FlixBus has resurrected the notorious 666 bus route to the Polish coastal town of Hel, three years after religious conservatives successfully campaigned to change its number. The service, dubbed the 'Highway to Hel', now runs from Kraków to Hel, covering a 13-hour journey through major cities including Warsaw.
Controversial Number Returns
In Christian tradition, 666 is known as the number of the beast. The original route, operated by local company PKS Gdynia, faced fierce opposition from religious groups who condemned its 'satanic' association with the town Hel, which is one letter short of the English word 'hell'. Following backlash, the number was changed to 669 in 2023. Many Poles and international tourists were upset by the change, as the route had gained fame on social media.
FlixBus Steps In
German transport company FlixBus is now using the infamous number to promote its summer service. Michał Leman, Managing Director of FlixBus in Eastern Europe, said: 'It's better when a route explains by itself where it's going. In this case, there's really nothing more to say. Everyone will understand.' The company emphasized that the route serves a real need, as the Hel Peninsula is one of Poland's busiest summer destinations, with traffic often becoming hellish during peak times.
Religious Backlash in 2023
Back in June 2023, a PKS Gdynia spokesperson told media: 'The management board buckled under the weight of letters and requests that were sent to us, maybe not in large numbers, but periodically for many years with a request to change the line number.' One Polish religious group had accused the bus company of 'spreading satanism'. Poland is a predominantly Roman Catholic nation where the Church remains influential.
Hel: A Tourist Destination
Hel is located on the tip of the 35km Hel Peninsula, jutting off Poland's northern coast in the Gulf of Gdańsk. The charming village draws tourists with sandy beaches, ancient architecture, and a seal sanctuary. The closest airport is Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport, about 90km away. Low-cost airlines including Ryanair and Wizz Air fly direct from the UK.
