The Wisła Spit cycling route runs from the right bank of the Wisła River near Mikoszewo, through Jantar, Kąty Rybackie, and Krynica Morska, all the way to the border with the Kaliningrad Oblast near the village of Piaski. The trail leads primarily through the forests of the Wisła Spit, stretching between the Wisła Lagoon and the Gulf of Gdańsk. While the sea remains hidden from view for most of the ride, perpendicular roads and beach access points appear regularly, allowing quick detours to the water.

The section near Krynica Morska stands out with its direct route along the shoreline, offering panoramic views of the Gulf of Gdańsk. The trail was created with European Union funding and provides an excellent option for families with children and cyclists seeking a peaceful, scenic route away from motor traffic.

Essential Route Information

Difficulty level: easy, suitable for families and beginners
Elevation profile: predominantly flat with a few short, steep climbs (mainly between Sztutowo and Kąty Rybackie)
Surface: primarily gravel and packed forest paths, with some asphalt sections and cobblestones
Traffic separation: nearly the entire route is separated from motor traffic; only in Sztutowo does the trail follow quiet residential roads
Recommended bike: trekking, cross, gravel, or MTB; the route is rideable on road bikes but not ideal; passable with a child trailer

Route Marking and Navigation

The route is marked with orange signs featuring a black bicycle and R10 symbol, though the marking quality is average. In some places, signs are ambiguous or missing entirely. Pay particular attention at the start beyond the ferry in Mikoszewo, where the paved section of the Wisła Cycling Route running along the embankment can easily be confused with the actual R10 route. GPS navigation is recommended, and downloading a GPX file before your ride is advisable.

Best Direction and Season

The route is linear and does not form a loop, meaning you will need to return the same way or use alternative transport. The Świbno-Mikoszewo river ferry operates during the summer season from May to September, making this the most practical time for the trip. Off-season, or in case of poor weather conditions, high water levels, or ferry breakdown, you will need to use the bridge at Kiezmark.

Optimal season: May through September (when the ferry operates)
Off-season: the route is accessible using the bridge at Kiezmark

Key Attractions Along the Route

The trail offers a combination of historical, natural, and unique infrastructural attractions. Cycling through the Wisła Spit, you can plan stops at several distinctive points.

Świbno-Mikoszewo river ferry: a crossing over the Wisła at the very start of the route; the ferry carries bicycles, motorcycles, and cars; operates every half hour during the season
Shelter on the embankment at the Wisła mouth: a viewpoint with a panorama of the Wisła flowing into the Baltic Sea; junction point with the right-bank Wisła Cycling Route and the Green 7 trail
Former German Stutthof concentration camp: a memorial site open for visits (bicycles not permitted inside); the site is also visible from beyond the fence
Wisła Spit Canal crossing: a passage opened in 2022, through which the route now passes
Coastal section near Krynica Morska: a stretch of trail with panoramic views of the Gulf of Gdańsk
Russian border at Piaski: the end of the route featuring a barrier and information board; the first Polish beach with a view of the border fence extending into the sea

Accommodation Options

Plenty of accommodation is available along the route, particularly in towns such as Krynica Morska and Piaski. During summer, accommodation fills up quickly, so booking in advance is recommended.

Agritourism farms in surrounding villages
Campsites
Guesthouses and lodgings in Krynica Morska and Piaski

Important: pitching a tent on the beach is prohibited without written permission from the relevant authorities.

Access and Transportation

Getting there from Gdańsk

From Gdańsk, the easiest way to reach the start of the route is via a section of Velo Baltica (EuroVelo 10/13), which overlaps with the Wisła Cycling Route on this stretch. Cycling paths lead through Gdańsk's industrial area, over the bridge spanning the Dead Wisła, and onward through Sobieszewo Island to the ferry crossing. The distance from the Granary Island area is just over 20 km. For cyclists who prefer asphalt, the Green 7 trail offers an alternative.

Public transport

City buses from Gdańsk: lines 112 and 186 run to Sobieszewo Island approximately every 20 minutes. Line 112 reaches the left bank of the Wisła, closer to the ferry crossing. Bicycle transport on Gdańsk public transport is free, though regulations apply regarding designated spaces and priority for pushchairs.

PKS Gdańsk buses: line 870 serves connections to Mikoszewo, Jantar, Kąty Rybackie, Sztutowo, and Krynica Morska. Bicycle transport is permitted for a luggage fee, though the final decision rests with the driver.

Train: there is no railway line on the Wisła Spit. You can take a train to Gdańsk and continue your journey by bus or bicycle from there.

Returning from the route

Due to the linear nature of the trail, planning your return is essential. Besides cycling back the same way, from Krynica Morska you can take a water tram to Tolkmicko or Frombork. Bicycles are permitted on board. From there, you can continue along the Green Velo trail to Elbląg, then head back toward Gdańsk via Velo Baltica or the Green 7 trail. Alternatively, PKS Gdańsk line 870 allows you to travel from Gdańsk to Krynica Morska and start your ride from that point.

Practical Considerations

The Wisła Spit route is safe and technically undemanding, though a few points are worth keeping in mind before setting off.

Well-functioning gears are important for the short, steep climbs between Sztutowo and Kąty Rybackie. Ferry status should be checked before your trip, as the crossing does not operate off-season or in poor weather conditions. Current information is available at swibnoprom.pl.

Russian network coverage near Piaski: as you approach the border, phones may connect to Russian networks, resulting in high roaming charges. Turning off mobile data and location services in this area is recommended.

Supplies: grocery stores and food outlets in passing towns (available every few kilometres)
Cyclist service points: no dedicated cyclist rest areas; a comfortable shelter is located at the route start near the junction with the right-bank Wisła Cycling Route
Trail traffic: watch for pedestrians heading to the beach near populated areas

Final Tips

The Wisła Spit cycling route is one of the more scenic trails in the region, combining peaceful rides through forest tracks with proximity to the sea and the rich history of this area. Thanks to separation from motor traffic, gentle terrain, and the ability to ride with a child trailer, it works equally well as a destination for a family outing or as part of a longer cycling expedition through northern Poland.

The route connects with several other popular trails in the region: Velo Baltica (EuroVelo 10/13) runs together with R10 from Mikoszewo to Jantar, the Wisła Cycling Route begins at the ferry crossing, and the Green 7 trail leading from Warsaw through Elbląg also converges with the route at the Wisła. From Krynica Morska, the water tram enables connections to the Green Velo trail, and the Mennonite Trail also runs nearby.