View from the light house on the main square in Sopot, open for the public. Also part of the Balneological and Cure House

Jean Haffner founder of the baths and health resort died suddenly in 1830. The enterprise was taken over by his wife Regina and their daughter Josephine. Nevertheless the enterprise was in serious financial trouble and the situation was worsen by insurrection in 1831 against Russian and German invaders know as November Insurrection. The almost bankrupt enterprise was taken over by Heffner’s stepson in 1834. He invested heavily into reconstruction of the old Spring House, baths, construction of first Sopot Theater in 1843 and he landscaped new terrains bought in 1834 and 1837. Until 1877 everything stayed unchanged

On 18th April, 1877 a new resolution was passed through by settlement officials (Sopot still did not have town status) to buy baths and all buildings belonging to the recreation and health center from Heffner’s family. In 1881 a new Spring House was built, the wooden pier was extended and modernized. A few new luxury hotels like Hotel E. Eissenhardt and Hotel Hugon Werminghoffa were built by the year 1897. More investors flooded the town investing in new restaurants, coffee shops and various motels.

A new tennis courts was built in 1897 – 1901. New Horse Races Tracks and newly open Forest Opera in 1909 were a new attractions for ever increasing number of tourists. Eager for sea trips could take tours organized by Sailing Association from Gdansk On the turn of 19th and 20th century many tourist paths and sightseeing point were renovated. The center of the town was also renovated due to increasing number of tourists. The increase in popularity forced the city official to spend a lot of money on renovations. A new building for balneotherapy (treatment of diseases by baths) was erected. North Baths, South Baths from 1907 and a new Spring House from 1911 – 1912 were added to the attractions.

Beach and water are the main attractions of the town. They are strategically important, since they attract tourists. No one can resign from visiting the pier, which is the biggest pride of Sopot. The pier, based on wooden construction, is the longest pier of this type in Europe (511.5 m long and 10 m wide). A walk over it is an unforgettable experience. Already at the beginning one will see a square with a fountain, a concert bowl and a gallery glazed from the side of the sea. On both sides of it there are benches, where during sunny days enthusiasts of sunbaths may sit. The pier is also the favorite place for romantic walks. This is the place where yachts and ships of "white fleet" moor. At the end of the pier, there is a viewpoint from which one may watch the Grand Hotel, panorama of Sopot and its surroundings, including picturesque landscape spreading out from Redlowski Cape, from the North, to New Port and Westerplatte, from the Southern east. Sopot's offer also includes many sports attractions. Almost all disciplines may by practice in the town.

Visitors are invited to take advantage of tennis courts complex, three stadiums (rugby, athletics and football), fitness trial ideal for jogging or a horseracing track - the only object of this type with a view on the sea in the world. There also is indoor riding stable, where a riding school is organized. Skiers have at their disposal a ski lift leading to £ysa Góra. There are marvelous walking areas, suitable for all seasons of the year. Together with a 4.5 kilometers beach, the sea, indoor swimming pool and a Sports Centre, located in the residential area near the forest, they create unlimited possibilities for enthusiasts of active rest. Lovers of water sports are welcomed to take advantage of the equipment hire, led by the Town's Sport and Recreation Centre. There are many significant tournaments and competitions. Yachtsmen from all over the world race during international yachting tournaments: Baltic Cup, Junior World Championships, and Cup of the President of Sopot Regatta. There are also competitions for enthusiasts of windsurfing, tennis players and athletes. Tourists are also invited to Sopot sport clubs that additionally offer fitness centers, massage and physiotherapy centers and organize dancing competitions, hairdressers' competitions, and fashion and beauty shows.

Attractions

[ Aqua Park | Fountains With Salt Spring | Sports Arena | Sailing Club - windsurfing | Beach in Sopot ]
[ Forest Opera | Park | Seaside Stroll Path | Historic Apartment Houses | Stadium | Pier | Light House ]
[ Main Street | Horse Race Tracks | Cinemas | Tennis Courts | Shore Line ]