Johny insisted amber was just “fossilized tree sap with a good PR team.” I argued it was a prehistoric time capsule. Turns out, we were both partially right. In Gdańsk, amber offers a 40-million-year-old glimpse into the past—complete with ancient insects you can admire, purchase, or even craft into jewelry. It’s the Baltic’s golden gem, exuding scents of pine and history.
But first, we got sidetracked at Pierogarnia Mandu. As expected. To truly taste Gdańsk, one must visit this unassuming local eatery where the freshest pierogi are made right before your eyes. They’re not free—you’ll need to queue seriously for them.
Start at the Great Mill
In the massive Gothic brick building known as Wielki Młyn (The Great Mill, Muzeum Bursztynu), once responsible for grinding flour for the entire city, we now found ourselves meandering. Two seasoned travelers stepping into the largest exhibition space dedicated to amber—not just in Poland, but in all of Europe.
“Is that really a preserved mosquito?” Johny asked at one display case.
“Yes, and not just one. Amber contains insects, leaves, and occasionally something resembling prehistoric mucus.” It’s like nature’s hard drive, storing events from 40 million years ago.
Johny immediately saw investment potential: “How much is this piece?” He pointed to a ten-centimeter amber with a certificate in the shop. The answer made him choke a bit: “12,000,” the saleswoman replied. “Euros, not zlotys.”
We decided to focus solely on the museum tour after that.
Amber Gdańsk
Gdańsk glitters with amber. The city grew wealthy because of it, and amber gained global fame thanks to Gdańsk. It’s a symbiotic relationship, like the sea and the harbor. We heard that up to 80% of the world’s amber comes from the Baltic region, with Gdańsk being its heart.
Just below St. Mary’s Cathedral lies Mariacka Street—a narrow, cobblestone lane lined with historic shopfronts showcasing yellow, golden, and honey-orange pieces.
Mariacka Street
“Why are all these shops on one street? It’s like an amber Las Vegas,” Johny mused.
He wasn’t far off. Mariacka is the city’s amber artery, offering everything from affordable souvenirs to designer pieces worthy of a personal safe. Each display glistens with a story, but the shopkeepers quickly gauge our budget. They’re calm and patient. Some speak five languages, others just two, but all will place a piece of gold in your hand so you can feel its warmth. Amber is always warm—unlike glass—because it’s not a mineral; it’s resin from ancient forests.
We stopped asking about the prices of the rarer pieces; they’d quote us figures as if we were inquiring about stones containing mythical DNA from Jurassic Park.
They don’t just sell jewelry. They offer pieces of time. Each display case sparkles with million-year-old stones capturing shells, twigs, or mosquitoes that might have once fed on dinosaur blood. What intrigued us most were the amber beer mugs.
Business with Platon
If philosopher Platon had visited Gdańsk in the 5th century BC, he would have surely picked up an amber nugget. He’d pull out his purse and perhaps ask, “What does this stone tell me about the ideals of eternity?”
A bearded Polish craftsman on Mariacka would respond as they do today: “Take two, and you’ll get a discount. Your wife will be pleased for a while, and you’ll learn twice as much about the ideals of eternity.”
DIY Jewelry: Craftsmanship for Grown-Up Boys
At the end of our amber journey, we discovered something that truly excited Johny—a workshop where you can craft your own amber jewelry. With your own hands. Grinding, polishing, and a touch of romance: “I made you something from a fossil, dear.”
We’d probably enjoy the grinding for about three minutes. But the feeling that someone will wear the result of your effort is priceless. And if not, at least the amulet will fit nicely into your collection of other unnecessary yet touching travel mementos.
Practical Tips
- Amber Museum (The Great Mill): Modern, interactive, and excellently curated. Entry costs a few euros; free with a tourist card. The tour takes about an hour.
- Mariacka Street: Perhaps the most beautiful shopping street in Gdańsk, even if you don’t buy anything.
- Amber Jewelry Workshops: Available in several studios. We reccomend you booking in advance.
- Beware of Fakes: Genuine amber doesn’t burn when rubbed, is lightweight, floats in salty water, and is flammable.
