Gdańsk to Elbląg

[Route] In the morning, I had some trouble finding a way out of Gdańsk due to the predominantly Autobahn-based traffic concept of the city. For example, there's no place for cyclists or pedestrians on this brand new piece of infrastructure.

The large and busy road that I was forced to take lead past an oil refinery glittering in the morning sunlight.

It took me about 5h to reach Elbląg through some very pretty villages with stork nests. Unfortunately the animals are very shy and just stopping my bike shooed them away. At Camping nr 61 in Elbląg I put up my tent next to some German rockers and did my washing before heading into the city for sight-seeing.

The historic city centre around the cathedral has undergone a very recent refurbishment and looks spotless. It is home to posh-looking shops and restaurants that appear aimed more at tourists rather than residents.

The city gate tower now houses the tourist information. Since it wasn't clear from my map, I asked for directions to the Elbląg canal ramps which are said to be unique in Europe. The ships are lifted between water levels across land on rails using water power instead of the usual locks. Unfortunately I was told that the canal ramps are closed for renovations and cannot be visited until next summer.

Elbląg's twin towns include Leer in Northern Germany and Trowbridge in South West England, not far from Bristol and Bath but 1766km from Elbląg according to this sign.

For the remainder of the afternoon I explored the walking path along the Kumiela river.