Souvenirs You Can Only Buy In Gdansk

Wondering what to bring your loved ones from a trip to Gdańsk? Whether you are searching for a piece of jewellery, a bottle of local liquor or a good read, here’s our selection of souvenirs you should consider buying while in the city.

Solidarność Movement memorabilia

As the birthplace of the Solidarność Movement – first non-communist workers’ trade union in the Soviet Block – Gdańsk offers a unique lesson on the fight for freedom, democracy and human rights. Visitors to the city should check out the European Solidarity Centre to learn more about the historical and political context surrounding the movement. After the visit, those interested in bringing a piece of their experience with them can head to the museum store which offers interesting memorabilia.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVfjLXvHUtO/

Amber

Dubbed ‘the gold of the Baltics’, amber has been one of the most important regional export goods for the past 5,000 years. From necklaces and bracelets through to earrings and sculptures, the possibilities and designs of souvenirs to take home are endless. However, buyers should beware of the many fakes flooding the market and always buy amber from a reliable source.

Contemporary local design

Head to Drukarnia Café and Sztuka Wyboru to see what contemporary Polish designers have to offer. From posters and ceramics through to various home decorations, you can find something unique to remind you of your travels.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPF2Tz_DUQT/

Folk art

For craftsmanship and original folk art, visit Cepelia, the Polish Art and Handicraft Foundation. You can find there all things folk, from woodcarvings, ceramics, folk costumes, through to more contemporary gadgets embellished with traditional patterns.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSYQtL-DqhM/?tagged=cepelia&hl=en

Traditional drinks

Those who like the idea of sharing a glass or two of good liquor with friends while recounting their adventures in Gdańsk have a variety of options to choose from. The most popular is Goldwasser, a root and herbal liquor which has been produced in the city since 1598. With a distilling tradition dating back to 18th century, both the spice-infused liquor Kurfursten and juniper-based vodka Manhandel also make for excellent choices.

A bottle of Danziger Goldwasser ‘Der Lachs’ I

A Günter Grass novel

Nobel prize-winning author Günter Grass is one of the most well-known inhabitants of Gdańsk. Whether you are in need of a summer read, or are looking for something to alleviate your daily routine, pick up one of Grass’s novels and get set for a literary treat.

Horn snuff box

Even though consumption of snuff – smokeless tobacco – is marginal in the rest of Poland, in the Kashubia region it is considered a regional tradition. So much so that in some parishes, snuff is consumed during mass as part of the service. The priest starts the ritual from the altar and does not continue with the prayers until all members in the church have taken a pinch. This tradition is closely linked with the art of snuff box making – the most traditional and desired examples of which are made of cow horns. Traditionally, only married men could have horn snuff boxes, as it was a sign of masculinity, while bachelors had clay or wooden snuff boxes which they smashed during their wedding day. It is still customary to give a snuff box to newlyweds in the Kashubia region.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.