On behalf of the Bremen government, the purpose of this adventure was to lay the groundwork for an exciting new project: designing a citizen trip template for young Bremen residents to explore Gdansk, a city rich in history and culture, and one of Bremen's valued sister cities. This blog post written by student Niloofar Mohammadali captures their daily experiences, highlighting the charm and significance of each destination they explored.
Day 1 – June 9: Arriving in Gdansk and city walk
We arrived in Gdansk on June 9, greeted by the charming, historical atmosphere of the city. After settling into our wonderful accommodation, we ventured out for a leisurely city walk. This initial exploration allowed us to soak in the rich architectural beauty and vibrant street life of Gdansk, setting the stage for our forthcoming adventures.
Day 2 – June 10: Meeting and guided tour
Our day started with a meeting with Mr. Michal Brandt from the Tourism Department of Gdansk, who provided us with insightful information about the city’s tourism strategies and potential areas of collaboration. Following this, we embarked on a guided tour of the city, uncovering the fascinating history and cultural treasures that Gdansk has to offer. In the evening, we gathered for a feedback session, sharing our experiences and reflections on the day’s explorations.
Day 3 – June 11: Historical insights and architectural marvels
Our exploration of Gdansk’s history began with a visit to the World War 2 Museum, a sobering and educational experience that provided a deep understanding of the war's impact on the city and its people. We then toured Westerplatte, the site of the first battle of World War 2, where we reflected on the significance of this historic location. The day concluded with a visit to St. Mary’s Church, one of the largest brick churches in the world, where we admired the magnificent interiors and panoramic views from the tower. During all our days we were holding interviews with young travelers on their motivation to come to Gdansk and their impressions.
Day 4 – June 12: Day trip to Sopot
On June 12, we embarked on a day trip to the nearby seaside resort Sopot. We started with a city walk tour, exploring the charming streets and local attractions. Our adventure included a visit to the famous Sopot Pier, the longest wooden pier in Europe, and the lighthouse, offering stunning views of the Baltic Sea. We enjoyed a delightful picnic on the beach, soaking in the sun and playing volleyball, which was a perfect way to relax and unwind. In the evening, we returned to Gdansk, carrying fond memories of our Sopot excursion. This place has definitely to be included into a citizen trip to Gdansk and region.
Day 5 – June 13: Hanseatic Fair and cultural exchange
Our morning on June 13 was dedicated to assisting with the Bremen stall at the Hanseatic Fair. This annual fair rotates among different cities each year, celebrating the legacy of the Hanseatic League, a historic network of trade and cultural exchange. This year, Gdansk had the honor of hosting the fair, and we took pride in showcasing Bremen’s heritage and building bridges with visitors.
In the afternoon, some of us participated in a meeting at the University of Gdansk, Faculty of Economics, which was attended by the Vice Dean for Development and Cooperation with the Social and Economic Environment, Dr. Magdalena Markiewicz, Dr. Monika Grottel, MSc Przemysław Wysiński, and the representative of the Hazet Student Research Club, Wiktor Cywiński. We were discussing potential collaborations as well as our experiences in Gdansk and Sopot while receiving valuable feedback on our ideas for the international exchange. The day culminated in the opening ceremony of the Hanseatic Days, where we joined the vibrant parade and festivities, soaking in the rich cultural atmosphere of Gdansk.
Day 6 – June 14: Cultural immersion and networking
On June 14, we met with Magdalena Wegrowicz from the Pomorskie Tourism Board, as well as Monika Morawska, International Cooperation Bureau, Office of the Marshal of the Pomorskie Voivodeship, discussing opportunities for tourism development and cultural exchange. We again were equipped with invaluable insights and information which we will be able to implement into our project.
Afterwards, we visited the Solidarność Museum, a testament to the city’s pivotal role in the solidarity movement (Union strike movement in the summer of 1980), and Gora Gradowa, a hill offering panoramic views of Gdansk. Our day concluded with a meaningful interaction with students from the University of Gdansk, fostering connections and understanding between our academic communities. The former ship yard area of Gdansk is our new favorite venue for going out and celebrating.
Day 7 – June 15: Free exploration and Hanseatic festivities
The 15th of June was a free day – except for those supporting the Bremen stall at the Hanseatic Day Fair, providing us with the opportunity to explore Gdansk at our own pace. We visited local cafes, strolled through the picturesque streets, and immersed ourselves in the city’s unique charm. In the evening, we attended the Hanseatic Fair’s evening party, enjoying the lively celebrations and cultural festivities that highlighted Gdansk’s rich heritage and community spirit. During all day we connected with people and expanded our network which will pay out for the organization of a future citizen trip.
Day 8 – June 16: Farewell to Gdansk
On June 16, we bid farewell to Gdansk, reflecting on our enriching experiences and the valuable connections we had made. Our journey back to Bremen was filled with anticipation for future collaborations and a renewed appreciation for the cultural ties that bind our two cities.
