Here is the most sentimental post in the history of Travel-Mates: a detailed account of our cycling trip along the Baltic Sea. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth embarking on such an adventure, if it’s challenging, or if it’s something for you, we have one piece of advice: stop wondering altogether. After reading our story, you’ll have no doubts that even a beginner can tackle the route from Świnoujście to Hel. And enjoy it too! The only opinions you should seek beforehand are from a doctor regarding your health and from a service technician about the condition of your bike. And voilà! You’re ready to hit the road.
Are you looking for inspiration? The best ideas what to do in Tricity and its surroundings!
The Swinoujscie – Hel cycling route
We had been planning our cycling trip along the Baltic Sea for many weeks. To be honest, we talked about it more than we actually prepared for it. In the end, we started very spontaneously – without prior training, without a detailed plan, and without a long list of accessories we probably should have brought for our own safety. Luckily, fate was on our side, which helped us avoid any unpleasant surprises (with one small exception, but more on that later). Both our physical condition and the weather (not just our spirits) were on point.
Our cycling trip from Swinoujscie to Hel lasted 10 September days (plus 1 extra day to travel from Warsaw to Swinoujscie). We rode at a very relaxed pace, covering between 30 and 60 kilometers a day. We had time for leisurely breakfasts on the beach, unhurried coffee breaks along the way, and rather long lunches in seaside restaurants. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to visit all the tourist attractions, but we did see some from the outside and made a list of places we’ll definitely return to – you’ll find it a bit further down.
We booked our accommodations on the same day – in September, there’s no issue with availability, and you’re more likely to be surprised by the emptiness of apartments and guesthouses than by the prices. That’s enough about logistics – let’s move on to a more detailed account.
R10 – list of towns along the route
Swinoujscie – Miedzyzdroje – Wisełka – Miedzywodzie – Dziwnow – Dziwnówek – Lukecin – Pobierowo – Pustkowo – Trzesacz – Rewal – Niechorze – Pogorzelica – Mrzezyno – Rogowo – Dzwirzyno – Grzybowo – Kolobrzeg – Sianozety – Ustronie Morskie – Sarbinowo – Chlopy – Mielno – Uniescie – Lazy – Osieki – Iwiecino – Gleźnowo – Bukowo Morskie – Dabki – Darlowo – Kopan – Jaroslawiec – Ustka – Rowy – Gardna Wielka – Wierzchocino – Glowczyce – Ciemino – Izbica – Ameryka – Gac – Rąbka – Leba – Nowencin – Sarbsk – Sasino – Choczewo – Osieki Leborskie – Bialogora – Piasnica – Debki – Karwienskie Blota – Jastrzebia Gora – Rozewie – Chlapowo – Wladyslawowo – Chalupy – Jastarnia – Jurata – Hel – Cypel Helski
Day 0 – Train ride from Warsaw to Swinoujscie
Our cycling trip actually began in the capital. When it comes to luggage, we packed the absolute minimum – Wiolczi had one medium-sized backpack, and Patrix had two large panniers. We figured we weren’t heading to the ends of the Earth, and there are plenty of stores, pharmacies, and parcel lockers along the way. It’s better to only bring the essentials than to unnecessarily carry a bunch of “just-in-case” items that may never be needed. Remember – the fewer kilograms, the greater the comfort of the ride.
We boarded the train at Warszawa Centralna at 12:11 PM and arrived in Swinoujscie at 9:20 PM. Yes, we spent over 9 hours on the train, but at least there were no transfers. At 10:00 PM, we had pizza at Da Grasso with the legendary tomato sauce (a taste of childhood, specifically high school days), after which we headed to the beach under the cover of night. Chilled and windblown, as it goes in September by the Baltic Sea, we went to the apartment we had booked a few hours earlier, charmingly named Adonis.


