Vistula Cycle Route – Pomorskie cycling slow life…

The Vistula Bicycle Route in the province Pomorskie Voivodeship is located on both sides of the Vistula. Its route runs along the corridor of the international EuroVelo 9 route and the field markings use both names of the route. Today, the route is still in the implementation phase, but many sections are ready and you can plan longer or shorter trips. The specificity of the Vistula Cycle Route / EuroVelo 9 is related to the unique landscape of the Vistula Delta and its diverse cultural heritage. Overcoming the next kilometers of the route, we will come across impressive arcaded houses, Gothic churches with wooden towers hidden somewhere in the picturesque villages of the Low Lands, or medieval castles that proudly present their charms visible from many kilometers away against the background of the Vistula Delta and the Lower Vistula Valley.

The trip route, which is almost 300 km long, must be divided into stages. This is due not only to the length of the trail but also to the possibility of visiting numerous attractions. When planning trips, it is worth using the active map, which will indicate ready and planned sections (see). In addition, we recommend following the Pomorskie Bicycle routes on FB profile, where you will find news from the EuroVelo 9 route.

All information about difficulties can be obtained from the Department of Tourism of the Municipal Office: tel. 58/3268360, 502-757-389, e-mail: rowery@pomorskie.eu

Marking of the main route and its connecting sections

The daily stages of the Vistula Cycle Route / EuroVelo 9 trip can be divided according to the geographical location of individual subregions. So, starting from Gdansk towards the south, we first go through Gdansk Low Lands, then pass Kociewie and finally, after crossing the Vistula, we visit Powisle. Return north to Gdansk again through Kociewie and then Low Lands, this time the Malbork Voivodeship up to the Vistula Spit.

Stage I Gdansk – Tczew

The first day of the trip along the Vistula Cycle Route / EuroVelo 9 should be considered more of a “warm-up”. We are traveling through the flat areas of the Low Lands. There are no sharp climbs or dangerous descents here. Someone will say it’s boring. None of these things! The Low Lands is one of the most mysterious and fascinating regions in our country. Created centuries ago by human hands by building a system of drainage ditches, canals and other hydrotechnical devices. Additionally, specific buildings in the form of arcaded houses, wooden farmsteads, small churches with wooden towers and a few windmills give the Low Lands a unique atmosphere. This first section runs largely along the crown of the Vistula dykes.

Practically from Sobieszewska Island, which is a district of Gdansk, to Tczew itself, we use the flood dyke, riding mostly on a comfortable asphalt bicycle path and admiring the unique landscape of the Vistula Delta. On Sobieszewska Island itself, it is worth going to the Mewia Lacha reserve at the mouth of the Vistula Przekop to the Baltic Sea or visiting the viewing point on the Kazimierz reservoir. To diversify your journey, you can go off the trail and drive a little deeper into the Low Lansa to taste the values of this land.

A good idea is a loop in the Cedry Wielkie commune, which leads from the marina in Blotnik through Cedry Wielkie to the village of Leszkowy, or an exit from the dyke towards the village of Steblewo, where you must see the impressive ruins of a Gothic church. In both cases, it is easy to get back on the shaft. From a distance you can already see the characteristic silhouettes of historic bridges on the Vistula. This view will accompany us for a few more kilometers. We finish the first stage of our trip in Tczew, so it is worth devoting the rest of the day to sightseeing the city.

Stage II Tczew – Gniew

Before we set off on the second stage of the trip along the Vistula, let’s take a closer look at the famous Tczew bridges from the XIXth century. One of them, originally a railway bridge, was until recently a road bridge and is currently undergoing modernization. Its characteristic neo-Gothic towers give it an amazing appearance, reminiscent of castle defensive walls with towers. You should know that at the time of construction (1851-57) it was the longest bridge in Europe. The second bridge was built nearby in 1891 and took over the railway traffic of its neighbour. The impressive truss structure, destroyed during World War II and then rebuilt, serves its function to this day. Few such structures have survived to this day, which is why the Tczew railway bridge was recognized as an International Monument of Engineering Construction.

