Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | Krynica Morska is a small holiday resort on the narrow Vistula Isthmus in northern Poland. Here you can find long sandy beaches, pine forests, a marina and holiday life between the Baltic Sea and the Vistula Lagoon. We travelled here by motorhome, stayed near the beach and then continued as far out on the isthmus as the road took us – to the small village of Piaski near the border with Kaliningrad.
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Krynica Morska – a resort between the sea and the lagoon
Krynica Morska is located on the Vistula Isthmus, Vistula Bay in Polish, a narrow strip of land that separates the Baltic Sea from the Vistula Lagoon. The town is small all year round but is filled with holidaymakers during the summer. Here you will find, among other things, long sandy beaches, forests, boating and opportunities for swimming and sailing.
The special location allows you to experience two different water environments within a short distance: the open Baltic Sea on the northern side and the calmer Vistula Lagoon on the southern.
Enjoy the long sandy beaches
One of the main reasons to travel to Krynica Morska is the beaches. On the Baltic Sea side there are wide beaches with light, fine sand and forested dunes behind. Several of the bathing areas are officially supervised during the summer.
When we stayed here, we could walk straight from the campsite down to the beach. It was a very nice first impression of Krynica Morska – long sandy beach, sea and small beach bars right nearby.
Stroll in the harbor and center of Krynica Morska
Krynica Morska is not a big town, but during the summer it is lively. There are restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlors and various holiday activities, and down by the Vistula Lagoon is the marina.
We contented ourselves with strolling around, looking at the boats and eating ice cream in the sun. For those who want to get out on the water, boat trips are also offered from the area.
Visit the lighthouse in Krynica Morska
One of the town's most famous landmarks is the lighthouse, located on the eastern side of Krynica Morska. The current lighthouse was built after World War II and is 26.5 meters high. During the summer, you can climb the tower and get a view of the Baltic Sea, the Vistula Isthmus and the Vistula Lagoon.
Discover the Vistula Isthmus
The Vistula Isthmus stretches east from the area around the Bay of Gdańsk and is divided between Poland and the Russian Kaliningrad region. The Polish part offers sand dunes, forests, nature reserves, small holiday resorts and long beaches.
Along the isthmus there are nature reserves with birdlife and old-growth forests. In Kąty Rybackie there is a famous reserve with cormorants and grey herons, and in Przebrno there is a reserve with old beech trees.
Continue to Piaski
If you continue east from Krynica Morska, you will come to small Piaski, also known as Nowa Karczma. The town is located near the end of the Polish part of the Vistula Isthmus and is considerably quieter than Krynica Morska.
When we were here we found a small port, some restaurants and accommodations and a very peaceful atmosphere. The road then ends – further east the border area with the Russian Kaliningrad region begins.
Piaski is located just a few kilometers from the EU and NATO external border with the Russian Kaliningrad region. The border area is guarded and may not be crossed. Always follow current signage and official information if you are in the area.
Camping Gallus – near the beach
During our visit we stayed at Camping Gallus, which is marketed as Camping No. 71 and is located at Marynarzy 2 in Krynica Morska. The campsite is located in a forest environment, approximately 150 meters from the sea.
Our own experience was quite special. The campsite was large but hilly, full of trees and well stocked with tents and caravans, and we simply had to find a spot where we could get the camper in.
Finally, Peter managed to back us into a small sloping spot where we just had room. Not the flattest campsite in the world – but the location close to the beach was all the better.
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
Starting from Krynica Morska on the Vistula Peninsula, there is the possibility to continue the journey in Poland. Here you will find inspiration and reports:
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Krynica Morska
Where is Krynica Morska located?
Krynica Morska is located on the Vistula Isthmus in northern Poland, between the Baltic Sea and the Vistula Lagoon. The town belongs to the Pomeranian Voivodeship and is located east of Gdańsk.
What is Krynica Morska known for?
Krynica Morska is primarily known as a seaside and holiday resort, with long sandy beaches, pine forests, a marina and its location on the narrow Vistula Isthmus.
Can you swim in Krynica Morska?
Yes. On the side facing the Baltic Sea there are long sandy beaches and several organized swimming areas during the summer.
What is there to do in Krynica Morska?
You can swim, walk along the beach and in the forest, visit the lighthouse, stroll in the harbor and take excursions along the Vistula Peninsula. During the summer there are also various boat trips and holiday activities.
Is it possible to visit Piaski from Krynica Morska?
Yes. Piaski is located further east on the Vistula Isthmus and can be reached by car. The town is close to the border with the Kaliningrad region, so follow the current signs and regulations in the border area.
Is there camping in Krynica Morska?
Yes. We stayed at Camping Gallus, which still exists under the name Camping no. 71 and is located near the beach.
How many days do you need in Krynica Morska?
One or two days is enough to experience the resort itself, the beach and take a trip out to Piaski. If you want a pure beach holiday, you can of course stay much longer.
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English (UK) 
Svenska
Steve says:
You are taking us readers on a series of exciting excursions.
11 July 2017 - 6:21
Husisblogg says:
My owners probably like a bit more order in a campsite. Everyone has their own place, but that may not be the case in Poland. Otherwise, this was a town just like my owners, close to the sea and cosy (?) restaurants along the promenade.
11 July 2017 - 6:38
Helena says:
It is quite common on Polish campsites that you do not have a specific place. Here, however, it was unusually messy because it was so hilly and so many trees. Otherwise, it was a good campsite with good service, but not quite easy to park with a large motorhome ... 😉.
