Gdańsk is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Poland, with many residents using their bikes for both leisure and transportation year-round. There’s no better way to explore the city and region than by bike. Having lived in Tricity for seven years, I can share some of the best cycle routes in and around Gdańsk, helping you include cycling in your travel itinerary to northern Poland.
Bike Rental in Gdańsk
Gdańsk offers several bike rental options. The Mevo bike-sharing system provides standard and power-assisted bikes with convenient pick-up and drop-off locations. Tourists can opt for a 48-hour pass for 59 złoty (13.60 euros), which includes 480 minutes/day of standard bike use or 240 minutes/day of electric bike use.
Alternatively, there are several private rentals, such as Bike Rental Gdańsk, Rower Partner, Wypożyczalnia Rowerów Gdański 3 City Adventure, which offer road, gravel, MTB, and trekking bikes.
Taking bikes on a train in Gdańsk
Taking bikes on trains in Gdańsk depends on the type of train.
On SKM trains (Gdańsk Śródmieście—Wejherowo), bikes are allowed for free, though space is limited.
On the route Wejherowo-Lębork and regional trains, a bike ticket costs seven złoty. It’s advisable to secure a spot early, especially on weekends when popular routes, such as to Hel or Kartuzy, can be crowded.
Eight best bike rides in Gdansk and around
Here are some of the best bike routes in Gdańsk and its surroundings:
Gdańsk City Tour
The Gdańsk City Tour is perfect for exploring the city’s charm. With over 800 kilometres of bicycle lanes, cycling in Gdańsk is safe and convenient. Start in the main town, head to Długa Street, pass through Wyżynna Gate to Wrzeszcz, and continue along Aleja Zwycięstwa.
Take a break in Zaspa – a residential neighbourhood with communist blocks- a real outdoor gallery, with 60 murals painted by artists from Poland and abroad. The complete list of the murals with the exact location is in this guide.
Visit the medieval cathedral in the historic district of Oliwa and relax in one of Gdansk’s oldest and most charming parks.
For a historical perspective, follow the Cycling to Freedom route through the legendary Shipyard, the birthplace of the Solidarity movement.
The coastal ride along the Bay of Gdansk
This 21-kilometre coastal ride along Eurovelo 10 and 13 is ideal for beginners and families. Enjoy the Baltic breeze, sandy beaches, and the coastal vibe cycling through Tricity: Gdynia, Sopot and Gdańsk.
The route is relatively flat and separate from the traffic, making it ideal for leisurely rides. It’s also very popular among tourists and locals, so prepare for a slow slalom between kids and vacationers.
In Gdynia, you can admire ORP Błyskawica, the oldest preserved WWII destroyer, and the Orłowo Cliff, one of the most scenic cliffs on the Polish coast.
In Sopot, take a stroll at the pier and admire the iconic building of the Grand Hotel and the marina.
After you cross the border with Gdańsk, the path will take you to Ronald Reagan Park, the largest park in the city. In Brzeźno, you’ll find yet another pier, historical bunkers and even an artillery battery from the XIX and XX centuries.
Tricity Landscape Park
When I lived in Gdańsk, the Tricity Landscape Park was my favourite place to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. This protected area covers almost 200 square kilometres of moraine hills and forests and hundreds of kilometres of trails where you can create your adventure.
If you’re looking for some gravel or MTB fun, the Tricity Landscape Park is the right place for you. The main cycling route goes from Gdańsk Matarnia to Wejherowo, from where you can return to Gdańsk with the SKM train. You’ll see some wildlife like boars or deer if you’re lucky. The route is 74 km long, pretty hilly and follows primarily unpaved trails.
Alternatively, for a shorter ride, combine the park’s green forests with a coastal path or return through the city.
Kashubian Lake District Loop
The Kashubian Lake District Loop is a great road cycling route that starts from Gdańsk Matarnia and follows mostly paved roads into Kaszubski Landscape Park, an area known for stunning lakes and charming villages.
You can shorten the route by finishing in Kartuzy and returning to Gdańsk by train.
Cycling the Hel Peninsula
The 83-kilometre route to Hel Peninsula is a favourite among tourists and locals.
Starting from the Gdynia Główna train station, it passes the Beka Nature Reserve and, along Puck Bay, takes you to the Hel Peninsula—a sand bar that, in its narrowest part near Jurata, is just 100 metres wide.
Cycling the 35 kilometres to the end of the peninsula is a pure pleasure, with a fresh breeze from white sandy beaches, the soothing whooshing of pine forests, and charming holiday resorts where you can stop and enjoy some fresh Baltic fish.
Hel Peninsula used to be a military area with restricted access, so if you’re into history, you can explore numerous military fortifications. For a scenic panorama, climb the stairs of the Lighthouse in Hel.
You can return to Gdynia by train (11 departures per day in the summer season). The number of bicycle spaces is limited, and Hel is quite a popular destination among cyclists, so be at the train station early.
You can also return by ferry, which is a much more pleasant option. However, the tickets are pretty pricey—85 złoty (20 euros) per person + 40 złoty (9 euros) for the bike.
Żuławy and the Mennonites’ trail
The 124-kilometer Mennonites’ Trail is perfect for history enthusiasts, featuring old wooden huts, churches, and windmills. It ends at the Teutonic Castle in Malbork, the largest castle in the world. The route is flat, with a total elevation gain of just 130 meters, making it an easy ride. Return to Gdańsk by train from Malbork.
Vistula River Cycle Trail
If you’re looking for a flat and safe cycle route from Gdańsk, check out the Vistula River Cycle Route, a part of Eurovelo 9. It follows the longest Polish river, Vistula.
It’s ideal for long-distance adventure (many cycle tourers use it to cross Poland from north to south). It’s also great for a day trip—you can take a train back to Gdańsk from Pelplin.
Sobieszewo Island Cycle Route
The 28-kilometer loop around Sobieszewo Island is perfect for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Accessible from Gdańsk via Eurovelo 9, it offers safe cycle lanes and quiet gravel roads. For an overnight adventure, cross by ferry to Mikoszewo and cycle the stunning Vistula Spit.
Final thoughts
Gdańsk offers many amazing cycle routes suitable for all levels and types of cycling. Whether you’re into mountain biking, road biking, or simply want to use a bicycle to explore the city, Gdańsk is a cycle-friendly destination. Hop on a bike and discover the beauty of northern Poland!
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