Spa Town
The village of Sopot was chosen for its highly romantic location. "I opened the facility in 1823..." And so a new chapter began in the history of the previously peaceful town – Sopot was becoming a health resort. From then on, under the management of Jan Jerzy Haffner, Sopot developed, with modern bathing facilities, parks, and road infrastructure being built. Belief in the beneficial effects of sea bathing on health became increasingly widespread, so the number of visitors increased. Years passed, and the fishing village transformed into a health resort, and over time, a renowned resort known throughout Europe, earning the nickname "Riviera of the North."
Two hundred years later, the city proudly continues its resort traditions. Beautiful sandy beaches, the longest wooden pier in Europe, and the famous Monciak Street still attract tourists and spa guests. Today, Sopot has much to offer even outside the tourist season. It's a perfect place for walks and outdoor recreation any time of year. The spa town is also among the greenest cities in Poland. Sopot also leads the rankings for cities with the cleanest air—a top recommendation for those who enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle. Anyone who appreciates intimate cultural events, seaside walks, and wants to experience the healing power of the local brine should definitely visit Sopot.
We invite everyone to discover the charms of a resort with a 200-year tradition.
Although wealthy Gdańsk patricians and foreign diplomats began leasing land in Sopot for summer residences as early as the mid-16th century, and the first attempts were made to organize dedicated sea bathing areas, the symbolic beginning of Sopot's spa tradition is considered to be 1823 with the construction of the first bathing facility (the so-called "bathrooms"). Thanks to their initiator, Dr. Jan Jerzy Haffner, in subsequent years the Spa House was built, the park that still exists today was laid out, walking paths were marked out, the first pier was constructed, and Sopot was recognized as a bathing resort. Visitors were drawn here both by the benefits of the seaside climate, sea bathing, and health care, as well as by the charm of the growing town, where, in addition to treatments, they also enjoyed entertainment and relaxation in good company. In 1909, the Forest Opera began its operations. In 1920, a casino was established in the city, and in 1927 the Kasino Hotel (later the Grand Hotel) was opened. The wooden pier was extended to its current length of 511.5 meters. Sopot gained international resort status in the interwar period. Visitors from all over Europe came to the Polish seaside for treatments, and a visit to Sopot continued to be not only beneficial for health but also, in many circles, a must-see for social reasons. In the postwar years, Sopot retained its status as the most recognizable resort town – dubbed the summer capital of Poland, attracting tourists seeking entertainment and a break from the mundane.
Since the early 1990s, the city's strategy has been based on creating an ideal place for healthy living and relaxation, which has been reflected in environmental protection, the renovation of historic buildings and urban greenery, and the development of new infrastructure. Conscious investments in preserving natural resources and the benefits of the coastal climate, as well as encouraging investors to expand tourist and spa facilities, resulted in the city gaining spa status in 1999. Due to its natural conditions and resources (coastal climate, brine spring), as well as its infrastructure and medical and spa facilities, the following treatment areas have been designated for Sopot:orthopedic and traumatic conditionsrheumatological conditionscardiological conditions and hypertensionlower and upper respiratory tract diseasesosteoporosisnervous system diseasesskin diseasesobesity.
Coastal Climate and BrineSopot's natural resources include its coastal climate, clean air, green spaces that cover 60% of the city's area, and healing mineral springs. Sopot boasts a coastal climate, particularly rich in iodine and health-promoting essential oils from the surrounding coniferous forests. This makes it an ideal place for active recreation in the great outdoors or for therapeutic treatments based on Sopot brine, used for therapeutic baths and inhalations.
You can also enjoy the city's spa benefits by strolling along the pier, whose out-of-the-sea end boasts iodine concentrations that are up to twice as high as on land. Sea bathing strengthens the body thanks to the micronutrients found in the water, sand, and seaside air. Bathing in the sea waves is an excellent body massage, with rejuvenating and firming properties, improving blood circulation. Wading in the sea relaxes, improves blood flow in the legs, and tones vein walls. Strolls along the seashore and pier, especially with offshore winds, offer thalassotherapy. The proximity of the beach on sunny days allows you to take advantage of the benefits of heliotherapy. The beautiful forests covering the moraine plateau encourage walks and ground therapy. In Sopot, the sun, providing vitamin D, the wind carrying iodine-rich aerosol, and the surrounding coniferous forests exuding essential oils are all within reach. The most obvious spa characteristic of Sopot, however, is of course the brine flowing from St. Adalbert's Spring.
