Hel, picturesquely located at the end of a long, narrow peninsula, is one of the most unique and attractive places on the map of Poland. Its unique atmosphere and beautiful beaches surrounded by the peaceful Bay of Puck on one side and the open Baltic Sea on the other attract tourists looking for both rest and active ways of spending their free time.
The city also offers a rich history that you can discover by visiting the local fishing museum or the historic lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The Hel Peninsula is also a paradise for lovers of water sports, including windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to ideal wind conditions and a variety of places available to practice these sports. In summer, the city is bustling with life, offering a variety of festivals and cultural events that further enrich your stay.
I invite you to travel, to travel with hell straight to helium. Although in fact Hel and the English word "Hell" do not refer to one and the same place. The city of Hel at the end of the Hel Peninsula has much more in common with paradise on earth than with biblical hell.
Well, maybe apart from traffic jams... So I invite you on a journey to this wonderful place.
Why is Hel worth visiting?
The Hel Peninsula, also known as the Hel Peninsula, is a true paradise on earth. Imagine a sandy scythe that leaves the land and protrudes deep into the Baltic Sea, creating a natural barrier between the rough sea and the calm waters of the Bay of Puck and Gdańsk.
By visiting this one place, you will encounter two completely different landscapes - typically maritime on the open sea side and almost inland on the bay side.
Over 34 kilometers of this narrow land, there is a land full of beaches, forests and typical sea vegetation, where every corner has its own history, dating back even to the Stone Age.
During your trip from Władysławowo to Hel, you will certainly visit towns such as Chałupy, Kuźnica, Jastarnia, Jurata, up to Hel itself - each of them has something unique to offer.
If you are a nature and sports lover, the Hel Peninsula will not disappoint you in any season. In spring and summer, the Bay of Puck is a mecca for enthusiasts of windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving and jet ski riding.
Thanks to numerous nurseries, you can even learn new skills or rent equipment here.
A little further, towards the Baltic Sea, there are many sailors and surfers. And if you're lucky, you can even feel like a real fisherman by going out on a fishing boat to catch fish, which you'll then eat for dinner.
Along the Spit you will also find a well-prepared bicycle path, perfect for a trip on a two-wheeler or roller skates. There will also be plenty of hiking trails for Nordic Walking enthusiasts.
While walking along the seaside, pay attention to unusual species of flora that inhibit the movement of dunes - all this is waiting for you in the Helskie Wydmy reserve.
The largest and most popular city on the Peninsula is Hel.
Don't miss the opportunity to walk all the way to the headland, from where there is a breathtaking view of the vastness of the Baltic Sea.
Hel is also a fantastic place for children - the sealarium, where kids can watch seals swimming and playing, is an absolute must-see, especially when feeding these cute animals.
During the season, although the Hel Peninsula hosts thousands of tourists, you will always find a piece of the beach just for yourself.
Therefore, even though the most popular way to the Peninsula is by car, it is worth considering alternatives such as a train or a catamaran or ship trip, offered by Żegluga Gdańska, to avoid seasonal traffic jams and enjoy a stress-free trip.
Water tram from Gdańsk to Hel
A sea trip to Hel is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque and pleasant options to reach this charming seaside town. The Gdańsk-Hel water tram offers not only speed and comfort, but also a unique travel experience that will remain in your memory for a long time.
The main advantage of this form of transport is that it allows you to avoid land traffic jams, crowded streets, renovations and other inconveniences. By traveling by vaporetto, you can shorten your travel time by up to half compared to a car, bus or train.
What's more, a two-hour trip across the open waters of the Bay of Gdańsk is an ideal opportunity to relax and break away from everyday life.
This form of travel offers not only comfort, but also the opportunity to admire the landscape from a completely new perspective, which is a great opportunity to take unforgettable photos and videos.
The ferry runs during the high season from the beginning of May to the end of September, and every day during the holidays. The cruise lasts about two hours and is operated by Żegluga Gdańska.
The youngest passengers, up to 4 years of age, can travel for free, while older passengers can benefit from various discounts, e.g. for pupils and students.
When choosing a vaporetto, remember to check the exact departure and return times to make the most of your time in Hel.
It is recommended to choose the earliest possible departure time and plan your return on the latest possible cruises, thanks to which your day in Hel will be full of attractions and adventures.
Such a trip will certainly become an unforgettable adventure for everyone - especially children will be delighted with this form of travel, which can be a great introduction to the world of sea adventures.
The price of the Żegluga Gdańska catamaran cruise to Hel is:
Gdańsk-Sopot-Hel route:
Regular ticket: PLN 95 per person
Reduced ticket: PLN 75 per person
Gdynia-Hel route:
Regular ticket: PLN 85 per person
Reduced ticket: PLN 70 per person
Bike transport:
Bicycle fee: PLN 40
Ships depart daily unless poor weather conditions prevent sailings.
