Sopot Pier

The John Paul II Pier in Sopot is the longest pier on the Baltic Sea, measuring 511.5 meters in length, with 458 meters extending into the Gdańsk Bay. It was constructed between 1927 and 1928 as a result of the largest reconstruction in the history of the structure, commemorating the 25th anniversary of Sopot and the 100th anniversary of the original pier, which initially measured only 31.5 meters. The pier, which serves both recreational and port functions, has become the main attraction of Sopot, offering beautiful views of the Grand Hotel, the seaport in Gdańsk, and the Redłowska Kępa. Throughout its history, the pier has undergone numerous expansions and modernizations, including the addition of a reinforced concrete head in the 1990s and a yacht marina in 2011, as well as plans to further expand this infrastructure in 2021. The pier also holds cultural significance; from 1961 to 1963, the youth music club Non Stop operated nearby, and since 2020, the facility has been managed by the Municipal Center for Sports and Recreation, which sold 960,000 admission tickets in 2021. From the perspective of maritime history, the pier was crucial for sea transport—in 1888, the first regular shipping line to Gdańsk was launched, and during the interwar period, it served as a harbor for large passenger ships, transporting British, French, and German vessels. After World War II, the pier was adapted for the needs of Gdańsk Shipping, and the aviation episode involving seaplanes at the pier ended in 1927. In culture, the pier has served as a backdrop for numerous films and artistic projects, highlighting its important role in the social and cultural life of the region. Thus, the Sopot Pier is not only a tourist attraction but also a place with a rich history and significance in maritime transport and culture.