Day 1 – Swinoujscie – Miedzywodzie
Distance: approximately 50 kilometers
Route: Swinoujscie – Miedzywodzie
The first day of the trip was meant to be a test of our fitness and the weather conditions by the Baltic Sea at this time of year. We started the excursion with breakfast by the beach and a visit to the symbol of Swinoujscie, the Stawy Mlyny. This windmill on the breakwater serves as both a navigational marker and… a great backdrop for photos.
Next, we cycled to Międzyzdroje to take a stroll along the Promenade of Stars. Among the handprints here are those of the eternally young Maryla Rodowicz, Beata Tyszkiewicz, Janusz Gajos, Agnieszka Holland, Zbigniew Preisner, Stanisław Tym, Jan Englert, Michał Zebrowski, and Anna Przybylska.
After lunch at the Carmen restaurant, we pedaled straight ahead – right into the Wolin National Park. The route, which had been flat and paved, changed to something a bit more challenging. The park’s forest trails turned out to be a bit bumpy and uneven, with some uphill sections, and here and there, protruding tree branches forced us to walk our bikes. But the attractions made up for the small difficulties. First, a visit to the Bison Show Farm. In addition to these enormous mammals, you can also find wild boars, deer, elk, and white-tailed eagles here.
The next stop on the map of Wolin National Park was Lake Czajcze. Late in the afternoon, after the season, there was no one here, so we could enjoy the silence and tranquility on a small wooden pier. After a short rest, it was time for some musical performances – playing the Forest Cymbals. This instrument is located in Wisełka.
The final stop of the first day’s trip was the Kikut Lighthouse. It’s only 18.2 meters tall – hence its name. Although it’s not open for tours, it’s still worth seeing from the outside. After dark, we arrived at the village of Międzywodzie. An obligatory photo in the illuminated heart, and we could race to our apartment.











Day 2 – Miedzywodzie – Dzwirzyno
Distance: approximately 55 kilometers
Route: Miedzywodzie – Dzwirzyno
We started the second day with some rather pleasant conclusions: riding 50 kilometers the previous day was no trouble at all, and we woke up without any muscle soreness. A quick breakfast, and we were ready to visit one of the most iconic attractions of Pomerania. What are we talking about? The ruins of the church on the cliff in Trzesacz. The remains of this Gothic structure, slowly being taken by the Baltic Sea, create a stunning view against the backdrop of the ocean and serve as a powerful reminder of nature’s supremacy over humans. Nearby, there’s a mermaid monument referencing local sea legends. A quick coffee with a view of the Baltic, and we were back on our bikes.
We sped through Rewal straight to Niechorze, where another lighthouse awaited us – much taller than the previous one, standing at 45 meters. We spent the night in Dzwirzyno, near Lake Resko Przymorskie.






Day 3 – Dzwirzyno – Mielno
Distance: approximately 55 kilometers
Route: Dźwirzyno – Mielno
On the third day, we probably tackled the most pleasant section of the route: much of it ran very close to the sea, the surface was perfect, and thanks to good signage, we hardly needed to use the navigation. It turned out that in Dzwirzyno, there are small dunes that can be admired while comfortably riding along a wooden boardwalk. As long as the wind isn’t blowing too strongly in your face, it’s incredibly pleasant.
We sped through Grzybowo straight to Kolobrzeg. Here, we gave ourselves some free time – a stroll along the promenade, followed by coffee on the pier. Next, we made our way to the village of Gaski, where another lighthouse awaited us.
The next stop was Sarbinowo – one of the most popular resorts on this part of the coast, a very popular destination for school trips. On the border of Chlopy, we took Patrix’s favorite photo from the whole trip. It’s the one where the final and definite end of Chlopy in Wiolczi’s life happens. With this optimistic touch, we approached the mecca for seaside partygoers, Mielno. And here, we encountered a few small problems. First, there were no towels where we were staying. Second, the self-service laundry where we planned to wash our things had broken down. While we solved the first problem on the spot by buying paper towels at the nearby Lidl, the issue of our cleanliness and hygiene was now in the hands of the repairmen. Filled with some anxiety, we fell asleep in the incredibly peaceful off-season Mielno.





