Monument dedicated to the founder of the Sopot bathhouse - Jerzy Hefner

The centenary celebration of granting municipal rights to Sopot resulted in an initiative to commemorate the founder of the seaside resort, surgeon Jan Jerzy Haffner (born in 1775 in Colmar, France, died in 1830 in Gdańsk). Heading to Gdańsk as a military doctor during the Napoleonic wars, he passed through Sopot and decided to stay overnight, captivated by the beauty of the area. Recognizing its suitability for a seaside resort, he was enchanted by Gdańsk as well and decided to settle there. He married a local widow, resigned from military service, and started a surgical practice.

Around 1808, he arranged a seaside resort in Brzeźno (a district of Gdańsk), and in 1823, he began efforts to transform Sopot into a spa. With his own funds, he built a bathing facility, followed by a spa house. He designed plans for a park and promenades. Visitors to Sopot could stroll along the expansive pier and take boat trips to the sea. Dr. Haffner aimed for Sopot to rival other popular Baltic resorts, striving for the highest service standards. Exhausted by work and afflicted by illness, Haffner passed away in 1830. The park sculpture portraying the contemplative stroller, Jan Jerzy Haffner, was created by the sculptor Zbigniew Jóźwik. The larger-than-life figure of Haffner sits in a picturesque spot, gazing at the sea he loved. The monument was unveiled on October 8, 2004, during Sopot's city celebration. Next to the sculpture, the stone bears the inscription "Doctor Haffner," and on small plaques attached to a rock, the names of the authors and sponsors of the monument are listed.