Blue Velo (R3) links the Baltic coast with Kostrzyn nad Odrą through western Poland. West Pomerania’s regional cycling guide presents a journey of lagoon shores, city waterfronts and former railway corridors, with historic towns and rural landscapes to the south.
From the Baltic to Szczecin
The regional guide divides Blue Velo into seven stages, starting at Świnoujście and continuing through Wolin and Goleniów to Szczecin. Its northern landscapes include the waters of the Szczecin Lagoon and Lake Dąbie. The route is a way to combine a coastal visit with an inland cycling trip.
On the approach to Szczecin, the regional description follows the area around Lubczyna, Czarna Łąka and Szczecin Dąbie. Lubczyna has a beach and harbour, while Szczecin offers a change of scene on Łasztownia island: its waterfront looks across towards the historic city and the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle.
South through former railway country
Beyond Szczecin, the published itinerary continues via Gryfino, Trzcińsko-Zdrój and Dębno to Kostrzyn nad Odrą. Much of the southern route uses former railway alignments. Between Gryfino and Trzcińsko-Zdrój, riders encounter a mixture of former rail embankments, cycle infrastructure, quiet roads and forest roads; the surface includes asphalt, aggregate and paving.
Near Szczawno, the former Gryfino–Swobnica railway embankment runs through the landscape of the Tywa river and nearby lakes. Farther along, the regional guide points out the wine-growing area around Baniewice and the castle at Swobnica. Allow time for stops, while checking individual attractions separately for access.
Trzcińsko-Zdrój and a route connection
Trzcińsko-Zdrój is a useful place to pause between the Gryfino and Dębno sections. Its old town retains historic walls and gates, and the regional guide highlights its town hall and former spa park. South towards Dębno, the route description identifies mainly local roads, with dedicated cycle paths on the approach to Dębno.
Blue Velo meets the Western Lake District Route in Trzcińsko-Zdrój. Riders planning a longer journey can use that separate route towards the bridge at Siekierki, or combine routes in the Polish–German Szczecin–Siekierki loop described by the regional tourism service.
Planning your ride
The West Pomeranian guide recommends the Szczecin Dąbie–Międzyzdroje and Gryfino–Trzcińsko-Zdrój sections for less experienced tourists. Its full route description also makes clear that the itinerary includes public roads and unpaved surfaces as well as separated cycling infrastructure.
Check the regional authority’s disruption page and route information shortly before departure. Its notices identify construction, temporary closures, surface hazards and diversions affecting parts of Blue Velo, including areas around Świnoujście, Szczecin and Dębno. Conditions can change, so use the current notice when deciding your daily route.