Sopot Pier

What makes it special

Spa Square (Skwer Kuracyjny), at the landward end, is an open square where concerts and festivities are held. The working lighthouse stands on the shore beside it.

From there a plank deck runs straight out into the bay, with lamp posts down both sides and wooden benches facing the sea. There is no café on the deck, so buy a coffee in town before you walk out.

The far end is a concrete platform, added to protect the tip from the sea. A marina lies alongside it, where small sailing boats, catamarans and large yachts tie up and the excursion boats come in.

The pier reached its present length in 1928, when the spa promenade was built with it.

Visiting

Start on Spa Square. In the paid season, buy a ticket at the ticket office or, to skip its queue, at the machines in front of the entrance.

Walk straight out and stop at a bench halfway to look back at the lighthouse and the beach. At the head, walk round the marina and the moored yachts. In summer, this is where the boats for bay cruises and for Hel board.

Then walk back the same way and give the rest of the day to the beach beside the pier.

Tips

Bring a warm layer even in July. The pier is fully exposed to the Baltic wind, and it can be sharp on a sunny afternoon.

Outside July and August, go before eight in the morning. The deck is open around the clock, tickets are charged from 8am to 8pm on most days in spring and September, and the boards are largely empty that early.