The pier in Sopot is one of the biggest attractions at the Polish seaside. It is the longest wooden pier in Europe, which goes over half a kilometer into the Baltic Sea. It is a place full of charm, history and entertainment that delights both locals and tourists.
If you are planning a holiday on the coast, you cannot miss this place. In this article, we will tell you how to spend a nice day at Molo Sopot and its surroundings. You will learn what to see, what to do and how to prepare for a visit to this extraordinary structure.
Enjoy reading!
The history of the pier in Sopot - from a fishing pier to a tourist attraction
The pier in Sopot is the longest wooden pier in Europe, which is over 500 meters long and goes half a kilometer into the Baltic Sea. It is a place full of history and charm, which has been attracting tourists and patients from all over the world for over two centuries.
Currently, the pier consists of two parts, the land part, which is a curative square, where cultural events are often held in the vicinity of the characteristic entrance gate of the adjacent lighthouse and the curative house. And a wooden pier crowned by the head and the adjacent marina for over 100 yachts.
How was this extraordinary place created and how has it changed?
The first bridge in Sopot was built in 1827 by doctor Jean Georg Haffner, who came to Poland as a surgeon in Napoleon's army and settled in Gdańsk. Haffner was a pioneer of the spa movement in Sopot and founded the first bathing establishment here, where he offered baths in heated sea water, massages and healing treatments. The pier was used to deliver water from the sea to the plant and was only 31.5 meters long.
As Sopot developed as a resort, the pier was gradually lengthened and expanded. In 1842 it reached 94 meters, and in 1870 - 150 meters. At that time, it began to serve a recreational function and became a place for walks, admiring the views and socializing. At the beginning of the 20th century, the pier was already 315 meters long and was decorated with a lighthouse, pavilions and benches.
In the years 1927-1928, the largest reconstruction of the pier in its history took place. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Sopot and the 100th anniversary of the construction of the pier, the pier was extended to its current length - 511.5 meters - and received a new shape and decor. The facilities surrounding the pier, such as the Kuracyjny Square, the Grand Hotel, the Spa House and the Spa Square, were also rebuilt. The pier has become a showcase of Sopot and a symbol of its splendour.
During World War II, the pier was partially destroyed by Allied bombing and German mines. After the war, it was rebuilt and restored. In the 1990s, a reinforced concrete head was added to protect the wooden deck against waves and erosion. At the end of the pier, a marina for yachts and passenger ships was also built.
The pier in Sopot is not only an architectural monument, but also a place of culture and entertainment. Concerts, festivals, fireworks and other events are held on the pier. The pier is also a place for romantic dates, family walks and relaxation by the sea. The pier is open all year round and offers unforgettable views of the Gulf of Gdańsk, the Grand Hotel, the port of Gdańsk or Kępa Redłowska with the Cliff in Orłowo.
The nearest surroundings of the healing square - monuments and attractions
The treatment square is the heart of Sopot and is part of the land part of the Sopot Pier. It is a place where the cultural and social life of the city is concentrated. Around the square there are historic and modern buildings that create a unique atmosphere of this place.
Here are some of them:
Lighthouse - built in 1903 on the tower of the former Evangelical church . It is 30 meters high and is visible from a distance of 20 nautical miles. You can visit it and admire the panorama of Sopot and the Gulf of Gdańsk from there.
Grand Hotel - built in 1924-1927 according to Otto's design Rehn and Richard Gaertner. It is one of the most luxurious and prestigious hotels in Poland, which has hosted many famous personalities, such as Adolf Hitler, Charles de Gaulle, Fidel Castro and Marlene Dietrich.
Balneology Centre - built in 1930 according to the design of Hans Schoszberger. It is a modern treatment and rehabilitation center that offers baths in heated sea water, massages, mud treatments and other services for health and beauty.
Dom Zdrojowy - built in 2006-2009 according to the design of Andrzej Kapuscinski. It is a new building, which refers in its architectural form to the former Curative House from 1910, which burned down during World War II. In Dom Zdrojowy there are restaurants, cafes, shops, an art gallery and offices.
Rotunda - built in 1910 as part of the Spa House. It is a circular building with a dome and a colonnade that served as a wine cellar and ballroom. Currently, it is a concert hall and exhibition space.
Fountain - built in 1910 as part of Skwer Kuracyjny. It is an impressive fountain with sculptures of mermaids and dolphins, which decorates the square and is a meeting place.
Walking galleries - built in 1928 as part of Skwer Kuracyjny. These are semicircular galleries with arched arcades that cover the square from the east. They serve as a place for walks and rest.
