SOPOT BY BICYCLE

A PARADISE FOR CYCLISTS

Sopot is a short city of cities. Regardless of your condition in Sopot, you will reach every destination in the city within a maximum of 20-30 minutes.

By cycling along Sopot, use the roadways or existing bike paths. You are a full participant in the movement and do not worry about the drivers’ remarks or trumpeting. Remember, however, that there are areas in the city where cycling is currently not possible – eg tunnels under the railway line, ul. Bohaterów Monte Cassino, or it is sometimes switched off. For your own safety and other users, follow the applicable rules.

In Sopot, a bike is a great way to get to school, work or shopping. You can get by bicycle almost everywhere and much faster not by car. However, it’s worth following a few basic rules.

Infrastructure:

  • 20 km DDR (30% of the length of the road system)
  • 90% of streets are covered by the Tempo 30 zone
  • 250 “U” stands are available for cyclists (… and growing)

CYCLE PATHS

Bike paths in Sopot usually lead through the city center, that is, along the main street connecting Gdynia and Gdańsk. Thanks to this, we can easily get a bike to any part of the Tri-City. Of course, the most popular tourist destination is the recreational path – running parallel to the sea. You can not only get some fresh air, but also admire the beautiful views.

MEVO BICYCLES

Please note that the system mentioned was suspended in October 2019. We are waiting for information about what will happen in spring 2020. Regardless of this, the city still has lots of cycle tracks and a number of hotels in the city have bikes that you can use/hire.

Mevo Metropolitan Bike is the most modern system of renting city bicycles in Europe.

There are over 4,000 bikes covering the area Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sopot, Tczew, Puck, Reda, Rumia, Kartuzy, Sierakowice, Somonino, Stężyca, Władysławowo, Żukowo and Pruszcz Gdański. Tourists and locals alike are able to take advantage of the bicycles which are equipped with electric motors, GPS and electronic locks.

Renting a bike is very easy and can be done in just 3 steps with a smartphone and payment card.

BIKE ROUTES

Lovers of two wheels will surely find a suitable route that will allow them to escape from the city noise. Sopot offers many opportunities to admire the beauty of nature, from short family routes, to those for experienced fans of high-performance driving. Thanks to them, you can discover not only the charms of the Tri-City Landscape Park and nearby lakes, but also overcome your weaknesses by climbing the hills, and then enjoy the panorama view of the city.

List of bicycle routes

Route 1
Pętla Reja

Length: 5 100 m
Height difference: 56m
Difficulty level: Easy
Average travel time: 15 min
Surface: Bitumen

Route 2
Leśny Trakt

Length: 6 910 m
Height difference: 117 m
Difficulty level: Easy
Average travel time: 20 min
Surface: Bitumen / Gravel

Route 3
Pętla Czyżewskiego

Length: 5 000 m
Height difference: 76 m
Difficulty level: Hard
Average travel time: 20 min
Surface: Bitumen / Gravel

Route 4
Alternatywa dla Spacerowej

Length: 5 380 m
Height difference: 129 m
Difficulty level: Easy
Average travel time: 15 – 25 min
Surface: Bitumen

Route 5
Tour de Sopot

Length: 18 600 m
Height difference: 157 m
Difficulty level: Average
Average travel time: 1h 10 min
Surface: Bitumen / Gravel

Route 6
Behind the seven hills …

Length: 7 290 m
Height difference: 93 m
Difficulty level: Hard
Average travel time:50 min
Surface: Bitumen / Gravel

Route 7
Along the Tri-City rivers

Length: 37 900 m
Height difference: 151 m
Difficulty level: Hard
Average travel time: 4 h
Surface: Bitumen / Gravel

Route 8
Osowskie Jeziora

Length:51 400 m
Height difference: 151 m
Difficulty level: Easy
Average travel time: 5-6 h
Surface: Bitumen / Gravel

Route 9
Żuławskie klimaty

Length: 96 500 m
Height difference: 38 m
Difficulty level: Average
Average travel time: 11 h
Surface: Bitumen

Route 10
Cypel Rewski

Length: 68 200 m
Height difference: 81 m
Difficulty level: Easy
Average travel time: 8 h
Surface: Mainly bituminous

Route 11
Kaszubskie jeziora
Height difference: 229m
Difficulty level: Medium
Average travel time: 11-12 h
Surface: Bitumen / Gravel

