Cycling routes in Poland

Bicycle tourism in Poland is gaining importance - in summer, on intercity roads, you can meet more and more travelers with panniers from both the country and abroad. The network of small intercity roads allows traveling between major cities away from main highways, offering at the same time the opportunity to experience local culture and wild nature. Nature lovers will certainly appreciate routes along the Baltic Sea, along major rivers, or through mountains. Tourists value Poland as one of the European Union countries that offers accommodation and meals of very high quality at relatively low prices.

The most beautiful cycling routes in Poland

1. Velo Dunajec (233 km)

   One of the most picturesque and better-marked trails in Poland, running along the Dunajec River, with views of the Tatra Mountains, Pieniny, and Beskids.

   • Niedzica Castle on Czorsztyn Lake
   • Dunajec River Gorge rafting
   • Nowy Sącz and its market square
   • Tarnów - pearl of the Renaissance
2. Trail of the Eagles' Nests (190 km)

   A route connecting Kraków with Częstochowa, leading through picturesque limestone rocks and castles of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland.

   • Ogrodzieniec Castle
   • Błędów Desert
   • Castle ruins in Olsztyn
   • Jasna Góra Monastery
3. Green Velo (2,095 km)

   The longest cycling route in Poland, passing through five eastern provinces. A trail for lovers of wild nature, picturesque, authentic villages, and cities with rich history. It is worth planning the journey well, as the route is still awaiting professional signage along its entire length. Despite some shortcomings in signage and occasional poorer road surfaces, it remains one of the most beautiful routes in Poland.

   • Biebrza National Park
   • Zamość - "Pearl of the Renaissance"
   • Białowieża National Park
   • Augustów Canal



4. Route around the Tatras (280 km)

   An international cycling route connecting Poland and Slovakia, running through sub-Tatra towns with amazing views of the Tatra Mountains. The route is well-marked in Poland, also led through roads for the exclusive use of cyclists.

   • Zakopane and Gubałówka
   • Orava Lake in Slovakia
   • Chochołów - village with traditional highland architecture
   • Dunajec in Slovakia
5. Vistula Cycling Route (about 1,200 km depending on the version)

   A route running along the queen of Polish rivers - the Vistula, connecting the Beskids with the Baltic Sea. An excellent choice for lovers of riverside landscapes and cities with rich history.

   • Kraków and the Old Town
   • Sandomierz - royal city
   • Toruń - Copernicus's city
   • Malbork with its powerful Teutonic castle
6. R10 Cycling Route - Around the Baltic Sea (588 km in Poland)

   Part of the international EuroVelo 10 route, running along the Polish Baltic coast. The route offers beautiful views of the sea, wide beaches, and seaside resorts.

   • Orłowo Cliff in Gdynia
   • Dunes in Słowiński National Park
   • Hel Peninsula
   • Lighthouse in Kołobrzeg
7. Kashubian Lake District (200 km)

   A route running through the picturesque Kashubian region, with numerous lakes, hills, and forests.

   • Wdzydze Landscape Park
   • Viewing tower on Wieżyca
   • Lake Wdzydze ("Kashubian Sea")
   • Open-air museum in Wdzydze Kiszewskie
8. Western Lake District Route (339 km)

   A route connecting Szczecin and the Tuchola Forest, leading through lakes and forests of Western Pomerania.

   • Lake Miedwie
   • Drawa National Park
   • Tuchola Forest
   • Crooked Forest near Gryfino
9. Polish part of EuroVelo 11 (762 km)

   An international route running through Poland from north to south, through Suwałki, Podlasie, and Lesser Poland.

   • Wigry National Park
   • Białystok and Branicki Palace
   • Siemianówka Reservoir
   • Poprad Valley

Important legal tips for cyclists in Poland

Mandatory bicycle equipment - working brakes, bell, lights (white in front, red at the back: at least one red light and a reflector in a shape other than a triangle in the same color).

Riding on the road - if there is no bike path, you should ride on the shoulder or on the right side of the road. Riding on the sidewalk is not allowed unless permitted by a special sign. You can also ride on the sidewalk if the sidewalk width exceeds 2 m and the speed limit on the road is 50 km/h.

Crossing a pedestrian crossing - cyclists should dismount if there is no special bike path. Cycling across pedestrian crossings is prohibited.

Group riding: regulations prohibit riding side by side, but allow it in exceptional circumstances, e.g., cyclists riding side by side do not create a traffic hazard or do not hinder other road users. A single column of cyclists cannot exceed 15 people.

Helmet and reflective vest - not mandatory, but they significantly increase safety, especially after dark and in road traffic.

Food to try in Poland

Polish cuisine is largely based on meat and flour dishes. In large cities, vegetarians and vegans will also find a wide selection of products, but when traveling through smaller towns, it's worth stocking up on snacks that match your dietary requirements.