Concert shell - built in 1930 as part of the Curative Square. It is an open-air stage where concerts, festivals, fashion shows and other events are held.
Plac Kuracyjny and its surroundings are a place full of history and charm, which is worth visiting during your stay in Sopot. It is here that you can feel the atmosphere of the resort city and enjoy its attractions. Depending on the point of view, it is the beginning or end of ul. Heroes of Monte Cassino. Another symbol of Sopot.
Monte Cassino Bohaterów Street - Krupowki of the North
Monte Cassino Heroes Street, commonly known as Monciak, is one of the most famous and popular streets in Sopot. You can safely call it Krupowki of the North, this term probably best reflects its character.
This is a pedestrian zone that connects al. Niepodległości from pl. Zdrojowy and the pier. It is here that the cultural and entertainment life of the city is vibrant. On Monciak you can find many attractions and curiosities that will delight every tourist.
Monciak has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century, when it was a road connecting the agricultural part of Sopot with a fishing village by the sea. In the 19th century, the street began to develop as part of a spa founded by Dr. Haffner. The first hotels, restaurants, cafes and a theater were built here.
In 1901, Sopot received city rights and the street was named Seestraße (Morska Street). In 1910, an impressive Spa House was built here, which was the center of Sopot's social life.
During World War II, the street was partially destroyed by bombings and fires. After the war, it was rebuilt and given a new name - Konstanty Rokossowskiego Street, in honor of the Soviet marshal. In 1956, the name was changed to the current one - Bohaterów Monte Cassino Street, in honor of Polish soldiers fighting in Italy.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Monciak became a meeting place for young people and artists. The first music clubs, such as Non Stop or Rivièra-Remont, were founded here. Such performers as Czesław Niemen, Skaldowie and Breakout performed at Monciak. In the 1980s, Monciak was also a place of social and political protests.
In the 1990s, Monciak underwent modernization and expansion. An underground tunnel for car traffic was built here, which made it possible to close the street to traffic and create a promenade. New buildings and facilities were also built, such as the Crooked House or the new Spa House.
Today, Monciak is one of the most attractive places in Sopot. On the street there are numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs, shops and art galleries. At Monciak, you can try various cuisines in countless restaurants, and drink excellent beer or drinks in numerous pubs.
Monciak was also the capital of nightlife in the Tri-City until recently, there are still many discos, clubs, pubs and restaurants operating here, sometimes until dawn.
Sopot - a city full of charm and attractions. An idea for a quick walk
Sopot is a seaside city full of charm and attractions that attracts tourists from all over Poland and the world. If you want to spend pleasant moments here and learn about the history and culture of this place, we invite you to take a walk around Sopot.
Let's start with the new railway station, which is one of the most modern and beautiful in the country. Built in 2016 on the site of the old socialist railway station.
The new station is a place that offers many amenities for travelers, such as ticket offices, waiting rooms, shops and restaurants.
The new station is also a cultural center and an intimate shopping mall called Sopot Centrum. There are many shops here, the city library "Sopoteka" and even an art gallery.
Then let's go to the famous Monciak, i.e. Boulevard im. Heroes of Monte Cassino. This is the main street of Sopot, full of life and colors. Here we can admire historic tenement houses, visit the State Art Gallery or the Museum of Sopot, see the Crooked House - an unusual building with undulating walls and windows, and try local specialties in numerous dining establishments.
A natural extension of Monciak is Plac Przyjaciół Sopotu, where there is a fountain with a sculpture of a fisherman and a statue of Jan Jerzy Haffner - the founder of the Sopot spa.
Right next to the square there is a complex of the Balneological Institute and Southern Baths, where you can take advantage of healing and relaxation treatments. You can also drink brine water with health-promoting properties.
Before the last point of our walk is Spa Square with the adjacent amphitheater, spa house, Sopot lighthouse and colonnade. Zdrojowy Square is considered to be the beginning of the Sopot pier.
From the Spa Square we will go directly to the Sopot Pier. It is the longest wooden pier in Europe, over 500 meters long. Walking along it, we can admire the beautiful view of the sea, the beach and the city.
At the pier there is also a sailing harbor and a marina, and at the very end there is a restaurant serving seafood from around the world.
As you can see, a walk around Sopot is a great way to get to know this charming city by the sea. Walking along the moniak, we can admire its architecture, history and culture, as well as enjoy the beauty of nature and the atmosphere of relaxation.
A taxi will take you to each of these places, as well as to many others Rabbit-Trans Poland. Welcome to Sopot!