From bike to train - the most beautiful cycle routes | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Velo Czorsztyn is 30 km long, fully asphalted, and runs around Lake Czorsztynskie in the Tatra foothills
• EuroVelo 10 runs 520–588 km along the Polish Baltic coast from Świnoujście to Elbląg
• The Giżycko–Mikołajki route is approximately 36 km; Mikołajki has no railway station
• Alpe-Adria stretches 415 km from Salzburg to Grado in Italy — allow at least 4 days
• Taking a bike on Polish trains typically costs a few to several dozen PLN as a flat-rate fee
• Zebrzydowice is a convenient train-accessible start point for the Iron Cycle Route in Silesia

Travelling by train, also with a bike, is much easier. More and more bicycle carriages or at least places to attach one's bicycle in a safe manner are made available. The cost of transporting a bike is not high, usually in the form of a lump sum, irrespective of the length of the journey.

Therefore, trips to further corners of the country and Europe are becoming increasingly easy to organise. You do not need a car or a bike carrier. With PKP, a trip can be very successful and comfortable by reducing the number of transfers.

Especially as both Poland and Europe have a well-prepared infrastructure. New cycle routes are being developed for tourists of different levels of experience. Thanks to convenient connections to larger and smaller cities, the slogan "cycling across Europe and Poland by bike" is not empty at all. On the routes facilities for short rests, catering and accommodation are being prepared.

We invite you to a short overview of some of the most beautiful cycling routes in Poland. It is of course only a small part. Local authorities take care to enrich their tourist facilities also with cyclists in mind, so new, increasingly well-prepared routes are being created.

Velo Czorsztyn

One of the most beautiful cycling routes in Poland* is certainly Velo Czorsztyn. It is a trail ideal for a weekend, as it is only 30 kilometres long and the sum total of climbs along the way is only 187 metres. It runs around Lake Czorsztyńskie. In addition to beautiful mountain views, there is plenty to see: the castle in Niedzica or the Dunajec Gorge. In addition, this route can be easily extended using the Velo Dunajec trail. In addition, demanding people, who appreciate physical exertion also in the mountains, can go on a trip to their higher parts, also by bicycle. You will certainly remember the overhills for a long time, but the beautiful views will reward you a lot. The Velo Czorsztyn itself is paved with asphalt along the entire route, so pedalling comfort is very high. The wooded area provides cooling even on a warm day.

EuroVelo 10

Prefer the sea? Choose EuroVelo 10, i.e. the route from Świnoujście to Elbląg (both towns can be easily reached by train). The entire route is 540 kilometres long, so you can easily spread it out over several days or even choose separate sections to see as much as possible along the way. It is one of the most popular cycling routes in Poland - the indications of the counters mounted on it clearly show that it is used by several thousand tourists every day during holidays. Importantly, there are no problems with accommodation, catering or simply resting points along the way. You can extend the route as it is part of the Velo Baltica, the route around the Baltic Sea.

Cycling route from Giżycko to Mikołajki

The Masuria region is a wonder of nature and probably no one needs to be convinced of that. Visiting them from the height of a bicycle saddle is a great option. It is worth taking the cycle route leading from Giżycko, through Wilkasy, Bogaczewo, Woźnice to Mikołajki. Along the way, you will see the attractions of Giżycko, including the Rotary Bridge and Boyen Fortress, as well as the bridge over the lakes in Rydzewo or Mikołajskie Lake. It is the natural attractions that are the greatest strength of Masuria. The route is about 29 kilometres long, so it is not particularly long, ideal for one warm day. With a bicycle, you can board a train in Olsztyn, for example, from where you can easily reach Giżycko.

Green Velo

Of course, these are not all the possibilities for cycling in Warmia and Mazury. The Green Velo, or Eastern Bicycle Route, is very popular. In the Warmian-Masurian voivodeship, it covers as much as 397 kilometres. It is a brilliant way to spend a holiday. You will complete the route at your own pace, from town to town, exploring along the way. Its route is as follows: Elbląg - Tolkmicko - Frombork - Braniewo - Pieniężno - Górowo Iławeckie - Lidzbark Warmiński - Bartoszyce - Sępopol - Korsze - Barciany - Srokowo - Węgorzewo - Banie Mazurskie - Gołdap - Stańczyki - Żytkiejmy.

Do you fancy exploring European cycle routes too?* Their choice is also large. In the west, they know how to prepare the infrastructure for cyclists.

Alpe-Adria

One of Europe's most popular cycle routes is the impressive Alpe-Adria. It is as long as 415 kilometres. The route starts in Salzburg. It passes through Carinthia, Villach and then through the Julian Alps, via a former railway route, extremely scenic, with many tunnels. The end of the route is Italy, the warm Adriatic coast in Grado. The route is very comfortable, adapted to the needs of tourists. In case you still have the strength to ride, the route can easily be extended all the way to Trieste and taste the charm of Italy's Adriatic coast. Along the way, you will easily find accommodation of varying standards. Remember, however, that one of Europe 's most beautiful cycling routes can be crowded in high season, so book your accommodation in advance.

Cycling route along the German Baltic coast

A good suggestion for a few days in spring, summer or autumn is to go on the cycle trail leading through northern Germany, along the Baltic Sea. Its advantage is that it is easy to reach by train from Poland, with a minimum number of changes. You can start, for example, from Swinoujscie to reach historic Lübeck. It can of course be connected with the Polish section of EuroVelo. Along the way, you will see some of the Hanseatic League's most impressive cities, including Wismar and Rostock. Beautiful views of the white coastal cliffs and delicious Fischbrötchen, or fish rolls, will make the trip more enjoyable.

The suggestions for a cycling trip across Europe are varied. These are of course only a few, out of a very large number of proposals. One thing is certain: among them there really is something for everyone. And check out the train travel options on the PolishTrains portal. This is also where you can buy a ticket for the connection you are interested in.

This is only an inspiration; there may be other interesting routes on your holiday itinerary worth seeing. Pedalling is an idea for a budget-friendly but healthy and active holiday.