From the promenade in Świnoujście you can cycle to the German seaside resorts without ever joining a road. The route is flat, follows the beach and suits families with children too.
One promenade, two countries
Świnoujście lies on the island of Uznam (Usedom in German), right on the border with Germany. Since 2011 a shared section for pedestrians and cyclists, about 3.6 km long, has linked the Polish promenade with the German one. It created an unbroken route from Świnoujście through Ahlbeck and Heringsdorf to Bansin – roughly 12 km in all. It is often described as the longest seaside promenade in Europe.
You cross the border in the coastal woods, a few steps from the beach. There is no checkpoint or barrier – a symbolic gateway and a strip set into the surface mark the spot, and most people stop there for a photograph.
The route step by step
- Świnoujście to the border. From the seaside quarter, ride west along the promenade. The buildings soon end and the route enters coastal woodland, with paths down to the beach at regular intervals.
- Border to Ahlbeck. On the German side the path continues between dunes and forest and brings you to the first resort. On the beach stands a pier dating from 1898, regarded as the oldest surviving pier in Germany.
- Ahlbeck to Heringsdorf. The promenade runs past white villas in the classic resort style. Heringsdorf has the longest pier in Germany, at 508 metres.
- Heringsdorf to Bansin. The final stretch ends in the smallest of the three so-called imperial resorts. This is where the promenade finishes.
How much time to allow
Ahlbeck is only a few kilometres away, so a leisurely ride there and back with a short stop fits into two hours. For the whole route to Bansin and back, around 24 km, allow half a day – not because it is hard, but because you will want to get off the bike three times along the way, once at each pier.
The route is flat and surfaced throughout. Children on their own bikes manage it well, as do people who rarely cycle. A city or trekking bike is all you need. The most pleasant times to ride are morning and early evening, when the promenade is emptier and the light over the sea is at its best. In the middle of a summer day, progress through the resort centres is slow.
What to watch out for
- Pedestrians. In season the promenade is busy, especially in the resort centres. In places walkers and cyclists have separate lanes, in others they share the surface – follow the signs and push your bike where required.
- ID. There are normally no border checks, but you must carry an identity card or passport when crossing – children included.
- Paying. Poland uses the złoty, Germany the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, though a little cash is handy for smaller stalls.
- Wind. On the coast it often blows from the west. If you ride out into the wind, the return will be easier – and vice versa, which is worth bearing in mind with children.
- Lights and a lock. Lights are useful on the woodland section after dark. Always lock your bike at the piers.
A different way back
If you would rather not return the same way, you have two options. The first is the UBB resort railway, which runs between the German resorts and the Świnoujście Centrum stop – check the conditions for taking bikes and the current timetable beforehand. The second is the cycle path further inland, away from the beach: quieter, but with fewer views.
Bikes can be hired locally, in the seaside quarter and in the centre. In high season it is best to do this in the morning, when the choice is widest.
For our guests this trip starts practically at the door: our apartments by the promenade are in the seaside quarter, a few minutes from the route into Germany. More ideas for an active day are on our page about Świnoujście. We look forward to welcoming you.