Did you know that during the communist times there was an Eastern Bloc’s version of Eurovision?  There was one indeed, called Intervision Song Contest and held in Sopot Forest Opera Theater (Opera Leśna). The contest was very popular in the Soviet bloc and attended by European as well as some Asian countries. It gradually lost popularity in the 80s and was discontinued in the 90s.

Sopot remains a very musical town, and an annual Sopot Top Of The Top Festival takes place at Opera Lesna every August. It has also played host to numerous international stars, including Charles Aznavour, Boney M, Johnny Cash, Vanessa Mae, Annie Lennox, Vaya Con Dios, Chris Rea, Tanita Tikaram, Whitney Houston, Goran Bregovic, Sting and Simply Red. As the name suggests, it is also a regular venue for theater and opera performances. 

Opera Lesna  is a magical open air  amphitheater situated in a picturesque forest about 30 minutes’ walk uphill from Sopot center. It is definitely worth a stroll through the woods even if you don’t have a concert to attend.