Most of us have been cooped up at home for too long. Yes, it is keeping us safe, but we are longing to get out and enjoy the beautiful summer. Shopping centers, restaurants, cinemas, and cultural institutions are open, but they are not very popular right now, because of social distancing and all that. But, don’t forget, you are in Pomerania and who needs to be indoors when you can enjoy miles and miles of beautiful beaches! Be it Orłowo, Brzeżno, Sopot, Stogi, Sobieszewo or one of the less frequented beaches a bit further on from the Tricity, each one is a pleasure to walk on and relax in the sand.
A short stroll with nature by your side
When talking about proximity to the Baltic, it’s difficult not to mention a gem like Kosakowo, the commune near Gdynia. Some of the main attractions include the recently built pier and the cliff (not recently built of course!) with a beautiful view of the Bay of Puck, Hel Peninsula and Rewa. The distance of 4 km between Mechelinki and Rewa, through Mechelińskie Łąki Nature Reserve, a protected Natura 2000 site, makes for a fantastic walk. The walk is complemented by the last kilometre on Rewa Cape. The scythe-like sandbar also known as “Szpyrk” draws attention due to its uniqueness of only several meters at the widest point.. On the way back it’s impossible not to stumble upon the fishing harbour and smokehouses where hungry tourists may try a variety of fish dishes. This walk option is suitable for families with children.
A barrel of fun
Nearby there’s another protected area worth considering – Beka (eng. barrel) Nature Reserve. Natural saltwater ponds are the habitat of many wading birds. In total, 220 bird species have been identified here, so don’t forget to bring your binoculars!
A walk of nearly 6 kilometres can be started at the pumping station in Moście Błota. It is easily accessible by car or even a train after getting off at Mrzezino and adding 3 kilometres both ways. Leave the pumping station behind by heading east along the river. Take the bridge to reach boggy meadows bustling with insect and avian life. With some luck and during the right time of the day, you may meet a boar enjoying a mud bath, spot a fox tail in the grass or hear the distinctive call of cranes. Reach the ditch and head towards the sea. The path will lead you north to the former settlement of Beka and further to Mrzeziński Canal. At that point, you can either turn back or continue along the track and explore further.
Walk with historical setting
For those who prefer walking long distances in varied landscapes of woods and beaches, a walk from Mrzezino to Puck might be a perfect choice even though it’s shared with cyclists. This blue marked trail is approximately 15 kilometers long. After passing Osłonino, a 2,000-year-old settlement of seal hunters, we get to Rzucewo and Jan III Sobieski Castle. Slightly closer to Puck we’ll stand at a picturesque cliff loved by photographers. A visit to the Museum of the Puck Region with its ethnological exposition placed in a beautiful building of the former hospital from the 17th century will make the perfect ending. Returning to Mrzezino or Tricity wouldn’t be a problem at all as we may take a train or a bus.
Dunes, lake and National Park
The next one is a loop starting at Łeba, through Rąbka and further to Góra Łącka and back by the beach. Despite the distance of almost 20 kilometers, the trail is easy and will make a wonderful pick due to the highlights along the way. Begin the walk at the train station by heading west. Cross the railway line and turn left. The path will take you to the border of Słowiński National Park. Rich flora and fauna and numerous species of birds including eagle-owl, golden and white-tailed eagle, reptiles, bats, otters, and weasels can be a real treat for a watchful eye. Pass through the fishing village at Rąbka and follow the path to the Rocket Launcher Museum and an observation tower at the Łebsko Lake bank. It’s not more than another 3 kilometers to one of the main attractions of the region, the highest of the moving dunes – Łącka Mountain (42 m. a. s. l.). Head towards the sea and turn right to walk back along the beach (8 km).
The Amber Trail
How can we not mention the Vistula Spit. Here it’s convenient to use the Amber Trail marked in yellow, stretching from Mikoszewo to Krynica Morska over a distance of 50 kilometers. Apart from the path between Skowronki and Przebrno, the trail is almost entirely in the woods. However, it’s worth taking into consideration the walk of over a dozen kilometers in any direction between Kąty Rybackie and its nature reserve and Wielbłądzi Grzbiet situated at the far end of Krynica Morska. Wielbłądzi Grzbiet is a dune with a view over both Gdańsk Bay and the Vistula Lagoon. Along the way, we will pass the Buki Mierzei Wiślanej forest reserve comprising nearly 200-year-old beeches, oaks, and birches as well as a lighthouse, the only facility of this kind on the Vistula Spit.
