While wandering through Sopot, Poland, you may stumble upon one of the most surreal sights you’ ve ever encountered—a building that looks like it’ s melting. The Krzywy Domek, or “Crooked House”. Imagine a structure that seems to have slipped out of a fairytale, like a slice of creamy cake caught in mid-drip. The walls leaning at 45-degree angle and fluid, serpentine curves that offer a unique visual experience from every angle.
At first glance, it looked like a cleverly edited photo. But up close, you will find the Krzywy Domek was a real architectural marvel. It is a stunning example of surrealist architecture brought to life. It looks as if a mysterious force had twisted and warped it, turning every traditional design rule on its head.
The design of Krzywy Domek is inspired by the imaginative artwork of Polish artists Jan Marcin Szancer and Per Dahlberg. They're famous for their dreamlike, quirky buildings that look like something out of a fairytale. Their influence is obvious—It’ s as if Krzywy Domek walked straight out of a storybook and took on a life of its own.
The building’ s facade undulates like ocean waves, creating the illusion of a house melting or warping under some invisible force. Windows and rooftops follow no straight lines, instead arranged in an intentionally irregular fashion, adding to the illusion that gravity itself is playing tricks. It’ s no surprise Krzywy Domek has become one of the most iconic examples of modern architecture in Sopot and across Poland.
Krzywy Domek isn't just a building; it represents a spirit of creativity that defies convention and embraces imagination. Poland is a place filled with Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles, but what really stands out is the modern architecture. It reflects a playful and creative approach that captures the lively spirit of contemporary Polish design. It’ s also one of Sopot’ s most popular tourist attractions—an unmissable stop for lovers of art, architecture, or the delightfully strange.
Photography Tips:
• Noon: When sunlight is strongest, the building’s curves are sharply defined—perfect for dramatic shots.
• Golden hour: Shoot from the west side at dusk for dreamy lighting and warm sky tones.
• Wide-angle lens: Perfect for exaggerating the quirky visual effects.
• Portraits: Try shooting at the main entrance—the warped glass windows create a unique backdrop.
Foodie Tips:
Krzywy Domek isn’ t just famous for its fairytale exterior—it also houses several popular cafés and restaurants serving both Polish and international cuisine. Snap your photos outside, then head in for a cozy meal or coffee while enjoying the building’ s imaginative interior.
Must-try Polish Delicacies:
1. Traditional Polish Cuisine
① Pierogi – Polish Dumplings
• Some restaurants inside Krzywy Domek offer a variety of pierogi flavors, such as the classic potato and cheese (Ruskie Pierogi), sauerkraut and mushroom, minced beef, and even sweet fruit fillings like cherry or blueberry.
• Best enjoyed with sour cream or caramelized onions.
② Bigos – Polish Hunter’s Stew
• This is a classic Polish dish made with sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, various types of meat (usually smoked meat or sausage), and spices. Rich in flavor, it’s a popular dish during winter.
• Traditional bigos is served at Polish restaurants in Krzywy Domek, often accompanied by rye bread or potatoes.
③ Chruściki – Polish Angel Wings Dessert
• A crispy, deep-fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar, perfect as an afternoon snack.
• Some cafés in Krzywy Domek offer this classic dessert, typically paired with traditional Polish mead (Miód Pitny) or a hot coffee.
④ Zapiekanka – Polish Baguette Pizza
• A popular Polish street food resembling a French bread pizza, made by topping a halved baguette with mushrooms, cheese, ham, tomato sauce, and other ingredients. Crispy on the outside and soft inside.
2. Featured Restaurants & Cafés in Krzywy Domek
① Soprano Ristorante
• A Polish-Italian fusion spot offering handmade pastas, pizzas, grilled meats, and seafood.
• Don’t miss their mushroom cream soup, braised beef, or roasted duck.
② Café Ferber
• A popular café serving Polish desserts, coffee, and cocktails.
• Try the classic apple pie (Szarlotka), cheesecake (Sernik), and rich hot chocolate.
• In the evening, the place turns into a fun bar where you can enjoy a range of cocktails and some tasty Polish craft beers.
③ The Mexican
• Craving something different? This Mexican restaurant offers tacos, grilled skewers, spicy nachos, and a great selection of tequila and margaritas.
3. Signature Drinks at Krzywy Domek
① Polish Craft Beer (Piwo rzemieślnicze)
• Available at many bars inside Krzywy Domek. It’s brewed locally and rich in flavor.
② Polish Vodka (Wódka)
• As Poland’s national spirit, a variety of flavored vodkas are available in local restaurants and bars. Try Żubrówka (also known as “Bison Grass Vodka”) for a mild, slightly sweet taste with herbal notes.
③ Mead (Miód Pitny)
• A traditional Polish honey wine, sweet and aromatic, often paired with Polish desserts.