Zaspa

Starting point

The route begins at the end of Gdańsk Zaspa SKM train station. The easiest way to get there is to take an SKM train. Alternatively, you can take a bus 127, 227 or 158 to Zaspa SKM stop or a tram to Wojska Polskiego stop. The tram stop is on the other side of the rails so if you choose this option you need to go up and cross the viaduct first.

Introduction to Zaspa

The Zaspa district is famous for its murals. The monumental paintings on the walls of the blocks of flats attract visitors from all over the world. You can book a guided tour to see the murals and hear the stories behind them. You can also explore the area on your own looking at the articles from https://muralegdanskzaspa.pl/ while walking around.

The murals refer to the rich local history. Two major themes can be observed throughout the collection. The first one is the history of the district itself. The area, once outskirts of Gdańsk, was the perfect place for the airport. The aviation theme is present in the murals but also the street names. The second theme is the role of Solidarity movement in the history of Gdańsk and Poland.

Zaspa district is divided into two parts: Zaspa Młyniec and Zaspa Rozstaje. They are separated by the wide and noisy Rzeczypospolitej street.

Zeppelin mural on a Zaspa block of flats, next to another building painted with a fox and a deer — The Airship mural and its neighbouring building, seen from below

Murals

The first mural you will see is the one with the Airship, located on the wall of the building number 12. From there go left and enjoy the art and the greenery of the district. Soon enough you will see a pixelated art depicting face of Lech Wałęsa and a small rounded plaque reminding that’s the exact building when the peace nobel price laureate lived. A couple minutes later you will cross Aleja Jana Pawła II, a street built in the exact place where was the airports runway. The part of the district on the other side of that street is also full of murals. The buildings and nature are still mingling here providing a pleasant scenery for the walk and art watching.

If you have more time (and energy) at hand this is also a good opportunity to extend the hike and cross the Rzeczypospolitej street. You will leave the Zaspa Młyniec part and explore Zaspa Rozstaje. Buildings still have some paintings on them, but rather a reference than another full-scale gallery. It is still a nice walk, especially if you decide to go all the way to the beach.

Pixelated portrait mural of Lech Wałęsa with a plaque about his Nobel Peace Prize — Mural commemorating Lech Wałęsa receiving the Nobel Peace Prize on 10 December 1983

Going back

The original route is a loop so you can just reverse the way how you reached it in the first place. In case you decided to go to the beach, there are a couple of buses that can take you back or at least to the closest train or tram line.