Descriptions of bicycle routes

Route 1: Pętla Reja

Course: Ul. Reja – Dolina Świemirowska – Leśniczówka Gołębiewo – Leśniczówka Sopot – Dolina Świemirowska – ul. Reja

Length: 5 100 m
Height difference: 56m
Difficulty level: Easy
Average travel time: 15 min
Surface: Bitumen
Other: Marked, small car traffic

Description:

Reja Loop is a forest sports and recreation route in the western part of Sopot. It runs entirely along the paved routes of the Tri-City Landscape Park. Its advantage is considerable land clearance, which makes it a perfect place for everyday cycling training. There is the possibility of overcoming the route many times, thereby multiplying its distance.
The route is marked, there is also a start / finish line and a hectometre useful for everyday training.
It consists of three stages:
The first 1.5 km long driveway along a narrow asphalt road on the sunny side of the forest valley. On both sides of the road, the walls from the young stand create a picturesque corridor in green.
The second – a flat section about 1.2 km long. A place to rest and regenerate muscles (there are two forest car parks by the road). A simple, wide road allows you to enjoy the views of an illuminated forest, captivating with beauty especially in sunny weather.
Third – Fast descent with a serpentine starting from the 3rd kilometer of the route. The forest on this stretch is dark, and the road, although wide, is often damp which requires additional concentration from the cyclist.

Drive:

Cyclists have two routes: one goes from Świemirowa along ul. Reja, the other from ul. Walking. There are two forest car parks along the route to allow rest.

Route 2: Leśny Trakt

Course: SKM Kamienny Potok – ul. Kolberga – Droga Wielkokacka – ul. Reja – Ul. Armii Krajowej

Length: 6,910 m
Height difference: 117 m
Difficulty level: Easy
Average travel time: 20 min
Surface: 50/50% Bitumen / Gravel
Others: A wide forest road

Description:

The forest trail is a route enabling an alternative journey through the city – away from buildings or city noise. It leads through a wide forest road known as the Wielko- ka Route. Due to the small difficulty, it is recommended for people looking for a simple, recreational route in the midst of nature. The only difficulty can be a large slope at both ends of the route.

The route is marked on the field in red on a yellow background. In Brodwina, he runs along cycle roads separated from traffic. After passing the buildings, we follow the blue tourist trail that leads us to the Great Star, where the world is built, where we can take a short rest.

The main attraction of this place was once the restaurant “Grosser Stern” (Wielka Gwiazda), built in the mid-19th century, to which customers brought the first horse-drawn tram line in Sopot, launched on May 1, 1884. The restaurant was set on fire and completely destroyed in 1945 during the war. It has never been rebuilt – at the intersection we can still find the foundations of the old restaurant. Going further along the Wielkokacka Road, we fall into a white walker, which we reach to the fork in the road, where the black tourist route will lead us to Reja Street. At this point, we turn left and take the asphalt road to ul. Home Army. Here we can finish the route or go further along the bicycle route.

Drive:

The route starts at the SKM Kamienny Potok stop and ends at the cycling route at ul. Armii Krajowej, a few hundred meters from the SKM Racing platform.

Route 3: Pętla Czyżewskiego

Course: Ul. Czyżewskiego – Droga Nadleśniczych – ul. Czyżewskiego

Length: 5,000 m
Height difference: 76 m
Difficulty level: Difficult
Average travel time: 20 min
Surface: Szutrowa
Other: Loop

Description:

The Czyżewskiego Loop is a short but demanding route designed for everyday endurance training. Its length, amounting to almost 5 km, can be freely multiplied. The route is not marked on the ground.

In addition, significant elevations and sharp turns are an additional difficulty. The loop is a perfect place for individual struggles and breaking down your own weaknesses.

For experienced fans of a very aggressive and competitive driving, a rebound from its north-eastern section towards ul. Smolna. There, in one of the forest valleys, there is a freeride track with breakneck downhills and several (next) meter ski jumps.

Drive:

The route starts at ul. Czyżewskiego in Gdansk at the height of AWFiS buildings. The route can also be accessed from the other side, following the Forest District Road.

