Interesting places to visit in free time
Ptasi Raj Nature Reserve
Created in 1959, Ptasi Raj (lit. Birds’ Paradise) is one of the most important birding spots in Gdańsk — over 200 species have been observed here, including white-tailed eagle, western marsh harrier, various migratory ducks, geese, waders, gulls, terns, and many songbirds inhabiting the extensive reed beds, such as bearded reedling and common reed bunting. One of the species breeding here is the common ringed plover, considered endangered in Poland.
While the beach and dunes in the reserve are closed to the public year-round, you can watch birds from two watchtowers, located near lakes Karaś and Ptasi Raj.
Location: Gdańsk, western part of Sobieszewo Island, about 10 km from Gdańsk Główny station and 14 km from the Faculty of Biology
How to get there: to Górki Wschodnie stop via bus line 186, which departs from Gdańsk Główny (approx. 40 minutes). The reserve’s border is very close to the bus stop — about 200 metres away.
Mewia Łacha Nature Reserve
Located in the estuary of the Vistula River, the longest river in Poland, Mewia Łacha (lit. Seagull Shore) combines marine, freshwater, and land habitats, resulting in exceptional biodiversity. It is home to the only seal colony in Poland — over 1,000 individuals can be spotted here. The area is also important for migratory birds, including mew gulls, little gulls, terns, various waders (e.g. dunlins, ruffs, grey plovers), and ducks. Breeding species include rarities such as common ringed plover and common shelduck. Birds and seals can be observed safely from a dedicated watchtower.
Location: Gdańsk, eastern part of Sobieszewo Island, about 24 km from the Faculty of Biology
How to get there: to Przystań stop via bus line 112 or 212, departing from Gdańsk Główny (approx. 45 minutes). The reserve is located about 3 km from the stop.
Beka Nature Reserve
Established in 1988, Beka Nature Reserve protects coastal meadows, reedbeds, and saltmarshes located at the mouth of the Reda River on the Bay of Puck. This mosaic of habitats supports a rich bird community, including species associated with wet meadows and brackish coastal zones. Among the most notable are common shelduck, northern lapwing, black-tailed godwit, common redshank, Eurasian curlew, and bearded reedling. During migration, the area hosts large numbers of geese, ducks, and waders.
The reserve is managed by the Polish Society for the Protection of Birds (OTOP) and is equipped with birdwatching platforms and educational paths, making it a convenient and rewarding destination for nature enthusiasts.
Location: North of Gdynia, between the villages of Rewa and Osłonino, about 35 km from Gdańsk and 30 km from the Faculty of Biology
How to get there: Take an SKM train to Reda station, then a bus to Rewa or Osłonino, followed by a walk of approximately 2–3 km to reach the observation areas.
Zoo in Gdańsk
Located in a picturesque valley surrounded by Oliwa Forest, Gdańsk ZOO is one of the largest of its kind in Poland. Famous for breeding Andean condors, it is home to many other species, like the Angolan lion, sand cat, cheetah, Rothschild giraffe, binturong, barasingha deer, lowland anoa, capybara, greater rhea, southern ground hornbill, various primates, waterfowl and many more! One of the most famous inhabitants is Kokosanka (meaning: “Coconut cookie”), an albino African penguin.
Location: Gdańsk, Oliwa district, 3 km from the Faculty of Biology
How to get there: via bus line 169, which starts its course from Gdańsk Oliwa (reachable by tram lines 2, 5, 6 and 12).
Ticket price: 30 PLN (€6.82)
Opening hours: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (entrance until 2:00 pm) during working days;
9:00 am – 5:00 pm (entrance until 4:00 pm) on weekends.
Gdynia Aquarium
Being a combination of a museum and a zoo, Gdynia Aquarium is a great place for every marine and aquatic wildlife lover. Located entirely within one large building, it is a great alternative to the ZOO on cold and rainy days. Animal exhibitions are grouped into theme halls. Some of the species presented are: alligator gar, common snapping turtle, dwarf crocodile, bluespotted ribbontail ray, laced moray, red lionfish, ocellaris clownfish, electric eel, red-bellied piranha and green anaconda.
Location: Gdynia city centre, about 2 km from Gdynia Główna station and 15 km from the Faculty of Biology
How to get there: via SKM train to Gdynia Główna station, then about 30 minutes on foot
Ticket price: 40 PLN (€9.09)
Opening hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (entrance until 4:30 pm)