Stutthof Camp & Gdansk

Duration: 6 1/4 hours

Tour Code: gds-003

Explore Gdansk's legacy of war and peace during an orientation tour of the city, and a visit to the Stutthof Concentration Camp.

Depart the pier for the drive to the former Stutthof Concentration Camp. Upon arrival, you will take a guided tour of the camp. In mid-August 1939, the site for the future concentration camp was selected. On the first day that the Nazis invaded Poland, 1,500 arrests were made. In early-September 1939, 150 of those arrested were transported to Stutthof, thereby beginning the tragic story of this camp. Over the next few years, thousands of Poles were exterminated here. From 1940-1944, Stutthof grew from a small, 30-acre camp intended for 3,500 prisoners to a 300-acre camp holding 57,000 prisoners. By 1942, Poles were rounded up and transported from all over Europe. In June 1944, Stutthof became part of the Nazi's final solution to the Jewish problem, and a camp of mass extermination. In all, Stutthof comprised 39 sub-camps, and 110,000 prisoners of all faiths and nationalities. 65,000 prisoners were killed before Stutthof was finally liberated by Soviet troops on May 9, 1945.

Next, you will proceed to Gdansk's Old Town. The city's thousand-year history has left a collection of buildings and monuments designed in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. Your tour begins near the Golden Gate, a grand ornamental arch that once permitted access through the Medieval city's defensive walls. You will then proceed along Long Street, which is lined with marvelous buildings adorned by elaborate facades and a myriad of ornate gables. You will continue on past the Long Market and beautiful 15th-century Merchants Palace of Artus Court to Neptune's Fountain. A brief stop will be made here to admire this symbol of Gdansk's Hanseatic past, and its connection with the sea. You will then stroll the waterfront and turn on St. Mary's Street, or Mariacka, which features a lively atmosphere, quaint shops and lovely terraced buildings.

Your tour concludes with a visit to the Gothic-style St. Mary's Church, the pride of Gdansk. St. Mary's is the world's largest brick church, and accommodates some 25,000 worshippers. Situated in the center of the Old Town, this Medieval church took 159 years to build. You will find its deceptively plain exterior belies a bright, spacious interior with large windows with more than 30 beautifully-decorated chapels. Inside the church, you will see the high altar displaying a lovely panel painting, and floor covered with ancient tombstones. The northern transept holds an amazing, 15th-century astronomical clock, complete with the zodiac cycle and a calendar of the saints.

Following your visit, you will be transferred back to the pier and ship.

Please note: Due to the graphic nature and disturbing images at Stutthof, this tour is not recommended for the faint of heart. This tour involves approximately 3 miles of walking. This tour does not include any meals. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase food during their free time in Gdansk.