Forest Opera (Opera Leśna) is an open-air amphitheatre set among pines and spruces on the edge of Sopot, on the Polish coast. It was built in 1909 and has hosted concerts, opera, ballet and theatre since then. The stage has an orchestra pit for 110 musicians, and much of its reputation rests on the acoustics. The Sopot International Song Festival is held here every year, and concerts run mostly in spring and summer. Even without a show, the wooded grounds have walking trails and ponds to explore.
From 1909 to today
The amphitheatre was built in 1909 and has been modernized over the years. Today it is one of the main venues for large cultural events in Sopot, alongside the Ergo Arena.
The site was picked by ear rather than by plan. Several opera singers were invited to walk around the town, singing as they went, until they found the spot in the forest where the sound worked best. After the first performance, the takings were enough to pay the artists with money left over, and the performances became an annual event.
During the communist period, Sopot became known abroad as the host of the Soviet Bloc's version of the Eurovision Song Contest, and the amphitheatre was central to that fame. The long-running Sopot International Song Festival still takes place here each year.
The stage and the grounds
The stage has room for an orchestra pit of 110 musicians. Around it lie about four hectares of greenery within the Tri-City Landscape Park, in the Oliwa Forests complex.
The woods around the venue have walking trails, ponds and woodland paths. Many people bring a picnic and take a walk before the show, and the trails are quiet on days without events.
You can explore the amphitheatre on your own or with a guide.
Concerts, festivals and shows
The programme goes beyond pop and rock. Wagner festivals, world music concerts, ballet and theatre productions have all been staged here. As part of the Baltic Opera Festival, productions have included Wagner's The Flying Dutchman and Humperdinck's Hänsel und Gretel, performed by visiting companies.
Seasonal events are concentrated in spring and summer, so check the schedule before you plan a trip around a specific show.
Planning a visit
Tickets for concerts are sold by performance, and the price depends on the event and the seat. Outside events, the amphitheatre can be entered free of charge from mid-October to late April.
Parking is paid, and the spaces are few. If you drive, arrive early. Food is limited to a small number of stands and bars that sell items such as zapiekanka, fries and beer, so plan a meal in town.
The entrance, the seating and an elevator are listed as wheelchair accessible. Confirm toilet access and parking arrangements with the venue before you go.
Häufige Fragen
Is there an entry fee?
Concert tickets are priced by event and seat, so check the price for your show. Outside events, the amphitheatre can be entered free of charge from mid-October to late April.
How long do you need at Forest Opera?
A visit to a concert takes about 2 to 3 hours. Allow extra time for parking and walking up from the car park.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Booking in advance is recommended, so buy your tickets before you travel.
Is Forest Opera wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, the seating and an elevator are listed as wheelchair accessible. Check toilet access and parking arrangements with the venue before your visit.