1. Pierogi

   The most famous Polish dish, available in many variants: Russian style (with cheese and potatoes), with meat, with cabbage and mushrooms, and also sweet (e.g., with blueberries or strawberries, served with cream and sugar).



2. Bigos

   Sauerkraut stewed with meat, sausage, and spices, often cooked for several days to develop a deep flavor.

3. Żurek

   A sour soup made from rye flour sourdough, served with white sausage, egg, and horseradish. An Easter classic, served all year round.

4. Pork cutlet with potatoes and cucumber salad

   A pork cutlet breaded in breadcrumbs, fried in lard, served with mashed potatoes and cucumber salad (cucumbers with cream).

5. Cabbage rolls

   Cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice, boiled and usually served with tomato sauce.

6. Potato pancakes

   Crispy pancakes made from grated potatoes, fried to a golden color, served sweet with cream and sugar or savory, e.g., with goulash.

7. Karpatka

   Karpatka is an iconic Polish cake, whose name refers to its wavy appearance resembling the Carpathian mountain range. It consists of two layers of choux pastry filled with a butter-based custard cream.

8. Pączki

   Pączki are traditional, fluffy, yeast balls deep-fried, most often filled with rose jam, plum jam, or custard. They are crispy on the outside, soft inside, and often covered with icing or sprinkled with powdered sugar. Millions of pączki are eaten in Poland on Fat Thursday, which falls on the last Thursday before Lent.

When is the best time to plan a cycling trip in Poland?

The best time to plan a cycling trip in Poland is the summer season lasting from the end of May to mid-September. However, good weather already prevails from April, when daytime temperatures reach several degrees, until the end of October. When planning a trip, it's worth keeping in mind holidays during which Poles often go on vacation or spend an extended weekend outside the city - then many accommodations are occupied, and it's worth booking them in advance for these dates:

• Easter - a movable holiday, falls in March or April.
• May Day weekend - May 1st and 3rd are public holidays, so many people combine them into a longer vacation with the nearest weekend in the calendar. These days are extremely popular among cycling tourists.
• Corpus Christi - a movable holiday, falls on a Thursday in mid-June.
• August 15th - Assumption of Mary (Feast of Our Lady of Herbs)
• Non-trading Sundays - It's also worth remembering that Sundays in Poland are not trading days, so outside of large cities, it may be difficult to find an open store. This should be taken into account when planning food purchases for the trip.

The most interesting places to visit in Poland

1. Warsaw - Royal Castle, parks, Łazienki

   The capital of Poland combines history with modernity. The Royal Castle is a symbol of reconstruction and cultural heritage, and the Royal Łazienki Park delights with its neoclassical buildings and gardens. It's also worth visiting the Old Town and the modern Warsaw Uprising Museum.

2. Kraków and a trip to Wieliczka Salt Mine

   Kraków, the former capital of Poland, is famous for its Main Market Square, Wawel Royal Castle, and Kazimierz. It's worth taking a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which offers underground corridors, salt sculptures, and the remarkable St. Kinga's Chapel. It's one of the oldest and most unique places in the world.

3. Białowieża National Park

   This is the last primeval forest in Europe, where you can see European bison in their natural environment. The park offers picturesque hiking and cycling trails, and the Bison Show Reserve allows for a close encounter with these majestic animals. It's a perfect place for lovers of wildlife and tranquility.

4. Malbork and the Teutonic Castle

   The largest brick castle in the world and the former capital of the Teutonic Order. The monumental building impresses with Gothic architecture, rich interiors, and extensive fortifications. Visiting allows you to travel back in time to the era of knights and great battles.



5. Masuria - Land of a Thousand Lakes

   An ideal region for sailing, kayaking, and relaxation in nature. The Great Masurian Lakes Trail offers picturesque landscapes, charming ports, and wild corners. It's also worth visiting the Boyen Fortress in Giżycko and the Wolf's Lair, Hitler's former headquarters.

6. Table Mountains

   Characterized by unique rock formations resembling labyrinths. Błędne Skały (Errant Rocks) and Szczeliniec Wielki offer amazing views and narrow passages between rocks. It's one of the most picturesque and mysterious corners of the Polish mountains.

7. Gdańsk, Westerplatte, and Kashubia

   Gdańsk is a city with a turbulent history and extraordinary architecture, with the Long Market, Neptune's Fountain, and the European Solidarity Centre. Westerplatte, the site of the outbreak of World War II, reminds of important events from the past. Kashubia delights with picturesque lakes, hills, and rich regional culture.

8. Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains

   The capital of the Polish mountains attracts tourists both in summer and winter. The Tatra Mountains offer numerous trails, including popular routes to Giewont and Morskie Oko. Zakopane is famous for its wooden architecture, Krupówki street, and regional cuisine, including oscypek cheese and kwaśnica soup.