11 July 2017 - 7:15
Lennart says:
The problem with many campsites is that they are designed for small caravans.
There have been times when we have had to move on.
11 July 2017 - 7:07
Helena says:
The Poles themselves often camp with caravans, tents or cabins. Motorhomes have become more common with all the German tourists, but it may be true that motorhomes were not considered from the beginning when some campsites were built.
11 July 2017 - 7:18
Kors och Tvärs says:
No camping for us, that's for sure. It's not only in Poland that small caravans have been considered when building a campsite. We have seen this in many places during our travels.... Well done to get Freedom in place!
11 July 2017 - 7:32
Helena says:
This particular campsite was a bit awkward for large motorhomes, for sure. There are others on the headland with better space (but they are of a simpler model instead).
11 July 2017 - 7:44
Frank Olsen says:
You experience a lot and visit many beautiful places! I feel a bit jealous? So we will have a new motorhome one day for sure. Enjoy your trip!
11 July 2017 - 9:07
Helena says:
Of course you should have a new motorhome! 🙂
11 July 2017 - 10:17
Emma, Sol som sol? says:
Smart with the stop blocks! Trying to sleep in an inclined position is no big deal, I would just lie down and wonder if the brakes hold. I have many times camped in an inclined position but a tent does not roll away in the same way even if everyone wakes up in the morning and lies at one end of the tent.
11 July 2017 - 9:30
Helena says:
The level blocks are good to have when you want to straighten the car. This time, however, it tilted a bit anyway, even though we drove up to the top of the blocks 😉.
11 July 2017 - 10:18
Ditte says:
What an exciting visit to this part of Poland. Yes, there is much to discover and take in.
Very nice surroundings! But you don't really have time to stay so long in each place this time....
I'm glad it worked out with space for the night.
11 July 2017 - 9:49
Helena says:
It is true that we do not have time to stay long in each place. I only have three weeks of holiday and then I have to be back at work... 😉.
11 July 2017 - 10:19
Marina says:
It's really fun to see everything Poland has to offer. It's not exactly the first country you think of when you go on holiday, but maybe it's time to think again....
11 July 2017 - 9:54
Helena says:
Yes, why not think again? We have holidayed in Poland several times. There are nice beaches, a lot to see and also it is very affordable 🙂.
11 July 2017 - 11:40
Daniel@BringBlingToTraveling says:
It's good that you still got a place at the campsite. Maybe not a place you fricamp on either in Poland in general, I mean?
11 July 2017 - 11:06
Helena says:
I'm not sure if free camping is allowed in Poland. We have done it a few times in the past, but not very often. Right now we also have a fridge that doesn't work on gas, so we would like to have electricity... 😉.
11 July 2017 - 11:42
LinizTravel says:
What an exciting and rich journey! Hugs
11 July 2017 - 15:43
Helena says:
It has been a lot of experiences! It will take some time to digest everything 😉.
11 July 2017 - 23:40
Matts Torebring says:
Having spent the last few years living almost exclusively in 4-5 star campsites in France, we have become a bit spoilt. We must surely be able to find something really good, to then move on we have "EL-angeles".
I am almost ashamed to just sit and take part in everything you describe and offer the rest of us. Thanks for all the tips!
11 July 2017 - 18:44
Helena says:
You have become a bit spoilt with your nice castle campsites 🙂 Jokes aside, of course you should choose places where you feel comfortable. We take it a bit as it comes and sometimes choose location over convenience 😉.
12 July 2017 - 6:53
Nils-Åke Hansson says:
Feels good to have a small car now.
11 July 2017 - 20:27
Helena says:
Understand that it is practical sometimes! 🙂
12 July 2017 - 6:53
Linda, resamedvetet.se says:
What a journey you are making and what a lot of detail in all these stops. Great inspiration for travelling in the country. Go for it!
11 July 2017 - 21:03
Helena says:
We have done a lot during this trip ... intense and fun! 🙂
12 July 2017 - 6:54
BP says:
Then you have come much closer to Kaliningrad than we did. With binoculars we saw Kaliningrad's "tongue of land" from Gdansk, where we managed to get as far east as we could, before the barriers in the form of various fences began. It would be so much fun to do a Michael Paylin and make a visit there.
My husband thought the beach and "vegetation" reminded him of his home in the north of England and his caravan holiday in Mablethorpe. He is absolutely right, although in Mabethorpe there are not as many colourful boats and the "sea" is much browner, so to speak.
Poland is really a wonderful country!!!
11 July 2017 - 22:57
Helena says:
Now I have to admit that I don't really get it ... What barriers in Gdansk? Or maybe I misunderstood now...?
12 July 2017 - 6:57
Anki says:
What exciting places you visit! Well done by Peter who managed to get Freedom in there 🙂 .
12 July 2017 - 6:47
Helena says:
Peter is good at steering the FREEDOM, and this time a little extra effort was needed 😉.
12 July 2017 - 6:58
4000mil says:
I like the idea of seeing something on the map and going there to investigate it in reality. 🙂
12 July 2017 - 7:09
Helena says:
I like to look at maps, and then it's easy to get curious ... 🙂 ðŸ™'
12 July 2017 - 8:31
Znogge says:
What wonderful pictures and so many interesting places you have visited! But backing a motorhome into a tight spot and also uphill sounded like a challenge!
12 July 2017 - 18:25
Ann-Louise says:
What a beautiful beach and how nice with the colourful boats!
12 July 2017 - 22:21