ORP Blyskawica: A Journey Aboard Poland’s Legendary Destroyer

During my recent visit to Gdynia, one of the highlights was stepping aboard the legendary Polish destroyer ORP Błyskawica. In this article, I’ll share my personal impressions from exploring this historic ship, provide useful links for those planning a visit, and offer a brief look into its remarkable history.

At the end of June 2025, during my short vacation in northern Poland, I explored several remarkable historical sites. Among them, one experience stood out for its unique character and emotional impact — visiting the legendary Polish destroyer ORP Błyskawica.

As someone fascinated by naval history and World War II, this visit was a must on my itinerary. There is something incredibly powerful about walking the decks of a ship that has witnessed history firsthand — from Atlantic convoys to wartime operations with the Royal Navy.

The Błyskawica exceeded my expectations. Preserved with care as a museum ship, it offers visitors a rare chance to step into the past, to see authentic wartime equipment, sailors’ living quarters, and feel the atmosphere of life aboard a destroyer that once cut through stormy seas under the Polish flag.

In this article, I will share a brief history of this remarkable ship, tell you about my personal impressions from visiting it, and provide some practical tips and useful links for those who may want to experience the Błyskawica themselves.

The Polish destroyer ORP Błyskawica in the fitting-out dock, Southampton, November 1937.

In the following three sections, you’ll find a brief historical overview of the destroyer, my personal impressions from the visit, and practical tips for those who may one day wish to step on board ORP Błyskawica themselves.

🏰 Historical Overview

ORP Błyskawica: A Journey Aboard Poland’s Legendary Destroyer

⚓ History of ORP Błyskawica

The destroyer ORP Błyskawica (meaning “Lightning”) was built at the J. Samuel White & Company shipyard in Southampton, United Kingdom.

Launched in 1936 and commissioned into the Polish Navy in 1937, it was one of the most advanced warships of its time.

When World War II broke out, Błyskawica was based in the United Kingdom and served alongside the Royal Navy. The ship took part in convoy escort duties across the Atlantic, fleet protection, and amphibious operations.

One of its most notable moments came in May 1942, when it defended the British town of Cowes from a Luftwaffe air raid, using its anti-aircraft fire to repel the attack — an act that earned gratitude and recognition from the local community.

After the war, Błyskawica underwent modernization and continued active service in the Polish Navy until 1976, when it was finally retired and converted into a museum ship.

📌 Interesting Facts

Błyskawica is the only surviving World War II destroyer of its class that remains open to the public.
Throughout its service, the ship covered thousands of nautical miles and took part in numerous wartime operations.
Its armament included torpedo launchers, naval guns, and anti-aircraft systems, making it a highly versatile warship for its era.
In 1976, Błyskawica was officially designated as a museum ship, and since 1987 it has been permanently moored in Gdynia.

🏛️ The Destroyer Today

ORP Błyskawica is moored in Gdynia as a museum ship and is open to visitors year-round (with schedules varying by season).
The museum exhibition includes engine rooms, crew quarters, gun positions, and dedicated displays about the history of the Polish Navy.
Today, Błyskawica stands as a symbol of the Polish Navy and a monument to the country’s maritime heritage.

📸 Experience & Impressions

At the end of June, I took a short trip to northern Poland. It was a small vacation, but I decided to combine it with visiting some of the region’s most iconic places. One of them was the destroyer ORP Błyskawica, which is now permanently moored in the port of Gdynia as a museum ship. I had heard about this ship since childhood. When I first started modeling, I had a book by a Polish author that included an entire chapter dedicated to Błyskawica. Since then, I had always wanted to see it in person.

We arrived in Gdynia and parked our car a bit further from the port to avoid the expensive parking near the harbor. After a fifteen-minute walk, the legendary ship finally came into view. At first glance, it seemed like a relatively small warship, but as we approached, I realized how long and impressive it actually is. Its sleek lines and strict military silhouette are striking.

The ticket office is located near the ship’s bow, and the price was surprisingly affordable (about €7 per person). Once on board, I followed the designated route, starting on deck and gradually moving inside through different compartments. I was impressed by the number of devices, valves, levers, and the overall complexity of the ship’s layout. The corridors feature small exhibitions telling the story of the destroyer’s combat history and its crew. A distinctive smell of engine oil lingers inside, instantly taking you back to the era when Błyskawica was on active duty.

ORP Błyskawica Poland’s Legendary Destroyer

The tour ends back on deck, overlooking the port and the sea. It left a powerful impression, like touching history itself and feeling, for a moment, the atmosphere of life at sea. If you are ever in northern Poland, make sure to visit this historic ship. It is definitely worth your time and attention.

My Experience at a Glance

Overall Emotions 95%

Atmosphere & Vibes 95%

Historical Value 100%

Photo Opportunities 70%

Value for Money 90%

Accessibility 90%

🧭 Plan Your Visit

Park a bit farther from the port – parking near the harbor is expensive, so it’s better to leave your car a short walk away (10–15 minutes).
Bring cash or a card – tickets are sold near the ship’s bow, costing about €7 per person. Check payment options in advance.
Plan at least an hour for the visit – the route takes you across the deck and through the interior compartments with exhibitions and technical rooms.
Pay attention to the details – corridors are filled with historical photos and artifacts, and the ship’s authentic atmosphere is worth taking in slowly.
Wear comfortable clothing – narrow passages and steep ladders require practical shoes and comfortable clothes.
Take your time on the deck – after the tour, spend a moment enjoying the view of the port and taking photos.

📍 Get directions in GOOGLE MAPS

Before visiting the museum, we recommend checking the opening hours and ticket prices on the muzeum’s official website

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Text, photos, and illustrations by Deniss Ignatjev — created exclusively for not-TOYS.com.
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