Biking in Gdańsk
Gdańsk is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Poland, and cycling become a part of local culture. There is no exaggeration in calling Gdansk “the cycling capital of Poland”. If you want to really understand the city like a local, you have to do it from the saddle of a bike!
Bike paths overall are almost 600 km long! Numerous paths and new ones begin to be connected into one integrated transportation network increasingly frequently provided with traffic-supporting devices like traffic lights, speed bumps, or locks. There has been an increasing number of service shops in the city, e.g. by the Gdańsk University of Technology or several new ones in Przymorze.
Bike Paths
By far the most frequented bike path in Gdańsk was the one along the seaside. Such an extended network of bike paths supports unrestricted travel in numerous districts – bicycle sightseeing of Oliwa, Wrzeszcz, and the historic Centre in one day is no longer a major challenge.
1. Gdańsk by Bike
There is no better option to see all the top attractions in Gdańsk than on two wheels. The flat terrain and many stops make this trail easy to ride. Start the bike trip in the real heart of Gdańsk Old Town and discover the unique beauty of monumental architecture and picture postcard landscape. Almost all paths in Main Gdańsk are bike accessible and you don’t have to worry about breaking a law. All the cyclists are really welcome in Gdańsk Old Town but during the high season be careful and watch out for pedestrians. We advise avoiding main tourist paths during the high season weekends when the tourist crowd is stacking in narrow streets. If you feel uncomfortable and you look for a bike to chill out you have to hit to Low Town area. Despite the fact, this district is only 10 minutes riding a bike from Main Gdańsk you can feel almost like in the countryside or a very small town. It wasn’t as much destroyed as the center of Gdańsk during World War II and now you can see here original city architecture from XVIII and XIX centuries. Ride along the channel “Odpływ Motławy” and go directly to Gdańsk Shipyard to meet with our modern history. When you will cycling through the industrial district don’t forget to visit European Solidarity Museum. You can use an elevator and go to the 6th floor which has a nice view platform with the famous Gdańsk cranes panorama.
2. Sopot – Gdańsk
For less enduring and experienced cyclists there are a few proposals for bicycle trips. The route leads over 15 km of picturesque places in Gdansk and Sopot. From the historic park in Jelitkowo, over the pier in Brzeźno, by the amber Stadium to the heart of Gdansk or its historic center. Here it is worth seeing St. Mary's Church, the Main City Townhall which houses a branch of the Historical Museum of Gdansk or you can relax over the Motława watching the historic buildings of the Long Embankment. The route will take up to 3 hours to cover, including short stops on the way.
3. Oliwa Valley Route
An easier although not shorter route (about 24 km) is another tip to select a place for bicycle rides. Most of the route is along paved roads although there are sandy fragments. This is an ideal option for people who prefer recreation far from frequented routes. However, this route may also prove tiresome as there are several uphill sections. The trip will take 3 to 4 hours - this obviously depends on how much time we will spend visiting places on the route like Jelitkowo Park or Oliwa Park, the water smithy in Oliwa, Museum of Sopot or the Southern Park with the oldest trees having 130 years and the numerous valleys (Dolina Ewy, Dolina Świeżej Wody, Dolina Zajączowskiego Potoku, Dolina Radości, Dolina Schwabego, and Dolina Oliwskiego Potoku).
4. Puck – Władysławowo – Jastarnia – Hel Route
A long medium difficult route of about 44 km. A picturesque seaside route on the section Puck-Władysławowo is a part of the R-10 bike path (Seaside Hanseatic Trail). The route runs almost exclusively on a bike path; only the fragment between Chałupy and Jastarnia has to be covered on a pedestrian path. The vicinity of the Baltic Sea is the major attraction of the route. Apart from the picturesque Baltic beaches and a great view of the Bay of Puck, the attractions include a pedestrian pier, Seal Sanctuary and Fishing Museum in Hel, and the attractions of Władysławowo. Additionally, on the route, you will find two nature-protected areas - Seaside Landscape Park and Słone Łąki Nature Reserve.
On the map, you can find more bike routes and create something individual. Always you can hit local Tourist Information and ask for bike path maps:
DO YOU WANT TO BE ABLE TO COVER ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CITY AND FEEL LIKE A LOCAL TOO? THEN AN GUIDED GDAŃSK BIKE TOUR IS PERFECT FOR YOU!
If you don't want to be lost, you can always join a bike tour with PolandByLocals! We organize bike tours every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 10:00 AM. Starting Point is Chlebnicka 19/20 Gdańsk
Bike tours are one of the best ways to explore Gdańsk. Our tour will provide you with an interesting history of the city, and is a great chance to make some new friends. Great exercise and the perfect way to spend a glorious summer day in the city, these tours are a must for those who want to get to know the city on more intimate terms.
We will discover the Old Town for you, tell you about its historical monuments, and delve into the regenerated Low Town. There, amidst the greenery, canals, and beautiful architecture, we will tell you about the extraordinary mysteries of this part of town. Explore with us Gdańsk Shipyard where you will hear about the living proud history of Solidarity and the struggle for a free Poland amidst the industrial space with its distinctive cranes. The route is full of stops at our favorite local sites.
Bike rental
If you look for bikes for rent in Gdańsk city center you can always contact our office on Chlebnicka street 19/20. We have a choice of comfortable new trekking bikes which can be adjusted very fast and easily. The location of the bike rental is a perfect place to start your Gdańsk bike adventure. Always you can ask our staff for advice on where to go and what to see.
Contact to bike rental: Gdańsk By Bike