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. In late March, especially numerous are: Greylag, White-fronted and Barnacle Geese, Eurasian Wigeons, Green-winged Teals, Northern Pintails, and Northern Shovelers.
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 PolRegio 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)
Rewa
Rewa is a small coastal village popular with beach-goers in summer. For birdwatchers, however, it is best visited in winter and early spring, when large flocks of seabirds gather in the area. The highest densities occur near the mouth of the Reda River. This section is strictly protected and entry is forbidden, but excellent views can be obtained from the beach west of the village.
The most common species include tufted duck, greater scaup, and Eurasian coot, often counted in tens of thousands. Other regularly observed birds are mallard, long-tailed duck, smew, common goldeneye, mute swan, whooper swan, grey heron, great white egret, great crested grebe, and white-tailed eagle.
Location: Rewa, about 12 km north of Gdynia Główna station, 27 km north of the Faculty of Biology, and 32 km north of Gdańsk Główny station
How to get there: to Rewa – Bosmańska stop via bus line 146, departing from Gdynia Dworzec Gł. PKP – Hala (approx. 47 minutes). The departure stop is located about 350 m from Gdynia Główna train station.
Sopot Pier
The Sopot Pier is the longest wooden pier in Europe and one of the most recognisable landmarks in the region. Measuring 511.5 m, it is located in the very centre of the city and is easily accessible, making it popular with tourists and birdwatchers alike. You are guaranteed close views of herring gulls, common gulls, black-headed gulls, mallards, and mute swans — many of which are ringed, allowing insights into their life histories.
Other regularly recorded species include great crested grebe, common goldeneye, long-tailed duck, and occasionally common eider, usually observed further offshore.
Location: Sopot, about 850 m north-east of Sopot station, 5.7 km north of the Faculty of Biology, 8.8 km from Gdynia Główna station, and 11 km from Gdańsk Główny station
How to get there: arrive at Sopot train station (approx. 7 minutes from Gdynia Główna, 8 minutes from Gdańsk Przymorze–Uniwersytet, or 19 minutes from Gdańsk Główny by SKM trains), then walk for about 15 minutes along Bohaterów Monte Cassino Street (passing the famous Crooked House).
Staw Wróbla and Jasień Reservoir
Located near the border of the Tricity Landscape Park, Staw Wróbla is a popular recreational area for local residents and an important breeding site for many bird species. Nesting birds include mallard, mute swan, Eurasian coot, moorhen, common reed warbler, and great reed warbler. A particular highlight is a breeding pair of red-necked grebes.
The nearby artificial Jasień Reservoir hosts a very large black-headed gull breeding colony, making it especially impressive during the breeding season.
Location: Gdańsk, Jasień district, about 5 km south-west of the Faculty of Biology and 6 km west of Gdańsk Główny station
How to get there: arrive at Gdańsk Jasień train station (approx. 7 minutes from Gdańsk Strzyża and 40 minutes from Gdynia Główna by PolRegio trains) or at Jasień PKM bus stop via bus line 130 (approx. 27 minutes from Gdańsk Główny). Both water bodies are very close to the station — Jasień Reservoir is visible directly from the platform.
Kack Lake
Situated on the edge of Oliwa Forest and the Tricity Landscape Park, Kack Lake is today a marsh, although it used to be a true lake — hence the name. Thanks to its location, the area supports birds from a wide range of habitats, from woodland to wet meadows and marshes.
You are very likely to see (and hear) common cranes, along with various small passerines. In the evening, listen carefully for the distinctive calls of the water rail.
Location: Gdynia, Wielki Kack district, about 6.2 km south-west of Gdynia Główna station, 9.2 km north-west of the Faculty of Biology, and 15 km north-east of Gdańsk Główny station
How to get there: arrive at Gdynia Karwiny train station (approx. 10 minutes from Gdynia Główna and 39 minutes from Gdańsk Strzyża), then take a 10-minute walk southwards.