Poland’s transport authority has quietly resurrected the infamous bus line 666 to the coastal town of Hel, sparking outrage among locals and clergy who accuse officials of cashing in on satanic tourism. The route, suspended in 2022 after complaints from the Catholic Church, now runs daily from Wejherowo to Hel, with departures timed to coincide with school holidays. Sources confirm the move is a blatant bid to boost visitor numbers after a slump in off-season travel.
“They’re trading on the devil’s name to fill seats,” said a Wejherowo city council member who spoke on condition of anonymity. “It’s a moral disgrace.” The number 666 has long been associated with the biblical Antichrist, and Hel’s name coincidentally means “Hell” in Danish.
Local bishops have condemned the reinstatement, calling it a “provocation” and a “trivialisation of evil.” But transport officials insist the route is merely practical. “The number 666 was chosen by the provincial roads authority years ago.
It had nothing to do with theology,” a spokesman told reporters. “Tourists love it. It’s a gimmick that works.
” Uncovered documents show the route’s revival was fast-tracked despite internal memos warning of “cultural insensitivity.” The service now carries a red devil logo on schedules, and drivers report passengers taking selfies with the bus signs. “It’s a circus,” said a driver who asked not to be named.
“Every day someone asks if the driver has horns.” Tourism boards in Hel have capitalised on the notoriety, selling T-shirts and keychains with the 666 motif. Local businesses welcome the influx, but residents fear their town is being reduced to a punchline.
“We’re not a theme park,” said a shopkeeper in Hel’s main square. “This is where people live.” The controversy echoes a 2019 row when a similar bus route in Romania to the village of Hell (pronounced “Helsh”) was protested by Orthodox priests.
Poland’s 666 bus was originally suspended after the Church threatened to excommunicate local politicians. Now it’s back, and the money is flowing. Our investigation reveals that ticket sales for the 666 route have already surpassed projections by 40 per cent, with most buyers non-Polish tourists.
The transport authority denies any financial motive, but leaked emails show officials celebrating the “publicity windfall.” As the summer season approaches, expect this profane pilgrimage to only grow. Hel’s mayor has refused to comment, but a city hall insider confirms they are bracing for a media storm.
“They’re selling damnation,” the insider said. “And people are buying.
