Poland has reinstated a bus route to the seaside resort of Hel, numbered 666, drawing condemnation from religious groups and reminders for British tourists to respect local customs. The service, which runs from the northern city of Władysławowo to Hel, was suspended in 2019 after protests from Catholic campaigners who deemed the number blasphemous. Local officials have now revived the route, citing popular demand and a cost-effective solution for overcrowding on the single road to the peninsula.
The decision has reignited debate in a country where the church holds significant influence. Tourism officials have issued guidance for British visitors, urging them to avoid provocative behaviour regarding the route’s number. ‘We ask that people understand this is a sensitive issue for many Poles,’ said a spokesperson.
The bus, nicknamed the ‘Highway to Hell’ by British tabloids, now runs a daily service until September. Critics argue the revival prioritises profit over religious feeling, while supporters see it as a harmless nod to local vernacular. For Polish families, the price of a ticket remains a sticking point: a return fare costs 12 zloty, a small sum that masks the deeper cultural strain.
