Top 8 Routes Exhibiting The Best Of Cycling Tourism in Poland
July 11, 2022 by Amit Chandra
No road is too long, and no destination is too far when you bestride a bicycle!
Poland’s biking scene has seen a remarkable upgrade in recent years, and it’s safe to say that biking is well on course of turning into the number one outdoor activity in Poland, all thanks to the green outdoors and nature reserves in the country. The development of cycling tracks through the cities, adequately-marked routes through the beaten paths, rugged terrain, riverbanks, and challenging mountainous topography entices thousands of tourists to the best cycling routes in Poland.
Besides, the Poland government's decision to invest in biking infrastructure in the city and push through companies like NextBike and Lime makes the process of sustainable commuting praiseworthy. The Polish Tourism and private corporations ensure that biking is hassle-free, easy to access, and a cheap endeavour even for those planning to rent a city bike.
Cycle paths, signs, and Poland government initiatives
Poland has thousands of kilometres of well-maintained marked bicycle trails to offer to cyclists. The vast flat lowlands and lush countryside offer top-notch tracks in Poland. Occasionally, you can expect the cobblestone streets to bother you. While traversing the Polish countryside region, the chances of spotting wildlife increase drastically. Some of Poland’s most exotic wildlife species are wild boar, deers, Sea Eagles, beavers, and European Bison.
Poland has extensive National Cycle Routes, with cities offering well-maintained tracks and adequately marked main roads primarily towards the rightmost section - the region reserved for slower traffic and vehicles. Some regional authorities have their own marked cycle routes and don't use a uniform sign. It can be as simple as these stencil-painted symbols and colour codes.
Polish campsites along the cycle trails make for a great option to rest and camp amidst pristine nature and outdoors. Most of the campsites in Poland are open from May until September, while a few are open year-round. Project GreenVelo & EuroVelo in Poland are the top initiatives of the governments of the EU & Poland. Spanning thousands of kilometres, these routes cover the most naturally exotic and culturally rich regions of Poland. Some parts of these projects are still in the construction phase.
A testimony from Maciek Ostaszewski a resident of Poland says:
'Besides campsites, you can ask local people (especially villagers) if you can place a tent in their garden or near their house. I think most people will allow you to do this, some may even offer you a better place to sleep than a tent!. It is acceptable to offer some money, but not everyone will accept it.'
Most popular bicycle trails in Poland
1. EuroVelo
Overall distance: More than a thousand kilometres
Difficulty level: Varying
If you are a cyclist on a mission ready to explore the best bicycle trails in Europe, you must know about project Eurovelo. The network of currently 17 long-distance cycling routes crisscrossing Europe is a project led by European Cyclists' Federation. Though the project is in different stages of completion, its total length is estimated to be 90,000 km upon completion.
Most popular EuroVelo routes in Poland:
- EuroVelo 2 - (Capital's route),
- EuroVelo 4 - (Central Europe route),
- EuroVelo 9 - (Baltic-Adriatic route),
- EuroVelo 10 - (Baltic Sea cycle route),
- EuroVelo 11 - (East Europe route), and
- EuroVelo 13 - (Iron Curtain trail)
Most of the routes are in the completion phase and have resulted in major bike journeys. Thanks to the intricate planning of the EuroVelo route, they cross the best of the northern coastline and western region in Poland bordering the Czech and Germany, thus giving visitors a deep insight into this fascinating country. While cycling, you can glimpse the best of busy metropolises, quiet fishing villages, popular beaches and secluded forests. Some of the country's most prominent reminders of the Cold War period are connected with the route.
To know everything about EuroVelo in Poland, visit their website
2. The GreenVelo Trail
Total distance: 1886 km
Difficulty level: Varying
The GreenVelo East of Poland Cycling Trail is the longest consistently marked bicycle trail in Poland, leading through the major culturally rich and significant areas of eastern Poland like Warmińsko-Mazurskie, Podlaskie, Lublin, Subcarpathian, Świętokrzyskie, Lubelskie, and Podlaskie. The asphalt roads marked with orange-coloured plates are quiet and cover 5 national parks and 16 landscape parks. While the main route spans 1886 km, additional liaison trails are extending about 200 km.
The GreenVelo East of Poland covers new and rebuilt cycle paths with pedestrian and bicycle trails covering 300 km, while the unpaved roads extend up to 150 km. This initiative has resulted in the construction of more than 30 bridges and footbridges and more than 20 key junctions. Moreover, there are 230 Cyclist Service Points operational, each equipped with bicycle racks, sheds, benches, trash bins, and other information boards.
