Writer: Helena Bergström
Have you thought about experiencing a winter weekend in Sopot? This exclusive Polish seaside resort, located just next to Gdansk, is best known for its long sandy beaches and wonderful swimming holidays. But the small town by the sea surprises even in winter!
Winter weekend in Sopot
In January we traveled to Sopot for a few days, on a press trip together with two other Scandinavian journalists. For us it was not the first (but rather the third or fourth?) time in Sopot, but it was certainly the first time we experienced this gem in winter.
We may have been lucky weather-wise, depending on what kind of weather you want of course. It was right winter when we visited Sopot, with beautiful white snow covering the city in a beautiful blanket. Of course this is not always the case. In winter it can of course be both minus degrees and plus degrees in this part of Europe.
Whatever the weather and season, Sopot offers a great dose of charm, with its opulent seaside architecture and all villas with beautiful ornate wooden balconies. It’s easy to imagine what it was like here at the turn of the century: wealthy tourists strolling through the city in their beautiful dresses, between charity treatments and meals in exclusive restaurants.
What is Sopot like in winter?
What is Sopot like in winter? Sopot is a small town. The fact is that no more than about 36,000 people live here and the large tourist flows come in the summer. Before we came here, we wondered if it might feel a little “dead”…?
We have to say that we were surprised at how lively it was in Sopot in January. People were walking everywhere – both in the city and on the beach – and most hotels, restaurants and cafes were open. The only things that seem to be closed in winter are the ice cream and waffle kiosks, and the restaurants may close a little earlier in the evening.
The atmosphere in Sopot in winter is very pleasant. Just like in summer, this feels like a holiday resort, but with a striking tranquility. There is no need for crowds, it is not difficult to find free tables in the restaurants and the staff has all the time to pay attention.
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Moreover, the prices are considerably better. Hotel prices are lower and you don’t have to pay a fee to get onto the long famous pier.
Nature… and skiing!
Sopot is located by the sea and when you think of Sopot, you often picture sandy beaches and beach restaurants. But the fact is that you are also close to the forest, which rises just behind the upper part of Sopot. There are hiking trails here and we walked a short distance between the tall trees in the hilly landscape.
There is even a smaller ski slope with a lift – very popular with local families with children.
In the forest we also walked past a super cozy restaurant, in a beautiful half-timbered Alpine style. We had other things planned this time, but if we had been here alone, we probably would have stopped by for a beer and a soup.
By the way, we also saw people enjoying cross-country skiing – along the long, wintery beach!
Spalyx and Sopot
When you spend a winter weekend in Sopot, you can take the opportunity to enjoy the spa. There are plenty of spa hotels and wellness facilities in the small town, and in winter it is both less crowded and more affordable.
Hotel Haffner
We stayed in luxury Hotel Haffnerwhich is nice and has an excellent location. We have never tried the hotel’s restaurant, which is recommended in the Michelin guide, but we enjoyed the delicious breakfast every morning.
We also enjoyed the wonderful spa, where we had it all to ourselves at 9 am.
We especially appreciated the warm whirlpool, but there is also a swimming pool where you can swim, various saunas and the option to alternate the sauna with a cold bath. You can of course also book various treatments.
M15 Sopot
Another wellness experience during our winter weekend in Sopot was the visit to the M15a restaurant with a sauna. The restaurant is beautifully situated by the sea and from the large windows of the sauna you have an absolutely fantastic view of the beach and the Baltic Sea.
If you wish, you can go straight from the sauna for a refreshing cold bath in the sea. The visit here was absolutely wonderfuland even though it was winter, we met several other guests in the sauna. Simply popular!
Restaurants and other experiences in Sopot
During a winter weekend in Sopot you can combine spa and walks with restaurant visits and other experiences. Most restaurants are open all year round and you can enjoy everything from rustic Polish home cooking to modern international cuisine and fine dining.
The town also offers other experiences, such as cozy cafes, galleries and museums. Moreover, it is very close to make excursions to Gdansk or Gdynia. We’ll be back soon with a report on the city’s restaurants, as well as a guide to what to see and do in Sopot.
How to travel to Sopot?
You can easily reach Sopot by plane or ferry. From Stockholm Arlanda you can fly directly to Gdansk with Ryanair or Wizz Air, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. There are also direct flights from Copenhagen and sometimes from Gothenburg Landvetter. From the airport in Gdansk you can reach Sopot by taxi (20-30 min) or train (35-45 min).
Another variant is to travel by ferry, and then you can of course take your car with you if you want. The easiest way is to go Nynäshamn-Gdansk with Polferries or Karlskrona-Gdyna (Stena Line).
Curious about a winter weekend in Sopot?
Are you curious about a winter weekend in Sopot, or are you more into the summer holidays? Maybe you have already visited the city? If so, summer or winter? Please tell me!
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