A wide beach that shelves gently into the water is the main reason families choose Świnoujście. We have gathered ideas for days when the sun shines and for days when the beach is off.
A sunny day: the beach and the breakwater
The beach in Świnoujście is sandy and exceptionally wide, and the seabed slopes gently – the water stays shallow a long way out. For parents of small children that makes life much easier. In season there are lifeguarded bathing areas; it is safest to swim within them and to keep an eye on the flag colour.
What to expect: the beach is wide enough that walking from the dunes to the water takes a while, so with little ones a beach trolley or carrier is useful. It is often breezy on the Baltic, so a windbreak and something with long sleeves are worth packing.
A good target for a walk is Stawa Młyny – the white navigation beacon shaped like a windmill at the end of the western breakwater, and the town's emblem. From the breakwater you can watch ships and large ferries entering the port, which children can do for a long time. In strong wind and waves it is better to stay off the breakwater.
Active: bikes, the park and the ferry across the Świna
- Cycling. A flat, surfaced promenade runs along the beach all the way to Ahlbeck in Germany and beyond. Children on their own bikes cope easily, and you cross the border in the woods without joining a road.
- The Spa Park. Between the seaside quarter and the centre lies an old park with shady avenues – a good place for a hot midday when the beach is too warm.
- The town ferry. The crossing of the Świna takes only a few minutes, but for a young child it is a real voyage: you see the port, tugs and ships. The ferries carry pedestrians and cyclists.
The lighthouse and forts – for older children
Across the Świna, on the island of Wolin, stands the lighthouse – the tallest on the Baltic. There are 308 steps up to the viewing gallery, so it is a challenge for school-age children rather than toddlers. The reward is a view over the port, both islands and the open sea.
Right beside it is Gerhard's Fort, where guides in period uniform run the tour as a short soldier's ‘training course’ complete with drill. On Uznam, closer to the seaside quarter, are the Angel's Fort and the Western Fort – more convenient when the children are smaller or time is short.
When it rains: ideas under a roof
- The Sea Fishery Museum. It is in the town centre, in the former town hall. Besides displays on the history of the town and of fishing there are aquariums with fish – usually the most interesting part for the youngest.
- The water park. There is a water park by the promenade with slides and an area for small children. It gets busy on rainy days, so it is better to go in the morning.
- The forts and the Underground City. Most of a fort visit is indoors, so rain is no obstacle. The Underground City (Podziemne Miasto) on Wolin is a set of bunkers linked by tunnels, visited only with a guide – one for older children.
- A walk whatever the weather. The sea is impressive in windy conditions. In coats and wellies, an hour on the beach can be a better memory than another day on the towel.
Opening hours and admission arrangements change with the season – check them before you set out.
A half-day trip: Międzyzdroje and the bison
If you are staying longer, consider a trip onto the island of Wolin. In Wolin National Park near Międzyzdroje there is a bison show enclosure reached by a woodland path. You can get to Międzyzdroje by car through the tunnel under the Świna or by train from the station on the Wolin side of town.
Practical tips for parents
- In high season the best times for the beach are morning and afternoon – at midday the sun is strongest and the spots near the entrances are the most crowded.
- The town is flat, so you can get almost everywhere with a pushchair; stairs only await at the lighthouse and in the forts.
- For longer routes a bike with a child seat or trailer is handy – you will find hire shops in the seaside quarter.
- Poland uses the złoty and cards are accepted almost everywhere. For a trip into Germany, carry ID for the children too.
Family accommodation close to the beach
With children, a short walk to the beach and the option of preparing a meal yourself matter most. Our apartments by the promenade have kitchenettes and are a few minutes' walk from the sea. If you would like to ask about availability, write to us or give us a call – we look forward to welcoming you.