The museum is housed in a restored, historical shipyard building used for the construction of wooden boats.
Exhibits include a collection of traditional 'bąk' boats, which were specifically adapted for the shallow waters of the lagoon.
The Vistula Lagoon is a brackish water lagoon separated from the Baltic Sea by the Vistula Spit.
The museum displays artifacts rescued from shipwrecks found within the lagoon’s ecosystem.
It highlights the historical importance of the 'fishing village' social structure that dominated this region before modern tourism.
The museum features traditional ice-fishing equipment used during the harsh winters when the lagoon freezes solid.
The Museum of the Vistula Lagoon is a specialized branch of the National Maritime Museum in Gdańsk, located in the village of Kąty Rybackie. It documents the history of local fishing, boatbuilding, and the unique hydrological environment of the Vistula Lagoon. The facility features a historical shipyard hall where visitors can observe traditional boat construction techniques. Permanent exhibitions showcase original fishing tools, maritime gear, and the evolution of transport on the lagoon. The museum building itself is located near the waterfront, reflecting the maritime heritage of the Vistula Spit. It serves as a regional center for preserving the cultural identity of local fishing communities.
Inside the main shipyard hall, framed by the traditional wooden boat hulls under construction.
Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby Vistula Spit Landscape Park.
Check the museum's website for seasonal workshops on traditional boat-building techniques.
Speak to the docents to learn about the specific challenges of fishing in the brackish, shallow waters of the lagoon.
Do not mistake this for a large-scale art museum; it is a specialized local heritage site, so keep expectations focused on maritime and ethnographic history.
Operating hours vary significantly by season; typically limited or closed during the winter months.
