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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. |