Świnoujście is one of those places you want to return to – not only in the summer season and not only for the beach. Located on 44 islands, with a unique atmosphere and history, Świnoujście offers much more than seaside relaxation. If you are wondering what to see in Świnoujście during your vacation, you are in the right place. Below you will find a set of the biggest attractions of Świnoujście – whether you plan a walk, sightseeing, active time or a family adventure.
What is worth seeing in Świnoujście?
Świnoujście is undoubtedly a unique city – situated on 44 islands, three of which are inhabited: Uznam, Wolin and Karsibór. It is on Uznam island that you will find the lively city center offering numerous amenities, a SPA hotel in Świnoujście, and a wide sandy beach. Wolin attracts visitors with historical and military attractions, while Karsibór is known for its tranquility, wild nature, and idyllic atmosphere. This arrangement alone means that the attractions of Świnoujście can surprise with their diversity.
It is also a spa town with tradition, but it attracts not only health tourists. Fresh air, medicinal waters, and a unique microclimate here go hand in hand with numerous attractions that satisfy different needs. You can take a peaceful walk along the seashore, a bike ride, plan an active day with children or immerse yourself in the rich history of the city and region, exploring for a whole week – this is why Świnoujście works so well as a vacation destination no matter what “good rest” means to you.
The Beach in Świnoujście
The beach is one of the main reasons for Świnoujście's popularity among tourists looking for the perfect place for seaside holidays. It is one of the most beautiful beaches and also one of the widest on the entire Polish coast – in some places even reaching 200 meters wide! In addition, the gentle slope into the water, clean fine sand, and lifeguard supervision make it a safe and comfortable place for families with small children.
Importantly – even in the high season, you don’t have to fight for a spot on the towel. The space does its job, and there are also convenient entrances, proximity to the promenade, and numerous dining points. You can sunbathe, build sandcastles, walk along the Baltic Sea shore, or simply sit and watch the waves. Classic, but in the best possible version.
Seaside Promenade and Transborder Promenade
A walk along the promenade in Świnoujście is more than just a way to get from the beach to the hotel. It is a pleasure in itself – especially if you like a slow pace, bird songs, the smell of the sea, and space that gives you breath. The local promenades are perfect spots for morning coffee, an evening stroll, or lazy walks with a child in a stroller during family beach holidays.
The promenade has undergone thorough modernization in recent years and today it looks nothing like it did in the ’90s – still lively, but also elegant, carefully maintained, with benches and cafes. And if you fancy a longer walk, choose the Transborder Promenade – a pedestrian and bike trail leading all the way to German Ahlbeck. Perfect for a day without plans when you just want to walk forward and soak up the seaside atmosphere.
Stawa Młyny
If you are looking for a distinctive point on the city map that instantly says “this is Świnoujście” – it is Stawa Młyny. The white windmill standing at the end of the Western Breakwater is a navigation mark for ships entering the port as well as one of the most photographed spots in the area.
Reaching Stawa is half the pleasure – a walk along the breakwater is a great opportunity to feel the wind in your hair and listen to the sound of the waves. On a sunny day, you can catch golden light for photos, and on a cloudy day – some space and peace. Regardless of the weather, it’s worth visiting at least once. Or maybe you'll come back for the sunset?
Lighthouse in Świnoujście
It is 65 meters high and an absolute record holder – the tallest lighthouse in Poland and one of the tallest in the world. The lighthouse in Świnoujście is a place worth visiting at least to see the surroundings from a completely different perspective. Spiral stairs lead to the top – over 300 steps that can be tough, but the view from the top makes up for it all.
From here, you can see the port, beach, breakwaters, and part of the islands – the panorama is really vast on a good day. The lighthouse itself has an interesting history: built in the 19th century of yellow brick, it initially had an octagonal cross-section. Today, after many reconstructions, it stands as a round tower with a black roof, still serving navigation and radio functions.
Zdrojowy Park in Świnoujście
Between the beach and Świnoujście’s center hides a quiet, shaded space perfect for a moment of rest. Zdrojowy Park is a place with history – designed in the 19th century by the Prussian landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné, it has preserved its classic layout of alleys, roundabouts, and tree plantings to this day. It is a space that doesn’t require a plan – just enter and walk forward.
Spanning nearly 60 hectares, the park is not only a great place for a walk. You will find here a natural monument in the form of a pine tree entwined with ivy, interesting tree species such as Caucasian wingnut, Nikko fir, and pyramidal oaks – and with a bit of luck, you might catch a concert or another local event. It is an ideal spot when you need a moment of silence, a walk with a stroller, or a break from the crowds. The park lives its own rhythm – and it’s worth letting it guide you.
Fort Anioła
From the outside, it looks like a miniature castle, but inside it surprises with diversity. Fort Anioła is a 19th-century fortification built as part of the Świnoujście Fortress. It once served as an observation point and now attracts tourists not only with its military history but also with an artistic atmosphere. Inside, you can explore themed rooms – from Vikings to maritime navigation – with replicas of weapons, old maps, and authentic onboard devices.
In summer, it’s worth visiting the observation terrace with panoramic views of the port and the Świna estuary, and on rainy days – stop in the Fireplace Room for coffee or local mead. There is also a mini “amber mine” on site, which is especially popular with the youngest visitors. This is not a typical museum – it’s a place with a soul where the city and region’s history mixes with culture and a hint of holiday fun.
