Elbląg

Elblong – the most detailed information about the city with photos. Main sights and attractions in Elbląg with descriptions, travel guides and maps.

City of Elbląg (Poland)

Elbląg is a city in the north of Poland in the Warmia and Mazury Voivodeship. In the Middle Ages, it was an important Hanseatic seaport that controlled the most profitable trade routes in the Baltic. Elbląg is a beautiful old town surrounded by lakes and picturesque Polish countryside. Unfortunately, its magnificent historic center was destroyed during World War II. Nowadays, almost all the beautiful examples of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architecture have been restored during historical reconstruction. Therefore, most of the buildings in the old town of Elbląg are no more than 50 years old.

Geography and climate

Elbląg is located in the north of Poland between Gdańsk and Kaliningrad, about 10 km from the Baltic Sea coast. The city is located on the river of the same name, which is part of the Elbląg Canal. Elbląg has a temperate maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters.

Information for tourists

• Population – 121 thousand people.
• Area – 79.82 km².
• The language is Polish.
• Currency – Polish zloty.
• Visa – Schengen visa.
• Time – UTC +2.
• Popular shopping: amber products, sweets, farm products (honey, smoked sausage, cheese, etc.).

History

Elbląg is one of the oldest cities in Poland. Its history dates back to 1237, when the Teutonic Order built its fortress here. In 1246, Elbląg was granted city rights. Then (in 1358) it joined the Hanseatic League. Historically, Elbląg was part of Prussia, but after the Thirty Years’ War it became part of the Polish kingdom.

In the 15th century, Elbląg prospered thanks to trade. In the 18th century (after the First Partition of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth), the city was annexed to Prussia, and then it was part of Germany. Elbląg became part of Poland after World War II. Unfortunately, one of the most beautiful cities in East Prussia was almost completely destroyed during the war.

Getting there

To get to Elbląg, Poland, you have a few transportation options depending on your starting point. Here are the most common ways to reach Elbląg:

1. By Air: The nearest international airport to Elbląg is Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN). From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Gdańsk Główny railway station. From there, you can catch a train to Elbląg. The train journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
2. By Train: Elbląg has a railway station connected to major Polish cities, including Gdańsk, Warsaw, and Kraków. You can check the train schedules and purchase tickets on the website of the Polish State Railways (PKP Intercity) or at the train station. Trains are a convenient mode of transportation within Poland.
3. By Bus: Several bus companies operate routes to Elbląg from various cities in Poland. You can check the schedules and book tickets online through websites such as FlixBus, PolskiBus, or the regional bus operator for your specific departure location. Buses generally offer a cost-effective option for traveling within the country.
4. By Car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car and navigate to Elbląg using the Polish road network. The city is well-connected by major roads, including the A1 and A7 motorways. Just ensure that you have a valid driver’s license and are familiar with the traffic rules and regulations in Poland.

It’s recommended to check the schedules and availability of transportation options in advance, especially during peak travel periods or holidays.

Attractions

Elbląg has a charming old town, which, despite all the destruction, has preserved its historical charm and all the attributes of the past: ancient architecture, cobblestone streets and old churches. Unfortunately, almost all the buildings, including the main monuments, are the result of careful reconstruction after the end of World War II.

A nice place in the old town is the church path (Scieżka Kościelna), which runs between the brick buildings. It historically connected three churches.

The Church of St. Nicholas is one of the oldest religious buildings in Elbląg and the most significant sacred monument in the city. This three-nave brick Gothic church with a mighty tower was founded in the 13th century. In the 18th century, the church was rebuilt after a fire caused by a lightning strike. The cathedral was seriously damaged during the Second World War and later restored.

We recommend taking a walk along the Elbląg Canal.

The Market Gate is one of the most famous buildings in the city. They were built in the 14th century and were part of the medieval defense walls. The gate was rebuilt in the 15th century and 18th century. After the war, this monument was restored in the style of the Middle Ages.

Elbląg is famous for its beer. Brewing traditions here date back to the 14th century. And the Elbląg Brewery is the largest brewery in Poland.

The Teutonic castle in Elbląg was founded in the 13th century and existed until 1454. For some time, it was the most important fortress of the order and the residence of the master. Now only fragments of this medieval building remain.

The Church of St. George (Jerzy) is a medieval church founded in the 14th century as a chapel next to a leper hospital. In the 15th century, the building was rebuilt in the brick Gothic style.

St. Mary’s Church was founded by the Dominicans from Krakow in the 13th century. In the 16th century, the ancient building was damaged by fire and then rebuilt in the brick Gothic style. The church was destroyed in 1945 and restored in the 60s of the 20th century.

The Church of Blessed Dorothy is a historical sacred monument on the outskirts of Elbląg, built in the mid-18th century. It is a valuable monument of Baroque religious architecture and has an unusual half-timbered facade.

The Church of St. Wojciech is a brick church in the Neo-Gothic style, built in the early 20th century.