Route 4: Alternatywa dla Spacerowej

Course: Ul. Reja – Dolina Świemirowska – Leśniczówka Sopot – ul. Gołębiewo – ul. Spacerowa

Length: 5 380 m
Height difference: 129 m
Difficulty level: Easy
Average travel time: 15 – 25 min
Surface: Bitumen
Other: Small car traffic on the route

Description:

Alternative route for crowded, loud and uncomfortable street. Walking. Allows you to quickly get out of Sopot for the ring road. It leads through a picturesque valley, and the user gives the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature.

The difficulty of the route can be assessed as low. Towards the west, it runs almost the entire length, which may be a problem for people with a slightly weaker condition. It is an excellent alternative to the most popular way of getting from Osowa to the center of Sopot.

Near the route around ul. Gołębiowska is located in Borodziej gazebo, which is a perfect place for a picnic or rest, which can be rented after agreement with the forester.

This route is also a convenient access road to the Reja Loop.

Drive:

The route starts near the SKM Wyścigi stop and ends at the viaduct over the beltway along ul. Walking.

Route 5: Tour de Sopot

Course: SKM Kamienny Potok – Trasa Nadmorska – ul. Polna – ul. Jana z Kolna – ul. Smolna – Droga Nadleśniczych – Długi Grunt – Dolina Swelinii – SKM Kamienny Potok

Length: 18 600 m
Height difference: 157 m
Difficulty level: Medium
Average travel time: 1h 10 min
Surface: Bitumiczna / Szutrowa
Other: Loop, partly in street traffic

Description:

“Tour de Sopot” – as the name suggests is a loop running around the city. Cyclist wandering this almost 19-kilometer route will get to know all the charms of our city – from the recreational route along the beach, through picturesque forest landscapes and reserves, to several demanding driveways – and certainly find something for them.

Next to the route there are several attractions that make the trip more pleasant. The most characteristic are:

The nature reserve of Łęgi nad Swelinią and the picturesque Jar of Swelinia.
North Park – a recently revitalized park area in the northern, coastal part of the city. There is a specific microclimate that is in vain in other parts of the city.
Osada Rybacka – a former fishermen’s settlement located between ul. Bitwy Pod Płowcami a ul. Polish army. At a time when Sopot was just a bathing place, fishermen were brought here from the pier, where their skimpy outfit aroused reluctance of patients.
Horse stables near the Sopot and Gołębiewo forester’s lodges that allow you to admire these beautiful animals in all their glory.

Drive:

The loop can be started anywhere. For visitors from neighboring cities it is possible to start at the SKM Wyścigi or SKM Kamienny Potok station.

Route 6: Behind the seven hills …

Course: SKM Kamienny Potok – Góra Spadzista – Rysie Wzgórze – Lisie Wzgórze – Wzniesienie Strzeleckie – Wzgórze Olimpijskie – Łysa Góra – Glinna Góra – Zajęcze Wzgórze – ul. Reja

Length: 7 290 m
Height difference: 93 m
Difficulty level: difficult
Average travel time: 50 min
Surface: Szutrowa
Other: Large elevation

Description:

Demanding route leading through the hills of the edge of the moraine plateau. Cyclist has the possibility of “climbing” on 7 hills, the highest of which is 120 m above sea level. 4 of them are marked viewpoints allowing you to admire the panorama of Sopot from different perspectives and your own assessment of which of them is in our opinion the most beautiful.

The route starts from the bus terminus at SKM Sopot Kamienny Potok along the green trail. Following this route, we move to the intersection with the brown walking trail, which we then move up to the descent of its stairs (we pass along the way Lake Nowowiejskie, the so-called Sea Eye and the Soviet Soldiers Cemetery). We continue along the black trail to Łysa Góra, the highest peak of Sopot, 110 m.n.p.m., we return to the brown trail, through which we move through the Little Star, Glinne Wzgórze to ul. Yard.

The route is a treat for sports fans. It runs along the former toboggan run, passes the former German ski jump at K – 30 m, enters the top of Łysa Góra, and at the final stage passes the remains of a former ski jump built in the 1960s near the athletics stadium.

The ski jump was planned to be 90 meters long, but it was never finished (only the slope was profiled). One of the reasons was supposed to be a series of warm winters, which undermined the legitimacy of the construction of the ski jump. Today, its slope is overgrown with trees that have been planted by rangers in order to prevent the slopes from blurring.

Drive:

The route is best to start at SKM Kamienny Potok. Access is possible with a two-wheeler or SKM train.

