Green Lantern

Today I took advantage of my family member, who wanted to spend some time with me. Of course, he had different idea of what we would do. However as the weather was favourable today, a walk by seaside was in store. Unfortunately, by the time we were able to get out, the sun hid behind clouds. However I shouldn't complain as in December we have temperature of 10 degrees Celsius and mild cold wind.

Do you see it? Green lighthouse...

Few months ago I heard about breakwater being open to public. Till then this area was restricted to port free zone. Not only the breakwater offers different viewpoint of the bay, there is also a green lighthouse at the end of it.

I see Gdynia ...

Since it was open around six months ago, the path is a little rough, but I read that there are plans of renovating it and also of opening a cafe on breakwater. It certainly is nice place to have coffee :)

But, to be honest, I didn't mind the path. For some, I'm sure, it will be a bit uncomfortable and not too pleasant with high fence on one side. Some also could complaint about "rubbish" at the bottom of the cliff. As I was explained by my companion, the reason for the concrete blocks is to protect the cliff from falling apart, as the waves would wear it down.

I liked little bays made of stone - sort of little viewpoints. I also liked writings on the stones, but not all of them - some were unfortunately profanities :( but some were love confessions, or just memory marks.

When it comes to the history of the breakwater and its green lighthouse I didn't find much information. What I found was one old picture of the lighthouse, which doesn't look like lighthouse at all.

I also read that the green lighthouse and breakwater is part of port entrance. The lighthouse has a twin - red lighthouse, which is located on eastern breakwater. I hope there is access to that lighthouse as I would like to visit it very much.

Can you see the red lighthouse?

The Gdansk Lighthouse

Panorama

I've been told many times to go see the Lighthouse, but not surprisingly I didn't. However when I saw that the Lighthouse is being described as one of the most beautiful lighthouses of Northern Europe, I just had to see it. Who could resist seeing beautiful things? Not me. :) Although I never been to a lighthouse before, so I can't comment on the-most-beautiful-lighthouse thing.

They didn't let me in there :(

For anyone, who is planning to see the Lighthouse while in Gdansk I say: don't use navigation. I have tried to see how to get there on three different devices. Let's just say that if I went with the way my navigation showed me, I still would be on my way. Apparently to get to Lighthouse from Gdansk I must go to Germany, take ferry to Denmark, travel through Sweden to get ferry from Stockholm to Gdansk. Estimated time travel 41h, distance 1 413 km.

Lighthouse probably around 1900

Luckily I found shorter way, and was on spot in 20 minutes :) Unfortunately I was late for Time Ball drop. Maybe you can see it and tell me how was it? But let start from the beginning.

That all famous Time Ball

The Lighthouse was build in 1893, it is 27 meters tall. It was build as a replacement of lighthouse that was there in the first place. The design is based on a lighthouse located by Erie lake in Ohio, USA (non-existent) that was considered the most beautiful lighthouse in America. The Lighthouse served purpose of costal lighthouse, harbour pilots tower and time ball station.

The light part of the lighthouse :)

The Time Ball is a funny little thing. The idea of it goes back to 19th century. It was supposed to help ship's captains to set their chronometers, which were crucial in establishing ship's position in the sea. The time balls were placed in all important ports around the world. The one in Gdansk is quite pretty I must say. The only regret I have is that it is out of reach, because, like a small child, I like to touch everything :)

Round and round I went :)

Also from this lighthouse on 1st of September 1939 at 4.45am a signal was given to Schleswig-Holstein to start firing at Westerplatte (to this day a mark on Lighthouse's wall is visible where polish army shoot as a response to the attack). In other words: This is where IIWW started!

The window.

When it comes to the Lighthouse, don't expect miracles. There is no room for any museum-type displays, however you can find around lighthouse and on the stairs pictures and stories of other lighthouses (worth having a look). The selling point of the Lighthouse is the view. On a clear day you can easily see Gdynia and probably Hel. It also gives unique viewpoint of Westerplatte.

Nice fence, right?

If you have spare hour in your day, I'd say you should check it out :)

See you soon, Lighthouse :)