Can there be a Poland with sun, sea, smiling people and 30 degrees? Poland with sandals, summer clothes and boat trips? And yet YES. There is also this perspective of the otherwise frozen country and I discovered it on my last trip, in August 2022, after my light walk through the capital and then through the very picturesque Gdansk and I will share it with you. So, put on some sunscreen and let’s go to Sopot, on a trip to the Polish Baltic spa town.
Before you go on, you might be interested in:
👉 Traveling to Poland and fairy -tale Gdansk
Sopot is a famous seaside resort on the Baltic Sea coast of Poland, just half an hour from beautiful Gdansk. These two cities, together with Gdynia, form the so-called Tri-City and are a classic combination of destinations to include in a road trip. It has the longest wooden pier in Europe and is also home to the Sopot International Song Festival, the biggest event of its kind in Europe after Eurovision, which takes place at the Forest Opera every August.
Although the Second World War actually started just a stone’s throw from Sopot, in Gdansk, the city managed to remain almost intact (it was also the place of Hitler’s temporary accommodation in the famous Grand Hotel) and after the end of the war, it began to transform into the famous resort which is now, which welcomes over 2 million tourists every summer.
Arriving in Sopot you will find a mix of elegant villas, luxurious restaurants and lively clubs. It’s probably the glitziest resort on the Baltic coast, it attracts a mix of “well-to-do” Poles and international visitors so in general be prepared to experience a Polish vibe completely different from what you might be used to from this country, especially if you visit during summer.
Do not think for a moment that as a Greek, or even a resident of the Mediterranean, you will be excited by the waters of the sea or the magic of the beach, we are talking about the Baltic after all and its dark waters, just keep in mind that for the average Pole it is a paradise when he lives more than 8 months in the cold, cloudy and snowy Poland. Don’t get into the comparison process.
👉 If you are planning on visiting Poland, click here to read my guides
What not to miss in Sopot:
The city of Sopot is really cute and I suggest you take a walk not only in the center but also in the neighborhoods, so you can admire the architectural style of the houses. Of course, you can’t fail to spot the Krzywy Domek (crooked house), a trademark of the city.
This project is a typical piece of post-communist architectural experimentation. Hidden within its two-level interior are some notable clubs, bars and restaurants. Either you’ll love it or you’ll hate it, but you definitely have to see it (ul Bohaterów Monte Cassino 53). Needless to say, I OBVIOUSLY loved it.
In a wooded, hilly area of the city is Opera Leśna, a 5000-seat amphitheater that hosts the famous August International Sopot Festival. It’s worth a walk.
The Museum of Sopot. If you’re interested in learning a little more about life in Sopot, at the southern end of the beach in a grand old villa, the Sopot Museum displays 19th-century furniture and accessories, including some huge, elaborately carved wardrobes. In other exhibitions you will see old sepia photos and maps of the German Zoppot and other Baltic resorts (ul Poniatowskiego 8)
The famous Sopot pier. All roads in Sopot lead to the largest wooden pier in Europe, which is truly impressive. Built as a pleasure pier and cruise ship berth, Sopot Pier first opened in 1827 and reached its modern length in 1928.
At 511.5 meters, the pier is the longest wooden pier in Europe. It stretches out to sea from the middle of Sopot beach, which is a popular recreational area for walks, health walks (the concentration of iodine at the end of the pier is twice as high as on land) public events, and also serves as a berth for cruise ships and water taxis.
Don’t forget to dip your feet in the Baltic Sea and drink a cocktail at one of the numerous beach bars!
Have fun!
Evita