Route 7: Along the Tri-City rivers

Course: SKM Wyścigi– Ul. Reja– Czarny Szlak – Potok Rynarzewski – Prochowy Potok – Potok Czystej Wody – Dolina Zajączkowskiego Potoku – Dolina Bobrów – Góra Matemblewska – Potok Strzyża – Potok Siedlicki – Al. Żołnierzy Wyklętych – Al. Grunwaldzka – Potok Oliwski – Trasa Nadmorska – Sopot Molo

Length: 37 900 m
Height difference: 151 m
Difficulty level: Difficult
Average travel time: 4 hours
Nawierzchnia: Szutrowa / Bitumiczna
Other: Possible crossing the river

Description:

The route leads along the streams of the Tri-City Landscape Park. It is characterized by a large number of crossings and several wet crossings across the river.

We start the trip in Sopot at ul. Reja, where on the left side we can enjoy the eyes with a picturesque pond. After reaching the end of the allotments, turn left and continue along the black trail to ul. Walking. We reach the gravel road to Owczarnia, and then follow the Valley of Fresh Water along the Powder Stream to the Oliwa Forge.

The next section is Droga Marnych Mostów, which runs along the Czysta Woda stream. After reaching the Old Garden, turn into the Zajączkowskiego Stream Valley, and then into the Bobrów Valley, which will reach the Golden Inn.

From the Golden Inn, head to the Matemblewski Sanctuary, where the Strzyża Stream flows – we drive along it to the springs. Then, we turn left, and after crossing the railway tracks we return along the roads of the former military training ground. We go down from the training ground through Matemblewo and Al. Soldiers accursed. By Wit Stwosz we get to Oliwa, where passing the ponds of the Oliva stream we get to the seaside route. We return to the center of Sopot along the beach.

Drive:

We can get to the place where the route starts comfortably by bicycle routes from both Sopot and Gdańsk or Gdynia. It is also possible to take SKM trains to the Sopot Wyścigi station.

Route 8: Osowskie Jeziora

Course: Ul. 23 Marca – Pętla Reja– Czerwony Szlak Rowerowy – J. Wysockie – J. Osowskie – Zakład Górniczy Borowiec – Lotnisko – Owczarnia – ul. Reja – ul. Armii Krajowej

Length: 51 400 m
Height difference: 151 m
Difficulty level: Easy
Average travel time: 5-6 h
Surface: Ground / Bitumen

Description:

We start the tour at ul. 23 March, at the height of the University of Gdańsk. From there we head towards Sanatorium Leśnik, and then we reach the Great Star. There we head towards Pętla Reja and Leśniczówka Gołębiewo. We sneak past the yellow tourist trail next to the railway tracks, then follow the red cycling trail towards Osowa. We are going through the Wysockie lake and the Osowskie lake, and we are reflecting in the direction of the mining plant, after which some partially reclaimed gravel pits have remained. It’s worth to sit over one of them and rest for a moment, enjoying the silence of the area.

Next we go towards the airport, passing two aircraft observation stations. Then, through Matarnia, we get to Owczarnia, where again we cut the beltway. The Tri-City Landscape Park can be crossed by the Long Road, or it can be turned left towards the Rynarzewski Stream. We return to the center of Sopot by a forest section of ul. Reja, and along ul. Armii Krajowej we reach the place from which we left.

Drive:

Getting to the start is possible from anywhere in the city. People from outside the city can start the loop at the height of ul. Reja, where you can conveniently take SKM trains. Overcoming the route does not require special preparation.

Route 9: Żuławskie klimaty

Course: SKM Kamienny Potok – Al. Grunwaldzka – Brama Nizinna – Motława – Wiślina – Cedry Wielkie – Leszkowy – Kiezmark – Przegalina – Sobieszewo –  ul. Elbląska – Al. Zwycięstwa – Al. Hallera – Trasa Nadmorska

Length: 96 500 m
Height difference: 38 m
Difficulty level: Medium
Average travel time: 11 h
Surface: Bitumen
Other: Road route, mostly in traffic

Description:

The route leads along the picturesque roads of the Vistula Żuławy. This is a long, all-day episode, culminating in the Vistula cross-cut with the reserves on both sides of the bird sanctuary.

