Velo Baltica - EuroVelo 10/13

Velo Baltica is the Polish section of the international EuroVelo 10 route that circles the Baltic Sea. The route starts in Świnoujście and ends in Elbląg, leading cyclists through picturesque coastal landscapes. The route partially overlaps with EuroVelo 13 – the Iron Curtain Trail, which attracts tourists from across Europe. For most of its course, it runs close to the shoreline, sometimes almost along the very edge of the sea, passing through Kołobrzeg, Darłowo, Ustka, Łeba, Puck, and the Tri-City area along the way.

This is an incredibly diverse route – both in terms of landscapes and surfaces. Cyclists cover sections running along seaside promenades, traverse the wild terrain of Słowiński National Park, and pass numerous lakes and forests. In Łeba, you can ride down to the famous moving dunes, and along the way there are plenty of opportunities to visit lighthouses and historical sites. The route is perfect both for a few-hour trip along the sea and for a multi-day cycling expedition with panniers.

Essential Route Information

Difficulty: Easy to moderate – no significant elevation changes, but variable surfaces require an appropriate bike
Elevation profile: Practically flat – coastal terrain without significant climbs
Surface: Highly varied – mostly asphalt and gravel, with sections of concrete slabs, cobblestones, forest paths, and sand
Route type: Mostly roads separated from car traffic, sections through seaside promenades
Direction: Recommended to ride from west to east (westerly winds at your back)
Recommended bike: Touring, gravel, MTB, or cross – road bikes won't be suitable due to variable surfaces
Certification: Some routes in West Pomeranian Voivodeship marked with "Cycling Through Western Pomerania" logo

Route Marking & Navigation

The route is marked with orange signs with a black bicycle and European Union pictograms with numbers 10 and 13. In the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, the signage quality is very good – signs appear regularly, and cyclists can easily find their way. The situation changes after crossing the voivodeship border.

The most poorly marked section is between Ustka and Dębina – the road runs through forest where signs on trees are often missing, and the surface can be muddy or sandy. GPS navigation with a GPX file is essential on this fragment. Experienced cyclists note that despite generally good signage, moments of uncertainty appear throughout the entire route, so it's worth having navigation for complete peace of mind while riding.

Best Direction & Season

The vast majority of cyclists recommend riding Velo Baltica from west to east, starting in Świnoujście. This choice stems from the prevalence of westerly winds in Poland – riding in this direction, the wind will be favorable most of the time rather than hindering pedaling.

As for the season, the best months are:

June – days are already long, temperatures pleasant, and the route still relatively empty
September – after the tourist season, when crowds have dispersed and the weather remains stable
April-May – for lovers of peace and cooler weather

During summer season, especially in July and August, sections running through popular resorts are very crowded. This particularly applies to the roughly 40-kilometer section between Kołobrzeg and Mielno, where promenades fill with both beachgoers and recreational cyclists. Reports from people who've ridden this section indicate that summer riding can be frustrating – pedestrians reluctantly yield space, and parked cars further narrow the path. Early mornings, around 5:00 AM, are the only way to have a peaceful ride through these areas during peak season.

Main Stages & Highlights

Świnoujście – Kołobrzeg (approx. 125 km)

The first section of the route runs through the tourist towns of Międzyzdroje, Dziwnów, Trzęsacz, and Rewal. The surface on this section is definitely the best – smooth asphalt and paved paths dominate. Cyclists pass Wolin National Park, the ruins of a Gothic church in Trzęsacz, and numerous coastal cliffs. This is a scenic section with well-developed tourist infrastructure.

Kołobrzeg – Mielno (approx. 40 km)

The most difficult section in terms of tourist traffic. In summer, the promenades are crowded with beachgoers and recreational cyclists. Route veterans suggest that it's worth considering an alternative route, especially in July and August. The section runs through Gąski and Chłopy, sometimes directly adjacent to the beach.

Mielno – Ustka (approx. 80 km)

The route leads through Łazy, Dąbki, the picturesque port in Darłowo, and Jarosławiec. The surface remains good, though the first gravel sections begin to appear. In Darłowo, it's worth stopping at the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle, which can be visited year-round.