We leave Tczew and go south along the Vistula River. Leaving the city and passing the footbridge on Struga Subkowska, we have an excellent view of the river and the outline of bridges visible in the distance. On the way to Gniew we will also encounter the sanctuary of St. Wojciech in Gorzedziej and a complex of historic locks in Rybaki. Around Gniew, the landscape becomes very hilly, so you need to be prepared for difficult uphill climbs. However, all the tiredness disappears in an instant thanks to the views of the Vistula Valley. Gniew ends the second stage of our expedition. Now we can go to the castle to rest in the walls of the Gothic stronghold, eat a hearty meal and, if necessary, spend the night. You cannot miss visiting the mighty Teutonic fortress, which offers a whole package of attractions, including knights’ tournaments and historical reenactments.

Stage III Gniew – Kwidzyn

We don’t have to spend the whole day visiting Gniew itself, so we can see the revitalized market square and the picturesque old town streets before continuing our journey. The situation is different with the castle, which itself is perfect for a stay of just a few days. Zamek Gniew also functions as a spa & wellness hotel.

To get to Kwidzyn, located on the other bank of the Vistula, we use the impressive bridge built in 2013 and pass the town of Korzeniewo, where there was once a large river port. The buildings of the former boatswain’s office, the river office, the inn and the abutments of the old viaduct have been preserved to this day. The access from the bridge to Korzeniewo takes place along a district road with low traffic intensity.

In fact, we can stay in Kwidzyn until the end of the day, as it will probably take us that long to visit the castle of the former Pomesan chapter. The characteristic silhouette of the medieval stronghold is visible from many kilometers away. Particularly impressive is the so-called the “Gdanisko”, the former latrine, the tower of which rises to a height of over 34 m, is connected to the western wing of the castle by a porch over 55 m long, supported on five spans with pillars from 8.5 to 13 m high. Its impressive dimensions make it is probably the largest medieval outhouse in the world.

It is also worth mentioning a section of the asphalt bicycle route running on a disused track, which is particularly attractive due to its landscape values. There are few places from which the view of the Kwidzyn Valley is so impressive. Such a vast panorama is the showcase of the Vistula Cycle Route / EuroVelo 9.

Stage III (variant) Gniew – Nowe – Grudziadz

This is a variant section for those who want to continue their journey on the western side of the Vistula and go further south to the neighbouring voivodeship. The last attractive feature in the Pomorskie Voivodeship is the observation tower in the Wioslo Male reserve. The view of the Vistula Valley is breathtaking, so it is worth deviating from the route a bit to experience an unforgettable experience. On the side of the Kujawian-Pomorskie Voivodeship, about 5 km from the border of the regions, Nowe is located on a high slope.

In addition to beautiful and extensive panoramas of the Vistula River, the city has interesting monuments: Gothic churches and a preserved fragment of the former Teutonic castle. We cross the Vistula by crossing the bridge along national road No.16 and reach Grudziadz. It will take us 1 day to explore the city. Grudziadz is a city rich in monuments, both religious (numerous churches), military (medieval defensive walls, Grudziadz Fortress) and industrial (impressive granaries on the Vistula River).

Stage IV (variant) Grudziadz – Kwidzyn

There is a continuation of the variant section, for those who went from Gniew to the Kujawian-Pomorskie Voivodeship and crossed the Vistula near Grudziadz. Initially, the section runs on general terms along a district road with very low traffic intensity, and from Grabowo to Kwidzyn it runs along a separate bicycle path. It is worth stopping in Nebrowo Wielkie and going to the flood dyke to see the wonderful panorama of the Vistula Valley with the buildings of Nowy on the other bank. Moreover, in the village, by the lake, there is a resting place for cyclists.

