Babie Doły

Babie Doły is the northernmost district of Gdynia, with a population of 1,913 as of the end of 2022. The district consists of a housing estate and a colony of single-family homes called "Rybaki." It was incorporated into Gdynia on January 1, 1972, from the Kosakowo commune. The district borders Oksywie and Obłuże, as well as the Kosakowo municipality and a seaside beach, which features a summer bathing area. Babie Doły is accessible by a single access road and is served by bus lines operated by Gdynia's ZKM public transport authority. The district is home to the Samorządowa Szkoła Podstawowa nr 28 (Municipal Primary School No. 28), a kindergarten, and the Parish of Our Lady of Licheń, which was established in 1989. The school's history dates back to 1957, when it began as a branch in Obłuże, becoming an independent institution in 1961. Its dynamic development was driven by a growing number of students and the local community's efforts to modernize and expand the building. The origin of the name "Babie Doły" dates back to the late 19th century, and its translation as "Witches' Land" may be linked to local legends. It is worth noting that Babie Doły was once a military area, which significantly influenced the district's development and infrastructure. The military airport "Gdynia Babie Doły" was repurposed for civilian use in 2006, and the airport grounds now host the annual Open'er Festival. Babie Doły has also served as a filming location for well-known Polish productions such as "Czterej pancerni i pies" (Four Tank-Men and a Dog) and "Superwizja" (Supervision). Thus, the district boasts a rich history that combines cultural, architectural, and community aspects with an interesting cinematic and military heritage.