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 :)

Wisloujscie Fortress - part 1

Panorama of Wisloujscie Fortress

Wisłoujście Fortress - this is what I wanted to write about on my last entry. Why did I write about it then? Well, the answer it pretty simple - it was closed. So why I decided to write about it now? Because I can't wait four months for it to reopen. Sadly the place is closed offseason. As I learnt stearing at the door's opening hours board. Nontheless I will write about the fortress again, when it reopens:) If I only came there two months  ago :)

Panorama - up close - of Wisloujscie Fortress

Let's start with that it was my first time there. All I knew was that the fortress is located close by Westerplatte. The way I imagined it was as a kind of lighthouse. Kinda tall round whitish building and that's about it. As stupid as this sounds, I had no idea what twierdza, which is polish word for fortress might be used for. For me it could be just a plain building that a person would barricaded himself. Only when I translated this word into english it all started to make sense to me. When going there I had to push myself not to turn around as I was convinced that I am going to end up in the middle of nowhere. Since my car is a little bit unstable these days and shuts on me for any reason I didn't want to be forced sleeping in bushes or worse.

Wisloujscie Fortress - right wing

There is no good directions on the way so I was guessing which turn to take (fortunatelly there weren't that many:). Since this area became kind of industral with port being nearby, don't be suppried to pass by slag heaps and factory building that to some might seem to be abandond, I think they are just run down. However it's not about the journey there, but the place itself. 

Drive up to Wisloujscie Fortress

I must say I was quite suprised when I saw it, and in good way. The thing is huge. There is lighthouse looking building as I imagined, but it is surrounded by massive walls that have lawn as a roof. It reminded me of my hobbit houses on Hail Mountain. It turns out I love any building that has lawn on the roof :)

View of Fortress on the other side

 Since my car didn't survive the trip and I had to left it at car mechanics, I think next time I come visit the place when they reopen in may I would be coming by public transport. I just don't want to risk it ;) Luckily I was able to borrow a car and drive across city to take pictures of Wisloujscie Fortress from the other side, since the ferry rans only during weekdays.

Wisloujscie Fortress on the map

I did try my best to see what secrets the place holds. Luckily I was able to find a whole in entrance door, so here is the sneak peek of what is coming next (in sixth month time). Hope you like it :)

Mistery of Wisloujscie Fortress