Poland: Holiday by the Sea at Hel Peninsula

Imagine a narrow strip of land winding 35 kilometers into the Baltic Sea, where the open sea embraces you on one side and a calm bay on the other. A place where you’ll find endless sandy beaches, romantic dunes covered with grasses, and pine forests rustling in the constant sea breeze.

This is the Hel Peninsula, often called the Hel Spit – one of the most unique natural phenomena of the Polish coast and still a relatively undiscovered gem for those of you looking for a seaside holiday without traveling many kilometers. In this guide, I will share with you everything you need to know about Poland: Holiday by the Sea at Hel Peninsula, from the best accommodation options to must-see attractions and practical tips for your visit.

TL;DR

• Ideal time to visit: July and August for swimming (water temperature around 20°C), June and September for a quieter stay with fewer tourists
• Transport: by car from Prague (approx. 9 hours), by train (direct connection from Bohumín in summer), by plane to Gdańsk and then by ferry or train to Hel
• Accommodation: we recommend accommodation, for example, at Hotel Hel or Villa Leon Hel)
• Main attractions: sandy beaches with dunes, Fokarium (seal station), Hel Lighthouse (41.5 m), Museum of Fishery, Museum of Coastal Defense and military monuments
• Activities: swimming, windsurfing, kitesurfing, cycling (great cycling paths through pine forests), hiking
• Gastronomy: fresh seafood and fish, traditional Polish specialties
• Advantages: beautiful nature, favorable prices compared to other seaside destinations, suitable for families with children and active tourists

Thanks to its location between the open sea and the bay, the Hel Spit offers different types of beaches: windy northern ones for water sports enthusiasts and calmer southern ones with a gentle entry into the water for families with children.

Where is the Hel Peninsula Located?

The Hel Peninsula is a 35-kilometer strip of sand dunes stretching from the Polish town of Władysławowo to the town of Hel at the very end of the spit. This sandy promontory, formed by the action of sea currents and wind, separates the Bay of Gdańsk from the open Baltic Sea. At its narrowest point, it measures only 150 meters, while at its widest, it reaches up to 3 kilometers.

It is located in the northeastern part of Poland in the Pomeranian Voivodeship and provides strategic protection for three large cities – Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot.

Thanks to its location, the peninsula offers two completely different coastlines: the northern one is wilder, with windier weather and rougher waves, while the southern side, facing the bay, is calmer and warmer – ideal for families with children.

So, if you are planning a holiday on the Baltic Sea in Poland, the Hel Spit is an excellent choice, whether as the destination for your entire holiday or as a day trip from the nearby Tri-City (Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sopot).

💡TIP: Holiday in Poland by the sea

When to Go to the Hel Peninsula?

Before you set off, it’s good to know when is the best time to visit the Hel Spit. The Polish Baltic Sea coast has specific climatic conditions that determine when is the ideal time for a seaside holiday.

The most suitable period for swimming is peak summer – July and August. In these months, the water temperature in the Baltic Sea is around 20-21°C, which is quite pleasant for a northern sea. Air temperatures in summer range between 22-27°C, and can even reach 30°C. However, the weather is changeable, and it’s good to be prepared for rainy days.

If you are looking for a quieter period with fewer tourists, but still pleasant temperatures, consider visiting in June or September. The water may not be as warm for swimming, but the beaches will be less crowded and accommodation more affordable. Moreover, these months are ideal for cycling, hiking, or windsurfing.

For water sports enthusiasts such as windsurfing or kitesurfing, spring and autumn months are particularly suitable, when stronger winds blow and there are better conditions for these activities at sea.

Accommodation on the Hel Peninsula – where to Stay Best

The Hel Spit offers a wide range of accommodation options for all types of travelers and budgets. From luxury hotels to apartments and campsites, everyone will find something to suit them here.

Towns and Villages on the Hel Spit

There are several towns and resorts on the peninsula, each with a slightly different atmosphere:

• Hel – the largest and furthest town on the spit, with a rich history, a port, and the widest range of attractions. Accommodation here tends to be more expensive, but the advantage is its proximity to most tourist destinations.
• Jurata – a more luxurious resort with guesthouses surrounded by forests and a beautiful beach. According to legend, the goddess Jurata fell in love with a local fisherman here.
• Jastarnia – a popular spa town with hotels from the interwar period and a beautiful church with a pulpit shaped like a fishing boat.
• Chałupy – a quieter village with a pleasant atmosphere, ideal for those seeking relaxation away from the main tourist hustle.
• Władysławowo – a town at the beginning of the peninsula, with good connections to other parts of Poland. Accommodation here is often more affordable than in other locations further along the peninsula.

