Gdańsk, the Baltic, and the Teutonic Knights

7 Days / 6 Nights / £625

Gdańsk, the home of the Solidarity movement, once a member of the Hanseatic league, and the largest city of the Kashubian ethnic group. Gdańsk has certainly come a long way from its origins as a fishing village in the 9th century and it is the jewel of a region which ranges from the sand dunes of Slowinski National Park, to the ancient shores of the Vistula River, to the tranquility of the Zarnowieckie Lake.

Add the UNESCO listed gothic old town of Toruń, the intact fortified medieval walls of Chelmno, the 15th century Basilica in Pelplin, and the magnificent Malbork Castle and you're up for a week of amazing memories, unforgettable cycling, and remarkable sights.

Dates 2011: July 17th - 23rd & July 24th - 30th

Day 1
Gdańsk to Białogóra ~ 60km's

After a boat trip across the Gulf of Gdańsk we arrive in Hel: that is, the Hel Peninsula a sliver of sand which stretches some 35kms west to Wladyslawowo. It is incredibly easy to let go and experience the moment on this first day of cycling.

Starting in the Kasubian town of Hel with the sea breeze at your back, the perfume of the sea filling your senses, and the sound of lapping waves you just can't help but to relax. After an easy day of pedaling we reach our overnight accommodation the picturesque town of Białogóra.

Day 2
Białogóra to Gardna Wielka ~ 60km's

After leaving Białogóra in the morning we ride in the subtle shadows of the canopy of trees which line the coast. The views of the white sandy cliffs and long empty beaches add to the feeling of relaxation.

Our afternoon is spent exploring the natural and built environment as we skirt around Lebsko Lake and discover several palaces and castles in various states of repair. An easy 25km spin later we arrive in Gardna Wielka where we stop for the night to enjoy the traditional hospitality of a Polish farmhouse.

Day 3
Gardna Wielka to Bytow ~ 55km's

Waking refreshed from a deep slumber and energised from a hearty breakfast we veer away from the coast and head south into the heart of the Pomerania region. Passing through flat open farmlands we travel down into the Lower Vistula Valley and weave our way between the wildlife rich ponds and lakes.

We are in the medieval lands of the Teutonic Knights and traces of their existence are scattered throughout. And after another exciting day in the saddle we get to put our royal feet up at an extraordinary 14th century Teutonic castle in Bytow which will serve as our quarters for the night. Hopefully the ghost of the Duke will leave us to sleep in peace!

Day 4
Bytow to Toruń ~ 70km's

Well rested and re-energised we start early and head towards Chelmno. There are so many largely unknown attractions in this region and due to our local guides we are lucky enough to visit the stunning medieval town of Chelmno; whose medieval fortified walls, five gothic cathedrals, and a renaissance town hall are designed to impress.

In the delightfully attractive town square we can have a well deserved lunch and coffee in one of the many quality restaurants or coffee shops. After soaking up the atmosphere and exploring we climb back on our bikes and turn south towards Toruń.

Day 5
Toruń to Grudziądz ~ 55km's

The Hanseatic port of Toruń is a special highlight of our journey. A slavic settlement since 1100 BC, a Teutonic outpost since the 13th century, the birthplace of Nicolas Copernicus in the 15th century, and UNESCO World Heritage listed in the 20th century, Toruń will undoubtedly captivate you with its Gothic charm and its off-the-beaten track character.

After having survived WWII largely intact, Toruń has preserved its medieval spatial layout and is full of Gothic churches with Renaissance and Baroque epitaphs and altars (amongst them the epitaph of Copernicus from 1580). It has a monumental Town Hall, old city fortifications, medieval city gates and watchtowers, and the largest number of preserved Gothic burgher houses in Poland. Toruń is a singular experience and the illumination of the old town at night will take your breath away.

We depart Toruń in the morning and have a leisurely 55km cycle to Grudziądz through farmland and quiet country lanes. We stop at variosu palaces, castles, and villages on the way to have a rest, a bite to eat, and a cool drink.

Day 6
Grudziądz to Malbork ~ 65km's

Friday marks another astonishing day as we leave the granaries of Grudziądz and head towards the majesty of UNSECO listed Malbork Castle. This colossal fortified castle was once the seat of the Teutonic order and is still Europe's largest Gothic fortress; under construction for 230 years probably had something to do with that!

We spend a few hours exploring its multiple defensive walls, a labyrinth of rooms and chambers, and some exquisite architectural detail and decoration. The late afternoon sun on the 600 year old red brickwork is indescribable.

Day 7
Malbork to Gdańsk ~ 70km's

We have spent a week exploring the charm, character, and attractions of the Pomeranian region. I can't stress how underrated the places we visit are. But that is Poland in a nutshell! Come along and experience how Poland with her beauty and her charisma is melding her poignant past with an exhilarating present and an undeniably remarkable future.

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