Photo Gallery » Gdansk Zaspa

Zaspa is one of the most distinctive districts of Gdańsk – modern, green, and known for its monumental murals that decorate the walls of residential blocks. Located close to the sea, it offers not only quick access to the beach in Brzeźno but also stunning views of the Gulf of Gdańsk, especially from the higher floors. A defining feature of this neighborhood is its unique architectural mix – tall apartment blocks from the second half of the 20th century stand alongside contemporary, modern buildings. In this gallery, you’ll see Zaspa from a bird’s-eye view – a district that proves Gdańsk is not only about its historic center but also about vibrant, modern neighborhoods with their own identity.
You can see photos from Gdansk in the galleries: Gdansk by night, Spring in Gdansk, Summer in Gdańsk, Autumn in Gdańsk, Winter in Gdańsk and Gdańsk from the sky.
If you like my photos, you can order a printout :-)

Is Zaspa a district of Gdańsk?

Yes, Zaspa is one of Gdańsk’s districts, located in the northern part of the city, close to the sea. It is known for its large residential estates, built on the site of a former airport. The district is characterized by wide avenues, green areas, and distinctive murals on the walls of apartment blocks. Zaspa combines older buildings from the communist era with modern apartment complexes.

Is Zaspa a safe neighborhood?

Zaspa is considered one of the safer districts in Gdańsk. Like in any large residential area, occasional incidents may occur, but the overall level of safety is rated positively by both residents and visitors. The presence of many families, green spaces, schools, and playgrounds gives the neighborhood a calm, community-oriented atmosphere. Modern apartment buildings and surveillance systems also contribute to the sense of security. Nevertheless, it’s always advisable to stay alert, especially in the evenings, just like in any big city.

How many districts does Gdańsk have?

Gdańsk is administratively divided into 35 districts. Each of them has its own unique character, history, and function – from the historic Main Town, through the seaside areas of Brzeźno and Jelitkowo, to modern residential neighborhoods like Ujeścisko or Zakoniczyn. The districts vary not only in appearance but also in pace of life and the range of amenities they offer – some are more tourist-oriented, while others serve mainly as residential areas.

Where did the name Zaspa come from?

The name of the Zaspa district most likely originates from the sandy areas that once existed in this region - "zaspa" simply referred to a heap of sand, like a dune or a sandy terrain. Before the war, the area was uninhabited and partially occupied by meadows and bogs, and later, an airport was located there. The name "Zaspa" became ingrained in the local consciousness and was officially adopted when the construction of a large residential complex began in the 1970s.

Can you see Hel from Gdansk?

Yes, on a clear day, Hel can be seen from certain places in Gdańsk, especially from higher floors of buildings in districts close to the sea, such as Zaspa or Przymorze. In aerial photos, the Hel Peninsula is clearly visible stretching along the horizon, along with the town of Hel itself. It's a unique view that shows just how close the coastal towns of the Gulf of Gdańsk really are. The straight-line distance from Gdańsk to Hel is about 25 kilometers - close enough to make out shoreline details and buildings when visibility is good. On a sunny day, Hel seems almost within reach.

Colorful Apartment Blocks in Zaspa

Zaspa is known not only for its spacious housing estates and green avenues, but also for its colorful apartment blocks, which have become a hallmark of the district. The large-panel buildings from the 1970s and 1980s have gained new life thanks to murals—massive wall paintings that adorn their facades. These artistic interventions not only brighten the space but also tell stories—local, historical, and social. The colorful blocks form a unique open-air art gallery that can be admired while walking between the buildings.

Polish Housing Estates

The characteristic architecture of Zaspa, with buildings arranged in circles and playgrounds in the center, is one of the most distinctive features of this district in Gdańsk. These housing estates, typical of Polish housing developments, were designed with the goal of creating a family-friendly space, with plenty of common and recreational areas. The buildings, arranged in circular layouts, form a kind of closed ring, with a playground, greenery, and a resting area in the center. This design allows for intimacy and safety, as all children can play within the estate, and parents have easy access to the common areas.

John Paul II Avenue in Gdańsk

John Paul II Avenue (Aleja Jana Pawła II) is one of the main streets in the Zaspa district of Gdańsk, built on the grounds of the former airport. For many years, it was colloquially known as the “runway” due to its width, straight layout, and the history of the area. Today, it is a modern thoroughfare lined with green spaces, bike paths, and residential buildings on both sides. It connects key parts of the district and serves as the main communication axis in this area of the city. The avenue has borne the name of Pope John Paul II since 1995 and is not only a practical transport route, but also a symbol of Gdańsk’s urban transformation.

Prefab housing blocks

Prefab housing blocks (known in Poland as "wielka płyta") are a distinctive feature of many Polish cities, including Gdańsk. They were built mainly in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s as a quick response to the growing demand for housing. Constructed from prefabricated concrete elements, these buildings enabled the mass production of entire residential estates at a relatively low cost. While for many years they were associated with grey monotony, today many are undergoing modernization - receiving colorful façades, improved insulation, and refreshed surroundings. In districts like Zaspa, prefab blocks have found new life through murals and the rising popularity of the neighborhood.

Zaspa Mlyniec

Zaspa Młyniec is part of one of the most recognizable districts of Gdańsk – Zaspa. Młyniec is an area that gained popularity due to its location, proximity to the city center, and the development of residential infrastructure. It features both concrete-panel buildings from the past and modern apartment blocks, which are changing the character of this area. Zaspa Młyniec is well connected to the rest of Gdańsk, and its residents can enjoy numerous green spaces and accessible bike paths.

How many people live in Zaspa?

Zaspa is one of the larger districts of Gdańsk, with a population of around 30,000 people. It is an area characterized by a high population density, mainly due to the extensive residential estates. The district is well connected to the rest of the city. Zaspa has access to the Szybka Kolej Miejska (SKM), as well as numerous bus and tram lines. The modern infrastructure also includes an extensive network of bike paths and wide roads, making it easy for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers to get around.

How to get from Zaspa to downtown Gdańsk?

There are several ways to get from Zaspa to downtown Gdańsk, with one of the fastest and most convenient being the Fast City Railway (SKM). The travel time on the SKM from Zaspa to downtown Gdańsk is about 9 minutes, making it one of the most conveniently located areas in the Tri-City in terms of transportation. The journey to Sopot takes about 20 minutes, and to Gdynia - about 30 minutes. The district provides quick access to other parts of the Tri-City, making it an attractive place to live and work. For those who prefer public transport, there are also numerous bus and tram lines. Thanks to modern infrastructure, including a well-developed network of bike lanes, it's also easy to get to the city center by bike. Wide roads and convenient communication make Zaspa one of the best-connected areas in Gdańsk.