Red-brick lighthouse of 1942 standing about 40 m tall at the tip of the Hel Peninsula. Climbing it gives a view across the Gulf of Gdańsk, the open Baltic and the narrow sandy spit.
Hel Lighthouse is a red-brick lighthouse of 1942 at ul. Bałtycka 3 in the town of Hel, at the very tip of the Hel Peninsula in Poland's Pomeranian region. It is about 40 metres tall and stands among the pine trees near the end of the narrow sandy spit that curves out into the Baltic Sea. Climbing the tower is the main activity, and from the gallery at the top visitors have a wide view across the Gulf of Gdańsk, the open Baltic on the other side, and the narrow strip of land of the peninsula itself, which in places is only a few hundred metres wide. On a clear day the coast near Gdynia and Gdańsk can be seen across the gulf. The climb is by a spiral staircase of many steps, and the view from the top rewards the effort. A visit usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, including the climb and a short walk in the surroundings. Tickets cost about 12 PLN for adults and about 8 PLN reduced. In summer the lighthouse typically opens from 10AM to 6PM, while outside the season it may open only at weekends, so visitors should check hours locally before making the trip. Late afternoon is the favoured time, when the light is soft and the view is at its best; the hours around midday in July and August are busiest, with queues for the stairs, which are narrow and allow only limited numbers at the top. The tower is about ten minutes on foot from the Hel railway station or bus stop. Outside, the pine forest and beaches nearby offer pleasant walks, and the best photographs of the tower itself are taken from the path below it, while the best views come from the gallery. The town of Hel, with its fishing harbour, seal sanctuary and beaches, is close by.
| Admission | Adult about 12 PLN ($3) · Child about 8 PLN ($2) reduced |
|---|---|
| Hours | Typically 10AM-6PM in summer, weekends only outside it; check hours locally |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time | late afternoon |
| Getting there | 10 minutes' walk from Hel station or bus stop |
| Address | ul. Baltycka 3, 84-150 Hel |
Location
ul. Baltycka 3, 84-150 Hel
54.6000, 18.8129 View on map
Highlights
- Red-brick lighthouse of 1942, about 40 m tall
- Gallery view over the Gulf of Gdańsk and the open Baltic
- Narrow sandy spit of the peninsula seen from above
- Pine woods and beaches near the tower
Tips for visiting
- Check the opening hours locally, since off-season access is limited to weekends.
- Go in the late afternoon for softer light and better views.
- Be prepared for a long spiral staircase.
- Midday queues in July and August can be long, so arrive early.
- Combine the climb with a visit to the seal sanctuary in the town.
When to visit
Late afternoon gives the best light and views. Midday in high summer is the busiest.
Accessibility
The tower is reached by a narrow spiral staircase with no lift, so it is not accessible to wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility. The grounds around the base are on level sandy paths.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
The climb and the view take about 30 to 45 minutes.
Is it worth it for kids?
Older children generally enjoy the climb and the view, but the narrow stairs are tiring for small children.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is allowed from the gallery and the grounds.
How much does it cost?
Tickets are about 12 PLN for adults and about 8 PLN reduced, though prices may change.