Residents/Population:	91 664
Area:	572 km2
Expenditure per capita:	1 449,59 zł
Website:	www.starostwo.puck.pl
Rulers/Leaders:
Jarosław BiałkStarosta	Kazimierz CzernickiPrzewodniczący

Sandy beaches, beautiful landscapes, and a unique coastal atmosphere are the defining features of Puck County. Water sports enthusiasts can take full advantage of the rich tourist offerings, while those seeking a peaceful retreat can relax on the sandy shores or stroll along the charming paths of the Coastal Landscape Park. As the northernmost territory in Poland, Puck County is instantly recognizable on the map thanks to the Bay of Puck and the 34-kilometer Hel Peninsula. The Baltic coastline within the county's borders, stretching from Hel to Białogóra, makes up a staggering 25% of Poland's entire coastline. Not surprisingly, this is a quintessential maritime region, where both economic development and local culture are inextricably linked to the sea. The county, particularly its coastal areas, is a premier destination for tourists from across the metropolitan area and the rest of Poland. During the summer season, the number of visitors multiplies the local population several times over, with overnight stays estimated at nearly a million. The undisputed crown jewel of the county is the Hel Peninsula, stretching for about 34 kilometers and ranging in width from a mere 200 to 500 meters near its base to nearly 3 kilometers at the tip in Hel. The peninsula boasts extensive recreational infrastructure, and its ports in Hel, Jastarnia, and Władysławowo are perfectly situated for yachts. The network of sailing marinas, known as the Ring of the Bay of Puck, is connected on land by a scenic bicycle path running from Hel to Puck. The peninsula and the characteristic sandbank in the Bay of Puck, known as the Seagull Shoal, shield the bay from the high waves of the open sea. This natural breakwater, combined with clean water and a sandy bottom, makes the bay one of the best places in Europe to learn and practice windsurfing and kitesurfing. On land, tourists can connect with pristine nature in the Coastal Landscape Park, which covers the coastal belt from Białogóra in the west to the Hel Peninsula, the inner Bay of Puck, and the shores of Rewa and Mechelinki. Located entirely within Puck County, the park features three vital nature reserves: Beka, Mechelińskie Łąki, and Słone Łąki, which are a paradise for birdwatchers. Beyond its unique geography, Puck County offers diverse tourist attractions, including the famous lighthouses in Hel, Jastarnia, and Rozewie, the historic Fisherman's Hut in Jastarnia, and the extraordinary Hel Seal Sanctuary. Operated by the University of Gdańsk's Institute of Oceanography, the sanctuary rescues endangered grey seals and provides daily educational sessions. The region's deep history has left behind numerous monuments, such as the rare half-timbered church in Mechowo built in 1742 from clay and straw. Other notable religious sites include the Baroque church in Starzyno, the 15th-century Puck parish church, the Gothic monastery in Żarnowiec, and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Swarzewo, a major pilgrimage destination for Kashubians. A friendly, historical atmosphere is also created by 19th-century palaces and manors, particularly the castles in Rzucewo and Krokowa. The Krokowa estate serves as a fascinating symbol of complex Kashubian-Polish-German relations, having been restored in the 1990s to house the "European Encounters" cultural foundation. The living heritage of the Kashubians is expressed daily through language, dance, customs, and folk art, with local cuisine shaped heavily by the sea. Unmissable summer events include the Kashubian Boats under Sails in Chałupy, Eel Days in Jastarnia, the Fishermen's Sea Pilgrimage, and cultural festivals in Puck and Rewa. One of the most recognizable events is the Herring March across the Seagull Shoal, an expedition promoting water safety while navigating a route that still holds remnants of a WWII military training ground. Another spectacular August event is the "D-Day Hel" historical reenactment, inspired by the Normandy landings, featuring vintage military vehicles and large-scale outdoor staging with professional pyrotechnics. Puck County's economy is primarily driven by tourism, boasting over 160 accommodation facilities ranging from campsites to luxury hotels like Bryza, Neptun, and Hotel Zdrojowy. Nearby is the renowned Cetniewo Olympic Preparation Centre in Władysławowo, which has trained Poland's greatest athletes for over 50 years. Beyond seasonal tourism, the county sustains a strong food processing and manufacturing sector, with major players including the "Szkuner" fishing enterprise, fruit and vegetable processor "Dagoma," and the Dr. Oetker production plant in Łebcz. Heavy industry is represented by companies like "Amex" Mechanical Works, Pomech in Puck, Eko-Celkon, and Kliwent. Finally, wind farms located in Swarzewo, Łebcz, and Gnieżdzewo have become a permanent and positive fixture in the landscape, highly valued by locals for providing a reliable source of clean energy.