Hel Peninsula

Hel is one of the most unique destinations on the Polish coast, located at the very tip of the narrow Hel Peninsula. Surrounded by the Baltic Sea on one side and the Bay of Puck on the other, this town offers a rare chance to experience two very different coastal environments just a few steps apart.

What makes Hel truly special is its laid-back, seaside charm combined with maritime history, clean beaches, pine forests, and stunning sunrises and sunsets over water — both east and west. Whether you’re interested in windsurfing, biking along the dunes, or simply relaxing in a fishing village with a peaceful atmosphere, Hel offers a perfect escape from the crowds.

✈️ Getting to Hel: Airport (GDN)

Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN) is the main airport in northern Poland and the closest international gateway to the Hel Peninsula. It is located:

• ~22 km from Gdańsk city center
• ~25 km from Gdynia
• ~85 km from Hel town (at the tip of the peninsula)

After landing at GDN, you can reach Hel in several ways:

• 🚆 Train or SKM (urban rail): Take a train to Gdynia Główna (main station), then transfer to a direct regional train to Hel (~1.5–2 hrs).
• 🚌 Bus + train combo: Take a local bus or taxi to Gdynia or Władysławowo, then catch a train to Hel.
• 🚖 Taxi or private transfer: The fastest but most expensive option — direct ride from the airport to Hel (~1.5 hrs).
• ⛴️ Seasonal ferry: From May to September, water trams and ferries connect Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia with Hel by sea.

Feature	Details
Major Airlines	Ryanair, Wizz Air, LOT, Lufthansa, SAS, KLM — among 12 carriers serving GDN
Popular Destinations	Direct flights to Copenhagen, Warsaw, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Munich, Oslo, London, and more (74 destinations total)

Resorts and Villages on the Hel Peninsula

Place	Description
Hel	The town at the tip of the peninsula. Known for sandy beaches, a seal sanctuary, military museums, and calm atmosphere. Great for families and day trips.
Jurata	A stylish, quieter resort popular with couples and older visitors. Offers wide beaches, pine forests, and a long pier. Once a luxurious pre-war destination.
Jastarnia	A lively coastal town in the center of the peninsula. Offers both a Baltic-facing beach and a windsurfing-friendly bay side. Ideal for young travelers and families.
Kuźnica	A small fishing village with a traditional feel. Less crowded, perfect for peaceful holidays and kite surfing on the bay.

Beaches on Both Sides of the Peninsula

Coastline	Features & Differences
🌊 Open Baltic Sea Side	Wide sandy beaches, strong waves, cooler water, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, surfing. Often backed by pine dunes. Infrastructure: lifeguards, beach bars, sunbed rentals.
🌅 Puck Bay Side	Shallow, warmer waters; calmer waves; great for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and families with kids. Smaller beaches but more activity schools. Infrastructure: marinas, surf schools, rentals.

You can walk from one side to the other in under 15 minutes in most villages

What to See

Attraction	Description
🗼 Hel Lighthouse	A historic red-brick lighthouse offering panoramic views of the sea and forest. Built in the 1940s, still active.
🪖 Military Fortifications	Remnants of WWII bunkers and coastal defense systems. Open-air sites and underground tunnels to explore.
🎣 Fisheries Museum	Located in a former church in Hel town, this museum showcases fishing culture, boats, and maritime history.
🌾 Sand Dunes	Natural dunes along the Baltic side, ideal for walks, photography, and nature watching.
🌊 Seaside Promenade	A scenic path along the coast in Hel town, perfect for evening strolls with sea views.

Cuisine & Gastronomy

What to Try	Description & Where to Eat
🐟 Fresh Fish	Daily catch from the Baltic — try grilled flounder, cod, or herring in seaside taverns. Best in small port towns like Kuźnica and Hel.
🐠 Smoked Fish (Wędzone ryby)	Traditional smoked mackerel, eel, or salmon — sold in local smokehouses and beach stalls.
🥣 Fish Soup (Zupa rybna)	Hearty, aromatic soup made from various local fish and herbs. Available in most seaside restaurants.
🍰 Local Sweets & Snacks	Try Polish donuts (pączki), waffles with fruit and cream, or ice cream from promenade kiosks.
🍽️ Where to Eat	Look for tawerna, bar rybny (fish bars), or family-run restaurants near ports and beaches. Jurata and Jastarnia also have elegant seaside dining options.

Accommodation on the Hel Peninsula

Type	Description & Tips
🏨 Hotels	Available in Hel, Jurata, and Jastarnia — from 3-star family hotels to seaside resorts. Jurata offers more premium options.
🏠 Guesthouses & B&Bs	“Pokoje gościnne” and small family-run villas are common, affordable, and cozy. Book early in summer.
⛺ Campsites	Great choice for budget travelers and nature lovers. Popular near Jastarnia and Chałupy — often have beach access.
🏡 Private Apartments	Airbnb-style rentals are popular across the peninsula — ideal for longer stays or families. Many with kitchenettes and sea views.

Essential Tips before Visiting

Aspect	Advice & Insights
✅ Why Visit	Unique location between two seas, peaceful nature, clean beaches, and authentic fishing villages. Great mix of relaxation and water sports.
💸 Budget	More affordable than major tourist hubs. Budget ~€40–70/day (accommodation, food, local travel). Prices rise in July–August.
🏖️ When to Go	Best season: June–September for sun, sea, and ferry access. May & September = fewer crowds.
🧭 Local Tips	Explore both sea and bay sides. Try local smokehouses, walk the dune trails, and take the ferry at least once.
📵 Be Prepared	Some areas have limited mobile signal. English is spoken in tourist zones, but a few Polish phrases help. Most places accept cards.
🧒 Who It Suits	Ideal for families, couples, kite/windsurfers, campers, cyclists, and anyone escaping crowds.