset, between 10:00 and 11:00 PM , or just before dawn, after 1:00 AM .
Direction: Look towards the northern part of the sky .
Location: The best conditions for observation are away from city lights , in a place with an open horizon.
This phenomenon, although fleeting, is one of the most beautiful summer spectacles in the night sky and in recent years has been observed more and more often over Poland.
Phases of twilight: civil, nautical and astronomical
Most people turn and leave as soon as the sun disappears. That's a mistake! That's when the next, more subtle act of the show begins, divided into three phases, each described by the sun's position below the horizon.
Civil twilight (sun 0 to 6 degrees below the horizon): The last moment when you can read without artificial light. The sky is still blue, and the city's first streetlights are being switched on. This moment of perfect balance between natural and artificial light is beloved by city photographers because it allows for so-called night shots without overexposed skies and underexposed buildings.
Nautical twilight (sun 6 to 12 degrees below the horizon): The name comes from a time when sailors could still see the horizon and the first navigational stars were already appearing in the sky . For us, it's the moment when the horizon over the Bay becomes a dark line, and the silhouettes of the shipyard cranes transform into monumental sculptures.
Astronomical twilight (sun 12 to 18 degrees below the horizon): For most, this is already nighttime. The last glow disappears, and the vastness of space opens up overhead . It's time to look away from the horizon and upward.
This entire spectacle—from the beginning of golden hour to the end of civil twilight—is a period worth observing. It's not a single moment, it's a process.
The best sunset viewpoints in Gdańsk
Over the years, I've created my own personal map of Gdańsk's "scenes," each offering a completely different spectacle. Here's my subjective, battle-tested guide to the places that offer the most beautiful sunsets.
Kozacza Góra – panorama of the city and sunset over the horizon
It's a bit of a local secret , hidden in Gdańsk's Ujeścisko district. Atop a small hill (75.4 meters above sea level) stands a 17-meter-high steel observation tower. Climbing it is like soaring above the treetops.
The view from here isn't your typical postcard from the Main Town. It's a panorama of the southern districts, the "new Gdańsk" with its sprawling housing estates. It's a perspective that shows how the city lives and develops. As one online commentator wrote, the view is simply "IMPRESSING."
Pachołek Hill – view of the Bay of Gdańsk
A classic that couldn't be missed. A hill in Oliwa beloved by locals and tourists alike. After a recent renovation, climbing the 15-meter tower is pure pleasure. And the reward at the top is breathtaking.
This is the quintessence of the Gdańsk panorama , a "best of" view. From Pachołek, you can see everything: the forests of the Tricity Landscape Park, the characteristic wave formations of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, the rooftops of old Oliwa, and in the distance, Wrzeszcz and the Bay of Gdańsk shimmering in the last rays of sunlight. It's the perfect place to take in the entire richness of the Tricity landscape.
Gradowa Mountain – sunset over the Old Town and the shipyard
If I had to choose one most symbolic place, it would be Gradowa Hill . Located in the heart of the city, right next to the Main Train Station, it offers a view that epitomizes Gdańsk's identity.
Standing on the historic bastion, the entire story of the city unfolds before your eyes. The setting sun illuminates the Main Town's rooftops and church spires in red.
What makes this view absolutely unique is the combination of historical beauty and the industrial poetry of the shipyard cranes . Here, the two souls of Gdańsk—the Hanseatic and the Solidarity—meet in a single frame, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun.
Stogi Beach – sunset over the sea
Sometimes you don't need panoramas and towers. Sometimes a clear, uninterrupted horizon is enough. The beach in Stogi offers just that – a raw, primal experience of a sunset over the sea.
Here, it's all about the senses: the roar of the waves, the salty scent of the wind, the soft sand beneath your feet, and that incredible sight of the sun slowly sinking into the Baltic Sea . This is the most immediate and meditative of all Gdańsk sunsets. It's worth arriving at least 30 minutes early to fully absorb the atmosphere.
Motława – romantic reflections of light in the water
This isn't a lofty vantage point, but an intimate, ground-level encounter with light. Sit on a bench along Długie Pobrzeże or on Granary Island and watch the magic happen.
The calm surface of the Motława River acts like a mirror , doubling the intensity of the sky's colors. Reflected light dances on the facades of the granaries and the historic Crane, creating a scene of unparalleled romanticism. It is here that Gdańsk reveals its most picturesque side.
Gdańsk Shipyard – an industrial atmosphere at sunset
Raw, powerful, and absolutely unique – such is the sunset at the Shipyard. I recommend finding a spot on one of the bridges or near the water at the Imperial Shipyard . It's not about postcard beauty, but the power of symbolism.
The silhouettes of monumental cranes silhouetted against the fiery sky are a deeply moving sight.