Types of Accommodation

Hotels and guesthouses

In Hel, you will find several quality hotels and guesthouses in various price categories. Recommended ones include:

• Hotel Hel – a modern hotel with sea views, a wellness center, and a restaurant
• Villa & Restaurant Admiral Nelson – a luxury hotel with a restaurant and bar near the beach
• Hotel Bryza Resort & Spa – a family hotel with a swimming pool, children’s playground, and SPA center, ideal for families with children

Prices in season range from 1800 CZK per night for a double room upwards, depending on the standard and location.

Apartments and private accommodation

Apartments and private rooms are a very popular choice, offering more flexibility and often better value for money. Recommended are:

• Apartamenty Cypel Helski – modern apartments with sea views near the beach
• Villa Leon Hel – a guesthouse with sea views, offering rooms with balconies or terraces

Campsites

For outdoor enthusiasts and those who want to be as close to nature as possible, campsites are the best option. There are several well-equipped campsites on the Hel Peninsula:

• Camping Maszoperia – a campsite with its own beach access, offering pitches for tents, caravans, and cabins
• Camping Tramp – a campsite with a swimming pool, children’s playground, and restaurant
• Camping Leśny – a campsite in the forest offering a quiet and peaceful environment

How to get to the Hel Peninsula

You have several ways to get to the Hel Spit, namely:

By Car from the Czech Republic

The journey by car from Prague to the Hel Peninsula takes approximately 9 hours and is mostly on highways. The route passes through Poland, where you will drive through cities such as Wrocław and Poznań. You will reach the peninsula via the town of Władysławowo, from where you continue on the only road that runs the entire length of the spit to the town of Hel.

By Train

A very convenient way to get to the Hel Spit is by train. The railway line runs the entire length of the peninsula from Władysławowo to the town of Hel, with stops in all major towns and resorts on the spit.

From Gdańsk, trains to Hel run approximately every hour, and the journey takes less than 2 hours. Some connections are direct, while others require a change in Gdynia or Władysławowo. A ticket from Gdańsk to Hel costs around 25 PLN (approximately 150 CZK).

Direct connections from the Czech Republic run in the summer season from Bohumín to Hel.

By Ferry

A unique experience is offered by the ferry journey, which connects the Tri-City with Hel. Żegluga Gdańska ferries depart from Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot several times a day during the summer season. The price for a trip from Gdańsk to Hel is approximately 95 PLN (about 570 CZK) for a one-way ticket.

The journey takes around 1.5-2 hours and offers beautiful coastal views. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to combine their trip to Hel with a small sea excursion.

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What to See and Do on the Hel Peninsula – our Tips

The Hel Peninsula offers not only beautiful beaches but also rich history, cultural monuments, and natural beauty. We have compiled tips for places and activities that you should not miss during your visit.

Beaches and Water Activities

The main attraction of the Hel Spit are its beautiful sandy beaches, which line both sides of the peninsula. The northern beaches facing the open Baltic Sea are windy and wavy – ideal for water sports enthusiasts such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, or yachting.

The southern beaches facing the Puck Bay, on the other hand, are calmer, with warmer water and a gentle entry into the sea, which is great for families with children.

Among the most popular beaches are:

• City beach in Hel – a wide beach with fine sand and a view of the lighthouse
• Beach in Jurata – a beach with a promenade, restaurants, and bars
• Beach in Jastarnia – a wide beach with fine sand, ideal for families with children

Water sports enthusiasts will enjoy the good conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, especially on the northern side of the peninsula. You can rent the necessary equipment at local rental shops, and schools offer courses for beginners and advanced users.

Cycling and Hiking

The Hel Peninsula is a paradise for cycling enthusiasts. A cycling path winds through the entire peninsula, with most of the route leading through a beautiful forest park. The route is mostly flat, making it suitable for families with children or less experienced cyclists.

If you don’t have your own bike, you can use local rental shops. A great choice is, for example, Ottobike, which has branches in Władysławowo, Jastarnia, and Hel. Prices start at 50 PLN (approximately 300 CZK) per day.

For hikers, walks along the beaches or trails leading through forest parks and dunes are great. A walk to the lighthouse in Hel or exploring the Hel Dunes nature reserve is particularly beautiful.