Stage IV Kwidzyn – Miloradz

The next stage leads along bicycle paths of a more communicative nature, connecting individual towns of the Kwidzyn district. Thanks to this, the Vistula Bicycle Route / EuroVelo 9 also serves residents who willingly use the trail for everyday transport needs. A real architectural pearl awaits us in Biala Gora, located approximately 25 km from Kwidzyn. At the fork of the Vistula, Nogat and Liwa there is a unique complex of historic hydrotechnical structures, the oldest of which dates back to the mid-XIXth century. The characteristic silhouette of the lock resembles medieval towers, which is why it is often called a water castle.

Within the complex there is also a marina for the Low Land Loop and a parking space for cyclists with a beautiful view of the fork of the Vistula and Nogat rivers. Further along the road, we will pass through the Matawski Forest reserve, which is one of the few forest areas of the Vistula Delta and one of the most valuable in terms of nature. We drive through the reserve on a district road with low traffic. We can also enter the flood dyke, go around it from the Vistula side and then return to the route in the village of Klosowo. The spire of the Gothic church in Matowy Wielkie is visible from a distance. The village is the birthplace of Blessed Dorota of Matowy and the local church is today her sanctuary. We are now in the Miloradz commune, where we can stay overnight. However, remember to make a reservation before the trip, as the accommodation facilities here are rather modest.

There will certainly be free places in the pilgrim’s house near the Sanctuary. However, it is worth considering driving through Miloradz, Pogorzala Wies (an attractive recreational and resting place for cyclists on the Nogat) and Grobelno to Malbork, which is approximately 19 km away from Maty Wielkie. There you can easily find accommodation and a good restaurant. Malbork is also a good base for bicycle trips around the Low Lands towards Nowy Staw or Nowy Dwor Gdanski. Of course, the biggest attraction of the city is the famous, monumental Teutonic stronghold, so if you are in the area, you must come here.

Stage V Miloradz – Mikoszewo

The last straight and we are at the seaside. But before we experience a refreshing swim in the Baltic Sea, we still have many places to see and many may surprise us. For those cyclists who stayed overnight in the Miloradz area, the further route leads north. The first village where you should stop is Bystrze.

First, we pass a traditional arcaded house in the low Lands and then, deep in a small clump of trees, we will find a mysterious brick chapel. This small, Gothic building is an ossuary, i.e. a tomb chapel where the remains of the deceased were stored. The ossuary in Bystrze dates back to the XIVth century and is unique in the country. Unfortunately, the monument is neglected (like the above-mentioned arcaded house) and the valuable medieval polychromes decorating the interior walls are practically invisible today.

The next sightseeing stop is Konczewice, located north of the intersection of our route with national road 22. A wooden tower visible from a distance indicates that we can visit an interesting temple in the village. The Gothic church dates back to the XIVth century and is one of the most interesting examples of religious architecture in this part of the Low Lands. What attracts attention is the decorative southern façade and the high and soaring wooden tower that gives the building lightness. 5 km further south, in Lisewo Malborskie, we encounter another Gothic temple. The wooden tower here is low and squat, so the building lacks the grace of its neighbour from Konczewice. An interesting feature is the open ossuary integrated into the external wall.

This is the second facility of this type in the Low Lands. From Lisewo we head north all the time on a local road with low traffic. The landscape here is flat and agricultural, lacking some of the diversity that accompanied us in the scenery of Kociewie or Powisle. Fortunately, in individual villages we can always find an interesting monument or a bicycle parking space (Dabrowa, Lichnowy, Nowa Cerkiew, Ostaszewo). Several buildings along the way deserve special attention, certainly the traditional Low Land arcaded houses in Nowa Cerkiew, Pordenowo, Gniazdowo and Nowa Koscielnica, but also the ruin of the Gothic church in Ostaszewo.

It is worth going off the route a bit and going to Palczewo. Here we will find one of the few preserved windmills in the Low Lands and a charming wooden church. We cross the S7 expressway near the town of Dworek and keep heading north. In the village of Stroza, we can take the county road, but be especially careful because there is a lot of traffic in the summer season and a bicycle path is still being planned.

