Cycling in Gdańsk

Gdańsk is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Poland. Cycling has become a genuine part of local culture — residents choose two wheels not just for recreation but as an everyday way of getting to work and school. The city's network of bike paths stretches close to 600 km and keeps growing, with supporting infrastructure — racks, service points, rental shops — expanding year after year. It is no exaggeration to call Gdańsk the cycling capital of Poland.

Below you will find a selection of cycling routes of varying difficulty, from easy city rides to full-day trips along the Baltic coast. Each one starts in Gdańsk or its immediate surroundings.

No Bike? No Problem

If you do not have bikes for everyone in your group, there is no need to worry. You can always rent bikes in central Gdańsk and hit the road — we offer city bikes, electric bikes, and children's bikes. And if you prefer to explore with a guide, you can join the bike tours run by Poland By Locals. Tours depart from ul. Chlebnicka 19/20 everyday at 10:00 AM. A local guide will show you hidden alleys and tell you stories you will not find in any guidebook.

The most popular bike path in Gdańsk is without doubt the route along the seaside promenade, running from Brzeźno through Jelitkowo all the way to Sopot. The wider network, however, allows comfortable riding across many districts — picturesque Oliwa with its park and cathedral, bustling Wrzeszcz, artsy Zaspa with its famous murals, and the historic city centre. Cycling is allowed on virtually all main roads in the Main Town, so you can ride along ul. Długa without breaking any rules — just remember to watch out for pedestrians during the summer season and at weekends. When tourist crowds fill the narrow lanes of the Main Town, it is worth taking an alternative route or simply dismounting for the busiest stretch.

Flat terrain and frequent stops make cycling through Gdańsk easy and enjoyable even for beginners. Start your ride in the Main Town, discovering the monumental architecture and hidden corners of its historical streets. For a detailed description of the Main Town route — from ul. Długa through St. Mary's Basilica and the Gdańsk Crane to the Shipyard — see our guide to cycling Gdańsk's Main Town.

It is well worth venturing beyond the centre, though. Leave the Main Town behind and head for the Lower Town (Dolne Miasto) — a district just ten minutes by bike from the Old Town that feels as relaxed as a small countryside town. It was not as heavily damaged during World War II as the centre, so you can still see original architecture from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. You will also find plenty of restaurants and cafés with reasonable prices — perfect for a mid-ride break.

After riding along the "Odpływ Motławy" channel, continue directly to the Gdańsk Shipyard. This industrial district has a great deal to offer, above all the proud history of Solidarity set against a backdrop of towering port cranes. Make sure to visit the European Solidarity Centre — an interactive museum where an audioguide walks you through the key events of the freedom movement. While there, take the lift to the sixth floor for a panoramic view of the shipyard and the Old Town. And if you are visiting in summer, plan an evening return to the shipyard — the famous Elektryków Street and the 100cznia venue offer food halls, live music, and a fantastic atmosphere.

Distance: approx. 15 km | Time: 2–3 hours with stops | Difficulty: easy to moderate

This route is ideal for riders who want to combine seaside views with city sightseeing. It begins along the Sopot promenade — one of the most scenic cycling stretches in Pomerania. From the Sopot pier head south, passing through the historic Jelitkowo Park with its old-growth trees and winding paths. Next comes the Brzeźno pier, where you leave the coastline and ride through Nowy Port, passing the amber-coloured Gdańsk Stadium — the arena that hosted matches during the European Football Championship.

The route ends in the historic centre of Gdańsk, where you can visit St. Mary's Basilica and the Main Town Hall, or simply relax by the Motława River, taking in the buildings of the Long Waterfront. The entire route is flat and picturesque, and covering it takes no more than three hours with short stops for photos and coffee along the way.

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 on visiting places on the route like: Jelitkowo Park or Oliwa Park, 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).

Distance: approx. 44 km | Time: 4–6 hours | Difficulty: moderate (length)

This is the longest of the suggested routes and one of the most beautiful cycling trips on the Polish coast. The scenic seaside path on the Puck–Władysławowo section forms part of the R-10 trail (Seaside Hanseatic Trail) — an international cycling route running along the Baltic. The road follows a dedicated bike path almost exclusively; only a short section between Chałupy and Jastarnia requires using a pedestrian walkway.

The main attraction is the proximity of the Baltic Sea — for most of the ride you cycle with water visible on both sides of the narrow Hel Peninsula. Along the way you pass picturesque Baltic beaches, views of the Bay of Puck, the pedestrian pier in Władysławowo, and two protected areas: the Seaside Landscape Park and the Słone Łąki Nature Reserve. In Hel you will find the Seal Sanctuary (Fokarium) — a rehabilitation centre for grey seals — and the Fishing Museum, which tells the story of centuries of fishing tradition in the region. After reaching Hel you can return to Gdańsk by ferry or by SKM commuter train, bringing your bike on board.

Online maps list dozens of cycling routes around Gdańsk, but nothing replaces the knowledge of a local guide who knows not just the roads but the stories behind every place. Bike tours organised by Poland By Locals depart from ul. Chlebnicka 19/20 everyday at 10:00 AM. It is a great way to discover the city, make new friends, and spend an active day outdoors.

Our bike rental shop in central Gdańsk offers comfortable city bikes, electric bikes, and children's bikes — we will adjust the equipment to any height. The location at ul. Chlebnicka 19/20 is the perfect starting point: from here you can ride directly into the narrow lanes of the Old Town or head for the green Lower Town. Our staff will be happy to advise you on where to go and what to see along the way.

Do not wait — book a bike and explore Gdańsk on two wheels!