Velo Baltica – Stage 0 [Wolgast – Świnoujście]

Stage 0: Wolgast – Świnoujście [41 km]

The section of the Velo Baltica cycle route from Wolgast in Germany to Świnoujście in Poland is an extremely picturesque part of the trail, leading through beautiful coastal areas, port towns, and green coastal areas. The entire section is about 40 kilometers long, and cycling it gives cyclists the opportunity to admire unique landscapes and visit several attractive places.

There are three longer climbs along the route, and you also have to take into account several sections along the coast where conditions may be slightly more difficult, such as stronger winds from the sea. The route is also well maintained, so for most cyclists, including tourists, this is not a major problem.

The route starts in Wolgast (historically Wołogoszcz), a German town of several thousand inhabitants located on the Peene River, which is one of the most important points in the region. The town has many historical monuments, such as the 13th-century Gothic St. Peter's Church, which houses the sarcophagi of Pomeranian dukes, and the Baroque town hall. The town has a railway station with good connections to other German cities and the island of Usedom (Uznam). It is worth checking train connections if you are starting your journey elsewhere in Germany or want to get there from Poland. Wolgast is also the gateway to the island of Usedom, and its port is an important point for maritime transport. It is worth stopping at the port and walking along the promenade along the banks of the Peene, admiring the views of the river and the nearby hills. From Wolgast, cyclists head east to reach the bridge connecting the city with the island of Usedom.

The route then continues over the Peenebrücke drawbridge, connecting the island of Usedom with the mainland. This bridge is one of the most distinctive points on the route – it stands out with its blue counterweight, visible from a long distance. It is also a great vantage point, especially at sunrise and sunset.

After about 9 km, we reach the coast near the village of Trassenheide (Polish: Wrzosowo). This small Baltic resort is home to Europe's largest butterfly zoo, where you can also admire numerous species of parrots, insects, and turtles.

The German section of the Velo Baltica route runs along the Baltic Sea coast to the border. On this 30-kilometer stretch, travelers can admire the sea not only from the shore, but also by walking onto the piers located in five towns.

The entire section from Wolgast to Świnoujście runs through beautiful natural areas, including the Usedom Island Landscape Park. It is worth planning a stop to discover the natural riches of this area. It includes peat bogs, dunes, and pine forests, which are home to many species of plants and animals. The nature park features sandy beaches and steep coasts, marshes and expanses of turf.

It is also part of the longer Berlin-Usedom Radfernweg route. In Świnoujście, you can continue along the Velo Baltica route on the Polish side or continue your journey towards Berlin.

Transport: The entire route is served by the Deutsche Bahn RB23 train, which runs between Züssow – Wolgast – Heringsdorf – Świnoujście. The journey from Świnoujście to the start of this stage, i.e. the town of Wolgast, takes 70 minutes. The return trip by bike takes 2-3 hours, depending on how often you plan to take breaks and explore the area. There are as many as 20 train stations along the entire length of the trail, so in case of a change in weather or a bike malfunction, it is very easy to return by train. Train timetable ( valid until December 13, 2025).

Surface: asphalt 67%, aggregate 20%, cobblestones 13%.

Type of traffic: Bike paths 72%, general traffic 22%, forest/field roads 6%.