Day 4 – Mielno – Jaroslawiec
Distance: approximately 60 kilometers
Route: Mielno – Jaroslawiec
Right after breakfast, we hopped on our bikes to make the most of the self-service laundry. Fortunately, the repairmen did an excellent job. Laundry and drying during the day felt like a waste of precious time, but we had no other choice. While our clothes were spinning in the dryer, we took the opportunity to visit… a nearby clothing store. Vacation fashion follows its own rules, and Wiolczi had a one-of-a-kind opportunity to snap a photo in a sequin baseball cap.
When we finally retrieved our clean clothes from the dryer, we were ready to hit the road. We cycled from Mielno to Łazy on a lovely country road, which was very kind to our bikes and our backsides. We traveled alongside the picturesque Jamno Lake.
In Łazy, we were in for a surprise – we could no longer continue along the Baltic coast to the east, so we had to veer slightly south. This detour allowed us to explore a few small villages. In one of them, we bought a few sentimental and unhealthy snacks – straight out of an elementary school shop. Does anyone still remember ketchup clubs, rice puffs, or bubble gum balls? Tasting these treats made the rain waiting at the bus stop a little more enjoyable.
When the sun finally peeked out from behind the clouds, we set off for Darłowo. Unfortunately, halfway there, the worst thing that happened during the whole trip occurred – Patryk got a toothache. And a serious one at that. The search for a dentist meant we didn’t get to visit the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle, but we’ll definitely come back to see that attraction. Finding a dentist on a Friday evening also turned out to be a failure.
With no other choice, we continued on – straight to Jarosławiec. The situation was a bit dire because the sun was already setting, and the bike path was along the beach on concrete slabs. Despite all the obstacles, nothing stopped us from witnessing one of the most beautiful sunsets of the trip. In Jarosławiec, the kind lady running the Willa Natenczas connected us with other guests who were also staying at the guesthouse, and they, too, had a toothache on their journey. These lovely people saved Patryk with a wonderful remedy called Green Or. If by some miracle you’re reading this – thank you so much. We highly recommend purchasing this product and keeping it in your home, car, and bike first-aid kit.







Day 5 – Jaroslawiec – Ustka
Distance: 30 kilometers
Route: Jarosławiec – Ustka
The fifth day was the least active of our entire cycling adventure. Patryk’s tooth was still causing him trouble, and no dentist was available on the weekend. We managed to cycle just 30 kilometers east and take only one souvenir photo – but what a charming one it was! On the positive side, we can definitely mention the pleasant route (almost the entire way was on asphalt).
In Ustka, we had the best meal of the entire trip. We wholeheartedly recommend the Italian restaurant Verde Rucola. In our cycling gear, we felt a little out of place because the other guests looked “luxurious.” However, it didn’t stop us from truly enjoying the feast for our taste buds! Every dish and every side tasted wonderful. If you’re ever in Ustka, you must stop by. Afterward, spend the night at Orzechowa Przystań.

Day 6 – Ustka – Gardna Wielka
Distance: approximately 30 kilometers
Route: Ustka – Gardna Wielka
The sixth day turned out to be a truly charming and peaceful Sunday. Once again, we only cycled 30 kilometers, but we had a great time and didn’t regret anything. The small-town landscape gradually turned into a rural one. A significant part of the route was along country roads. The change was very pleasant for the eyes (meadows, cows, forests), but not necessarily for our behinds.
In Rowy, we decided to play the role of Sunday tourists – we had lunch, finally had a waffle, and strolled along the beach. We also picked our place for the night, the village of Gardna Wielka.
On the way, we came across a fairy-tale spot that you absolutely must add to your list of attractions to see by the Baltic Sea. It’s the observation tower above Lake Gardno. We arrived here late in the afternoon, and the sky around us was pink, gold, and blue, while the surrounding landscape looked incredible. From the tower, there was a picturesque view of the lake, the Słowiński National Park, and the unique vegetation, including rare peat bogs and meadows. You could feel both peace and wildness here. We would have gladly spent more time on the tower, but we still had a few more kilometers to cover.
Our next night was spent at the Dom Gościnny Przy Jeziorze at Mickiewicza 11A. Highly recommended, we felt right at home with these kind hosts. Such agrotourisms are pure gold!






Day 7 – Gardna Wielka – Nowecin
Distance: approximately 42 kilometers
Route: Gardna Wielka – Nowęcin
The seventh day of our trip was the one where we took the easy route. When planning the route, we decided to skip the famous Kluki – marshy areas that are a nightmare for cyclists. Unless you have good equipment and feel experienced, it’s better to stay away from this place, especially in rainy weather.
Our alternative route turned out to be quite picturesque. It felt very idyllic, as it passed through incredibly peaceful villages. If time had stopped anywhere, it was definitely here. We encountered a few new things along the way. To start, Wiolczi saw a “collection mailbox” for the first time. A few kilometers later, she had the chance to take a souvenir photo, straight out of a folk photo shoot (or as some might say, from a “holiday in Bali”).
Hours passed as we made our way through Główczyce, Ciemino, Rzuski Las, Izbica, and even (Polish) America! Before the village of Gać, we veered off towards a pier to enjoy the view from an observation platform overlooking the picturesque Łebsko lake. The marshy terrain has a mysterious charm, and cycling through it was actually quite pleasant. The small bumps on the forest paths didn’t bother us at all.
We arrived in Łeba almost at night and mistakenly booked accommodation in nearby Nowęcin. After dinner, we had a few extra kilometers to pedal in the dark to the neighboring village.




