At the very tip of the peninsula
Hel
Hel sits at the very tip of the Hel Peninsula - 15 km north of Jastarnia, about 20 minutes by car or 45 minutes by bike. This is where the Baltic nearly touches the Bay of Puck and the strip of land narrows to a few hundred metres. Fishing traditions, a lighthouse and Poland's only seal rehabilitation centre draw visitors year-round.
What to see in Hel?
Fokarium - Marine Station, University of Gdansk
Poland's only grey seal rehabilitation centre, run by the University of Gdansk. Seals can be observed at close range - feeding takes place daily at set times.
Lighthouse
An active lighthouse dating from 1942, standing 41.5 m tall. The viewing platform at the top offers a panorama of the entire peninsula, the Baltic and the Bay of Puck.
Fishing port
One of the last working fishing ports on the peninsula. Trawlers head out each morning - fresh cod, flounder and herring can be bought straight from the boats.
Beaches - Baltic and bay side
Hel has beaches on both sides of the peninsula. The Baltic side is wider, with waves. The bay side is shallow and calm - ideal for children.
Fishing Museum
A small museum housed in a historic Gothic church building. The exhibition covers Hel's fishing traditions and the history of Baltic catches.
Seafront promenade
A walkway along the port with views over the bay. Fish restaurants, smoked-fish stalls and viewing points.
Why is Hel significant in military history?
Hel played a strategic role in the defence of the Polish coast. Fortified Area Hel (Rejon Umocniony Hel) - a system of fortifications built in the 1930s - defended the peninsula in September 1939 as one of the last points of resistance of the Polish Army. The Hel garrison surrendered on 2 October 1939, over a month after the war began.
Bunkers, coastal artillery positions and underground shelters survive to this day. Some are open to visitors as part of the Museum of Coastal Defence. The exhibition includes original armament, maps and documents from the defence.
How to reach Hel and where to park?
- Distance from Apartament Zdrojowy 323: approx. 15 km (20 min by car, 45 min by bike).
- POLREGIO train from Jastarnia to Hel: approx. 12 min, 9 PLN.
- Seasonal ferry from Hel to Gdynia (April-September): approx. 1.5 h, Zegluga Gdanska.
- Seasonal ferry from Hel to Gdansk: approx. 2 h.
- Parking in Hel: limited spaces in peak season - the train is often more convenient.
- Fokarium: open year-round, seal feeding at set times (check focarium.com).
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.