Directly two train stops south of the centre of Gdynia, and two stops north of Sopot, lies Gdynia Orłowo - arguably the Tri-city's most scenic piece of coastline thanks to its famous forested cliffs overlooking the Baltic. A walk through this peaceful neighbourhood, from the station to the sea, only takes 15mins and along the way you'll pass some of the interbellum villas that characterise the area, including the Willa Lubicz hotel, which looks like the setting of an Agatha Christie whodunit. Orłowo began to develop just after WWI, when a Polish seaside resort to compete with Sopot was envisioned. A Therapeutic House was built in the forest on the hill and stately guesthouses and villas cropped up to accommodate holiday makers. It was during this period that Polish author Stefan Żeromski used the scenic spot as a writer's retreat; the small cottage he lived in is today a museum. WWII halted the resort's development, resulting in the quiet and charming coastal parkland we have today.
The iconic Orłowski Cliff, 180m wooden Orłowski Pier and several old fishing boats on the sand make this slightly more rugged coastal backdrop popular with photographers and couples. There are several decent eateries in the area, and climbing up to the abandoned Therapeutic House and Cliff will give you some great views; consider heading north on the lovely forest trails if you have time, and keep your eyes peeled for WWII-era bunkers in the woods.
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