Day 8 – Nowecin – Sasino
Distance: about 35 kilometers
Route: Nowęcin – Sasino
On the eighth day, more time was spent on sightseeing, resting, and laundry than on actually cycling. To start the day, we headed unusually west. From Nowęcin, we made our way to Rąbka to visit the biggest attraction of Słowiński National Park – the moving dunes. This is one of the most unique natural phenomena in Europe, where the sands shift under the influence of the wind at a speed of several to tens of meters per year. Dunes, such as Łącka Góra, reach over 40 meters in height, offering breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea and the lakes of Gardno and Łebsko. Walking through this “Polish desert” is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and photographers. We were so enchanted by the place that we dedicated an entire entry in our journal to it – we encourage you to read it: LINK.
As soon as we left the dunes, a real downpour began. We used this time for lunch and more laundry. It was a great coincidence that one of the campsites in Łeba had a self-service laundromat. We settled in somewhat illegally, made ourselves comfortable, and took advantage of this wonderful service. In the meantime, Patryk arranged for a pizza, and so we enjoyed a mediocre meal with a view of the spinning laundry drum and pouring rain. Pure joy.
Late in the afternoon, the rain finally stopped, and we were able to continue our adventure along Lake Sarbsko. The route alternated between asphalt, concrete slabs, forest, and… sand. It shook us up a bit! Ultimately, we reached the charming guesthouse InoSasino in the village – as you might guess – Sasino. And here came another surprise. After 7:00 PM, the only open grocery store nearby did not accept card payments. The very kind shopkeeper gave us a trust-based loan of about 50 zł and sold us a few items “on credit.” It felt just like the 90s in a Polish village. We repaid the loan generously the next day, but to this day, we owe that lovely lady a debt of gratitude.





Day 9 – Sasino – Chłapowo
Distance: about 55 kilometers
Route: Sasino – Chlapowo
That day we decided that no matter what, the next day we would reach Hel. So we had to speed up a bit without missing out on the beautiful views.
After leaving Sasino, we spent a long time riding through forest paths. Sometimes we had to pedal uphill, but the beautiful surroundings (pine forests by the sea are seriously magical) made it all worth it. We got closer to the Baltic Sea around Piaśnica, where the beach looked a bit exotic.
Along the way, we also came across a sign pointing to the famous naturist beach in Dębki, but we decided to skip this tempting offer. The route continued peacefully along the coast. We added another landmark to our coastal map—the Rozewie Lighthouse. It’s the oldest functioning lighthouse in Poland, located on a cliff near Władysławowo. For over 200 years, its light has guided sailors.
After Rozewie, we hurried toward our final accommodation at Stella Resort & SPA. For our “green night,” we decided to treat ourselves and stay not at a guesthouse, but at a hotel with a pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and salt cave. It was well-deserved relaxation after all those kilometers spent in the saddle.


