Every spring and autumn, the Vistula Spit becomes the stage for one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles. Millions of birds flying from north to south squeeze through the narrow strip of land between the Vistula Lagoon and the Baltic Sea.
Here, two unique places allow every visitor to feel like an ornithologist: the Birdwatching Tower on Góra Pirata (Pirate Hill) and the new, one-of-a-kind Sea Bird Observation Point, the first facility of its kind in Poland.
Góra Pirata - three levels closer to the sky
About 5 km east of Krynica Morska, in one of the narrowest sections of the Spit, rises Góra Pirata, a hill about 50 meters above sea level. At its top stands a three-level birdwatching tower, with the highest platform extending above the treetops.
The view? Absolutely stunning – the Baltic Sea, the Vistula Lagoon, and skies filled with birds.
From August 19 to November 16, daily bird counts are conducted here from dawn until afternoon. During this period, you can observe:
- Sparrowhawks and buzzards – the most numerous birds of prey,
- Hen harriers, peregrine falcons, and hobbies – true aerial treasures,
- As well as white-tailed eagles and ospreys, soaring majestically through the air.
An educational trail leading to the tower features information boards explaining the phenomenon of bird migration. You can reach the tower on foot from Krynica (about 5 km, roughly a one-hour walk), or get there by bike or car – forest trails and signage guide visitors to the site.
A pair of lesser black-footed gulls - here as guardians of space and wind. Photo by G. Bela
Flock of wood pigeons. Photo by G. Bela
The Sea Bird Observation Point “Drapolicz” - the first of its kind in Poland
Not far away, near entrance no. 18 to the beach east of Krynica toward Piaski, stands Poland’s first permanent seawatching facility – a place designed specifically for observing seabirds.
The structure, measuring 9 × 3 meters, is sheltered from wind, rain, and sand, and equipped with panoramic windows, making birdwatching possible even during storms.
What can you expect to see here?
- ddbbling ducks and geese – forming impressive flocks,
- grebes and divers – masters of underwater hunting,
- waders, gulls, and terns – the birds of beaches and open seas,
- during storms – real surprises: northern gannets, shearwaters, petrels, and skuas, the true “pirates of the air.”
Since summer 2025, professional ornithologists have been present on-site, helping identify species and sharing stories about their extraordinary migrations.
Red kite - a master of flight over open spaces, photo: Stowarzyszenie Drapolicz
Rough-legged buzzard – a winter wanderer of Pomerania, photo: G. Bela
Two Places - one story of wings
Góra Pirata and the Sea Bird Observation Point have become symbols of the passion shared by amateur and professional ornithologists alike.
One site lets you watch birds of prey and songbirds gliding over forest canopies, while the other opens a window to the seabirds soaring above the Baltic waves. Both are open year-round and accessible to everyone.
These facilities would not exist without the dedication and years of work by members of the Drapolicz Association. It is thanks to their enthusiasm and community effort that birdwatching in Pomerania has found such an exceptional home.
Beach, sea, and birds through the lens - Sea Bird Observation Point, photo: Pomorskie Travel
Colorfully painted observation points with educational boards - perfect stops for nature enthusiasts.
How to Get There
- Góra Pirata – about 5 km east of Krynica Morska, between Krynica and Piaski. Access via a forest path; walking takes around 1 hour. You can also reach it by bike or car (forest parking areas nearby).
- Observation Point – beach entrance no. 18, a few kilometers east of Krynica toward Piaski. Accessible by a short path from the main road.
What to Bring
- binoculars or a spotting scope
- camera
- warm clothing and a thermos of tea (especially in autumn)
Good to Know
- both sites are open all year and free of charge.
- In autumn, you can see hundreds of thousands – even a million – birds in a single day.
- these are the only bird observation points of their kind in Poland – must-see destinations for all nature lovers.
The Vistula Spit is not only about beaches, forests, and bike trails. It’s also one of Europe’s most important corridors for observing the avian highways of the sky.
The Góra Pirata Tower and the Sea Bird Observation Point offer a truly unique opportunity to witness millions of wings in motion – a spectacle you will never forget.
white-tailed eagle - the majestic king of the Polish sky, photo: G. Bela
Eurasian sparrowhawk – an agile hunter of the forests, photo: G. Bela
