Sopot, Poland's most elegant seaside resort in eastern Pomerania, 180 mi/290 km northwest of Warsaw, is close enough to Gdansk (13 mi/20 km) to allow for spontaneous sightseeing and shopping trips. In the first years of the 20th century, Sopot was a favorite spa of Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany. After World War I, the casino of Sopot filled the coffers of the free city of Danzig. Wealthy aristocrats and citizens of Danzig, Berlin and Warsaw flocked to the still-existing Grand Hotel built in 1926.
Sopot's major attraction is Europe's longest wooden pier (1,690 ft/516 m) dating from 1928. The sandy beaches, sea promenades and a major wellness complex with a luxury hotel and conference center attract many visitors. Sopot also hosts the Sopot International Song Festival, Europe's second largest (after the Eurovision Song Contest).
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