There is an additional 10,000 km of other marked cycle routes along the trail and hundreds of noteworthy tourist attractions. The Green Velo East of Poland trail is divided into 12 Bike Kingdoms. These 12 kingdoms of Eastern Poland are known for their surreal beauty in the east, also deemed the most attractive region in Poland.
Total distance: 237 km
Difficulty level: Easy
Starting point: Zakopane Train Station
Finishing point: Wietrzychowice (connected with The Vistula Cycle Route)
VeloDunajec is the most stunning bicycle route in Małopolska and a top cycle route in Poland, attracting thousands of outdoor lovers to this form of sustainable tourism. Covering 7 mountain ranges, 3 large lakes, and the gates of 7 castles, VeloDunajec in southern Poland acts as a perfect connection with the Tatras between Stary Sącz and Ostrów. It also shares a common route with EuroVelo11, also known as VeloNatura and converges into Vistula Cycle Route until Dunajec drifts into the Vistula River.
VeloDunajec is 237 km long, starting from Zakopane and ending at Wietrzychowice. The VeloDunajec route offers unique views of the most picturesque areas of the Dunajec valley with scenic views of the Beskids, Pieniny and the Tatra Mountains.
Where to get started on VeloDunajec?
Zakopane, Poronin, Szaflary, Nowy Targ, Waksmund, Harklowa, Dębno, Niedzica, Kąty, Trzy Korony, Szczawnica, Krościenko, Zabrzeż, Jazowsko (MOR), Gołkowice, Stary Sącz, Bartkowa, Czchów, Zakliczyn, Ostrów, Głów (MOR), Siedliszowice, Wietrzychowice are the places where you can switch to a bicycle and comfortably ride on VeloDunajec.
Note: This route is not yet fully completed
4. Baltic Cycling Route (Eurovelo 10)
Total distance: 580 km
Difficulty level: Easy to Medium
Starting point: Swinoujscie
Finishing point: Braniewo
Starting from the Polish-German border in Swinoujscie, the Baltic Sea Cycling Route passes through seaside towns and resorts of Międyzdroje, Kołobrzeg, Mielno, Ustka, Łeba, and Hel. The changing landscape of the Baltic Sea Coast is the perfect reward for every biking enthusiast. Along the coast, alluring wetlands, rolling dunes, virgin forests, raw cliffs, and the salted sea breeze await you with a heavy dose of freshness. Eventually, you reach the Tricity attractions of Gdynia, Sopot and Gdańsk, thriving with some top events and tourist attractions in Poland.
Moving on, the Baltic Sea Cycling Route crosses the picturesque coastal towns like Elbląg and Frombork, from where it is possible to take a memorable cruise along the Vistula Lagoon or get lost in the thick forest surrounding the region. The golden beaches along the trail comprise the best of south Baltic reign and are the major highlight of the Baltic Sea Cycle Trail.
5. Eagle Nest Cycling Trail
Total distance: 190 km
Difficulty level: Medium
Starting point: Czestochowa Train Station
Finishing point: Wawel Castle Krakow
Southern Poland is every traveller’s delight. When we talk about Polish Jura, the picture of lofty caves, perched castles, rocky hills, deep ravines, limestone structures, or thick forest cover in the Polish Jurassic Highlands region (Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska) appears in front our eyes. This region is a treat for nature, history, and architecture admirers. So, this upland between Częstochowa and Kraków has a bicycle trail popularly known as Eagle Nest Cycling Trail, thanks to perched and lofty geographical features in Poland set along the route.
Eagle Nest Cycling Trail offers the best of Wieluńska Upland (Wyżyna Wieluńska), the gorge of the Warta River near Częstochowa. The region happens to be the southern part of the Vistula River. The entire trail stretches around 190 km and takes through the ruins and castles dating back to the first Polish dynasty (the Piast era).
Be informed that the route is marked with R1-type signs for bikers if you pick the Trail of the Eagles’ Nests. The visible signs indicate a bicycle on a white background with a red stripe on plates, trees and fences. Additionally, the signs along the route also indicate the number of kilometres, directions, and tourist attractions in the nearest town.
Some of the major attractions along the trail: Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Jasna Góra, Olsztyn Castle, Mirów Castle, Bobolice Castle “Bąkowiec”, Ogrodzieniec Castle Podzamcze, Pilcza Castle and the Smoleń Reserve, Bydlin Castle Rabsztyn, Tenczyn Castle Rudno, Wawel Castle Krakow
6. Roztocze Cycling Trail
Total distance: 192 km
Difficulty level: Medium
Starting point: Krasnik Train Station
Finishing point: Hrebenne Train Station
Starting from the centre of Zwierzyniec and ending at Majdan Sopocki, the 45-km-long Roztocze Cycling Trail is an excellent proposition for everyone looking for the thrill of mountain biking in Poland. This biking trail in southeast Poland runs through the Roztocze National Park for the first half of the journey.
