Hel

Hel, a small town at the tip of Poland's Hel Peninsula, is surrounded by the Baltic Sea on three sides. In Hel, you can climb a 41.5-meter lighthouse, watch seals at a research center, and explore World War II bunkers. The town's narrow streets are lined with 18th and 19th-century fishermen's houses, and you'll find fresh seafood in local restaurants.

Geography and Location

Hel sits at the end of the 35-kilometer-long Hel Peninsula, which separates the Bay of Puck from the open Baltic Sea. The peninsula's width ranges from about 300 meters near Jurata to over 3 kilometers at its tip. This shape creates different coastal environments, with calm waters on the bay side and more active seas on the open Baltic side.

Beaches and Water Activities

You'll find a long, wide sandy beach on Hel's high seas side, while the Puck Bay side has a smaller, more sheltered beach near the port. Many visitors come to Hel for kitesurfing and windsurfing, particularly in the shallow waters of the bay. The peninsula's shape creates good wind conditions for these activities.

Seal Sanctuary

The seal sanctuary, or Fokarium, is run by the University of Gdańsk's Oceanography Institute. It serves as both a tourist spot and a research center. You can watch seals being fed and learn about efforts to preserve and study the Baltic seal population. The sanctuary is on Nadmorski Boulevard and is open year-round.

Hel Lighthouse

The Hel Lighthouse is 41.5 meters tall and gives you views of the peninsula and surrounding waters. Built in 1942, it replaced an earlier structure from 1826. You can visit the lighthouse from May to September and climb to the top for a panoramic view.

Museums

Hel has several museums that present its history and culture. The Fishery Museum, in a 15th-century Gothic church, shows exhibits about the town's fishing traditions. The Coastal Defense Museum focuses on Hel's military past, displaying artifacts and explaining the strategic importance of the peninsula.

Military History and Fortifications

During World War II, the Hel Peninsula was defended for over a month against the German invasion in 1939. Today, you can explore this history through the Hel Fortification Trails. These trails take you through forests with old bunkers, artillery positions, and other military structures.

Getting Around Hel

You can explore Hel on foot, but renting a bicycle allows you to cover more ground. Cycling is common along the peninsula, with dedicated paths connecting Hel to other towns. If you drive, be aware that parking can be difficult during peak season. You can also reach Hel by train from Gdynia or by ferry from Gdańsk, Sopot, or Gdynia during the summer months.

Local Cuisine

Many restaurants along Wiejska Street, the main thoroughfare, serve locally caught fish. You can try traditional Polish fish dishes like smoked mackerel or herring in oil. For a quick meal, look for food stalls selling fish sandwiches or fried fish.

Accommodation

Hel has hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals, but it's best to book well in advance, especially for summer visits. The town gets very busy during July and August, and available rooms can be hard to find. If Hel is fully booked, consider staying in nearby towns like Jurata or Jastarnia.