Souvenirs from Gdańsk

Returning home does not mean the end of the journey. For a long time, you can revisit the places you've seen, the people you've met, and the experiences you've gathered. Photos taken during the trip and, most importantly, souvenirs brought back from your travels serve as sources of pleasant memories. In Gdańsk, you will find many unique items that highlight the local tradition, color, and history of the city. These can gain additional sentimental value through your memories. Find out what's worth bringing back from Gdańsk.

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Amber Jewelry – Gdańsk

When looking for typically local products associated with Gdańsk, amber is the most obvious choice. The history of Gdańsk’s relationship with amber dates back to ancient times. This was when the Amber Road was established, allowing seekers of the precious stones to reach the Baltic Sea and then sell their findings around the world, with the Roman Empire being a major market. Amber's popularity continued in the Middle Ages. During this period, the Teutonic Order played a significant role in the export process.

In modern times, especially during the prosperity of the 16th and 17th centuries, Gdańsk became the undisputed center of amber craftsmanship. Art pieces, jewelry, and decorations were created here and reached many European countries, as well as the Russian imperial court. Craftsmen from Gdańsk were highly valued for their skill and precision.

Today, Gdańsk is still famous for its amber processing, it is also the host of international amber fairs, attracting exhibitors and traders from all over the world. There are many workshops and stores offering products made from this stone. You can buy a variety of jewelry and fanciful art pieces. Craftsmen compete in ideas for creative use of this material, so you can come across amber lamps, figurines, and even chess boards.

In this context, it's also worth mentioning the Amber Museum. The facility displays a rich collection of amber. Those with insects or plants preserved in the solidified resin are particularly impressive.

If you want to buy amber in Gdańsk, visit Millennium Gallery. You will find here products characterized by high-quality craftsmanship.

Souvenirs from Gdańsk — Goldwasser

If you are wondering what to bring back from Gdańsk, we also recommend Goldwasser, a sweet and spicy liqueur that combines the flavors of cardamom, coriander, juniper, thyme, cinnamon, lavender, cloves, and anise. The bottle contains flakes of 22-karat gold, which when shaken, float in the liquid, creating an impressive effect. According to legend, the drink was created by Neptune himself and given to humanity. The recipe for this traditional alcohol was developed in the 16th century and has been popular among both tourists and residents of the city for years. Many souvenir shops offer different varieties of Goldwasser vodka. You may find versions with less or more alcohol content. Among the available options, you'll also find bottles with labels depicting the most popular Gdańsk landmarks. You can also find elegantly packaged bottles, making Goldwasser a great gift for loved ones.

Healing Amber Liqueur

As we know, amber holds a special place in Gdańsk's tradition. It's no wonder, then, that it appears in a wide range of local products. One example is amber liqueur. Interestingly, you can try making it yourself. Just combine pieces of amber with 98-percent alcohol and leave the mixture in a dark place for six weeks. Various versions of this speciality can be found in stores focusing on local products.

Amber tincture has both external and internal applications. Just massage a few drops into areas affected by pain, such as the temples or spots susceptible to rheumatic pain. It can also be applied to the nostrils to alleviate the symptoms of a cold. If you decide to consume it, it should be properly diluted, for example with water. During the autumn-winter season, it works well added to tea as it boosts immunity and has antibacterial properties. Add a few drops to half a teaspoon of the tincture to a cup of tea. Diluted amber tincture can also be used for rinsing the mouth and throat.

Souvenirs Reflecting Gdańsk Maritime Tradition

Gdańsk is a port city, hence closely connected with maritime culture. In souvenir shops, you can find many items related to this theme, such as models of ships. Many of these are handcrafted by local artisans. The selection includes replicas of classic vessels as well as models of modern ships. Another interesting type of souvenir are compasses. These navigation tools often captivate with their beautiful craftsmanship. Local shops offer antiques and more modernly styled versions.

Gdańsk in Photographs

A great souvenir idea from Gdańsk are albums with photos depicting the city. Over the past decades, Gdańsk has often been at the centre of important historical events. Moreover, the seaside metropolis also charms with its grand and unique architecture. For these reasons, the city has been an inspiration for many talented photographers. Local bookshops offer numerous publications showcasing the results of their work.

Books with Gdańsk in the Background

The spirit of the city can be captured in literature. This effect was achieved by James Joyce portraying Dublin in "Ulysses" or Fyodor Dostoevsky, who made St. Petersburg the silent hero of "Crime and Punishment." Gdańsk too has produced many masters of the pen who have depicted their hometown in their works.

The most distinguished author from Gdańsk is Günter Grass, the German-Kashubian writer who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1999. His most famous work is "The Tin Drum," part of the Gdańsk Trilogy. Reading it allows you to deepen your knowledge of the city's realities before the war. The book is an excellent keepsake, especially when beautifully published.

In searching for Tri-City prose, also consider the works of Stefan Chwin, who described the city in his "Hanemann," or Paweł Huelle. Gdańsk became the backdrop for events depicted in his novels "Weiser Dawidek" and "Sing the Gardens."

Old Coins and Postage Stamps

For centuries, Gdańsk was a major trading hub and one of the most important ports in Europe. Thus, a real river of cash flowed through the city. It's worth looking for antique coins minted during the reigns of Polish kings. A real treat for numismatics enthusiasts might also be those from the interwar period. At that time, Gdańsk was a city-state under the protection of the League of Nations. Unique coins were minted, differing from those used in Poland and Germany.

Postage stamps are a unique souvenir for philatelists, and Gdańsk has a rich history in this matter. Look especially for editions from the pre-war period.

Classic Souvenirs

If you prefer refrigerator magnets, keychains, and other trinkets, you can count on local vendors to treat you to a very diverse offer. Among the available proposals, you will find gadgets and decorations in varied styles. Another interesting souvenir might be miniatures of the city's famous landmarks. Many shops offer replicas of the Main City Hall, St. Mary's Church, or the Golden Gate.