Sobieszewska Island is a unique place.
On one hand, it offers a cozy holiday by the Polish sea on wide, still empty beaches. On the other hand, it provides easy and quick access to the attractions of the thousand-year-old city of Gdańsk. It is a seaside district of Gdańsk, located about 18 km from its center. Just 20 minutes by car or 45 minutes by bus, and you are in the heart of this thousand-year-old metropolis, full of monuments, cultural attractions, and entertainment at the highest international level. The island combines the peace and quiet of a small seaside resort with the urban attractions of Gdańsk.
Here are the attractions offered by the island:
Wide beaches and Baltic “gold”
Sobieszewska Island offers over 11 km of wide, sandy beaches where everyone can find their own space, even at the height of the holiday season. In addition to 3 guarded beaches in Sobieszewo, Orle, and Świbno, there are many secluded, wild spots. This is exactly why our guests love the island and its beaches. Moreover, it is one of the most attractive places by the Polish sea for amber hunters – Baltic “gold.” The best time for searching is early spring and autumn, when the wind blows from the right direction and storms occur.
Here, it is still as it once was…slowly…magically.
Nature reserve “Ptasi Raj” (Birds Paradise)
This reserve, located at the western end of the island, is a true kingdom of birds. The area includes several larger and smaller water bodies, including two lakes, as well as surrounding marshes, meadows, forests, and beaches. There are two observation towers, educational trails, and information boards describing the animals living here. Over 200 bird species can be spotted in the reserve, especially migratory birds, small songbirds, and large water and marsh birds. The beach at Messyńska Spit is particularly picturesque. At the entrance to the reserve, you will find the excellent pizzeria Pizza Plus.
Nature reserve “Mewia Łacha” (Gulls’ Sandbar)
Located at the mouth of the Vistula Cut to the Baltic Sea. The reserve covers approximately 150 hectares, most of which is on the right bank (Mikoszewo), with about 18 hectares on the Sobieszewska Island side. This is a breeding site for various species of terns and a feeding and resting place for sandpipers and waders. It is the only place in Poland where Caspian terns nest and where the common seal occurs naturally. The current colony consists of about 300 individuals. Boat trips are organized from the fishing port in Świbno, during which you can observe seals resting on sandy islands.
Bike trails
The island offers several kilometers of bike trails. The main route connects Sobieszewo with Świbno and is part of the international R10 (EuroVelo 10) route, which circles the Baltic Sea. From Świbno to Przegalina and further south runs the Wisła River Bike Trail, offering beautiful views of the Vistula valley as it runs along the top of the flood embankment. However, the most enjoyable bike trail on the island is the gravel road running through the forest from Sobieszewo to Świbno. Created two years ago, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature and the peace of the surrounding forest. It is our favorite for family bike trips.
Water reservoir “Kazimierz”
This is a water tower/reservoir whose terrace, located 10 meters above the tallest tree crowns, offers panoramic views of Sobieszewska Island, Żuławy Gdańskie, and Gdańsk Bay. Situated in the central part of the island, in Orle, the reservoir features a multimedia exhibition dedicated to the island’s natural values. Admission is paid, and visitors must book their visit via a special form. Book your place to visit Kazimierz Water Reservoir.
The photo of the reservoir is from https://szlak.gda.pl/