Office of Intergovernmental Relations
600 Fourth Avenue, 5th Floor
P.O. Box 94746
Seattle, WA   98124-4746
(206) 684-8055

Seattle International Sister City:
Gdynia, Poland
(Sister City established in 1993)

Population: 251,000
Religion: Roman Catholic
Language: Polish
Industry : Shipbuilding
Exports: Lumber, Coal, Sugar
Climate: Temperate

Gdynia is one of Poland's youngest, most dynamic cities with a population of nearly 260,000. Located on Gdansk Bay, it is a major Baltic seaport and Poland's "window to the world."

In 1253 Gdynia was a fishing settlement and now is the center of deep-sea fishing and shipbuilding. After Poland lost Gdansk, Gdynia was developed into the largest port on the Baltic in 1922. It was heavily destroyed during World War II then rebuilt as a modern port.

Gdynia is home to the Polish Navy and many renown maritime institutes. The World Trade Center Gdynia Ltd. is under construction. Gdynia has a thriving culture of theaters and museums. A monument to the great Polish writer Joseph Conrad Korzeniowsky salutes ships that call in Gdynia.

Gdynia forms a tri-city with Gdansk (magnificent medieval port rebuilt after World War II and birthplace of Solidarity) and Sopot (elegant resort with International Song Festival in romantic Forest Opera). With many yacht clubs and the Ocean World Aquarium, Gdynia is a sailing and tourist mecca.

Prior to official sister city status in October of 1993, activities included the Polish Film Festival in Seattle, hosting six Gdynia high school students, and sending gifts to Gdynia orphanages. A future goal is to bring the tall ship Dar Mlodziezy (Gift of Youth) from Gdynia for Seafair.

Related Links:

City of Gdynia Web Site (Polish)

City of Gdynia Web Site (English)

Sister City Association Contact Info:
Glen Lee, President
600 4th Ave., Floor 6
P.O. Box 94747
Seattle, Washington 98124-4747
(206) 684-8079
glen.lee@seattle.gov

Content contact: Kristine Kertson

Page last updated: September 21, 2005