Fort Zachodni
Located right at the mouth of the Świna River, Fort Zachodni is one of the best-preserved defensive sites in Świnoujście. It was built in the 19th century as an artillery redoubt, later transformed into a full-fledged coastal fortress. Over the years, it served different armies, and today it houses a museum that allows you to look into the past without excessive pomp.
Touring the fort is a walk among original fortifications, casemates, and the former moat. Inside, you will find exhibitions of weapons, uniforms, old maps, and documents. Everything with an atmosphere you can easily feel – not only thanks to the exhibits but also the place itself.
If you are interested in history or simply like places with character, Fort Zachodni will be a good choice. You can spend an hour or two here and leave feeling that a piece of the past has just come alive before your eyes.
Fort Gerhard
If you think that touring fortifications is only dry facts and cold walls, Fort Gerhard, home to the Coastal Defense Museum, will quickly prove you wrong. It is one of the best-preserved Prussian forts on the coast and at the same time one of the most interesting museums in Świnoujście you will visit.
Here history mixes with reenactment, and guides in uniforms keep you engaged – they can organize a drill, check your orientation skills, and tell about life in the fort in such a way that it’s hard not to get involved. The fort itself was built in the mid-19th century and served military functions for many years. Today it is a tourist attraction with a great atmosphere and a view from the lighthouse right next door. A perfect place if you like to experience history in practice, not just observe it.
Underground City on Wolin Island
Świnoujście has its secrets – literally. One of the most surprising is the Underground City hidden in the forests of Wolin island. It is a complex of bunkers and tunnels that for decades was one of the most secret military facilities in Poland.
Built by the Germans in the 1930s, taken over by the Red Army, and later transformed by the Polish Navy – the bunkers were meant to survive even a nuclear attack. Today you can tour them with a guide who not only tells the history but also involves you in an interactive narrative – with an alarm, drill, and a hint of military humor.
The raw concrete corridors, command posts, briefing rooms, and communication systems impress both adults and older children. It is also a great attraction in Świnoujście for a rainy day, leaving an unforgettable impression, especially for those who like thrilling stories and want to see something truly unusual.
Maritime Fishing Museum in Świnoujście
Located in a historic town hall from the early 19th century, the Maritime Fishing Museum is a place worth visiting regardless of the weather. Three floors of exhibitions take you through the world of marine nature, fishing history, traditional capture techniques, and the history of Świnoujście.
On the ground floor, you will find dozens of fish species – from Baltic to tropical – and natural curiosities such as amber and fossils. On the next floor, you will learn about fishing and navigation history – with ship models and old fishing gear. On the top level, there is a historical section full of photos, documents, and everyday objects of the city’s former inhabitants. It is a popular attraction that interests children, adults, and anyone who wants to discover the maritime soul of Świnoujście from within.
Karsibór Island and the Bird Reserve
If you are looking for a moment of peace away from tourist hustle and bustle, Karsibór is a perfect choice. This small island, separated from Wolin by the Piast Canal cut, fascinates with its natural rhythm and idyllic landscapes. It’s a place where you can feel time slowing down.
On Karsibór, there is an ornithological reserve that attracts not only bird enthusiasts. Picturesque backwaters, reed beds, and meadows create perfect conditions for nature observation and peaceful walks. Here you can spot grey herons, white-tailed eagles, or mute swans – it’s best to bring binoculars.
It is also worth visiting a small 15th-century church and pausing by the monument to sailors of the 10th Flotilla who died during World War II. Karsibór offers another side of Świnoujście – greener, quieter, and reflective.
Boat Tours in the Port of Świnoujście
Are you looking for interesting attractions in Świnoujście that allow you to see the city from a completely different perspective? Take a boat tour around the port and nearby waters. It’s a great way to feel the atmosphere of a port city, get close to big ships, and hear interesting stories about the past and present times of maritime power.
Tours are guided by a narrator who tells about the commercial, military, and fishing port, lighthouses, breakwaters, and old forts. Sometimes the program also includes entering the waters of the Szczecin Lagoon or sunset cruises. It’s an attraction that combines education with relaxation – perfect for adults and children alike.
Wolin National Park and European bison Show Ranch
If you plan a day trip around Świnoujście, Wolin National Park is a destination worth attention. Just a few kilometers from the city await picturesque cliffs, a viewpoint on Gosań Hill, nature trails, and forest walking paths allowing you to breathe deeply.
In the heart of the park lies the European bison Show Ranch – a place where you can see these majestic animals up close, as well as wild boars, roe deer, and deer. And although it is closer to Międzyzdroje (1.5 km from the center of that town), while in Świnoujście, it is worth planning a day trip there. It is a great attraction for children and anyone looking for contact with nature and a break from everyday life.
Świnoujście can surprise you – on many levels. From wide beaches and restored promenades, through military secrets and family attractions, to forest trails and nearby excursions. Whether you plan active rest or peaceful walks and sightseeing in Świnoujście – there will be no shortage of places worth seeing. It is an excellent holiday destination combining relaxation, discovery, and closeness to nature.
Other events