The brine from St. Adalbert's Spring flows spontaneously from a depth of 800 meters. It is a 4.3% bromide-iodide brine, containing large amounts of potassium, magnesium, and iodine. It contains the same percentage of salt as the Red Sea. At this natural concentration, it can only be used for external purposes – inhalation or bathing. The brine is suitable for drinking only in diluted form. You can sample it in the Brine Water Pump Room, located on the top floor of the Spa House (accessible via the panoramic elevator). Diluted brine can be used to replenish mineral salt deficiencies. Salt water is also recommended for gastrointestinal disorders and as a supportive treatment for people with diabetes. But be careful – drinking treatments should be consulted with a doctor, especially in cases of circulatory or kidney failure!
Brine Baths
Brine has unique healing properties used in hydrotherapy, cosmetology, and natural medicine. It mineralizes the body through the skin. It effectively moisturizes and elasticizes the epidermis, perfectly softens the epidermis, and effectively improves skin condition. By activating mineral metabolism and cleansing the skin, brine baths have a beneficial effect on both the skin's metabolism and the overall body through the nervous system and the penetration of certain nutrients through the skin. A brine bath brings relief, calm, and relaxation, and is suitable for both adults and children. Treatments in the brine pool are aimed at prevention, treatment, and maintaining mental and physical health. Activities in the brine pools are offered by the Pomeranian Rheumatology Center, the Sport na zdrowie Foundation (the pool is located on the premises of the Sopot Sailing Club), and the Sopotorium Hotel. Brine bath treatments in the tubs are also available at the Sopot Spa and the Ministry of Interior and Administration Sanatorium.
In the central part of Southern Park, opposite the Southern Baths and the entrance to the Balneological Institute, you'll find inhalation mushrooms, where Sopot brine is delivered directly from St. Adalbert's Spring. You can collect the brine from them and use it to prepare your own moisturizing hand baths. Brine cosmetics belong to the group of balneocosmetics, cosmetics containing natural healing ingredients. Thanks to their mineral content, the brine in these cosmetics has a beneficial effect on skin condition, helps treat skin inflammation, cleanses the skin of toxins, and has antibacterial properties. They are recommended for all those suffering from psoriasis, eczema, acne vulgaris, and other dermatoses.
Two hundred years later, the city proudly continues its resort traditions. Beautiful sandy beaches, the longest wooden pier in Europe, and the famous Monciak Street still attract tourists and spa guests. Today, Sopot has much to offer even outside the tourist season. It's a perfect place for walks and outdoor recreation any time of year. The spa town is also among the greenest cities in Poland. Sopot also leads the rankings for cities with the cleanest air—a top recommendation for those who enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle. Anyone who appreciates intimate cultural events, seaside walks, and wants to experience the healing power of the local brine should definitely visit Sopot.
We invite everyone to discover the charms of a resort with a 200-year tradition.
Although wealthy Gdańsk patricians and foreign diplomats began leasing land in Sopot for summer residences as early as the mid-16th century, and the first attempts were made to organize dedicated sea bathing areas, the symbolic beginning of Sopot's spa tradition is considered to be 1823 with the construction of the first bathing facility (the so-called "bathrooms"). Thanks to their initiator, Dr. Jan Jerzy Haffner, in subsequent years the Spa House was built, the park that still exists today was laid out, walking paths were marked out, the first pier was constructed, and Sopot was recognized as a bathing resort. Visitors were drawn here both by the benefits of the seaside climate, sea bathing, and health care, as well as by the charm of the growing town, where, in addition to treatments, they also enjoyed entertainment and relaxation in good company. In 1909, the Forest Opera began its operations. In 1920, a casino was established in the city, and in 1927 the Kasino Hotel (later the Grand Hotel) was opened. The wooden pier was extended to its current length of 511.5 meters. Sopot gained international resort status in the interwar period. Visitors from all over Europe came to the Polish seaside for treatments, and a visit to Sopot continued to be not only beneficial for health but also, in many circles, a must-see for social reasons. In the postwar years, Sopot retained its status as the most recognizable resort town – dubbed the summer capital of Poland, attracting tourists seeking entertainment and a break from the mundane.