Access by train or bus to the Hel Peninsula
By choosing the Gdańsk-Hel water tram, you will save valuable time, especially during the holiday season, when the roads to Hel from the Tricity are extremely crowded.
However, this is not the only travel option worth considering. An alternative is traveling by train, which offers equally attractive opportunities.
Polish State Railways provides a rich schedule of connections on the Gdańsk-Hel route , with over 20 connections in the summer season, and around 7 connections a day in the off-season. Thanks to the variety of offers from PKP InterCity, Polregio, and Arriva, everyone will find something for themselves, both in terms of price and travel time.
Polregio Przewozy Regionalne offers the most economical option , with a ticket price of about PLN 20 on the Gdynia-Hel route. Plus about PLN 5 for the SKM journey to Gdynia from Gdańsk. The average travel time by train from Gdańsk to Hel is about 3 hours.
Please remember that there is no direct train connection from Gdańsk, you must first get to Gdynia Główna Osobowa.
Traveling by train may be particularly attractive for children, for whom it may be their first railway adventure in their lives.
Adults, however, will appreciate the comfort of driving, being able to relax from the stress of driving, wondering about tram stops or changing buses.
By choosing the train, you will also avoid long-hour traffic jams, which are often an inherent part of traveling by car to popular tourist destinations in the summer season.
In addition to traveling by water tram and train, there is another interesting alternative for those who want to get to Hel - bus line 669 (until recently the world-famous bus 666 ).
This popular line, also known as the "Devil's Bus", is often chosen by tourists due to its unique numbering and travel comfort.
Bus line 669 runs on the route connecting Tricity with Hel, offering affordable prices and convenient departure times. This is a great option for people who do not have their own car, as well as for those who prefer to avoid the stress of driving in seasonal traffic jams.
Moreover, traveling by bus allows you to directly admire the landscapes of the Hel Peninsula, which makes it not only a practical but also a pleasant form of travel.
During the holidays, when the demand for transport in the region increases, route 666 buses run more frequently, providing tourists with flexibility in planning their trips.
Thanks to this, regardless of whether you prefer early mornings or late afternoons, you will always find a convenient time to travel.
Access to Hel by private car
Traveling by car offers undeniable advantages, especially if you value full mobility and the ability to adapt your travel plan to your needs.
Whenever you want, you can stop to stretch your legs, visit local attractions, stop at a gas station or stop at a roadside restaurant.
Driving your own car also allows for flexibility in terms of departure and return times from Gdańsk, eliminating the fear of missing the last train or ferry.
However, when choosing a car as a means of transport, you must be prepared for possible difficulties. Tricity, especially in the summer, is known for crowded streets, both in the city and on access roads to popular seaside towns.
You can almost be sure that during rush hours (7-9, 16-18) you will be stuck in a traffic jam on the Tri-City bypass. After the Kashubian route is completed, there are no traffic jams like there used to be in Rumia, but nothing has changed in front of Puck.
Although you can try to avoid these places by driving your own car, you will not miss the mandatory traffic jam at the entrance to the Hel Peninsula in Władysławowo.
Traffic jams towards Hel are worst until noon, but it is better to go back in the late evening or early afternoon.
Crowds of tourists heading to the sea and residents of the region traveling to work or home can significantly extend the travel time, which reduces the comfort of travel.
To minimize the risk of getting stuck in traffic jams, it is recommended to plan trips at unusual times.
It is best to leave Gdańsk early in the morning, before dawn. As for the return from Hel, the optimal solution will be to travel after dusk or at night, when there is much less traffic on the roads, which will allow for a more efficient and less stressful return.
Taxi transfer to Hel
If you prefer to travel by car, but do not want to drive yourself or look for a rental company, it is worth considering the wide range of car transfers to Hel.
Many taxi companies and companies specializing in airport and intercity transfers offer this type of service, which is an ideal solution, especially if you fly directly to Gdańsk and do not plan to visit the city center.
Using car transfers is the most convenient option because it allows you to avoid many of the inconveniences associated with driving yourself: you don't have to worry about finding your way, traffic jams or parking.
You can simply relax in the backseat, admiring the scenery, while a professional driver ensures you get to your destination safely and quickly.
Companies offering such services usually have modern and comfortably equipped vehicles, which additionally increases the comfort of travel.
It is also worth mentioning that companies specializing in airport and intercity transfers are usually more experienced in serving customers coming from other countries, which may be an additional advantage in the case of guests who do not know the local language, traffic rules or customs.
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