Since May, the Gdańsk Waterworks Route (Gdański Szlak Wodociągowy) has started its new season. The route allows visitors to explore three engineering sites — two historical underground water reservoirs and one modern operational water pumping facility.
The tours are guided and tailored for different audiences — from history and industrial architecture enthusiasts to families with children.
— We especially recommend the escape room quest game «Tajemnica bursztynowej korony,» which takes place in the Stary Sobieski reservoir. It’s a great option for families and school groups who enjoy solving puzzles together, — noted Dorota Sawczyszyn, the coordinator of the Gdańsk Waterworks Route at GIWK.
The route combines three reservoirs, each unique and impressive in its own way:
Stary Sobieski
Located on Szubieniczna Hill. Built in 1911 as a round monolithic structure made of reinforced concrete with a diameter of 50 meters. Inside, there is a system of concentric circles forming a real underground labyrinth.
The special design of the reservoir creates an unusual acoustic effect: sound travels up to 200 meters and echoes back after 5–7 seconds (the so-called "whispering cave" effect). Thanks to its unique acoustics, concerts and exhibitions are also held here
When: May–September
Opening hours: Thu–Sun: 10:00–16:00
Where: ul. Sobieskiego 4
Stara Orunia
Located on a hill near Oruński Park. Built in 1869, it was the first reservoir from which water was supplied to the residents of Gdańsk through the water supply network. The site features brick architecture with arched vaults and naves.
Stara Orunia is also one of the largest hibernation sites for bats in Pomerania — they find ideal conditions here for the cold period.
When: June–August
Opening hours: Thu–Sun: 11:00–17:00
Where: ul. Kampinoska 61
Kazimierz
A modern facility opened on Wyspa Sobieszewska in 2015. The observation terrace at a height of 10 meters offers a panorama of Wyspa Sobieszewska, Żuławy Gdańskie, and the Gdańsk Bay. Inside the reservoir, there are multimedia exhibitions.
When: May–September
Opening hours: Thu–Sun: 10:00–19:00 (depending on the day)
Where: access from ul. Lazurowa
Prices:
— 20 zł — one reservoir
— 40 zł — all three sites
— 300 zł — group up to 30 people
Tickets are available at: bilety.szlak.gda.pl
Special Events
In addition to regular tours, special events are planned for the season:
- May 30–31 and June 20–21 — "Gwiazdy na Kazimierzu": night tours of the Kazimierz reservoir and a meeting with an astronomer
- August 30–31 — "Bat Festival": family picnic at the Stara Orunia reservoir
