Jastarnia

Jastarnia, located on the Hel Peninsula in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, is a seaside resort with five summer bathing areas, a seaport, and three marinas. The town, which had 2,734 inhabitants in 2017, developed from two fishing villages – Gdańsk Jastarnia and Puck Jastarnia. Historically, the first traces of human settlement in the region date back to the 1st century BCE, and the locality was first mentioned in 1378. Over the centuries, Jastarnia was known for fishing, and during the interwar period, it experienced dynamic growth associated with the construction of a fishing port and a passenger harbor. In 1973, Jastarnia was granted town rights. Its architecture features the Neo-Baroque Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and historic modernist-style houses. An interesting fact is the local currency – the "merk," introduced in 2006 as a form of municipal promotion, as well as Jastarnia's appearance in popular culture, inspiring songs and novels. Tourist attractions, such as nature and educational trails and preserved monuments like the fishing skansen, draw visitors, while the local bathing areas and tourist infrastructure are bustling during the summer season. Additionally, Jastarnia has extensive sports facilities with active sports clubs, further enriching its cultural and recreational offerings.