Poland's kitesurfing capital
Chałupy
Chałupy is a small village at the root of the Hel Peninsula, about 14 km from Jastarnia - 20 minutes by car, 40 minutes by bike on the sealed cycle path, or two stops on the POLREGIO train. It's famous for three things: the wind, the shallow Puck Bay lagoon, and the legendary campsite where the Polish windsurfing and kitesurfing scene has been at home since the 1960s.
How do Chałupy differ from Jastarnia?
Before the war this was a typical Kashubian fishing village. The turning point came in 1960 with the opening of Poland's first naturist beach. Twenty years later, Zbigniew Wodecki's song "Chałupy Welcome to" turned the village into a nationwide shorthand for Baltic summers - easygoing, sunny and unceremonious.
Today Chałupy pairs that easy energy with a modern water-sports scene. Kilometres of shallow sandy lagoon on the bay side, reliable winds, and several respected kite schools make it one of the best places in Europe to learn to ride a kite or board.
What to see in Chałupy?
The kitesurfing spot
A shallow, warm Puck Bay lagoon with a sandy bottom and steady wind - one of the best places in Poland for both beginners and advanced riders.
Camping Solar & EASY Surf
The cult campsite with decades of history, ringed by kite and windsurfing schools. Courses run from the May long weekend to late September.
Pine-backed beach
A 3-km stretch of fine sand on the Baltic side, shielded by a pine-covered dune. Wide and calm even at peak season.
The naturist beach
Poland's oldest and best-known naturist beach, operating since 1960. About 1 km east of the village centre on the Baltic side, clearly signed.
Fishing harbour
A small harbour on the bay side with a handful of seasonal fish bars. Fresh cod or flounder straight from the cutter; kayak and pedalo rentals in summer.
Hel Dunes Nature Reserve
Protected dunes and forest heading towards Władysławowo - rare plants and birds, waymarked trails, free entry.
How to reach Chałupy and where to park?
- Distance from Apartament Zdrojowy 323: approx. 14 km north-west (20 min by car, 40 min by bike on the sealed forest path).
- POLREGIO train from Jastarnia to Chałupy: two stops (via Kuźnica), about 10-12 min, roughly 6-7 PLN.
- Kite and windsurfing schools run seasonally (May-September). Well-known: EASY Surf, Kuba Surf, Szkoła Surfingu Chałupy - book ahead in July-August.
- The naturist beach starts about 1 km east of the village centre - access through a signed gap in the dune, discretely screened from the rest of the beach.
- In season there are several seasonal fish bars at the harbour and the campsite. Out of season the village slows sharply - most places close until May.
Direct booking
Apartament Zdrojowy 323 - book direct, no booking-platform fees
You message the apartment service team directly. Same room, same quality - the 15–18% Booking.com/Airbnb commission becomes your saving.