Day 10 – Chlapowo – Hel
Distance: Approximately 45 kilometers
Route: Chlapowo – Hel
The tenth, milestone day of our cycling trip started off on an unfortunate note – with a heavy downpour. Fortunately, after about two hours, the clouds cleared, and we were able to head towards Hel.
The final stretch was just 45 kilometers, but the success of our mission was entirely dependent on the weather. Luckily, the rain stopped, and we were able to continue. However, we battled strong winds across the entire Hel Peninsula – no surprise, “that’s the climate here.” We passed several seaside resorts, which were famously sung about by Polish singers. First, “Chałupy welcome to.” Then Jastarnia – the title character of Rudi Schuberth’s song. And finally: “Tell mom and send a postcard to dad / Where do they have the most fun? / In Jurata.” If you’re not familiar with these classics, we encourage you to check out these gems of both Polish music and tourism. Back to the trip…
The cycling path on the Hel Peninsula was quite varied (as you can see in the pictures below), but well-suited for cyclists. The views were absolutely stunning, especially in places where the Baltic Sea could be seen on both sides of the land. Or where kitesurfers were gliding on their boards, adding a bit of color to the gray landscape.
Finally, we reached the administrative boundary of Hel. Seeing the sign with the city’s name was probably the most magical and touching moment of the entire journey. We did it, ladies and gentlemen, we did it! But to complete the formalities, we had to reach the very tip of the Hel Peninsula – the “peak” of the Mierzeja Helska. Before we reached the finish line, we stopped by the Kashubian Sculpture Gallery. We also made a quick detour to the gastronomic port, the magical Kutter restaurant, where we truly felt the maritime atmosphere. We warmed up here with delicious mulled wine and tasty food. A few minutes later, we were racing towards the Hel Cape. At 4:25 PM, we completed our trip successfully.
The return home took over 6 hours – from Hel, we took a train to Gdynia, and then we traveled to Warsaw Central Station via PKP Intercity.
To sum it up. We cycled the route from Świnoujście to Hel. According to the app (which also accounted for our unexpected “detours” and lost paths), we covered over 500 kilometers. We managed not to kill each other, and we didn’t even argue – no doubt, the fact that we were entirely dependent on each other helped. It was a true adventure – in sweatpants and sneakers, with no makeup and no worries. Essentially, we had no concrete plan. With limited access to the Internet. That’s the kind of life we love most!










Bicycle trip from Swinoujscie to Hel – tourist attractions along the route
Here is the promised list of places worth visiting along the Polish coast:
- Swinoujscie Lighthouse – the tallest lighthouse in Poland.
- Museum of Maritime Fisheries in Swinoujscie – interactive museum presenting the history of fishing.
- Fort Gerharda – Coastal Defense Museum in Swinoujscie – a historic fort that offers a glimpse into the atmosphere of a Prussian fortress.
- Promenade in Swinoujscie – the main promenade along the beach with many shops and cafes.
- Promenade of Stars in Miedzyzdroje – an alley with handprints of famous Polish stars.
- Wolin National Park – a park with numerous hiking trails, including the path to the Bison Reserve.
- Nature Museum of Wolin National Park – interactive museum presenting the flora and fauna of the region.
- “Zolwiowe Blota” Nature Reserve – a reserve with unique flora and fauna.
- Drawbridge in Dziwnow – a characteristic bridge that opens to let ships pass.
- Morskie Centrum Nauki (Sea Science Center) in Dziwnow – a place full of marine curiosities about the sea and the region.
- Port in Dziwnow – a picturesque fishing port with many restaurants and shops.
- Observation Tower in Lukecin – a viewpoint with a panoramic view of the area.
- Sunken Forest near Czolpino – a natural monument with protruding tree trunks, remnants of an old beech-oak forest.
- Slowiński National Park Museum in Czolpino with branches in Rowy and Rambka – presenting the natural features of the Slowińska Coast.
- Ruins of the Church in Trzesacz – iconic ruins of a church on a cliff, symbolizing the region’s coastal history.
- Multimedia Museum in Trzesacz (MuzeON) – an interactive museum showcasing the region’s history.
- Narrow Gauge Railway in Rewal – a historic railway offering rides along the coast.
- Butterfly House in Niechorze – an exhibition featuring rare butterfly and insect specimens.
- Lighthouse in Niechorze – a lighthouse with panoramic views of the Baltic Sea and the coast.
- Oceanarium in Niechorze – the kingdom of marine animals.
- Port in Mrezzyno – a fishing port where excursion ships depart.
- Port in Dzwinow – a small port where tourist ships depart.
- Pier in Kolobrzeg – one of the longest piers on the Baltic Sea.
- Polish Arms Museum in Kolobrzeg – a collection of military equipment, including weapons from various historical periods.
- Lighthouse in Kolobrzeg – a lighthouse with panoramic views of the city and port.
- Oceanarium in Kolobrzeg – a marine aquarium where you can see marine animals.
- Lighthouse in Sianozety – access to the lighthouse and beautiful views.
- Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Sarbinowo – a neo-Gothic church worth visiting in this village.
- Seal Monument in Mielno – the city’s symbol and a popular meeting point for tourists.
- Anti-Aircraft Defense Museum in Deblin – a branch of the Polish Air Force Museum focused on anti-aircraft defense.
- Lake Jamno – a lake near Uniescie, perfect for water sports.
- Lake Bukowo – a lake attracting sailing enthusiasts.
- Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle Museum in Darlowo – a castle full of history now housing a museum.
- Lighthouse in Jaroslawiec – a lighthouse with a panoramic view of the Baltic Sea and the coast.
- Pier in Ustka – popular with walkers and tourists.
- Blücher Bunkers – Park of History and Entertainment – Ustka Fortress – an amusement park with historical attractions.
- Bakery and Confectionery Museum in Ustka – an interactive exhibition about the region’s baking traditions.
- Lake Gardno – a great place for sailing and walks in nature.
- Moving Dunes in Slowiński National Park – unique dunes that shift under the influence of the wind.
- Castle in Nowecin – a castle you can visit with exhibits.
- Lake Lebsko – a popular place for sailing and water sports.
- Sea Park Sarbsk – an amusement park with seal shows.
- Cliff in Jastrzebia Gora – a scenic cliff for visitors to explore.
- Lighthouse in Rozewie – the oldest lighthouse in Poland.
- Hallerówka – the house where General Haller lived, now a museum dedicated to the war.
- Chalupy – a village known for water sports.
- Port in Jastarnia – a small marina with picturesque views.
- Hel Spit (Cypel Helski) – the point where the Baltic Sea meets the Puck Bay.
- Seal Sanctuary in Hel – a rehabilitation center for seals, where you can observe these fascinating animals.
- Coastal Defense Museum in Hel – a museum that tells the history of Hel, including its wartime history.
- Museum of Fishing in Hel – presents the history of Hel and traditional fishing.
- Lighthouse in Hel – one of the oldest lighthouses in Poland.
- Butterfly House in Hel – a place where you can see a variety of butterfly species from around the world.

