The sound of waves, golden sand, waffles with whipped cream, and the first jumps over the waves – a seaside holiday is more than just relaxation. It’s the emotions of childhood, the smell of iodine, and the sight of the setting sun reflecting on the calm water surface. But did you know that the Baltic Sea, which we know so well, can still surprise us? It hides thousands of stories, mysterious depths, and... very little salt.
Planning a seaside holiday? These curiosities will surprise you
Sandy beaches, the Hel Peninsula, the Gulf of Bothnia, and more. Along the Baltic Sea in many popular towns, you'll find amazing views, accommodation facilities, and plenty of attractions for the whole family. But do you really know everything about our sea? Most likely not – the Baltic Sea hides many secrets and curiosities that surprise even regular visitors. It’s not just salty waters, channels with the North Sea, and accommodation. The Baltic Sea holds many interesting facts. And it’s a great way for holidays by the sea!
Dive with us into the extraordinary world of the Baltic. Discover 7 fascinating facts about the Polish sea that will change your perspective on seaside holidays – and at the end, get to know the place where these stories take on a whole new flavor.
The least salty of the world's seas – and it matters
Yes, it’s true: although we call it a sea, the Baltic Sea is surprisingly... low in salt. Its waters have salinity comparable to a lake! In the Gulf of Bothnia region, you can reportedly drink the water almost like tap water.
What does this mean? Less stinging in the eyes during swimming, but also a limited number of marine species. Only the most resilient animals survive in these conditions – like gray seals, cod, and herring. That’s why the Baltic ecosystem is so fragile, and its protection – so important. Low salinity also causes slow mixing of water layers, which results in oxygenation problems in the deeper parts of the sea. Ultimately, it is still salty water, but definitely less so than other seas. The Baltic Sea is truly unique in this respect.
A sea full of ghosts – thousands of shipwrecks lie beneath the surface
Its waters hide not only fish and seaweed but also… history. Hundreds of years of trade, battles, and disasters have made the Baltic Sea a true underwater treasury. It is estimated that there are as many as 100,000 shipwrecks lying on its bottom!
From medieval sailing ships to German U-boats from World War II – the greatest concentration is found in the Bornholm Basin and around the Landsort Deep. Low salinity and cool temperatures favor excellent preservation of wrecks, often in almost pristine condition. For divers from around the world, the Baltic is a mecca of history and adrenaline.
The Baltic doesn’t like depth – but it has one unique spot
Although its surface seems endless, the Baltic Sea is one of the shallowest seas in the world. The average depth is only 52 meters – less than some lakes! But there is a spot that stands out from the rest.
It’s the Landsort Deep, where the sea reaches its maximum depth – 459 meters. Located south of Stockholm, it’s the only place in the Baltic that resembles a true abyss. Unfortunately, due to low oxygen levels, it is an anoxic zone where almost no life exists. This is a warning about how fragile our sea is.
Grasses and lettuces in the water – underwater meadows of the Baltic
Although hard to believe, the Baltic Sea is home to plants like seagrass and sea lettuce. In shallow, calm bay areas, an underwater jungle forms – delicate and sensitive to temperature changes or pollution.
These plants are essential for a healthy ecosystem: they produce oxygen, filter water, provide shelter, and food for many organisms. Their disappearance is an alarm signal. That’s why when planning seaside holidays, it’s worth choosing accommodations that support ecological actions and sustainable development.
A sea barely connected to the ocean
The Baltic Sea is an almost enclosed basin. The only connection to the North Sea is through the Danish straits: the Little Belt, the Great Belt, and the Sound. Their shallowness and narrowness limit the inflow of salty ocean waters.
This means very slow water exchange, which has enormous ecological significance. Pollutants that enter the Baltic remain there for many years. This makes the sea particularly sensitive and requires responsible treatment – including by tourists and accommodation providers.
Islands, spits, and cliffs – wonderful forms along the Polish sea
The Polish coast is not only sandy beaches. It also features incredible geological formations, such as the Hel Peninsula, the Vistula Spit, and the cliff coasts of the Wolin National Park. Each of these formations tells its own geological and natural story.
Spits and peninsulas are formed by currents, wind, and waves. Sometimes new ones appear, others disappear. Walking along the beach, you can see what is most fascinating about nature: changeability. In these places, every vacation becomes a small adventure. For many, the Baltic Sea is the most fascinating landscape you can imagine in this kind of area. Of course, the rocky coasts of southern Europe have their charm, but it is the native cliffs and sandy beaches that have their own unique atmosphere.
Animals of the Baltic, or friendly marine mammals on the beach
One of the most remarkable inhabitants of the Baltic Sea is the gray seal – a quiet but extremely important hero of this basin. For many decades it almost disappeared from our coast, pushed out by human activity, pollution, and fishing nets. Fortunately, it is now returning – slowly, shyly, but with hope. Its greatest sanctuary is the Hel Peninsula, specifically the Marine Station of the Institute of Oceanography at the University of Gdańsk in Hel, known to everyone as the seal sanctuary.
It is there that young patients – sick, orphaned, and weakened seals – are treated, cared for, and rehabilitated. Some return later to the Baltic waters, and their release is an emotional moment, which many tourists remember as one of the most important experiences during their seaside holiday. The seal not only melts hearts with its looks – it is also a symbol of ecological responsibility and a reminder that even something as vast as the sea requires our care. A visit to the seal sanctuary in Hel is a lesson in respect for nature – and a perfect opportunity to show children that the sea is more than just a beach and salty waters. The Baltic Sea is home!
And now... time for your seaside holiday
If after reading this you feel like feeling the Baltic wind in your hair, sitting by the sea with a book, and watching children playing on the playground – we have something perfect for you. Accommodation facilities vary, but there is one right and exceptionally comfortable place by the Baltic.
Rosevia Resort & SPA in Jastrzębia Góra is one of the highest-rated accommodations by the Polish sea. Located surrounded by forests with private beach access, it offers luxury apartments, eco-friendly cabins, spacious rooms, excellent cuisine, and a wellness zone with pools. For children, daily animations and a huge playground are prepared, and for families – comfort and peace.
This is a place where holidays are not just another vacation. It’s a space for relaxation, closeness to nature, and rediscovering the Baltic Sea. Choose seaside accommodation that will stay with you longer.
What attractions await guests?
The Baltic Sea is an ideal idea for family holidays, which is why at Rosevia Resort & SPA everyone will find something for themselves:
For children: Large playground, tennis court, football pitch, 100-meter pumptrack, playroom, animations, and workshops conducted by professional animators
For adults: SPA zone with sauna, massages, and relaxation treatments
Activities: Tennis court, outdoor gym, bike rental, Nordic walking poles, volleyball court, outdoor gym with professional equipment,
Pool zone – complex of 3 pools with heated water surrounded by greenery (including a paddling pool for children) and jacuzzi,
Comfortable and spacious apartments with a minimum area of 42 m2,
Additional amenities: parking, Wi-Fi access,
Private beach with loungers, with direct access from the resort
What is worth knowing about the offer?
Accommodation: Modern apartments and cabins with kitchenettes, terraces, or balconies
Board: The package includes breakfast and dinner served in the Natura restaurant.
Intrigued? Pack your suitcase, take your family by the hand, and dive into the most beautiful stories of the Baltic – live.
