Gdynia Orłowo is a seaside and southernmost district of Gdynia. Legend has it that its name is a reminder of the spectacular battle of eagles, which was watched by local fishermen in 1666. However, it seems more likely that the district owes its name to the fisherman Hans Adler (in German Adler means an eagle), who opened an inn at the mouth of the Kacza River at the beginning of the 19th century, giving it the name Adlershorst, translated to Polish as “Eagle’s Nest”. The entire settlement adopted the same name.

The farsighted fisherman saw potential in the enchanting landscape, marked by a steep cliff covered with trees and a beach at its feet, and attractive areas for walks. Adler’s conviction that his dream of creating a summer resort would come true, did so as early as 1870, when the Gdańsk-Szczecin railway line with a stop in the nearby Mały Kack was opened. Holidaymakers appeared in increasing numbers in Orłowo, which forced the construction of spa facilities. At the beginning of the 20th century, near Adler’s inn, a luxurious Spa House with a restaurant and a terrace was built, from which there was a vast view of the Gdańsk Bay. During World War I, the first wooden pier was built, to the delight of holidaymakers.

In 1920, the name of the settlement was changed to Orłowo, and its fame became more and more spread, so distinguished guests came here. Stefan Żeromski lived here with his family for several months. At that time, he was preparing notes for the book “Wiatr od morza”.

In 1931, the settlement obtained the rights of the commune and assumed the name of Orłowo Morskie.

The residents of the resort were looking more and more anxiously across the border towards Sopot, which began to grow into a Baltic star. However, the community did not rest on its laurels. In 1934, using the demolition material from a wooden passenger pier in Gdynia, the pier was expanded within two months to a length of 430 m, it was adapted to moor ships of the white fleet and, most importantly, it was 100 meters longer than the Sopot pier.

A year later, the commune was incorporated into Gdynia – the Gdynia Orłowo district was established.

Unfortunately, in 1949 a powerful storm destroyed the pier. Rebuilt to a length of 180 meters, it had to give priority to Sopot, although in the opinion of many inhabitants of the Gdańsk coast, the Orłów pier is more atmospheric, and certainly not as crowded with tourists as the Sopot one.

Adler’s inn, established in 1840, has survived to this day. Its renovated building is part of the elite Complex of Art Schools. The story of one of the most exclusive night clubs in the times of the PRL ended differently, the name of which “Maxim” appeared in the Lady Pank song “Tańcz głupia tańcz”. When the local gangsters took interest in the place, the night club lost its fame and quickly fell into decline. Today “at Maxim’s in Gdynia” there is nothing but the wind, and the abandoned building is a seaside ulcer on the body of Gdynia Orłowo.

Gdynia Orłowo is not only the closest surroundings of the former summer resort. The area of the district is over 500 ha, through which three watercourses flow: the queen of Gdynia’s streams – Kacza, Kolibkowski Stream and Swelina / Swelinia Stream, constituting a natural border between Gdynia and Sopot.

Gdynia Orłowo is one of the best addresses on the Bay of Gdańsk. It is characterized by the untouched atmosphere of a seaside resort from the 1920s , with a still working fishing harbor where you can buy fish straight from the cutter. At the same time, Gdynia Orłowo is an excellent commercial offer, services, communication, areas for recreation and education for children.

The district is bordered by Gdynia Redłowo to the north, Gdynia Mały Kack to the west, Sopot to the south, and the Bay of Gdańsk to the east.

Leisure

Gdynia Orłowo is famous for a huge number of places where you can relax. First of all, it is primarily the pier, the Queen Marysieńka Promenade with a playground for children and a paraglider stand, and beaches, also at the foot of the picturesque Orłowski Klif, perversely belonging to Kępa Redłowska, a landscape nature reserve of the Gdynia Redłowo district.

For enthusiasts of greater sensations, the Adventure Park was created on the site of the former palace and manor complex of Kolibki, which belonged, among others, to King Jan III Sobieski, the offer of which will satisfy the most demanding tastes. For those eager to exercise in the fresh air, there is a horse-riding track, a zip-line cable car, a rope park, a climbing wall, a track with mini quads, a paintball field and various attractions for children.

In Kolibki, it is also possible to learn horse riding, and for the elderly there is a labyrinth of paths among old trees.

The three streams flowing through the district create additional hiking opportunities, as their banks are a great alternative to traditional city walks. The Mazowiecki Pond and Jar Swelinia near the mouth of the river into the Bay of Gdańsk are particularly picturesque.

Communication

Gdynia Orłowo is crossed by the main artery connecting Gdańsk with Gdynia and the parallel tracks of the long-distance railway and SKM with the Gdynia Orłowo stop.

The district is well connected with other districts by trolleybuses and buses

Gdynia and nearby Sopot. Gdynia Orłowo is rich in bicycle paths along Zwycięstwa Lane, Królowej Marysieńki Promenade and Orłowska Street leading to the sea.

Education

Parents of preschool and school children have an extraordinarily rich offer for their children. There are two community kindergartens at their disposal in the district, a language kindergarten with English and Spanish, and a nursery – 4 KIDS., Przedszkole Małych Mistrzów, Przedszkole Sióstr Dominikanek, French-Polish Kindergarten. For older children, two community primary schools were established, a non-public School of Creative Education, Concertino – a 1st degree Private Music School, and the American Primary School is just around the corner.

Young people can study at the Art School Complex, Secondary School No. 9 and the Administrative and Economic School Complex.

In addition, Gdynia Orłowo has the Helen Doron English Center school and the Japanese language school.

Culture

Inhabitants of Gdynia Orłowo district cannot complain about access to culture. A unique event on the scale of the entire region is the Globaltica Festival of World Cultures, held in Kolibki, presenting a world different from our traditions.

In July and August, the performances of the Summer Stage of the Witold Gombrowicz Theater in Gdynia are exceedingly popular. Operating since 1996, the stage presents theater performances on the beach. Initially, the stage was located right next to the Orłów pier, now it is closer to Kolibki. There are also small recitals of songs and cultural evenings presented there.

Also at the seaside – in the former Adler’s tavern, and today a school educating artists, and in the Żeromski House, art vernissages and meetings with writers are held.

A commendable role was played by the Klif shopping center, which not only offers luxury brand stores, but also started cooperation with artists, thanks to which customers can participate in vernissages and see exhibitions of photographic and painting works.

Catering

The most popular place in Gdynia Orłowo is Tawerna Orłowska, located right next to the pier and the fishing harbor. The unpretentious restaurant is famous for its great selection of fish dishes and a perfect view.

The tastes of gourmet food lovers will be satisfied by the “Biały Królik” and “Tłusta Kaczka” restaurants. “Pescado Restaurante” offers Mediterranean and Catalan cuisine, and those who are tired of shopping in the Klif Shopping Center can go to to the “Olimp” restaurant. If you’re in a mood for coffee, try “DeguStacja” café.