Gdansk

Shedding its turbulent past, Gdansk lights up the Baltic Sea shore of northern Poland. Along with Sopot and Gdynia, the historic city dates back to the 1300s when it was ruled by Teutonic Knights. Changing hands between Poland and Germany over the years, the country is well suited to speak to the Solidarity Movement that freed Poland from Soviet rule and cemented its place as the political fulcrum of European politics. Feel the city’s cultural roots as you visit the Solidarity Center and WWII Museum, with its timeline of the war that started here. Take a day trip to Malbork, with its well-preserved Teutonic Knight’s Castle. Ride horses in the Polish countryside or enjoy a sail on the Baltic Sea. Wander historic streets past pastel-hued aristocratic buildings to convivial bars, cafes and seafood restaurants. There’s a heady historic, yet invitingly peaceful ambiance that makes Gdansk an increasingly popular European destination.