For mountain bike enthusiasts
It’s no wonder that Gdansk and its surroundings are so well-suited for cycling escapades. It is not only an ideal area for excursions on a road bike, or leisurely rides with the kids, but also – to the surprise of many – it’s a paradise for mountain bike enthusiasts. And all that not far from the centre of one of the most beautiful cities in Poland. Below, you’ll find three suggested routes for each rider, as well as a range of practical information.
Route I – "A bit of relaxation, with a cultural twist"
Along the coast to Oliwa Park and up Pacholek hill, length:
The Tricity coastal route is considered one of the most beautiful routes along the Polish Baltic coast.
The section along the seaside promenade from Gdansk to Gdynia is one of the most popular cycling attractions. We turn off the path in Gdansk to venture into a 1,000 year-old city with sightseeing stops and a panoramic viewpoint.
If you choose this route in summer, you absolutely must pack your swimsuit in your backpack! When riding along the Baltic coast, you can stop at any stretch of beach and enjoy the charms of summer and the beautiful locale. The route partly coincides with the EuroVelo route 10, an international cycle route around the Baltic.
We suggest you begin your trip in Brzezno and ride towards Jelitkowo. From there, ride along Piastowska Street to the historic Oliwa Park, preferred strolling location of the citizens of Gdansk for hundreds of years. Its green space of more than 11 hectares, divided into French and English gardens, won’t be boring for those of any generation. In the park you’ll see a carriage house, greenhouse, a monastic granary, the Abbot’s Palace, and a number of interesting plants. Remember that you’ll have to walk your bike, as you’re not allowed to ride through the park. All paths lead us to Oliwa Cathedral, one of the longest Gothic churches in the world. The Cistercian temple is famous for its organ concerts, which you shouldn’t miss! The instrument created by Master Wulff, and it took him only ... a quarter of a century. Its 8 thousand pipes are surrounded by dozens of figures of angels holding musical instruments which move during performances.
Performance times are available at http://www.archikatedraoliwa.pl/muzyka-organowa-4218#1
After listening to a concert, we still have a two-kilometre ride along a paved road to the top of Pacholek hill. Here’s where we need to put in a little effort. However, every drop of sweat compensates for the view of the city and Gdansk Bay from the viewing platform. Of course, we recommend visiting at sunset.
Route II – "Baltic Mountain Biking”
Many are surprised to learn that there are mountain biking routes in the vicinity of Gdansk which easily stand up to the more famous routes in the mountains along the border with Czechia.
Of course, this off-road paradise is the Tricity Landscape Park, where if you plan your route carefully, you can experience even 1,000 metres of hills! So we have it all: beautiful and challenging terrain to practice riding techniques, numerous trails, and nice, thorough exercise. We recommend the trail from Pacholek hill, and a ride down Mikolaj Rej Street in Sopot. There, you may come across Tricity youth breaking speed records on their longboards.
Route III – "Road Classic"
Gdansk – Katy Rybackie, length: 54 km (one way)
The route is for those who love riding on the road. It’s quite long, and challenging in terms of physical fitness. Its great advantage is the minimal traffic and a wide, beautifully situated asphalt road. An additional advantage is the opportunity to stop and relax in one of the seaside locales, and turn back if you need to. For the most pleasurable experience, it’s best to travel as far as Przejazdowo using public transportation and then head for the Sobieszewa Island. After crossing the Vistula River by ferry (for a small fee) the most important part of the tour begins – a journey through the capitals of Polish amber: Mikoszewo, Jantar and Stegna. As you’ll be no more than a few hundred metres from the sea, no matter where you stop, you can get to the beach in just a few minutes, where, among the particles of sand, the treasure of the Baltic reveals itself.
After approximately 50 km, you’ll arrive at Katy Rybackie, located on the shore of the Vistula Lagoon on the Zulawy Wislane, the alluvial delta of the Vistula River. Here a swimsuit will be useful for enjoying a refreshing dip at one of the most beautiful beaches in Poland. Tourists are drawn to Katy Rybackie by its reserve for black cormorants, which are fond of the area for the refuge it offers. After a meal in one of the local pubs, it's time to head back.
These routes are only suggestions of the most popular routes among the many suggested by the city. Note that the area of the Old Town is very friendly to two-wheelers with many facilities for cyclists.
