How long is the walk through Dolne Miasto?

The total walking distance is approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles). Most visitors spend 90 to 120 minutes on the route, depending on how long they spend at the ŁAŹNIA art center and the bastions.

Are there good photo opportunities in Lower Town?

Absolutely, it is a favorite for photographers. The red-brick industrial architecture of the Rifle Factory and the panoramic views of the city from Bastion Żubr offer some of the most unique shots in Gdansk.

Can I see the Stone Sluice for free?

Yes, the Stone Sluice (Kamienna Śluza) is an outdoor historical site and is free to visit at any time. It is a great example of 17th-century engineering located right on the water.

What is the best time to visit Bastion Żubr?

The best time is shortly before sunset. The elevation of the bastion provides a clear view of the sun setting behind the towers of the Main Town and the shipyard cranes.

Is this walking route suitable for children?

Yes, children usually enjoy the open spaces of the bastions and seeing the 'Milk Stags' towers. However, be mindful near the water at the Stone Sluice as there are few railings.

How do I get to the start of the Lower Town walk?

The walk starts at Stągwie Mleczne, which is a 5-minute walk from the 'Akademia Muzyczna' tram stop. It's easily reachable from the main train station via trams 8 or 9.

Is Lower Town Gdansk worth visiting?

It is highly recommended for repeat visitors or those who want to see the 'real' Gdansk. It offers a much quieter, more authentic experience compared to the crowded Royal Way.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step away from the polished facades of the Long Market and enter Dolne Miasto, or Lower Town—a district that captures the raw, authentic soul of Gdansk. This neighborhood stroll offers a stark contrast to the restored Gothic buildings of the city center, revealing a landscape where 19th-century industrial heritage meets contemporary art and quiet riverside greenery. Once a prestigious suburb for merchants and later an industrial powerhouse under Prussian rule, Lower Town survived the destruction of World War II far better than the Main Town, leaving behind original red-brick architecture and a unique atmosphere of unpolished beauty. On this self-guided walk, you will explore the layers of Gdansk’s history that most travelers miss. You will encounter the formidable Milk Stags towers, which once guarded the entrance to the city’s granaries, and the Royal Rifle Factory, a testament to the area's military-industrial past. The route leads you through the heart of the district’s social transformation at the Łaźnia Centre for Contemporary Art, housed in a former public bathhouse. As you move toward the edges of the neighborhood, the urban grit gives way to the tranquil banks of the Motława River. Here, you will discover the Stone Sluice, a masterpiece of 17th-century Dutch engineering that protected the city from floods and invaders alike. The journey concludes atop the grassy slopes of Bastion Żubr, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city’s skyline, from the shipyard cranes to the spire of St. Mary’s Church. This walking route Gdansk is perfect for those who prefer to explore independently, seeking the stories hidden within crumbling brickwork and revitalized industrial spaces. Whether you are a photography enthusiast or a history buff, this neighborhood walk offers a deep dive into the 'real' Gdansk, far from the typical tourist trails. Discover at your own pace how a once-neglected district is reclaiming its identity as a vibrant cultural hub while honoring its complex past.

Highlights

The iconic Milk Stags (Stągwie Mleczne) towers

Revitalized industrial history at the Royal Rifle Factory

Cutting-edge art in a former public bathhouse at ŁAŹNIA

17th-century Dutch hydraulic engineering at the Stone Sluice

Panoramic views of Gdansk from the historic Bastion Żubr

The unique, unpolished atmosphere of the Łąkowa street corridor

Tour Stops (6)

Stągwie Mleczne (Milk Stags)

Welcome to the gateway of Lower Town. These two massive towers, known as the Milk Stags, were built in the early 16th century as part of the city's defensive fortifications. Standing at the entrance to Granary Island, they served a dual purpose: protecting the city's vital food supplies and acting as a water gate. While much of Gdansk was rebuilt after 1945, these towers retain much of their original character. Take a moment to look at the thick masonry; it was designed to withstand naval sieges. Today, they mark the transition from the bustling, tourist-heavy Long Gardens to the quieter, more residential streets of Dolne Miasto.

Centrum Sztuki Współczesnej ŁAŹNIA 1

This impressive building wasn't always a gallery. Built in 1908, it served as a municipal public bathhouse, providing hygiene facilities for the workers of this industrial district at a time when home plumbing was a luxury. Following a period of neglect after the war, it was reclaimed by artists in the 1990s and transformed into the Łaźnia Centre for Contemporary Art. It stands as a symbol of the neighborhood’s rebirth. The center focuses on social-exchange art and local engagement, bridging the gap between the district's gritty past and its creative future. The architecture remains a classic example of early 20th-century civic utility.

Królewska Fabryka Karabinów (Royal Rifle Factory)

Before you stands a massive complex of red-brick buildings that once fueled the Prussian military machine. Established in the mid-19th century, the Royal Rifle Factory was one of the largest employers in the region. Thousands of workers once streamed through these gates to manufacture precision weaponry. After the weapons production ceased, the site saw various uses, including car manufacturing. Today, it is a prime example of industrial heritage waiting for full revitalization. You can still feel the scale of the Prussian industrial ambition in the sheer size of the workshops and the rhythmic placement of the arched windows.

Dawna zajezdnia tramwajowa 'Łąkowa'

The wide, boulevard-like Łąkowa Street was once the heart of Gdansk's transportation network. This former tram depot, dating back to the late 1800s, was the hub for the city's horse-drawn and later electric trams. In the early 20th century, this area was quite prestigious, lined with elegant tenements and greenery. The depot itself is a masterpiece of brick functionalism. Even though the tracks no longer carry commuters here, the building has been repurposed for modern office and creative spaces, preserving the aesthetic of a time when the tram was the king of the city's streets.

Kamienna Śluza (Stone Sluice)

As you move toward the water, you encounter one of Gdansk's most significant engineering feats. The Stone Sluice was constructed between 1619 and 1623 by Dutch engineers. It wasn't just for navigation; it was a defensive weapon. By manipulating the water levels of the Motława River, the city could flood the surrounding plains, making it impossible for an invading army to stage a siege. The four stone 'maidens' or towers on the sluice are iconic. This site represents the incredible sophistication of 17th-century hydraulic engineering and remains one of the few such structures preserved in Europe.

Bastion Żubr (Bison Bastion)

Climb the path to the top of Bastion Żubr. This is part of the massive 17th-century fortification ring that once completely encircled Gdansk. These earthworks were designed to absorb the impact of cannon fire, a modern alternative to the stone walls of the Middle Ages. Today, the bastion serves as a peaceful park and a perfect lookout point. From here, you can see the contrast between the industrial chimneys of the outskirts and the historic towers of the city center. It’s a place where nature has reclaimed military history, offering a quiet spot to reflect on the resilience of this neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Lower Town (Dolne Miasto) is safe for visitors, especially during daylight hours. While it has a 'gritty' reputation from the past, significant revitalization has turned it into a creative and residential hub, though common sense should be used as in any urban area.