Szczecin Lagoon Cycle Route - Stage 7 [Trzebież – Szczecin]

VII: Trzebież - Szczecin [37 km]

The largest Polish port on the Szczecin Lagoon is located in tiny Trzebież. One of the most outstanding Polish travelers is commemorated here - Aleksander Dobra, who died in 2021, was the first man to cross the Atlantic Ocean alone with a canoe. Doba lived in nearby Police from 1970s, where he worked in Chemical Plant. A monument to the canoeist is to be erected here soon. Beginning of May is a good time to visit the city, when the Meeting of Military Vehicles takes place here.

From Trzebież, you can alternatively take a cruise to Kopice, saving about 90 kilometers of the route and avoiding Szczecin.

From here, all the way to Szczecin, the route runs along separate bicycle lanes along the main road. The most important point on the route is, of course, Police, known primarily from chemical plants. However, the city can boast a rich history, as evidenced by the ruins of the Augustinian monastery from the 14th century in Jasienica, which slightly resemble ruined abbeys on the British islands. Thanks to the activities of the Augustinians convent brought here in the 13th century, the wetland area by the river was drained and a river regulated. The monks built a mill, raised sheep and pigs, grew hops, and owned several inns. The remains of the monastery, which fell into decline in the 17th century, are open to the public, although few will want to enter the bush-covered ruins. Some of the buildings are accessible from the outside, but others can be reached only from the churchyard. For several years, at the end of summer holidays, the Augustinian Fair has been held in the vicinity of the ruins - an event aimed at cultivating the culture of the Middle Ages.

More modern ruins are scattered in the forests surrounding Police, although visiting them on your own is not a good idea. In 1938, a synthetic gasoline factory (i.e., liquid fuel produced from coal) was established here for the needs of the German army. To this day, several characteristic buildings have survived in various conditions, such as bunkers, skeletons of production halls and a coal elevator for storing semi-finished products and gasoline production. Every Saturday there is a free guided tour where you can visit the factory and go underground.

From the entrance to Szczecin, we ride an asphalt and gravel bicycle route through forest and recreational areas, then bicycle paths to the center. We can end the trip, for example, at the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle, or at Łasztownia - an island with a beautiful view of the Old Town. We suggest staying in the capital of the West Pomeranian Region to see at least part of its many attractions.