Bike trip Swinoujscie – Hel – accommodations
- Day 0 – 5th-6th September – Adonis Apartments (Świnoujście) – 225 PLN (rating: 9/10)
- Day 1 – 6th-7th September – Heljan (Międzywodzie) – 171 PLN (rating: 7/10)
- Day 2 – 7th-8th September – U Uli (Dźwirzyno) – 130 PLN (rating: 7/10)
- Day 3 – 8th-9th September – Pokoje u Kasi (Mielno) – 100 PLN (rating: 5/10)
- Day 4 – 9th-10th September – Willa Natenczas (Jarosławiec) – 150 PLN (rating: 8/10)
- Day 5 – 10th-11th September – Orzechowa Przystań (Ustka) – 140 PLN (rating: 7/10)
- Day 6 – 11th-12th September – Dom Gościnny Przy Jeziorze (Gardna Wielka) – 184 PLN (rating: 8/10)
- Day 7 – 12th-13th September – Apartment in Nowęcin unfortunately disappeared from Booking
- Day 8 – 13th-14th September – Pokoje InoSasino (Sasino) – 220 PLN (rating: 7/10)
- Day 9 – 14th-15th September – Stella Resort & Spa (Chłapowo) – 327 PLN (rating: 10/10)

Wycieczka rowerowa Świnoujście – Hel – co zabrać?
Here’s a list of items you should bring on your bike trip:
- A bicycle in perfect technical condition. Before you leave, check the tires, brakes, and chain, and it’s best to have your bike checked by a professional.
- Lighting – front and rear lights.
- Panniers that can fit all your luggage. In case of emergency, a backpack that can be properly secured to your rack or basket.
- Rack / Basket – if you plan on bringing more things.
- Handlebar bag / under-frame bag for small items.
- Helmet to protect your head in case of a fall.
- Cycling shorts with a gel padding. An absolute must-have.
- Sportswear – comfortable, breathable clothes.
- Warm hoodie – for chilly evenings and mornings.
- Rain jacket with a hood – a lifesaver in case of rain.
- Sunglasses – to protect your eyes from the sun and wind.
- Sports shoes – lightweight, comfortable, and suitable for long rides.
- Phone charger.
- Bicycle lock – to protect your bike from theft.
- Sunscreen – to protect your skin from UV rays.
- Anti-chafing cream.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Mosquito and tick repellent.
- ID card.
For everything else like tissues, band-aids, painkillers, etc., you can easily buy them in most grocery stores (like Żabka), so there’s no need to carry them all the time. You can charge your phone in any restaurant, so a power bank seems unnecessary.
Lastly, regarding a bike repair kit – spare tubes, patches, a pump, and tools. We didn’t take them with us. We used air compressors at gas stations to inflate the tires. We saw many free stations with tools and bike services along the way. Fortunately, we didn’t need to use them.

