The promenade in Świnoujście is not one walkway but two running side by side, plus a route that takes you on foot all the way into Germany. Here is how to plan the walk and what to look out for.
Two promenades, one walk
The promenade in Świnoujście is really two parallel walkways in the seaside district. The older, historic one runs along Żeromskiego Street and dates back to the 19th century, when the town was becoming a seaside resort. The newer one, known as the Health Promenade (Promenada Zdrowia), lies closer to the sea, between the old promenade and the path along the dunes. Cross paths link the two, so you can easily put together your own loop: out along the old part, back along the new one.
Allow an hour to an hour and a half for an unhurried walk with stops. The surface is level and step-free, so the route suits pushchairs and anyone who prefers to avoid slopes.
The historic part: villas and the bandstand
The old promenade is a wide pedestrian avenue separated from the road by a strip of well-kept greenery. On one side stand restored villas and guesthouses from the old resort days; on the other, newer buildings that match them in scale and style. It is worth looking up above the café windows now and then: the turrets, verandas and ornate balconies only show higher up.
In the middle section stands the concert shell, the setting for concerts and open-air events in season. Most of the cafés, restaurants and souvenir and amber shops are gathered around it. In summer it gets busy here, especially in the evening. If you want peace and quiet, come in the morning – that is also the best time to photograph the historic façades.
The new part: the Health Promenade
A short distance closer to the beach, the new promenade begins. It is just under a kilometre of wide, level path lined with playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places to rest. Children have room to run about, and adults can find a bench away from the traffic. The buildings here are modern: hotels, apartment blocks and places to eat with outdoor seating.
Beach entrances branch off the new promenade at short intervals. They cross the dunes, which are protected, so please keep to the marked paths.
Further west: on foot to Germany
Since August 2011 the promenade no longer ends at the border. A 3.6 km cross-border section links Świnoujście with the German resort of Ahlbeck, and from there the route continues through Heringsdorf to Bansin. Altogether that makes about 12 km, which is why it is described as the longest seaside promenade in Europe.
The route is for pedestrians and cyclists. There are no border checks, but you should carry an identity document. Ahlbeck is an easy walk; the resorts beyond are better explored by bike. You can also return by the train that runs between the German part of the island and Świnoujście – check the current timetable before you set off.
Off the promenade: the park and the way to the windmill
Right behind the promenade buildings lies the Spa Park (Park Zdrojowy). Its layout was shaped in the 19th century by Peter Joseph Lenné, one of the best-known Prussian landscape architects. On a hot day it is the best place for a break in the shade of old trees.
Follow the promenade in the opposite direction, eastwards, and you come close to the mouth of the River Świna. From there it is not far to the western breakwater and Stawa Młyny – the white windmill that is the symbol of the town.
A few practical notes
- A cycle path runs alongside the promenade. Look both ways when crossing it – it is busy in season.
- Out of season some places keep shorter hours or close for a break. It is a good time for a walk, but check opening hours before heading out for dinner.
- In the evening the breeze off the sea is cooler than in town. A jumper or windproof jacket is useful even in July.
- There are plenty of benches along the promenade, so the route is easy to break into shorter stages – useful when walking with small children or older people.
- If you want to walk to Ahlbeck and back, allow time for both directions and take water. There are far fewer places to eat and drink on the stretch near the border than in the centre.
The easiest way to get to know the promenade is to stay right beside it. You are welcome at our apartments by the promenade – the beach is a few minutes’ walk away. You will find more tips in our guide to Świnoujście.