We leave from the SKM Kamienny Potok stop, then we move along ul. Armii Krajowej and Al. Grunwaldzka to the center of Gdańsk. From there, we drive to Cedry Wielkie through the Lowland Gate and the Motława River bank. Along the way, we pass several historic arcaded houses.

We reach Wisła in the town of Leszkowy, then along the cross-section we will be moving towards the estuary. On the way, you can see the old Vistula river bed running parallel to the cross-section. In Przegalina, we admire the active lock, and with a bit of luck you can come across a flowing barge. With a car ferry you can go towards Sobieszewo or take a shot towards the reserve.

Returning from Sobieszewa, we pass the refinery shimmering in the sunlight. From the center of Gdansk we follow Al. Hallera towards the sea. We return to the starting point by the coastal route.

Drive:

Like the previous routes, we can start it anywhere in Sopot. For people for whom this distance would be too long, there is a possibility to travel by SKM trains to the center of Gdańsk.

Route 10: Cypel Rewski

Course: Sopockie Molo – Gdynia Orłowo – Gdynia Śródmieście – Gdynia Pogórze – Dębogórze – Kosakowo – Rewa – Kazimierz –  Gdynia Pogórze – Gdynia Śródmieście – Sopot

Length: 68 200 m
Height difference: 81 m
Difficulty level: Easy
Average travel time: 8 hours
Surface: Mainly bituminous
Other: Loop, partly in street traffic

Description:

The trip on the Rewsko Lagoon is a great idea for a summer trip. The seaside air and passing reserves are particularly relaxing, providing shade on hot days.

The route can be started at the level of the Sopot pier. Then we go along a bicycle route along the sea towards Gdynia. After passing the section along the edge of the cliff to Orłowo, we make the first stop at the pier, enjoying the view of the first of the mades – Kępa Redłowska – passing by.

From Kępa Redłowska we get to Polanka Redłowska, and from there to the representative Nadmorski Boulevard, from which we are already close to the Maritime Station. The nearby pier extends one of the most interesting port views in the Tri-City. We continue in the direction of Obłuża, passing the Stena Line ferry terminal on the way. At the end of the flyover, we turn left, after which we climb the moraine by serpentine. We get to Rewa via Dębogóra. The beautiful seaside town is known for its nature reserve and dune promontory, where birds love the most diverse species.

The return route leads through Kazimierz, along roads surrounded by fields and meadows. We return very similar way, and the trip ends at the SKM Sopot Wyścigi stop.

Drive:

We can start the route from any place in Sopot. People for whom the route is too long can take the SKM train to Gdynia Main Station and start the journey from there.

Route 11: Kaszubskie jeziora

Course: SKM Wyścigi – Gdańsk Osowa – Jez. Wysokie – Borowiec –  Jez. Tuchomskie – Przodkowo – Jez. Białe – Jez. Łapalickie – Jez. Rekowo – Kartuzy – Jez. Klasztorne Duże – Jez. Kczewskie – Smołdzino – Pępowo – Rębiechowo – Gdańsk Owczarnia – SKM Wyścigi

Length: 88 500 m
Height difference: 229m
Difficulty level: Medium
Average travel time: 11-12 h
Surface: Bitumiczna / Szutrowa
Other: Ability to shorten in ancestors

Description:

There are as many as 11 Kashubian lakes along the route. Some of them are reservoirs that are a remnant of human activity, which makes them additional attractions of the shaping and vegetation characteristics slightly different from other lakes. Examples of this type of basin are three ponds at the Borowiec mining plant, which until recently were excavations of gravel and sands necessary for the production of cement. Surrounded by pine trees, reclaimed excavations are a good place to relax, which is confirmed by numerous anglers fishing there.

The most interesting part of the trip is the Łapalickie lake. It is also the largest of the water bodies that have been passed so far. A bit further away is the famous Łapalice Castle – an unfinished investment by one of the local entrepreneurs.

On the way back, visit Kartuzy. An interesting market square and a church with a coffin-shaped roof are just one of the many attractions of this city.

At the end of the trip – if you have enough time – it is worth taking a closer look at the Gdansk airport and the planes landing there from one of the public viewpoints.

Drive:

We start the tour at SKM Wyścigi, possible access by suburban train from the entire Tri-City area. For people with a lower condition, after starting the Pomeranian Metropolitan Railway, it will be possible to return from Gdańsk to Kartuz by train.