Bike trip Świnoujście – Hel – prices
- The train ride for two people with two bicycles on the Warsaw – Świnoujście route cost 115 PLN.
- The train ride for two people with two bicycles on the Hel – Warsaw route (with a transfer) cost 168 PLN.
- Accommodations by the Baltic Sea after the season were very cheap – we paid from 100 to 225 PLN. The last hotel was an exception, but its price wasn’t prohibitive – around 330 PLN.
- We usually had breakfast on the beach or at the guesthouse – the cost was around 20 PLN per person.
- Every day we ordered lunch at a restaurant – depending on the location, we paid from 50 to 70 PLN per person (main dish + fresh juice).
- We usually had dinner at the guesthouse – the cost, like breakfast, was around 20 PLN per person.
- Every day we had a relaxed coffee, treated ourselves to something sweet, and a few times we had some wine – these little pleasures added a few hundred PLN to the overall cost.
- Laundry and drying cost us 70 PLN in total. A large drum could fit the clothes of two people, and we used this service twice, paying 35 PLN each time.
- Apart from the Bison Show Reserve (admission was around 10-20 PLN), we didn’t manage to visit any other paid attractions.

Cycling trip Swinoujscie – Hel – Interesting facts and tips
- Before the trip, make sure to equip your bike with proper theft protection. Why worry about the possibility of your gear disappearing during your adventure under mysterious circumstances?
- Be sure to buy a few pairs of cycling shorts with gel inserts. They really work wonders and protect you from chafing and saddle sores. Remember — never wear them over regular pants. Wiolczi tested this method and regretted it the next day.
- If you’re missing something that isn’t available in nearby stores, you can always place an online order for delivery to a Parcel Locker that you’ll pass by in a few days. Wiolczi ordered additional gel-insert cycling shorts this way. Bought on the second day in Trzęsacz, picked up on the fourth day in Kołobrzeg.
- Check the weather forecast regularly. Pay special attention to rain forecasts – if you get wet, continuing your journey will be impossible or at least unpleasant.
- If you’re riding fast, always wear helmets and sunglasses, which will protect your head from injury and your eyes from drying out due to the wind. It’s always windy by the Baltic.
- Before booking any accommodation, ask the owner if they will store your bike for you.
- Also, check if towels and cleaning products are available in the apartment/pension. We learned this the hard way, so we prefer to warn you.
- Always have cash on hand so you don’t have to shop “on credit.” Not all vendors are willing to give such credit.
- If possible, try to arrive in your destination before sunset. We had the dubious pleasure of riding after dark three times. As long as the route is lit, everything’s fine. It’s much worse if you lose cell service in the woods and don’t know which direction to go, while hearing wild animals in the distance. Or if you end up on a road without a bike path, but with heavy car traffic and a narrow shoulder. We don’t recommend that.
- Don’t expect to admire the sea the entire trip or do extensive sightseeing. The Polish coastline is very diverse. Due to dunes, wetlands, and dense forests, the cycling route along the Baltic often runs far from the shoreline. Also, there will be little time for sightseeing. There are many tourist attractions, but you’ll need to dedicate time for meals, rest, and sleep. Despite some inconveniences, the trip is beautiful, and don’t let them discourage you. We just want to save you from disappointments.