This is a sunset that tells the story of work, history, and the fight for freedom. For the most determined thrill-seekers, I recommend checking out the M3 Crane to see this spectacle from above.
Wisłoujście Fortress – a historical backdrop for the sunset
This is a proposal for those who enjoy viewing the present through the prism of history. Imagine a sunset observed from the walls of a 15th-century fortress that for centuries guarded the Vistula River's mouth. The view combines the natural beauty of the water with the raw power of the fortifications.
There's a catch, though: during the peak summer season (July-August), the fortress closes at 6:00 PM , while the sun doesn't set until after 8:00 PM. So, to combine these two extraordinary experiences, aim for late spring or early autumn, when opening and sunset times are likely to coincide.
Lake Jasień – a calm surface of water and the setting sun
Far from the hustle and bustle of the sea and tourist center, in the western part of Gdańsk, lies the Jasień Ribbon Lake . It is an option for
A slow-paced sunset . There's no dramatic waves or architectural grandeur here. Instead, there's silence, peace, and a perfectly smooth surface of water that, like a mirror, reflects every shade of the fading sky. This is a place for quiet contemplation and tranquility.
Srebrzysko Reservoir – sunset with a fountain in the background
Finally, something completely unexpected – a meeting of nature and modern engineering. A fountain has been installed at the Srebrniki Reservoir (as well as at the Świętokrzyska I Reservoir) and operates until 10:00 PM . Watching the sunset over the water, with the added element of an illuminated, several-meter-high plume of water, creates a surprising and dynamic image. It's proof that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.
A Guide to Sunset Viewpoints in Gdańsk
Place | View Type | Availability | Cost | The Best Time of the Year |
Cossack Mountain | Panorama of a modern city | It requires a walk, climbing the tower | Free | All year round |
Pachołek Hill | Panorama of the city and the Bay | It requires a walk, climbing the tower | Free | Year-round, best visibility in spring/summer |
Gradowa Mountain | Panorama of the Old Town and the Shipyard | Easy, close to the center | Free | All year round |
Stogi Beach | Sea, open horizon | Easy | Free | Summer |
Motlawa | Romantic, reflections in the water | Very easy | Free | All year round |
Gdańsk Shipyard | Industrial, historical | It requires a walk | Free | All year round |
Wisłoujście Fortress | Historic, maritime | Directions, entrance ticket | Paid (PLN 35 standard) | Spring, autumn (due to opening hours) |
Lake Jasień | Calm, reflections in the water | Access | Free | Spring, summer, autumn |
Srebrzysko Reservoir | Modern, with a fountain | Easy | Free | Summer (when the fountain is running) |
Source: Own study based on material analysis.
Sunset from the water perspective
Watching the sunset from land is one thing, but being on the water as the sky blazes is a completely different experience. You become part of the landscape, and the city passes before your eyes like a movie. Fortunately, Gdańsk, the city of water, offers plenty of opportunities to experience this spectacle from the best vantage point – aboard a boat.
Sunset Cruise in Gdańsk – What's Worth Knowing?
The sunset cruise market in Gdańsk is rich and diverse, demonstrating that this natural spectacle has become one of the city's flagship attractions. You can opt for an intimate cruise aboard a historic, 12-passenger replica of a Galar riverboat .
Such a tour usually lasts 90-100 minutes, costs from PLN 60 (youth) to PLN 90 (adults) and starts from the Imperial Shipyard, offering guide stories and unforgettable views of the industrial heritage in golden light.
An alternative is a cruise on a modern yacht , such as one from Premium Yachting. These cruises last approximately 110 minutes and run from the Motława River to the Bay of Gdańsk , offering close-up views of Westerplatte and the Wisłoujście Fortress.
This is proof that the sunset has become a tourist product – carefully packaged, tailor-made and ready to be experienced.
Sunset kayaking trip – active admiration of the views
For those who prefer to be not just a passenger, but also an active participant in the adventure, a kayaking trip is the perfect choice.
This is an absolute bestseller for Gdańsk-based tour companies, and I'm not surprised at all. The approximately 2.5-hour (8 km) route takes you around Granary Island and Ołowianka Island, reaching Polski Hook at the confluence of the Motława and Martwa Wisła rivers.
The greatest advantage of a kayak is its agility. It allows you to navigate narrow channels and corners inaccessible to larger vessels, offering an unparalleled perspective from the water . Paddling in silence as the city slowly falls into a golden slumber is an incredibly intimate and satisfying experience.
Bay of Gdańsk - sunset from the deck of a boat
Sailing out of the sheltered waters of the Motława River into the open expanse of the Bay of Gdańsk is like a change of scenery in a theater. The perspective transforms from architectural to exuberant.
Suddenly, all that matters is the endless horizon , the wind in your hair and the feeling of being a small point on the vast water as the great red ball of the sun touches its surface.
