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Góra Gradowa (hail mountain). Viewpoint and history

Town: Gdańsk

Slopes
Mainly in the sun
Attractions for children
Restaurant or bar nearby
Convenient parking
Accessible by bus
Accessible by train
Toilet available
Changing table for infants
Accessible toilet nearby

Góra Gradowa - attractions

In addition to the city center and the historic Old Town, Góra Gradowa is an additional must-visit spot in Gdańsk!

Here, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city and explore a piece of military history: a real treat for lovers of historic fortifications. You can visit the historic fort and free historical exhibitions, as well as interactive exhibitions at the HEWELIANUM Science Center HEWELIANUM >>>.

Viewpoint on Góra Gradowa

This hill, 46 meters above sea level, offers a perfect viewpoint of Gdańsk! In fact, there are at least two viewpoints.

The more visible one from below, near the towering red Millennium Cross, allows us to observe the shipyard and the coast:

Góra Gradowa - view of the shipyard from the Millennium Cross

If we want to see the city center from above, it's better to go to the buildings near the flagpole:

Both viewpoints are marked on the map below.

Góra Gradowa - history and sightseeing

The history of fortifications on Góra Gradowa dates back to pre-partition times and extends to the times of World War II. The best way to learn about it is by visiting the special "capsules" in the buildings above the barracks. To explore the history of the fort chronologically, start at the Millennium Cross and then visit each mini-exhibition. Each exhibition is an arranged scene with mannequins, accompanied by a recording of a fragment of the fort's history (narrated by Krystyna Czubówna), as well as additional panels and exhibits.

Góra Gradowa - one of the "time capsules" on the rampart above the barracks

In addition to this "upper alley," also explore the buildings near the flagpole: the alchemist's laboratory in the old powder magazine:

and a large tactile model of the fort with recordings about each of its parts, the exhibition "Hewelianum without Barriers":

Góra Gradowa - historical exhibition, fort model

Finally, we recommend

"historical activities" in the casemates,

the corridor near the "Puzzle" exhibition.

Here, we can see real cannons, but also "virtually" load a cannon and mortar and "virtually" dress up in historical costumes:

Góra Gradowa - historical exhibition, interactive fun

You can see the location of each element on the map with photos below.

Góra Gradowa - practical information

The fort area is mainly "open," which means you will find many sunlit meadows here. There is more shade among the trees, below the main fort buildings.
In one of the buildings, there is a restaurant called Wozownia Gdańska, where you can enjoy a picnic on sunny days: acres of meadows!
Toilets (including a changing table) are available for free in the barracks building (where the HEWELIANUM ticket office is located).
In the souvenir shop at Hewelianum, you will also find publications about the history of the fort on Góra Gradowa. Góra Gradowa - barracks. This building houses the ticket offices for Hewelianum, a shop, toilets, a cloakroom with lockable lockers, and a stroller storage area.
All historical exhibitions are open every day: from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is free.
Visiting the free historical exhibition will take about 1-2 hours. Learn more about the historical exhibition on the Hewelianum website >>>
...and if you decide to visit the paid interactive exhibitions at Hewelianum, it's best to reserve a whole day for that!

Hewelianum. Science and fun center!

Visiting Hewelianum...is definitely a must-do during a family trip to Gdańsk! A center of science, education ...

Góra Gradowa - getting there

By car:

There is a parking lot on Góra Gradowa, right next to the center, below - at the intersection of Gradowa Street and H. Dąbrowskiego Street, as well as near 3 Maja Street - next to the courthouse. If you have a stroller with you, we strongly advise against parking near 3 Maja Street, as you will have to climb up a steep, cobblestone road.

By train, bus, public transportation

Hewelianum is located just above Gdańsk Główny railway station and the main bus station. The shortest route is to cross 3 Maja Street behind the District Court buildings and climb the hill using a wide, cobblestone (and quite steep!) road. With a stroller, it is better to bypass the hill and enter from H. Dąbrowskiego Street and Gradowa Street.