On a bay in the Baltic Sea stands the majestic city of Gdańsk, once a prominent member of the Hanseatic League. The Royal Route – named for the monarchs who used to travel it – follows the pedestrian thoroughfare of Long Market through landmarks of the enchanting Old Town, from the ornamental Golden Gate at one end to the equally impressive Green Gate at the other. Both stand shoulder to shoulder with an array of colorful historic buildings that overlook the Motława River. A highlight is the Gothic hall of Artus Court with the statue of Neptune standing at its entrance. Housing the city museum, the opulent interior of the Gothic-Renaissance Town Hall is crowned by an elaborate clocktower, which you can climb for panoramic city views. Get an even higher viewpoint from the tower of nearby St. Mary’s Church, said to be the largest brick church in the world, and don’t miss the intricate detail of the enormous astronomical clock in the nave.
