The Hortulus loop: gardens & embankments trail

Here is the English version of the route description, tailored for international travelers and content creators:

???? The Hortulus Loop: Gardens & Embankments Trail Białogard – Dobrzyca – Gąski – Kołobrzeg – Białogard

This 120-kilometer loop is an ideal choice for a one- or two-day cycling trip. The route highlights the unique gardens of Dobrzyca, stunning coastal views, and scenic former railway embankments with wind farms stretching across the horizon.

Stage 1: From Palaces to Labyrinths (Białogard – Dobrzyca – Gąski, approx. 45 km)

Vibe: Palatial, botanical, coastal

The journey begins in Białogard at the historic Liberty Square (Plac Wolności). As you leave the town's calm atmosphere behind, you reach Nosowo within a few kilometers. A Neo-Renaissance palace hidden among the trees and the gentle murmur of the Radew River provide the first opportunity for atmospheric photos. The trail then leads toward the Warnie Bagno Nature Reserve, eventually reaching the region’s crown jewel – the Hortulus Gardens in Dobrzyca.

The thematic gardens and the world's largest hornbeam labyrinth at Hortulus Spectabilis are places where time seems to stand still (please note: these are two separate complexes with individual admission fees). Once you find your way out of the labyrinth, you head toward Gąski, where a towering lighthouse—one of the tallest on the Polish coast—dominates the landscape and offers one of the best viewpoints in the country.

Stage 2: Sea Breeze & Railway History (Gąski – Kołobrzeg – Białogard, approx. 75 km)

Vibe: Wild nature, port life, historic tracks

From Gąski, head west to enter the Eastern Ecopark (Ekopark Wschodni). This is a "must-see" location – cycling along the embankment between the Baltic Sea and wild peat bogs teeming with waterfowl guarantees incredible shots. Next, you enter Kołobrzeg, where the harbor atmosphere, Marina Solna, and the pier allow you to feel the true spirit of this historic seaside resort.

The return to Białogard is pure joy, riding along former railway embankments. The section through Gościno and Karlino is characterized by wide-open spaces with modern wind farms in the background. In Karlino, it is worth stopping by the bridge over the Radew River to see the Firefighters' Fountain and the famous Cukin mural, which commemorates the massive oil eruption of 1980. We close the loop back in Białogard, returning with a head full of contrasts: from perfectly manicured gardens to the raw charm of the post-railway trails.

ℹ️ Practical Information:

• Train Access: Direct connections available to Kołobrzeg and Białogard.

• Pro Tip: Plan at least 2–3 hours or even a full day to explore the Hortulus and Spectabilis gardens – the area is vast!

• Main Attractions:

  • Białogard: Liberty Square with historic townhouses.

  • Nosowo: Neo-Renaissance palace.

  • Warnie Bagno Reserve: Regional wild nature.

  • Dobrzyca: Hortulus Thematic Gardens and Spectabilis (hornbeam labyrinth and lookout tower).

  • Gąski: Lighthouse – one of the tallest on the Polish coast.

  • Eastern Ecopark: Wetlands, peat bogs, and abundant birdlife.

  • Kołobrzeg: Pier, harbor, Marina Solna.

  • Gościno: A historic hub of the former narrow-gauge railway.

  • Karlino: Railway bridge over the Radew, Firefighters' Fountain, Cukin mural.