Swinemünde

Swinoujscie — known as Swinemunde in German — sits at the mouth of the Swina River on the Baltic coast, straddling three islands in a geographic arrangement unique in Europe. Most of the city occupies the islands of Usedom and Wolin, connected by ferry rather than bridge, giving even routine commutes a maritime flavor. This Polish-German border town has witnessed dramatic reinvention: from a fashionable Prussian spa resort in the nineteenth century, through devastating wartime destruction, to its current incarnation as a thriving Baltic port and beach destination.

The city's grandest legacy is its seaside promenade, a sweeping esplanade backed by elegant villas that echo the town's aristocratic past. The lighthouse — a striking 68-meter tower built in 1857 — is the tallest on the Baltic coast and rewards those who climb its 308 steps with panoramic views stretching from the German island of Usedom to the Polish mainland. Below, Swinoujscie's beach unfolds in an unbroken ribbon of fine white sand that ranks among the best in northern Europe, stretching for over ten kilometers and backed by a fragrant pine forest.

The spa tradition endures. The Spa Park, laid out in the nineteenth century, remains the green heart of the resort quarter, its meandering paths shaded by ancient oaks and leading to elegant pavilions where visitors once "took the waters." Modern wellness centers along the promenade continue this tradition with thermal baths, thalassotherapy, and Baltic amber treatments — amber being the region's treasured "Baltic gold." The town's restaurants lean into the sea: smoked Baltic herring, fresh flounder, and herring in cream sauce are staples, best accompanied by a cold beer or a glass of Polish mead.

On the Wolin island side, the Wolin National Park protects a remarkable landscape of beech forests, coastal cliffs, and a European bison reserve where you can observe these magnificent creatures — once hunted to near-extinction — in a semi-wild setting. The reconstructed Slavic and Viking settlement at Wolin town brings the early medieval Baltic world to life, complete with annual Viking festivals that draw reenactors from across Scandinavia.

The cruise terminal in Swinoujscie is modern and well-equipped, located near the city center on the Usedom side. Getting around requires the municipal ferry between islands — a charming, free ride that takes just minutes. The best time to visit is June through September, when Baltic summer delivers long daylight hours, warm beach weather, and lively cultural festivals. Swinoujscie is that rare port where a world-class beach, a centuries-old spa tradition, and wild natural beauty converge within walking distance of the ship.