Above all, rough paved paths and unsurfaced field and forest tracks demand a basic level of stamina, fitness and riding technique from touring cyclists with luggage on their bikes. However, the first special cycle paths have been created and others are being planned.
What's more, the effort is made up for by the scenic experience by the sea and especially in the nature parks. Not forgetting the lively life in the Baltic seaside resorts, such as Leba and on the Hela peninsula, and the historic towns, such as Gdansk, Wolin and Treptow.
Character
The Baltic Sea Coast Cycle Route is signposted as R10 in Poland. It mostly runs along quiet side roads or forest paths. On the sections in national parks, it is only possible to cycle on dirt tracks, which can sometimes be quite sandy or muddy depending on the weather. During the Polish summer holidays in July/August, it can also get busy on otherwise quiet country roads. Recommended for children aged 10 to 12.
Route
480 km, medium Ahlbeck - Kolberg/Kolobrzeg - Darlowo - Ustka - Leba - Wladyslawowo - Gdynia - Sopot - Gdansk/Danzig (- Marienburg). Recommended in 7 to 10 day stages.
Best time to travel
June to September. In July and August, it can get quite crowded on the coast.
Journey
By train via Berlin, e.g. to Ahlbeck, Szczecin or Gdansk. Cyclist hotline of the railway on 01805/99 66 33 (14 ct/min. from landlines, max. 42 ct/min. for mobile phones).
Bike service
There are many bike hire shops in the larger seaside resorts, which also stock simple spare parts.
Cycling hotels
There are plenty of hotels and private rooms along the coast. However, many accommodations and campsites are closed from mid-October to mid-May and in July/August a bed is often only available with a reservation.
Organiser
Cycle tour offers e.g. Mecklenburg cycle tour http://www.mecklenburger-radtour.de
InNatoura http://www.innatoura.de
Velocipede http://www.velociped.de
Maps/Literature
Highly recommended is the tour guide book by Detlef Kaden "Berlin- Stettin-Danzig-Marienburg. Ein Radreiseführer" with maps and GPS tracks, 14.90 euros.
bikeline cycle tour book "Baltic Sea Coast Cycle Route Part 3: Poland. From Usedom to Gdansk" 1:75,000 with GPS download, 112 pages, 12.90 euros.
Information (general)
Polish Tourist Office, Kurfürstendamm 71, 10709 Berlin, Tel. 030/210092-0, http://www.polen.travel/de
