Port Island

Port Island, also known as Stogi Island, is an area located in Gdańsk, surrounded by the waters of the Gdańsk Bay, the Dead Vistula, and the Śmiała Vistula, covering an area of 26.4 km². The island was formed as a result of natural hydrological processes when, in 1840, an ice jam on the Vistula River breached the dunes, cutting off the area from the mainland. It has an elongated shape, with a width of 7.5 km and a length of approximately 5 km, and its northeastern part is a forested area. The island is home to two lakes: Pusty Staw and Jezioro Bursztynowe. Administratively, Port Island consists of multiple neighborhoods, and its residents make up 4.1% of Gdańsk's population. The population density is significantly lower compared to the city average. Transportation on the island is provided by two road bridges and a tunnel under the Dead Vistula, facilitating connections with the rest of Gdańsk. The port, which is one of the largest in Poland, houses the Northern Port and the Deepwater Container Terminal DCT. The island has a rich cultural and historical heritage, with many monuments. Notable sites include Westerplatte, known for the defense by Polish forces in 1939, and the 17th-century Wisłoujście Fortress. There are also historic railway workshops and the Church of the Holy Name of Mary. Interestingly, the island plays a crucial role in maritime transport and trade, serving as a key component of Gdańsk's port infrastructure.