Cultural and Historical Monuments

The Hel Peninsula has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. During World War II, it played a significant strategic role, and remnants of military fortifications can still be seen today.

Among the most interesting historical and cultural monuments are:

• Museum of Fishery in Hel – located in a former evangelical church, it presents the history of fishing in the Baltic Sea. From the museum tower, there is a beautiful view of the harbor and the town. Admission costs 20 PLN (approximately 120 CZK).
• Museum of Coastal Defense – a museum opened in 2006 on the site of a former artillery battery. It boasts the largest static cannons in the world and offers a glimpse into the military history of the area. Basic admission to the outdoor open-air museum is 7 PLN, to the indoor exhibition in the bunker 23 PLN.
• Hel Lighthouse – a red lighthouse 41.5 meters high, whose light is visible up to 36 kilometers away. From May to September, it is open to the public, and from its top, there is a view of the entire peninsula. Admission is 12 PLN.

Natural Attractions

The Hel Spit is not just about beaches and the sea – it also offers natural beauties worth exploring:

• Fokarium – a seal rescue station that focuses on the research and protection of Baltic fauna. Visitors can watch the seals being fed and learn more about these fascinating creatures. Fokarium is a popular attraction, especially for families with children. Admission for adults is 20 PLN, for students 15 PLN.
• Hel Dunes Nature Reserve – located at the tip of the peninsula, it offers a breathtaking view of the dunes, the highest of which reaches a height of 23 meters above sea level. The area is crisscrossed with trails that are ideal for hiking.
• Shipwreck Bay – a place where the wrecks of the destroyers ORP Wicher II and Grom II are located. The ships were sunk in the 1950s, and today the remains of the boiler and propulsion unit are visible, which is particularly interesting for divers and snorkelers.

Gastronomic Experiences on the Hel Peninsula: What to Taste?

A seaside holiday would not be complete without tasting local specialties. Polish coastal cuisine offers a range of delicacies, especially fresh seafood and fish.

In restaurants all over the peninsula, you can taste local specialties such as:

• Śledź po kaszubsku (Kashubian herring) – marinated herring with onions, mushrooms, and cream
• Zupa rybna (fish soup) – a hearty soup made from sea fish and vegetables
• Flądra smażona (fried flounder) – a local fishing specialty
• Kotlet po gdańsku (Gdańsk cutlet) – pork or chicken schnitzel stuffed with mushrooms and ham

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Practical Tips for a Holiday on the Hel Peninsula

To make your holiday on the Hel Spit as pleasant as possible, we have prepared some practical tips for you:

Transport around the Peninsula

• Bicycle – the best way to explore the peninsula. You can bring your own or use local rental shops.
• Train – a convenient alternative to cars, trains run regularly along the entire length of the peninsula.
• Car – during the summer season, car traffic can be problematic due to traffic jams. If you decide to drive, leave early in the morning or late in the evening.

Money and Payments

• The currency is the Polish Złoty (PLN). The exchange rate is around 6 PLN for 1 euro.
• In tourist centers, most shops and restaurants accept payment cards, but in smaller businesses and on beaches, it is advisable to have cash with you. We recommend using Revolut for payments abroad, but since almost every Czech has it, you probably already know/have it.
• ATMs are available in larger towns like Hel, Jurata, and Władysławowo.

What to Do in Hel with Children

• The Hel Spit is ideal for families with children, especially the southern beaches with a gentle entry into the water.
• Visit Fokarium, which is very popular with children. Seal feeding takes place several times a day.
• Toilets are available on most beaches, but often only for a fee (approximately 5 PLN), and cash is needed.

💡TIP: Although Poland is right across the border. Even so, don’t forget travel insurance – we recommend insurance from SafetyWing.

Conclusion: why Go on Holiday to the Hel Peninsula

The Hel Peninsula is a unique destination for anyone looking for a combination of beautiful beaches, rich history, and pristine nature. Whether you’re a fan of active holidays, a family with children, or just looking for a quiet place to relax, the Hel Spit has something to offer.

Another advantage is its easy accessibility from the Czech Republic and more favorable prices compared to other seaside destinations. Moreover, thanks to the diverse range of activities, you can visit the peninsula in different seasons and experience something new each time.

So, next time you’re planning a seaside holiday, consider this hidden gem of the Polish coast – the Hel Peninsula will surely charm you with its unique atmosphere and beauty. However, don’t forget to book your accommodation well in advance, especially if you’re planning your trip during the main summer season.

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Frequently Asked Questions