Poland’s Baltic Coast Cycle Route

Cycling along the Baltic Coast between Usedom and Gdańsk

Poland’s Baltic coast, stretching from the island of Usedom in the west to the Gulf of Gdańsk in the east, is very straight and has few natural features. The changes in elevation are barely worth mentioning. Together with its hinterland, Poland’s Baltic coast is a very popular destination for cyclists who have discovered this kind of active holiday on the Baltic Sea. There is plenty to discover here, in addition to the benefits of cycling itself as a way to get around, have fun and stay healthy. However, there are a few differences to bear in mind compared with the German Baltic coast. Poland’s network of cycle paths is still under development. Well-maintained, paved, dedicated cycle paths are still the exception, so cyclists should expect unpaved and even difficult routes, or to ride on ordinary roads. The Polish Baltic coast is a mix of unspoilt nature and very lively holiday resorts. The latter include Świnoujście (Świnoujście), Międzyzdroje (Międzyzdroje), Kołobrzeg (Kołobrzeg), and the Tri-City of Gdynia, Sopot and Gdańsk.
Cycle maps and guidebooks are indispensable aids on exploratory tours, and here we present one example. The Baltic Coast Cycle Route follows Poland’s entire western Baltic coast, from Ahlbeck on the German side of Usedom to Gdańsk in Poland. In the future, the Baltic Sea Cycle Route is intended to continue around the entire Baltic Sea, making it perhaps the longest international cycle route.