Cycling Trip Swinoujscie – Hel – opinions / reviews
- Patrix – 8/10. Very pleasant trip. Every day we rode without knowing where we would end up. It was a real taste of adventure! Booking accommodations on the go, having coffee in a different place every day, and the road just goes on and on. Unfortunately, the R10 trail is sometimes poorly marked (at times it’s unclear where to go). Google Maps often misleads as well. The route is varied. On some sections, we had to push the bike because of sand or mud. Unfortunately, the path is quite far from the coastline, so you won’t be seeing the sea too often. Nonetheless, it is a very interesting adventure. Highly recommend.
- Wiolczix – 11/10. It was the adventure of a lifetime! I’ve dreamed of such a trip ever since I learned about the bike route along the Baltic Sea (which has been about 20 years now?). The Polish coastline is full of wonderful views, sandy beaches, charming little towns, beautiful lakes, and even some mysterious forests. Throughout the whole journey, my admiration never ceased. The bike trip from Świnoujście to Hel was, in our case, full of unexpected twists and pretty spontaneous – if you lead a very organized life, plan the whole thing more carefully than we did. I (unlike Patryk) didn’t suffer any injuries or illnesses, so I have no reason to complain. I’ve realized that the life of a wanderer is for me. The only thing I would change? Comfortable panniers instead of a backpack attached to the rack, because a few times my luggage security failed. By the way, such a trip is a great way to check how well you get along with your travel companion in conflict situations. I highly recommend it a thousand times over!

Bicycle trip Swinoujscie – Hel – frequently asked questions
How far is it from Swinoujscie to Hel?
The distance between Swinoujscie and Hel depends on the route you choose. In a straight line, it’s about 200 km, but the bike route that runs along the coast is around 430 km (depending on the selected section). We – maintaining varying distances from the coast, sometimes heading south, and occasionally getting lost – covered over 500 km.
Is the R10 route difficult?
The R10 route, which is the international bike trail around the Baltic Sea, is not particularly difficult, but it is quite varied. The Polish section includes various surfaces (asphalt, gravel, forest paths) and landscapes (from forests to cliffs). Most of it is easy or moderate, but some sections may be challenging, especially those that go through sandy stretches or more hilly terrain.
Is there a bike path from Miedzyzdroje to Swinoujscie?
Yes, there is a bike path between Miedzyzdroje and Swinoujscie. The route runs through the Wolin National Park, offering beautiful views and a comfortable ride. It’s a popular section for cyclists.
How long is the bike path in Hel?
The bike path on the Hel Peninsula (Hel – Władysławowo) is about 35 km long. It is a well-maintained trail, running along the provincial road, surrounded by forests and with views of the Puck Bay.
Can I get to Hel by bike?
Yes, you can reach Hel by bike. The route runs through the Hel Peninsula, is well-marked, and is adapted for cyclists. You can also combine the ride with a ferry or train trip if you want to shorten your journey.
What should I pack for the R10 route?
When preparing for the R10 route, it’s worth packing: appropriate clothing (rain gear, thermoregulating clothes, light jacket, helmet), navigation (it can be on your phone), sun protection (UV sunscreen, sunglasses), insect repellent, documents, money, and a headlamp.
You can buy tissues, bandages for chafing and wounds, painkillers, etc. at most grocery stores (like Żabka), so there’s no need to carry them with you. You can charge your phone at any restaurant (outlets are available).
As for the bike repair kit, such as inner tubes, patches, pump, and wrenches – we didn’t take them with us. We topped up the air in the tires at gas stations using compressors. On the route, we saw many free stations with tools and bike repair services. Fortunately, we didn’t need to use them.
What bike for the R10 route? What bike for a trip along the Baltic Sea?
For the R10 route, which is a bike trail along the Baltic Sea coast, the best choice would be a bike that is versatile, comfortable, and suited for riding on various surfaces, from asphalt to more sandy or forested sections. It’s worth considering:
- Trekking bike – ideal for long-distance trips, equipped with a rack, mudguards, and often with gear systems adjusted for different terrain conditions. This would be a good choice if you plan a comfortable, long journey mainly on paved roads and bike paths, but occasionally want to venture onto more natural terrain.
- Gravel bike – perfect if you value versatility. Gravel bikes combine the features of road and off-road bikes, making them great on various surfaces, including unpaved roads. You’ll easily handle both asphalt and gravel paths.
- Cross bike is a versatile model that combines features of road and mountain bikes, making it suitable for both paved and gravel surfaces. It’s light, comfortable, and wide tires ensure good traction on different routes, from paved roads to forest trails.
We have rather modest, trekking bikes – a Romet Gazela 3 (Wiola) and a Kross Trans 5.0 (Patryk). We moved at a “casual” pace and treated our bikes with due respect. Before the trip, we took them for a service and technical check-up. Thanks to that, they handled the journey well and had no issues along the way.
