Sopot Maps

Sopot is a seaside resort city in northern Poland, situated between Gdańsk and Gdynia, with which it forms the Tricity metropolitan area. Located in the Pomeranian Voivodeship on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea, Sopot had a population of approximately 35,000 residents as of 2021.

The city's history dates back to the 13th century when it was a fishing village. However, Sopot gained significant prominence in the 19th century when it developed into a fashionable health resort destination. The transformation began in 1823 with the establishment of its first bathhouse by Jean Georg Haffner, a former Napoleonic army doctor. By the early 20th century, Sopot had become one of the most popular spa towns in Europe, attracting wealthy visitors from Germany, Poland, and Russia.

Among Sopot's most famous landmarks is the Sopot Pier (Molo w Sopocie), which at 511.5 meters (1,678 feet) is the longest wooden pier in Europe. Built in 1827 and gradually extended over the years, it remains one of Poland's premier tourist attractions. The city is also known for the Crooked House (Krzywy Domek), built in 2004 and featuring a distinctive surrealist architecture that has made it a popular photographed landmark.

The city center features the Monte Cassino Street, a pedestrian zone lined with Art Nouveau buildings, restaurants, bars, and shops. This street leads to the pier and is considered the heart of Sopot's tourist district. Another significant attraction is the Grand Hotel, opened in 1927, which has hosted numerous celebrities and political figures throughout its history, including Adolf Hitler, Charles de Gaulle, and Fidel Castro.

Sopot is renowned for hosting major cultural events, including the Sopot International Song Festival, one of the largest music festivals in Europe, held annually at the Forest Opera (Opera Leśna), an outdoor amphitheater with seating for 4,400 spectators. The city is also famous for its health spas, utilizing local saline springs discovered in 1870. Modern Sopot combines its historical health resort heritage with contemporary entertainment facilities, including numerous clubs, beaches, and sporting venues, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.