Right on the Sopot beach stands a building that looks as if it has traveled from the Norwegian fjords straight to the Polish coast. The Southern Bathhouses (Łazienki Południowe) are one of the most extraordinary architectural gems in Sopot - a unique fusion of Scandinavian design, spa heritage and contemporary hospitality, now housing the elegant Zhong Hua Hotel.
A Norwegian Dream on the Baltic - birth of the Bathhouse (1907)
The Southern Bathhouses were built in 1907, designed by the renowned architect Paul Puchmüller. The structure was inspired by the traditional Norwegian national style (stil stavkirke), rarely found along the Baltic coast.
Distinctive Architectural Features
- slender towers reminiscent of Nordic stave churches,
- carved wooden decorations featuring dragons, dolphins and mythical creatures,
- steep overlapping roofs and protruding bays,
- richly ornamented wooden façade.
From the very beginning, the building was intended to amaze and symbolize the prestige of the emerging seaside resort of Sopot.
Sopot, Łazienki Południowe, photo: Pomorskie Travel
Sopot, Łazienki Południowe, photo: Pomorskie Travel
Golden Age of Seaside Leisure
In the early 20th century, the Southern Bathhouses served as a luxurious bathing facility:
- rows of beach cabins and piers stretched out toward the sea, divided into women’s, men’s and family sections,
- restaurants, cafés, a hairdresser and souvenir shops operated on the promenade side,
- it became the social heart of the resort, attracting aristocrats and spa guests from across Europe.
This was where seaside relaxation met elegance, fashion and vibrant social life.
A Dark Chapter - 1938
In 1938, the building was converted into a hostel for the Hitler Youth (Hitlerjugend). Though this period was brief, it marked the site with the dramatic history of the region on the eve of World War II.
Post-War Transformations – a place of everyday Life
After the war, the Southern Bathhouses changed their purpose multiple times:
- they served as beach changing rooms,
- housed restaurants and a tourist information point,
- in the 1960s it remained a lively meeting spot where locals played bridge, relaxed in cabins and enjoyed long conversations over coffee.
Though no longer a luxury spa complex, the building remained an integral part of Sopot’s seaside character.
A New Life in Oriental Style - Zhong Hua Hotel (1994-1997)
Between 1994 and 1997, the building underwent a major restoration thanks to the Chinese company Ming Hoong. It was transformed into the Zhong Hua Hotel – the only hotel of its kind in Poland, where:
- guests can walk directly from their room onto the beach,
- terraces offer uninterrupted sea views,
- Baltic serenity meets the elegance of Far Eastern architecture.
Today it represents a stunning blend of Sopot’s spa heritage and Asian-inspired luxury.
Fun Facts and Local Stories
- bathing cabins were once rented by the hour and offered private seaside relaxation in elegant interiors.
- fashion shows and seaside promenades were held here in the 1920s and 1930s.
- according to legend, the carved dragons on the façade were meant to protect the building from Baltic storms.
- Hotel and restaurant are open to the public; the surrounding area is freely accessible.
- Travel tip: The building looks most magical at sunrise when the light illuminates the wooden carvings, giving it the appearance of a fairy-tale palace by the sea.
