Bicycle paths in Gdansk
Seaside path
It is most popular among the inhabitants and tourists visiting the city. What is the reason of its attractiveness? First, it is the vicinity to the sea, it is very well communicated with city transport to other parts of the city. To go from Gdańsk to Gdynia you have to cover about 25 km which will take about 4-5 hours. Apart numerous food outlets, on the way there are also places to rest and lots of tourist attractions. The points that are on the ‘must see’ list include: the historic monuments of the Centre of Gdańsk like the Crane, Main City Townhall and the Neptune fountain, Gdańsk Shipyard, Energa Arena, bath areas in Brzeźno and Jelitkowo, the pier in Sopot or Skwer Kościuszki with the seaside boulevard. The route is a part of the R-10 bicycle trail (Seaside Hanseatic Trail).
Oliwa Valley Route
An easier although not shorter route (about 24 km) is another tip to select a place for bicycle rides. Most of the route is along paved roads although there are sandy fragments. This is an ideal option for people who prefer recreation far from frequented routes. However, this route may also prove tiresome as there are several uphill sections. The trip will take 3 to 4 hours - this obviously depends on how much time we will spend on visiting places on the route like: Jelitkowo Park or Oliwa Park, water smithy in Oliwa, Museum of Sopot or the Southern Park with the oldest trees having 130 years and the numerous valleys (Dolina Ewy, Dolina Świeżej Wody, Dolina Zajączowskiego Potoku, Dolina Radości, Dolina Schwabego and Dolina Oliwskiego Potoku).
Sopot – Gdansk – Westerplatte Route
One of the longest routes on our list of selected bicycle routes in Gdansk and the neighbourhood; however, it is not the most difficult one. The route of 46 km will take about 6 hours - however, it is worth covering because of the places we pass. Apart from sections along the sea, we will see lots of elements of city architecture like the Hippodrome in Sopot, Ergo Arena, Pier in Brzeźno, European Solidarity Centre, Main City in Gdansk, Wisłoujście Fortress and at the very end of the trip - the Westerplatte peninsula and the Monument of the Coast Defenders. So it is worth taking a longer ride.
Sopot – Gdansk Old City Route
For less enduring and experienced cyclists there are a few proposals of bicycle trips. The route leads over 15 km of picturesque places in Gdansk and Sopot. From the historic park in Jelitkowo, over the pier in Brzeźno, by the amber Stadium to the heart of Gdansk or its historic centre. Here it is worth seeing St. Mary's Church, the Main City Townhall which houses a branch of the Historical Museum of Gdansk or you can relax over the Motława watching the historic buildings of the Long Embankment. The route will take up to 3 hours to cover, including short stops on the way.
Gdansk – Otomin – Gdansk Route
We start from the Old City by the Upland Gate (Brama Wyżynna) so that having covered over ten kilometres, leaving Gdansk and covering other districts like Ujeścisko, Zakoniczyn, Szadółki, finally reach the picturesque village on the Otomin Lake - Otomin. The Amber Mountain (Bursztynowa Góra) nature reserve is located close to Otomin. The route covers almost 30 km of paths in Gdansk. We need to devote about 4-5 hours for the trip so that we can have some rest on the lake.
Wincenty Pol - Sobieszewo Island Route
The route covers about 20 km and leads through the picturesque sites of the Gdańsk island and city beach in Gdańsk where we can have some rest. The route primarily goes through forests directly neighbouring dunes and the seaside followed by a path along the Przekop Wisły in Świbno and the Dead Vistula. In the island there are two nature reserves - Ptasi Raj and Mewia Łacha which add to the attraction of the trip. Sobieszewo Loop is a long medium difficult route which will be found attractive by all lovers of nature and activity combined with fresh air recreation.
Tricity Landscape Park
Also the Tricity Landscape Park is a perfect place for bicycle rides. You can ride along designated bike paths as well as along pedestrian paths in many places - here however you have to pay much attention at hikers. Most of the trails can be used both for hiking and recreational cycling. However, there are also more demanding sections for more experienced cyclists since there are places with sand and mud, narrow paths and steep slopes.
