From Berlin to Masuria and the Gulf of Gdansk

This is where your trip starts. From Berlin, you head east into Poland.

The Gothic brick town of Torun is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus. Children love the famous gingerbread (Pierniki) and the legends surrounding the leaning towers. A good spot to stretch your legs after the drive.

A family-friendly hotel in the old town, just a few steps from the market square. Central location, so you can reach everything on foot and leave the car parked.

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From Torun you continue north-east into the lake district of Masuria.

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Gizycko lies between two large lakes and is a great base for your days in Masuria. The town has a lively harbour on Lake Niegocin, ice cream parlours and the famous rotating bridge over the canal. Children can enjoy pedal boating and the lakeside promenades.

A holiday flat close to the lake with access to the water, ideal for swimming with the kids. From here you'll explore the lake district over the coming days without having to change accommodation.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Lake Niegocin is one of the great Masurian Lakes, with calm bathing bays and jetties. Clear water and shallow shores make it ideal for children. Bring swimming gear, balls and plenty of time.

Excursion boats set off from the harbour in Gizycko across the connected lakes. A trip through canals and locks is exciting for children and shows Masuria from the water. Pedal boats and kayaks can also be hired here.

The Wolf's Lair was Hitler's military headquarters during the Second World War and today stands as an extensive bunker ruin in the forest. The blown-up concrete structures are striking; well suited to older children, though younger ones may need some explanation depending on their sensitivity. A circular path leads through the site.

Quiet forest paths lead through typical Masurian landscape around the Wolf's Lair. A short, family-friendly walk to get some fresh air and spot birds and woodland animals.

The well-preserved brick castle at Reszel dates from the 14th century and today houses a museum and a viewing tower. Children love the battlements and the view over the little town. A vivid piece of the history of the Teutonic Order.

The Baroque pilgrimage church at Swieta Lipka is considered one of the finest Baroque churches in Poland. It's particularly famous for its organ with moving figures, which is played at certain times. A short but worthwhile stop on the way back.

Time to say goodbye to the lakes — today you head to the Baltic coast.

Malbork Castle is the largest brick castle in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, once the seat of the Teutonic Order. The tour through courtyards, halls and along the ramparts takes a good two hours and delights children too with its tales of knights. An ideal stop on the way to the coast.

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Sopot is the elegant seaside resort between Gdansk and Gdynia, with a long sandy beach and the famous pier. A holiday flat near the beach makes a great base for your days by the sea, from which you can easily reach Gdansk by train or car.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The wide, fine sandy beach at Sopot slopes gently and is ideal for children. Sandcastles, swimming and beach games fill the day. The water of the Baltic is pleasantly mild in summer.

The longest wooden pier in Europe stretches over 500 metres into the Baltic Sea. A walk to the end rewards you with views over the bay and the coastal towns. Small boat trips often depart from the end of the pier.

The beautifully rebuilt old town of Gdansk, with the Long Market, the Neptune Fountain and the colourful merchants' houses, is one of the finest in Northern Europe. Stroll along the Motlawa, take a look at the medieval Crane Gate and try some amber jewellery. For children there are street performers and ice cream parlours.

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The modern Museum of the Second World War tells the vivid, multimedia story of the war that began in Gdansk. Well presented for older children, though it may be demanding for younger ones. Alternatively, a visit to Westerplatte, where the war began, is a good option.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

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The town of Hel lies at the tip of the long, narrow peninsula, with beaches on both sides. The highlight for children is the seal sanctuary, where Baltic grey seals can be seen. Fine sand and shallow water all around.

The Fokarium seal sanctuary is dedicated to protecting Baltic grey seals and displays them in large pools. At feeding times you can watch the animals being trained, a highlight for children. Small, but educational.

One last full day by the sea before the journey home begins. Swimming, building sandcastles and enjoying the pier once more. The promenade with playgrounds and ice cream stands offers a bit of variety.

If the weather turns cooler, or for a change of pace for the kids, Sopot Aquapark offers slides and warm-water pools. A good rainy-day plan B, or simply a fun afternoon in the water. Located right near the beach.

Time to say goodbye to the sea — the journey back to Berlin begins with a stop in Poznan.

Poznan is a lively student city with one of the finest Renaissance town halls in Poland. Around midday, the famous mechanical billy goats butt heads there, a real spectacle for children. The colourful market square has cafés and ice cream too.

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A centrally located hotel in Poznan, well suited for an overnight stop on the way back. The old town is just a few minutes away from here.

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Final stage: from Poznan back to Berlin.

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You arrive back in Berlin, where your round trip comes to an end, with memories of lakes, castles and the Baltic Sea in your luggage.

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