Ustka – Łeba (approx. 85 km)

This is one of the most technically challenging but simultaneously most beautiful sections of Velo Baltica. The section between Ustka and Dębina runs through forest, where signage is poor and the surface often sandy or muddy. As cyclists who've ridden this fragment in recent years emphasize, some sections have received new concrete surfacing – this applies to the route from Wydma Orzechowska through Wytowno and Poddąbie to Dębina, as well as the section from Łódki to Wysoka around Lake Gardno.

A new bike path has been created in Rowy along Bałtycka Street. Despite infrastructure improvements, GPS navigation remains essential on this fragment. Along the way we pass the Port in Ustka, a viewing tower over Lake Gardno, and the charming towns of Rowy and Smołdzino. The section ends in Łeba, from where you can visit the famous moving dunes of Słowiński National Park.

The Legendary Kluki Crossing

The official route now bypasses Kluki, running through Smołdzino, Wierzchocino, and Główczyce. The old variant through Kluki is notorious among cyclists for sand, mud, swampy terrain, and persistent insects. Reports from experienced cyclists who've taken on this challenge indicate that a bike loaded with panniers can be impossible to wheel in places, let alone ride. This is a choice for fans of intense experiences and adventurers – the Kluki section is well-known among cycling communities for its demanding conditions. This section is not recommended for families with children.

Łeba – Gdynia (approx. 120 km)

The route runs through coastal towns: Białogóra, Sławoszyno, and Puck. Cyclists note that sea views aren't as frequent as one might expect – from Władysławowo the route moves away from the coast, running through forest and field areas. In the vicinity of Dębki and Jastrzębia Góra, the route turns 2-3 km inland, through fields and villages. The surface is mainly gravel and packed forest roads.

Tri-City: Gdynia – Sopot – Gdańsk (approx. 30 km)

An urban section running through waterfronts, promenades, and representative parts of the cities. Cyclists pass the Baltic Container Terminal, Gdynia's South Pier, Orłowo Cliff, Europe's longest wooden pier in Sopot, and the historic Main Town in Gdańsk. This is an excellent moment for sightseeing and rest in urban infrastructure.

Gdańsk – Elbląg (approx. 100 km)

The final section of the route runs through Sobieszewo Island, Jantar, and Tujsk to Elbląg. From Jantar, the route largely follows public roads with low traffic intensity. It's worth stopping at the historic church in Marzęcino and viewing the beautiful thatched cottages in Tujsk. The ride along the Tuja River is charming. Along the way you pass the Lock in Przegalina, enabling navigation between the Dead Vistula and the Vistula Spit Canal.

Key Attractions Along the Route

Velo Baltica leads cyclists through a rich set of natural, historical, and cultural attractions:

Lighthouses:

Świnoujście Lighthouse – the tallest in the entire Baltic Sea basin
Kołobrzeg Lighthouse – 26 meters high
Darłowo Lighthouse – offers panoramic views of the coast
Stilo Lighthouse – distinctive red and white stripes
Rozewie Lighthouse – the northernmost point of Poland
Hel Lighthouse – at the end of the Hel Peninsula

Historical Sites:

Ruins of the Gothic church in Trzęsacz – positioned on an eroding cliff
Fort Gerhard in Świnoujście – 19th-century fortress complex
Pomeranian Dukes' Castle in Darłowo – Gothic castle open for tours
Historic church in Marzęcino – architectural gem in rural setting
Thatched cottages in Tujsk – traditional architecture preserved in pristine condition

Natural Attractions:

Wolin National Park – coastal cliffs and ancient beech forests
Słowiński National Park – moving dunes, lakes, and varied ecosystems
Lake Gardno – one of the largest coastal lakes with rich birdlife
Hel Peninsula – narrow strip of land jutting into the Baltic Sea

Viewpoints and Unique Spots:

Viewing tower over Lake Gardno
Orłowo Cliff in Gdynia – steep shore retreating by about a meter annually
South Pier in Gdynia – 626 meters long, where passenger ships and museum sailing vessels moor
Sopot – Europe's longest wooden pier

Culinary Highlights of the Coast

Riding along the Polish coast is an excellent opportunity to discover local seaside cuisine. The regional culinary offer combines Kashubian, Pomeranian, and Baltic traditions.

