The peninsula is a 35 km sand bar, about 100 m wide at its narrowest and over 3 km wide at the tip. Walkers follow the open Baltic beach or forest edge between Hel and Jastarnia.
The Hel Peninsula in Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland, is a 35 km sand bar between the Baltic Sea and Puck Bay. This walk follows the beach or forest paths between the town of Hel at the tip and Jastarnia; the peninsula is only about 100 m wide at its narrowest point and about 300 m near Jurata. It is flat and fully exposed to wind, and surfaces are sand and compacted forest paths. A railway line runs the whole length, so the walk can be shortened at Jurata or Jastarnia. Parts of the peninsula were fortified in the 20th century, and many fortifications are open to visitors, while some areas remain under the control of the armed forces and must not be entered. Beaches are crowded in July and August but quiet in spring and autumn.
| Distance | about 12-15 km one way |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-4h |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Train from Gdynia or Gdańsk to Hel; the railway runs the length of the peninsula so the walk can end at Jurata or Jastarnia |
| Best season | April-October |
| Address | Hel railway station area, ul. Dworcowa, 84-150 Hel, Poland |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Hel Peninsula, Hel and Jastarnia
What to bring
Walking shoes or sandals for the beach, sun protection, water, windproof jacket
Location
Hel railway station area, ul. Dworcowa, 84-150 Hel, Poland
54.6080, 18.8000 View on map
Highlights
- Beach on the open Baltic side
- Pine forest on the sand bar
- Hel fortifications and tip
Tips for visiting
- Heed signs marking military areas and do not cross them.
- Wind is constant; bring a windproof layer even in summer.
- Use the railway for the return leg.
- Avoid walking on dune vegetation.
When to visit
April to October; spring and autumn avoid the summer crowds.
Accessibility
Promenades in Hel town and Jastarnia are paved; beach and forest paths are sandy.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Hel Peninsula?
It is a 35 km long sand bar.
Can walkers return by train?
Yes. A railway line runs along the peninsula, with stations including Hel, Jurata and Jastarnia.