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Local Nutter
Technically German, but born in Sopot, Klaus Kinski is arguably the town’s most famous son. Born into poverty, Kinski found himself flirting with adventure from an early age when he was forced to steal to feed his family.... -
Sofitel Grand Sopot. Historical Hotel
Originally built in 1927 as the Kasino Hotel, this awesome structure was the jewel of Sopot in a time when the city was regarded as the Monaco of the Baltic.... -
Monciak
One may wonder why Sopot’s main street, Bohaterów Monte Cassino (The Heroes of Monte Cassino), carries the name of an Italian town.... -
The New Face of Sopot
In between the wars the seaside resort of Sopot, or Zoppot as it is in German, gained a reputation as the Monaco of the Baltic, and became something of a magnet for the rich and famous.... -
Forest Opera
Located in a forest valley this open-air amphitheater is one of Poland’s top concert venues, certainly it’s most picturesque.... -
The return of the Resort House
For most foreign visitors Gdansk is the region’s calling card, and Walesa, Hitler and Hevelius have done much over the years to put it on the international map.... -
Sopot SPA
For most foreign visitors Gdańsk is the region’s calling card but it’s Sopot that has been the region’s primary attraction for visitors and for the best part of 200 years it was one of Europe’s premiere health and spa resorts....
Sopot development
In between the wars the seaside resort of Sopot, or Zoppot as it is in German, developed a reputation as the Monaco of the Baltic, and became something of a magnet for the rich and famous. This was primarily due to the casino complex that existed on the spot between the pier and the Sofitel Grand Sopot Hotel. Although the town escaped most of the WWII destruction suffered by Gdańsk, the casino complex didn’t, and it was destroyed by Red Army artillery as Soviet gunners shelled citizens awaiting evacuation on the beach.
The post war years saw these vignettes of vintage Sopot replaced by concrete blocks housing first shops, and then bars and clubs. Now, however, planners and developers are looking to recreate the bygone glory years when Sopot was considered a destination of international standing, and a series of projects have been launched to change the face of the city. Central to this, and the first to be completed, is the 189 room Sheraton Sopot Hotel Conference Center & Spa. Featuring 4,300 sq. metres of conference space, a 400sq. metre ballroom, two restaurants, two bars and the return of luxury spa facilities this is the bottom line in five star opulence, and proof enough that Sopot means business. The conference space, featuring ten meeting rooms named after explorers, will be the largest in the region, while the Spa – open in June – will feature all the gizmos and gadgets for a truly holistic experience.
But this represents just a fraction of what lies ahead; this year will also see a new-fangled version of the historic Therapeutic House, as well as even more leisure, office and residential space slated for the latter part of the year. Work on the pier has just been completed, and that’s set to be complimented by the addition of a marina nearby. Work is set to run for two years with the €11 million investment providing Sopot with moorings for around 100 yachts, as well as a full support network of chandlers and marina management. Moving inland, and the famous Opera Leśna is set for a 66zł million revamp, and a further 300,000zł has been earmarked for neglected horse racing track by Sopot Wyścigi station. And, coping with this sudden burst of private and public interest, Sopot can expect a further rash of hotels appearing in the coming years.
The post war years saw these vignettes of vintage Sopot replaced by concrete blocks housing first shops, and then bars and clubs. Now, however, planners and developers are looking to recreate the bygone glory years when Sopot was considered a destination of international standing, and a series of projects have been launched to change the face of the city. Central to this, and the first to be completed, is the 189 room Sheraton Sopot Hotel Conference Center & Spa. Featuring 4,300 sq. metres of conference space, a 400sq. metre ballroom, two restaurants, two bars and the return of luxury spa facilities this is the bottom line in five star opulence, and proof enough that Sopot means business. The conference space, featuring ten meeting rooms named after explorers, will be the largest in the region, while the Spa – open in June – will feature all the gizmos and gadgets for a truly holistic experience.
But this represents just a fraction of what lies ahead; this year will also see a new-fangled version of the historic Therapeutic House, as well as even more leisure, office and residential space slated for the latter part of the year. Work on the pier has just been completed, and that’s set to be complimented by the addition of a marina nearby. Work is set to run for two years with the €11 million investment providing Sopot with moorings for around 100 yachts, as well as a full support network of chandlers and marina management. Moving inland, and the famous Opera Leśna is set for a 66zł million revamp, and a further 300,000zł has been earmarked for neglected horse racing track by Sopot Wyścigi station. And, coping with this sudden burst of private and public interest, Sopot can expect a further rash of hotels appearing in the coming years.