An alternative is to drive along the flood embankment or its foot. This is an even more interesting option because we will have the opportunity to pass through the historic “Gdanska Glowa” lock from the end of the XIXth century. This is the place where the Vistula forks into two arms: Martwa Vistula and Szkarpawa. There was once a powerful fortress here, but there is no trace of it left. Today it is an important hydrotechnical junction and an interesting tourist attraction. A little further north is Drewnica, where an XVIIIth-century windmill has been preserved.

We will soon ride the last section from Drewnica to Mikoszewo (approx. 5 km) on a beautiful, asphalt bicycle path. Perhaps the asphalt bicycle route will be extended all the way to the S7 road, which will create an extraordinary loop covering both sides of the entire estuary section of the Vistula. We spend the night in Mikoszewo, a tourist town located on the Vistula Spit near the mouth of the Vistula Przekop to the Baltic Sea.

Stage VI Mikoszewo – Gdansk

This is the last accent of the trip along the Vistula Bicycle Route / EuroVelo 9 and we are returning to Gdansk. The section is short (approx. 25 km), so we can afford longer moments of rest by the sea in Mikoszewo or Sobieszewo, or simply devote time to sightseeing in Gdansk. We get to Sobieszewska Island, which is part of Gdansk, by a ferry that runs across the Vistula between Mikoszewo and Swibno from the end of April to the end of September, so it is best to plan the trip at this time. Otherwise, when in Dworek, before the intersection of the S7 road, you must cross the old bridge along the old national road. There is a designated bicycle lane there, so it is a completely safe section. We ride a comfortable bicycle route from Swibno to the center of Gdansk. Sobieszewska Island itself hides numerous places where nature plays the main role. At the mouth of the Vistula Przekop to the Baltic Sea there is the Mewia Lacha reserve, which is a bird sanctuary of European importance.

You can also spot seals here, flocks of which like to lie in the sun on the sandy islets. On the western end of the island there is Bird Paradise, another fauna reserve whose name perfectly reflects the character of this place. About 200 species of passerines and wetland birds live here. Specially built observation towers located along the educational path are used to observe nature.

Stage VI (variant) Mikoszewo – Krynica Morska – Piaski (EV 10)

This section is the icing on the cake after covering the entire Vistula Bicycle Route / EuroVelo 9. Those who still have some strength in their legs should allocate an additional one or two days to ride the EuroVelo 10 route through the Vistula Spit to the very border with Russia. This is not the EuroVelo 9 route, but it is a perfect complement to the trip, especially since the two international bicycle routes mentioned above intersect in Mikoszewo (and Swibno). The route through the spit leads mainly through the forest, revealing amazing views of the beach and the Baltic Sea in Krynica and the surrounding area. It also runs through the resorts of the amber coast: Jantar, Stegna, Katy Rybackie and Sztutowo, and finally ends near Piaski on the border of Poland and the European Union. An original way to visit the Vistula Spit and parts of the Low Lands is to take the Low Lands Commuter Railway, which uses a former narrow-gauge line on the section Mikoszewo – Jantar – Stegna – Sztutowo – Nowy Dwor Gdanski.

EuroVelo 9 już za Tobą? Zapraszamy na EuroVelo 10 / 13

Detailed information about the EuroVelo 10 / 13 route can be found in the article provided at the link  Here

Get to know the route of the main EuroVelo 9 / WTR route in the Komoot application Link to our profile TUTAJ

ATTENTION! On some sections of the main route EuroVelo 9 / and its connecting elements R 9, investments are underway or modernization is planned in later years, therefore difficulties should be expected. Detailed information can be obtained from the Department of Tourism of the Marshal’s Office by writing to the following address: rowery@pomorskie.eu or by following the information updated on the online map available at the link HERE

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