Fresh fish and seafood – cod, herring, flounder, eel in various versions: fried, smoked, in aspic
Kashubian specialties – kartacze (potato dumplings), cheese dumplings, mushroom soup with sour milk
Local bakeries – traditional Kashubian cakes and sourdough breads
Fishing ports – in Ustka, Darłowo, or Władysławowo you can buy fish directly from fishing boats
Seaside cafes and restaurants – widest selection in tourist towns, but the most authentic flavors often in small villages

Accommodation Options

Accommodation infrastructure along Velo Baltica is well developed, especially in tourist towns. Cyclists will find both budget options and more comfortable solutions.

Campsites – available in most medium and large seaside towns, especially during summer season
Hotels and guesthouses – wide selection in resorts: Międzyzdroje, Kołobrzeg, Ustka, Łeba, Tri-City
Agrotourism – option for those seeking peace away from main tourist routes
Cyclist-friendly places – growing network of facilities offering services dedicated to cyclists (bike storage, tools, drying rooms)
Bett+Bike certified facilities – accommodations meeting standards for cyclists

When planning your route, it's worth considering accommodation availability – in small towns the selection may be limited, especially outside the season.

Access & Transportation

Getting There

You can reach Świnoujście by PKP Intercity train – the journey from Poznań takes about 5-6 hours, from Warsaw a bit longer. During the summer period, demand is huge, so it's worth buying tickets in advance. Remember to get an additional ticket for your bike – without it you may not be allowed into the carriage.

Train travel during peak season can be uncomfortable – carriages with bike racks dominate, where there are often many bikes, and vestibules frequently also accommodate parents with strollers or standing passengers. Outside the season, transporting a bike poses no problems.

If you're not set on riding the entire route, it's worth considering starting from Kołobrzeg, which also has direct rail connections.

Getting Back

You can catch a train at many points along the route: Koszalin, Ustka, Słupsk, Łeba, Lębork, Władysławowo, Gdynia, Sopot, or Gdańsk. From Gdańsk there are direct connections to most cities in Poland. Ending the route in Elbląg, you'll need to make a connection to some cities.

Practical Considerations

The route is not fully complete – construction work is still ongoing in some places, though most sections remain accessible. On several sections, work hasn't yet started, but this doesn't prevent riding.

The biggest challenges on the route are:

Surface variability – from smooth asphalt to deep sand, sometimes on a single section. Experienced cyclists emphasize that riding the entire route on a road bike isn't possible
Crowds in season – especially between Kołobrzeg and Mielno, where pedestrians often don't yield to cyclists
Parked cars – on some sections, cars park between the road and the path, narrowing the passage
Poor signage between Ustka and Dębina – GPS navigation is essential here
Sandy sections before Łeba – require good riding technique or wheeling the bike

Service availability:

Bike repair shops – in larger towns: Kołobrzeg, Ustka, Łeba, Tri-City. In smaller towns, especially on weekends, availability is limited
Bike shops – worth bringing basic spare parts (tubes, chain, spokes), especially if you're planning to ride on weekends
Food service points – available in tourist towns, may be limited in smaller villages
Water access – drinking fountains in larger towns, worth having a supply on forest sections

Final Tips

Velo Baltica is a route that requires thoughtful planning, especially if you intend to cover it in its entirety. The average riding pace for occasional cyclists is about 60-80 km per day – this allows for relaxed sightseeing and rest. More experienced cyclists can cover longer distances, but it's worth remembering the surface variability, which slows the pace.

If you're interested in stronger sensations and aren't afraid of difficult conditions, consider riding the old route through Kluki – this is an experience for true adventurers that remains memorable for years.

It's worth combining Velo Baltica with other routes in the region. The route to Hel Peninsula is an excellent complement to the expedition – it offers beautiful views and runs through quieter terrain than the main route. Vistula Spit is another recommended route, described as the most beautiful section of the Polish coast. From Elbląg you can ride the Green Velo route to Tolkmicko, then take a water tram to Krynica Morska.

For challenge enthusiasts, there's also the Abandoned Railway Trail beyond Ustka, though this is a choice for dedicated adventurers – the route is forgotten and poorly maintained. After Gdańsk you can extend your expedition with the Vistula Cycling Route, choosing the left or right side of the river.

Despite certain inconveniences – crowds in season, variable surfaces, or sporadic gaps in signage – Velo Baltica is one of the most beautiful and diverse cycling routes in Poland. Riding along the Baltic is an unforgettable experience that combines the beauty of nature, the richness of history, and the taste of adventure. The guide content is based on official route information and opinions of cyclists who rode Velo Baltica between 2022-2025.