Things to do in Świnoujście in Poland – 12 tips and attractions

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | What is there to see and do in Świnoujście, Poland? The Polish coastal city is located right on the border with Germany and attracts with a long sandy beach, nice parks, historic forts and a lively seaside resort. For many Swedes, Świnoujście is also the gateway to Poland, as ferries from Sweden arrive here. We have visited the city several times – both with a camper van and to go sailing.

Świnoujście – seaside resort and port city on the Baltic Sea

Świnoujście is located in the very northwestern part of Poland, right on the border with Germany. The city spreads over several islands, the largest of which are Uznam, Wolin and Karsibór. Świnoujście is partly located on the island of Uznam (Usedom), which is shared between Poland and Germany. This makes it easy to combine a visit to the city with the German seaside resorts on the other side of the border.

The city has long been both a port and a holiday resort. It has one of Poland's broad sandy beaches, a long promenade, spa and health resort traditions and large green areas. At the same time, the port, fortifications and many ships remind us of the city's strategic location on the Baltic Sea.

What can you do in Swinoujscie?

We have visited Świnoujście quite a few times, which is related to the fact that you often end up here when taking the ferry from Sweden to Poland. On several visits we have sunbathed, swam and strolled around, but on our most recent visit we also took the opportunity to check out some different sights.

1. Sunbathe and swim on the wide sandy beach

One of the biggest reasons to visit Świnoujście in the summer is the long and wide sandy beach. Here, you can expect light, fine-grained sand and plenty of space for sunbathing and swimming. During the summer, there are beach bars and various activities, and the classic windbreaks and beach chairs contribute to the typically Polish holiday feeling.

The beach is also so long that you can walk west all the way to the German border and further along the coast of Usedom.

2. Stroll along the boardwalk

Running parallel to the beach is Świnoujście's promenade, one of the city's major gathering places. Here you will find restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlors and various holiday activities. During the summer it is lively, while in the off-season the promenade is perfect for a quiet stroll along the coast.

The promenade also continues across the border to the German seaside resorts on Usedom, making it possible to walk or cycle between Poland and Germany.

3. Discover the center of Świnoujście

It's easy to get caught up in the beach, but it's also worth taking a stroll through central Świnoujście, which features older buildings, churches, shops, restaurants and more everyday Polish city life.

During one of our visits, we found an exhibition of historical photographs from summers in Świnoujście in the early 20th century – a reminder that the city was a holiday resort long before today's tourists started coming here.

There are also several houses with slightly newer but still interesting architecture, and a few different churches.

4. Stroll in Park Zdrojowy

Between the city center, the harbor and the beach area lies the large Park Zdrojowy. The park was laid out in the 19th century and is today a green oasis with large deciduous trees, walking paths, flower beds and fountains.

We really enjoyed walking here. After the hustle and bustle of the beach and promenade, the park is a peaceful contrast – and also a nice route between different parts of the city.

We really liked this park, which feels like a green oasis. The only disappointing thing is that the information signs here, as in most other places in Swinoujscie, are only in Polish and German.

5. Visit Fort Aniola

Świnoujście's strategic location has meant that the city has been fortified at various times. One of the historic defensive works is Fort Anioła, the Angel Fort, built in the 19th century.

The distinctive round building is inspired by Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome. Today, the fort is open to visitors and houses exhibitions and historical environments.

6. Check out Fort Zachodni

Another of the city's historic forts is Fort Zachodni, the Western Fort, which is located near the mouth of the Baltic Sea. The fortification was built in the 19th century and has since been altered and expanded several times.

Today you can walk around among bunkers, cannons and other traces of the area's military history. When we were here, the larger military equipment outdoors seemed to be particularly popular with the children.

7. See the characteristic Stawa Młyny

At the far end of the western breakwater stands Stawa Młyny, a white lighthouse shaped like a windmill. Built in the 19th century, it has become one of Świnoujście's most recognizable symbols.

You can walk out along the breakwater to see it up close. Here you also get a view of the sea, the beach and all the ships passing in and out of the harbor.

8. See Poland's tallest lighthouse

On the other side of the Świna is the Świnoujście Lighthouse, which at around 68 meters is the tallest lighthouse in Poland and one of the tallest traditional brick lighthouses in the world.

Anyone who climbs all the stairs is rewarded with a view of the harbor, the Baltic Sea and the islands around Świnoujście.

9. Eat Polish food

Between beach life and sightseeing, there are of course plenty of opportunities to try Polish food. On the coast, fish is a natural choice, but the menus also feature classics like pierogi, soups, and various meat dishes.

We ate at the Prochownia restaurant near Fort Zachodni, where we had cod with mashed potatoes and sauerkraut, and pork with french fries, mushroom sauce and grilled vegetables.

10. Take a boat trip

Świnoujście is a city where the sea and shipping are constantly present. From the port area there are various opportunities to get out onto the water, and just following all the ferries, cargo ships and pleasure boats is part of the experience.

On one of our visits we went aboard the sailing yacht The Wind, a Bavaria C50, and set off on a sailing trip that took us through the Oder Lagoon, among other things. It was a completely different way to experience the area around Świnoujście.

11. Cycle or walk to Germany

A special thing about Świnoujście is that you can cross over to Germany without leaving the island. The border with the German part of Usedom is located just a few kilometers from the center and there are great opportunities to continue on foot or by bicycle.

On the German side, the classic seaside resorts of Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf and Bansin await, with grand villas, long beaches and historic piers.

12. Take a trip along the Polish coast

Starting from Swinoujscie, it is a great place to continue discovering the Polish coast. You can go on to nice coastal resorts such as:

• Rewa
• Łeba
• The entire peninsula
• Sopot

What to do in Swinoujscie - on film

Want some more inspiration on what to see and do in Swinoujscie? Check out our film!

Świnoujście by motorhome

There are many different hotels and accommodation options in Świnoujście. When we have been here with the camper van we have stayed at Relax camping, which is a fairly simple but nice campsite, with a good location. From the campsite it is only a short walk to the nice beach, as well as to restaurants and cafes.