The second part, through Guciów Village, offers lush views of the Krasnobród Landscape Park, finally ending towards the edge of Puszcza Solska Landscape Park. Throughout the journey, you can easily spot mixed forests and overgrowing sandy, hilly areas from the picturesque Lublin region.
7. Pomerania Cycle Routes
Overall distance: More than a thousand kilometres
Difficulty level: Varying
Northern Poland offers plenty of natural treats and retreats. Pomerania region, located by the Baltic coast, boasts unparalleled charm and scenic bicycle routes. Located in the heart of Pomerania, the Tricity is one of the best bicycle-friendly European cities. The route covers Gdynia, Gdańsk, Sopot, and Hel and boasts seamless bicycle tracks with adequate marks and signs. The Pomerania region is not only suited for long-distance biking but dedicated tourist cycling paths with plenty of well-marked trails.
Owing to the diverse landforms, topography, and difficulty, cycling in the Pomerania is considered a top-notch experience in Poland. From Kashubia to Żuławy to Słupsk to Gdynia-Hel, there are multiple ways to reward yourself with a fulfilling ride.
Popular cycling routes in the Pomeranian region are:
- Kashubia – known for Szwajcaria Kaszubska (translates to Kashubian Switzerland), the area near Kartuzy and Chmielno serves an exclusive mountain biking experience in Pomerania. The hilly terrain is way more demanding than city tracks. Stunning lake views and quaint Kashubian villages are the rewards awaiting you. Kaszubska Marszruta extends up to 200 kilometres.
- Słupsk – the Pierścień Gryfitów (translates to Griffins Ring) route is popular biking route in Pomerania. The route is studded with extraordinary buildings from the 19th - 20th centuries.
- Żuławy – the Szlak Mennonitów (translates to Mennonite Route) is comparatively the easier one with seamless views of Motława and Żuławy fields. While riding this track, you will have an opportunity to discover the unique nature of this region. Gothic churches, charming windmills, and arcaded houses are highlights of the trail. Further, in the direction of the Vistula Lagoon, plenty of nature secrets await you.
- Gdynia to Hel – Puck Bay route is another fascinating bicycle route in the Pomerania region. This cycling route goes along Puck Bay. The 80 km of the picturesque cycle route from Gdynia to Hel is an experience worth relishing.
Discover more about the region on the Pomorskie Travel website
8. Barycz Valley
Total distance: 88 km
Difficulty level: Medium
Starting point: Jutrosin
Finishing point: Odolanów
Barycz Valley is one of the finest kept secrets of Lower Silesia in southwestern Poland. Primarily known for pristine Milicz Ponds, lush fields, farms, and thick forest with elusive deers, Barycz Valley is a lovely escape for all the cyclists looking for a perfect track. The Barycz Valley cycling track begins in Jutrosin via fields, forests, and nature space in Trzebicko. Head to Milicz Ponds, museums, and a few eateries serving the local Polish cuisines if you want to try regional food.
You can take a break by the banks of the ponds in the Trzebnica region and later at Kuźnica Czeszycka. The total cycling trail distance is 88 km, which is a mix of asphalt, sand, forests and unpaved path. Even with an average fitness level, you should be able to pull this off. Jutrosin is the starting point, while the route ends in Odolanów.
Some popular tourist attractions in Barycz Valley along the cycling route: St. Matthias Church Trzebnicko, Krosnicka Kolej Wąskotorowa, Milicz Ponds Reserve, St. Andrew Bobola Church Milicz, Palace Complex in Kuźnica Czeszycka, St. Barbara Church in Odolanów
The life, varying landscapes, people and diverseness of the lush places make you gush over the beauty of Poland. Bicycling in Poland is full of surprises; let’s plan a trip this summer!
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Amit Chandra
Amit is a travel writer & founder of the blog Whistling Hound. A perpetual nature lover, Amit moved to Wrocław, Poland, three years ago. Ever since, he has been gallivanting around European countries, soaking up the best of places & sharing his experiences across digital media. From working as an Aurora Guide in Lapland to walking the streets of Naples & Rome like a local, Amit has done it all. Currently, he's treading through the best of southwestern Poland & is not stopping anytime soon!