Since the early 1990s, the city's strategy has been based on creating an ideal place for healthy living and relaxation, which has been reflected in environmental protection, the renovation of historic buildings and urban greenery, and the development of new infrastructure. Conscious investments in preserving natural resources and the benefits of the coastal climate, as well as encouraging investors to expand tourist and spa facilities, resulted in the city gaining spa status in 1999. Due to its natural conditions and resources (coastal climate, brine spring), as well as its infrastructure and medical and spa facilities, the following treatment areas have been designated for Sopot:orthopedic and traumatic conditionsrheumatological conditionscardiological conditions and hypertensionlower and upper respiratory tract diseasesosteoporosisnervous system diseasesskin diseasesobesity.
Coastal Climate and BrineSopot's natural resources include its coastal climate, clean air, green spaces that cover 60% of the city's area, and healing mineral springs. Sopot boasts a coastal climate, particularly rich in iodine and health-promoting essential oils from the surrounding coniferous forests. This makes it an ideal place for active recreation in the great outdoors or for therapeutic treatments based on Sopot brine, used for therapeutic baths and inhalations.
You can also enjoy the city's spa benefits by strolling along the pier, whose out-of-the-sea end boasts iodine concentrations that are up to twice as high as on land. Sea bathing strengthens the body thanks to the micronutrients found in the water, sand, and seaside air. Bathing in the sea waves is an excellent body massage, with rejuvenating and firming properties, improving blood circulation. Wading in the sea relaxes, improves blood flow in the legs, and tones vein walls. Strolls along the seashore and pier, especially with offshore winds, offer thalassotherapy. The proximity of the beach on sunny days allows you to take advantage of the benefits of heliotherapy. The beautiful forests covering the moraine plateau encourage walks and ground therapy. In Sopot, the sun, providing vitamin D, the wind carrying iodine-rich aerosol, and the surrounding coniferous forests exuding essential oils are all within reach. The most obvious spa characteristic of Sopot, however, is of course the brine flowing from St. Adalbert's Spring.
The brine from St. Adalbert's Spring flows spontaneously from a depth of 800 meters. It is a 4.3% bromide-iodide brine, containing large amounts of potassium, magnesium, and iodine. It contains the same percentage of salt as the Red Sea. At this natural concentration, it can only be used for external purposes – inhalation or bathing. The brine is suitable for drinking only in diluted form. You can sample it in the Brine Water Pump Room, located on the top floor of the Spa House (accessible via the panoramic elevator). Diluted brine can be used to replenish mineral salt deficiencies. Salt water is also recommended for gastrointestinal disorders and as a supportive treatment for people with diabetes. But be careful – drinking treatments should be consulted with a doctor, especially in cases of circulatory or kidney failure!
Brine Baths
Brine has unique healing properties used in hydrotherapy, cosmetology, and natural medicine. It mineralizes the body through the skin. It effectively moisturizes and elasticizes the epidermis, perfectly softens the epidermis, and effectively improves skin condition. By activating mineral metabolism and cleansing the skin, brine baths have a beneficial effect on both the skin's metabolism and the overall body through the nervous system and the penetration of certain nutrients through the skin. A brine bath brings relief, calm, and relaxation, and is suitable for both adults and children. Treatments in the brine pool are aimed at prevention, treatment, and maintaining mental and physical health. Activities in the brine pools are offered by the Pomeranian Rheumatology Center, the Sport na zdrowie Foundation (the pool is located on the premises of the Sopot Sailing Club), and the Sopotorium Hotel. Brine bath treatments in the tubs are also available at the Sopot Spa and the Ministry of Interior and Administration Sanatorium.
In the central part of Southern Park, opposite the Southern Baths and the entrance to the Balneological Institute, you'll find inhalation mushrooms, where Sopot brine is delivered directly from St. Adalbert's Spring. You can collect the brine from them and use it to prepare your own moisturizing hand baths. Brine cosmetics belong to the group of balneocosmetics, cosmetics containing natural healing ingredients. Thanks to their mineral content, the brine in these cosmetics has a beneficial effect on skin condition, helps treat skin inflammation, cleanses the skin of toxins, and has antibacterial properties. They are recommended for all those suffering from psoriasis, eczema, acne vulgaris, and other dermatoses.