Port Hel

Port Hel is a harbor in the town of Hel on the Hel Peninsula along the Baltic Sea. The natural port has protected waters and operates mainly for fishing, cargo, and passenger service with modern facilities supporting both fishing boats and tourism.

The harbor was developed as a naval base from 1928 until World War II began, and became Poland's last defensive stronghold in 1939, where defenders held out for over a month. After the war, parts of the port were rebuilt and now serve as museums and memorial sites.

The town has deep ties to the Kashubian people, a local group with their own traditions and language. Small shops sell handcrafted items, and traditional music and dances are part of the local culture.

You can reach the town by car, train, or by ferry from Gdańsk or Gdynia during summer, and it is easy to explore by bike since there are dedicated cycling paths throughout the area. The waters can be shallow, especially near the harbor entrance, so experienced pilots assist larger ships.

A sunken ship called Bryza lies near the harbor and is a popular dive site for snorkelers and scuba divers to explore the wreck up close. This underwater attraction draws adventure seekers who want to experience maritime history in a different way.