Some yacht cruises offer this option, weather permitting, which is the highlight of the trip.
Atlantic Marine 750 – a motorboat used for cruising
Sometimes, the comfort and quality of a cruise are determined by specific technical specifications. Many companies use modern motorboats , such as the Atlantic Marine 750. At first glance, the numbers may seem dry, but they translate into a real-world experience. A length of 7.7 m and a width of 2.5 m mean great stability and ample space on board – there's no question of feeling cramped.
The maximum number of passengers is 12 , which guarantees an intimate, almost private atmosphere.
A powerful engine with a power of up to 300 HP allows you to quickly and efficiently move from the heart of the Main City to the open Bay to "catch" the sunset at the perfect moment.
And details such as an on-board toilet or refrigerator simply guarantee complete comfort during this unique journey.
How to Plan the Perfect Sunset Viewing
Planning is half the battle. Spontaneous sunsets can be beautiful, but planned ones allow you to fully enjoy the moment, without rushing or stress.
Where and when is the best time to admire the sunset?
That's a question whose answer depends on your mood. For the quintessence of romance, choose a stroll along the Motława River , where the lights reflect in the water. For an epic panorama that encompasses the entire city and the sea, Pachołek Hill is your destination.
And if you want to experience the true, complex spirit of Gdańsk, with its history and industry, head to Gradowa Hill . Each of these places offers a different experience, and the best time is the one you manage to take your time to soak up the views.
How to check the current sunset times
These days, it's incredibly simple. Just type "sunset Gdańsk tomorrow" into a search engine. You can also use any smartphone weather app , which almost always provides sunrise and sunset times.
For professionals and photography enthusiasts , specialized astronomy applications will be indispensable, such as the already mentioned TPE (The Photographer's Ephemeris) or Exsate Golden Hour.
What to take with you for an evening observation
I know from experience that even after the warmest day, when the sun disappears below the horizon, it gets chilly, especially by the water. That's why my list of things to pack always includes:
a warm blanket or an extra sweatshirt , a thermos with hot tea , a charged phone or camera to capture the moment and – optionally – a small portable speaker to accompany us with our favorite, calm music.
Sunset Cruise Voucher – A Gift Idea
If you're looking for a gift that's more than just a thing, give an experience. A voucher for a sunset cruise is a perfect choice.
Companies like Katalog Marzeń and Prezentmarzeń offer a variety of options, from motorboat cruises for two (for PLN 319, for example) to single berths on a yacht (approximately PLN 158). Such a voucher is typically valid for 12 months , and the price often includes a glass of wine, which adds a touch of charm. It's a gift that will surely be remembered for a long time.
The magic of sunsets in Gdańsk
Finally, I'd like to consider what truly makes sunsets in Gdańsk so special. They're more than just the sum of beautiful views and colors. They're an alchemy where the city and nature become one.
Why are sunsets by the sea so special?
There's both poetry and pure physics to this. When the sun is low on the horizon, its rays must penetrate a thicker layer of atmosphere .
Along the way, short wavelengths of light—blue and violet—scatter on air molecules. It's mainly long wavelengths: reds, oranges, and yellows— that reach our eyes.
The sea acts as a giant mirror and amplifier in this spectacle . It reflects and intensifies the colors of the sky, creating a doubly intense, doubly emotional image. This is why a sunset over the water is so powerful—it is total, surrounding us on every side.
How the appearance of the sunset changes depending on the season
Each season paints the sunset with different colors and a different line. In winter , when the air is frosty and clear, sunsets are sharp and crystalline . The colors are deep, and the edges of clouds and buildings are clearly defined. In summer , on humid, hot evenings, the spectacle is completely different.
The sunsets are soft, misty , as if painted with watercolor. The colors seem to melt and blend together, the entire process occurring in slow motion. Each version has its own unique charm.
Sunset as a photographic and emotional inspiration
Ultimately, the magic of Gdańsk sunsets lies in the unique combination of nature and man-made creations . These aren't just Gdańsk sunsets. These are Gdańsk sunsets. The city isn't a passive backdrop; it's an active participant in the spectacle.
The red light falling on the red brick of the Main Town, the silhouette of a shipyard crane against the orange sky, the reflection of the tower of St. Mary's Basilica in the waters of the Motława River – these are the images that define the west of Gdańsk.
It's a meeting of nature, history, and industry . For me, this daily ritual is a moment of pause. It's a free, democratic spectacle of beauty, accessible to everyone. It's an inexhaustible source of inspiration for photographers , the perfect backdrop for romantic encounters, and a moment for quiet, solitary reflection.
So I encourage you, next time you see a sunset, not just to see it, but to be present at it . Let it become your own personal moment of connection with this extraordinary, ever-changing city.
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