Big Star

The Great Star (Wielka Gwiazda) is a forest trail crossroads located in Sopot, within the Oliwa Forest complex in the Tricity Landscape Park. Surrounded by a multi-species forest dominated by beeches and pines, it lies along the Kartuzy tourist trail and marks the northern boundary of the Douglas fir’s natural range in the area. Between 1895 and 1945, a large forest restaurant operated here, which was later destroyed by Soviet Red Army soldiers. Today, only fragments of its foundations remain. Notably, until 1906, a seasonal horse-drawn tram line reached the Great Star, though it was discontinued due to operational deficits. Plans to modernize the line into an electric tram connecting what is now the Grand Hotel with the forest restaurant were never realized. Situated at an elevation of 125 meters above sea level, the area attracts many hikers using trails from Gołębiewska Valley, Świemirowska Valley, and the Wielkokacka Road leading to Wielki Kack. It is accessible from central Sopot via the city bus line 143, which runs from the loop near the Leśnik Sanatorium. With its rich historical and cultural significance, the Great Star offers both scenic beauty and a glimpse into the local history of the region.