Wedged between the Baltic Sea and Puck Bay, Jastarnia is a seaside resort town on northern Poland’s Hel Peninsula. Once just a small fishing port, it became the setting for significant activity during World War II, with the remains of bunkers and a torpedo training ground still visible today.
Things to do in Jastarnia
One of Jastarnia’s most famous buildings is the Fisherman's Cottage, which was constructed in 1881 using wood that had been salvaged from wrecked ships. It houses a museum showcasing old fishing equipment and tools dating from the 15th to 19th centuries. Wander through the recreated kitchen with its antique sideboard and hand-decorated dishes, then get up close to traditional wooden toys in the children’s bedroom.
Stretching along the length of the town is Plaża Jastarnia, a white sandy beach that faces the refreshing waters of the Baltic Sea. Watching over the sand is the red and white tower of the Jastarnia Lighthouse while nestled just behind are the remains of a German bunker adorned with graffiti art.
On the other side of the Hel Peninsula are several narrow stretches of sand that are popular launching sites for kitesurfers and windsurfers. It’s also here that you’ll find the Jastarnia Pier, a 120-metre-long structure that extends into Puck Bay. Visible from the pier are the remnants of a torpedo training ground that was constructed by the Germans during World War II.
Getting around Jastarnia
Jastarnia is around an hour’s drive from Gdynia and 1.5 hours from Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Jastarnia railway station while renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the Hel Peninsula. Most of Jastarnia’s attractions are accessible on foot.