National Maritime Museum and the ship Sołdek

Gdańsk is a city with a rich maritime tradition, which is reflected in numerous monuments and tourist attractions. One of the unique attractions that cannot be missed during a visit to Gdańsk is the National Maritime Museum and its iconic museum ship – Sołdek. The distance to this extraordinary cultural institution from Marina Club Hotel is only a 5-minute walk, making it an ideal spot for one of your first stops on the city sightseeing map.

National Maritime Museum – a jewel of Gdańsk's heritage

The National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk is an institution of extraordinary significance for both the history of the city and Poland as a whole. Established in 1960 as a result of growing interest in Gdańsk's maritime heritage and its role in maritime trade, navigation and shipbuilding industries. The Museum's mission is to document and popularize the maritime history of Poland, as well as educate in the field of marine sciences.

The museum's headquarters is located on Ołowianka Island, just above the Motława River, which provides an extremely picturesque location. The Museum spans several buildings, each linked to different aspects of maritime history. Permanent and temporary exhibitions cover a wide range of topics – from the history of navigation, through fishing, to navigational techniques and marine works of art. The museum also features numerous ship models, historical documents, and artifacts related to the Polish shipbuilding industry.

One of the most important and recognizable exhibits of the National Maritime Museum is the SS Sołdek, the first ocean-going ship built in Poland after World War II, which is an inseparable part of Gdańsk's shipyard history.

The Sołdek museum ship – an icon of the Polish shipbuilding industry

The Sołdek is a true legend of Polish shipping and shipbuilding. Launched in 1947, it was the first ocean-going ship built after World War II at the Gdańsk Shipyard. Its construction represented a symbol of the reconstruction of Poland's shipbuilding industry and was proof that Poland could stand on its feet again after the war destruction. Sołdek also served as a prototype for a series of 29 bulk carriers that played a key role in the development of the Polish commercial fleet.

Sołdek was a bulk carrier designed to transport iron ore and coal between Polish and foreign ports. Throughout its years of operation, the ship traveled over half a million nautical miles and carried hundreds of thousands of tons of cargo. Its impressive achievements and historical significance led to it being converted into a museum ship in 1981, after its service ended, and made available to visitors.

Today, SS Sołdek is one of the main attractions of the National Maritime Museum and enjoys great interest from tourists. It is a unique opportunity to board a historic ship, explore its interiors, and feel like a true sailor who navigated the seas on one of the symbols of the Polish industry.

Proximity to Marina Club Hotel

For guests of our Marina Club Hotel, the National Maritime Museum and the Sołdek ship are almost within arm's reach. A mere 5-minute walk is enough to find yourself in the heart of Gdańsk's maritime heritage. It's an ideal proposal for an afternoon visit or a morning stroll along the banks of the Motława.

The route from the hotel to the museum leads through charming waterfronts that are full of life at any time of the year. You can see not only numerous boats and yachts but also other attractions in Gdańsk such as the Gdańsk Crane – a symbol of the city, and Long Embankment, where it is worth pausing for a moment to admire a beautiful part of the Old Town. The proximity of the Museum makes it an ideal proposal for our hotel guests who want to combine comfort with cultural sightseeing.

What will you see at the National Maritime Museum and on Sołdek?

Visiting the National Maritime Museum and the Sołdek ship is an excellent opportunity to delve into the fascinating history of maritime Poland. The Museum features many interesting exhibitions that satisfy the curiosity of both history enthusiasts and those encountering the topic of navigation for the first time.

Exhibitions at the Museum

The National Maritime Museum offers a rich collection of exhibits related to the sea. Among them are numerous ship models that showcase the development of shipbuilding techniques over the centuries. Visitors can see replicas of sailing ships, steamers, and modern vessels. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of nautical maps, old navigational tools, and documents detailing the history of maritime trade.

It is also worth paying attention to exhibitions dedicated to daily life aboard ships and the work of sailors. It is fascinating how working conditions have changed over the years – from the hardships of life on wooden ships to the modern technologies used in today’s shipping industry.

Exploring Sołdek

A tour of Sołdek is one of the most exciting experiences offered by the Museum. Tourists can explore the ship's deck and its interiors, including the engine room, hold, and sailors' cabins. Walking through narrow corridors, one can feel the atmosphere of daily life aboard this historic ship. The engine room is particularly impressive, where you can see the original engines and propulsion mechanisms that allowed Sołdek to travel thousands of nautical miles.

On board, there are also numerous multimedia exhibitions presenting the history of Sołdek's construction and its significance for the Polish maritime economy. For the youngest visitors, interactive zones have been prepared that introduce the secrets of a sailor's work and navigation techniques in an engaging way.

Attractions around the National Maritime Museum

After finishing your visit to the National Maritime Museum and Sołdek, it is worth taking a moment to stroll around the area, which is rich in other tourist attractions. Besides the already mentioned Gdańsk Crane, one of the oldest port cranes in Europe, it is worth visiting the Archaeological Museum and taking a cruise on the Motława, which offers unforgettable views of Gdańsk's historic center.

Summary – why is it worth visiting the National Maritime Museum?

The National Maritime Museum and the Sołdek ship are must-see points on the map of every tourist visiting Gdańsk. They are fascinating places that bring the history of Poland as a maritime nation closer, as well as Gdańsk's significance in global maritime trade. The proximity of the Museum from the Marina Club Hotel makes it an ideal attraction for our guests, who can enjoy not only the comfort of their stay but also the opportunity to experience Gdańsk's culture and history at the highest level.

We invite you to Marina Club Hotel, where history meets modern comfort, and all attractions of Gdańsk are within reach!