Introduction

The Siege of Danzig took place between 1655 and 1660 when a Swedish force tried to capture this important Baltic Sea port city from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth during the Second Northern War.

After 5 years of fighting around Danzig (Gdańsk), the Swedish force which has made little ground surrendered.

Chronology of the Siege

• 1655:
  • Swedish naval forces blocked Danzig’s harbor – trade was suspended.
  • Swedish land forces capture the fortress Danziger Haupt (Głowa Gdańska, Danzig Head) – very important water gate on Vistula River.
• 1656:
  • July – Dutch naval forces comes to Gdańsk Bay and unblock Danzig’s harbour.
  • September – Treaty of Elbing: siege lifted due to Dutch intervention.
• 1659:
  • 26 October – Poles defeated the Swedes in a skirmish near Danziger Haupt.
  • 22 December – Swedish garrison of the fortress Danziger Haupt capitulated.
• 1660:
  • May – Treaty of Oliva was signed.
  • End of the war.

For all of this time, Danzig remained unconquered and loyal to Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.