Between the centre of Świnoujście and the beach lies the Spa Park (Park Zdrojowy), the oldest and largest park in town. Here is how to combine it with a stroll through the spa quarter and how much time to set aside.
Where the Spa Park is
The Spa Park (Park Zdrojowy in Polish) separates the town centre of Świnoujście from the seaside quarter. Anyone walking from the centre to the beach, or the other way round, almost always passes through the park or along its edge. It is a broad belt of mature trees with a network of paths that let you cross it towards the sea or walk its length towards the mouth of the Świna and the forts.
For guests staying by the promenade, the park is a natural complement to the beach: on a hot day it offers shade, and when a strong wind blows off the sea it is noticeably calmer here than on the shore.
Where the old trees come from
The park's history is tied to the beginnings of the bathing resort. The first bathing season in Świnoujście opened in 1824, and during the 19th century the dunes between the town and the sea were gradually turned into a park for spa visitors. Its creation is linked with Peter Joseph Lenné, one of the best-known Prussian landscape architects – the layout of avenues with long axes and small squares at the crossings goes back to his concept.
Today tall beeches, oaks and ash trees dominate, with ornamental trees and shrubs in between. This is not a garden of flower beds but a park with a woodland feel: plenty of shade, soft paths and birdsong. In spring and autumn it looks quite different from summer, so it is worth a visit out of season too.
The seaside quarter: villas and guest houses
North of the park begins the seaside quarter, the historic and present-day spa district. At the end of the 19th century the land by the beach was divided into plots and built up with villas and guest houses set in gardens. Some of these buildings have survived and been restored – you will recognise them by their turrets, verandas, loggias and pale façades typical of Baltic resort architecture.
Świnoujście holds official spa status, and its natural therapeutic resources are brine and therapeutic mud. That is why the seaside quarter has so many sanatorium buildings standing next to new apartment blocks and hotels along the promenade. Old and new sit close together, so you will see both in a single walk.
A suggested walk of an hour and a half to two hours
- Start at the promenade. From the seaside quarter, take one of the streets leading south – the park begins after a few minutes.
- Along the avenues through the park. Follow the main avenues towards the centre and wander off onto the side paths. Simply crossing the park takes about a quarter of an hour, but allow more for an unhurried stroll.
- Back along the villa streets. On the way back to the sea, choose the streets running parallel to the promenade – that is where most of the old guest houses stand.
- Finish on the promenade. End the route with coffee or lunch by the promenade, or head down to the beach.
If you have more time, extend the walk towards the western bank of the Świna: beyond the park are the Angel's Fort (Fort Anioła) and the Western Fort (Fort Zachodni), and further on the breakwater with the windmill-shaped beacon, Stawa Młyny.
Practical tips
- Who it suits: the route is flat and easy, fine for families with a pushchair, older visitors and anyone needing a break from the sun.
- Cycling: cycle routes run through the park and along the seaside quarter; ride slowly on paths shared with pedestrians.
- Weather: unpaved paths can be wet after rain, so closed shoes help. On summer evenings insect repellent is a good idea.
- Time of day: the park is quietest in the morning, and late afternoon gives the best light among the trees for photographs.
- Events: in season, concerts and open-air events take place in the seaside quarter – check the current programme before you travel.
You will find more ideas for time away from the beach on our page about Świnoujście. If you would like the Spa Park and the sea within a short walk, we would be glad to welcome you – our apartments by the promenade are in the seaside quarter, a few minutes on foot from the beach.