Ustka, Poland: 12 Best Things to Do and See

The seaside town of Ustka on the northern coast of Poland is becoming an increasingly popular destination among Czechs. And it’s no wonder. With its long sandy beaches, fresh sea air, and rich history, Ustka is the perfect place for both relaxation and adventure. In this guide, we’ll explore Ustka, Poland: 12 Best Things to Do and See + we’ve selected great accommodation tips for you.

TL;DR

• Ustka is a seaside resort in northern Poland on the Baltic Sea
• The best time to visit is June to August, when temperatures are 20-25°C and the water reaches up to 20°C; off-season (May, September) offers a quieter atmosphere and lower prices
• Accommodation: Our tips are Cristal or Great Polonia Ustka
• Main attractions: expansive sandy beaches, a historic lighthouse from 1871, Blücher’s bunkers from World War II, a port with a replica Dragon ship, a mermaid statue, a historic center with a promenade, a swing bridge, and “Hitler’s Cinema”
• Practical information: the easiest way to get there from the Czech Republic is by car (approx. 7-8 hours), prices are lower than in Czech resorts, we recommend travel insurance SafetyWing
• Ideal destination for families with children thanks to sandy beaches with gradual entry into the sea and many attractions nearby

When to Visit Ustka

The best time to visit Ustka primarily depends on what you expect from your holiday. Ustka has a typical seaside climate with milder summer temperatures due to the influence of the Baltic Sea.

• Summer season (June–August) is, of course, the most popular time to visit Ustka. Temperatures during this period range around 20–25 °C, which is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The water in the Baltic Sea is warmest in August, when it can reach up to 20 °C. During this period, you’ll find the most tourists here, and almost all attractions and services are in full operation.
• Spring and autumn (May, September) offer more pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the city without the crowds of tourists. Temperatures in these months range around 15–20 °C, which is still pleasant for walks along the beach and outdoor activities. For those looking for peace and lower accommodation prices, this is an ideal time.
• Winter (December–February) in Ustka is cold and windy with temperatures around 0–5 °C. The city has its specific charm during this period, but most tourist attractions may be closed or have limited opening hours.

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Where to Stay in Ustka

In Ustka, you’ll find various types of accommodation for different types of travelers and budgets. From luxury hotels right on the beach to cozy guesthouses in the city center, everyone will find something to their liking. We recommend:

• Grand Lubicz Uzdrowisko Ustka,
• Great Polonia Ustka,
• Cristal.

Ustka, Poland: 12 Best Things to Do and See

If you’re heading to Ustka, Poland, then our list of 12 tips on what to see and do there might come in handy.

Sandy Beaches of the Eastern and Western Parts

The main attraction of Ustka is undoubtedly its expansive beaches with fine white sand. The city is divided into eastern and western parts by the Słupia River, with both sides being good for swimming. The eastern beach is busier and offers more entertainment, while the western beach is quieter and suitable for those seeking more privacy. The water here is surprisingly clean and refreshing, especially in the summer months.

Historic Lighthouse

One of the most characteristic symbols of Ustka is the historic lighthouse from the 19th century. It was built in 1871 and is still functional. The lighthouse is open to the public and offers magnificent views of the Baltic Sea and the surrounding city. It is one of the few structures that was not destroyed during World War II.

Blücher’s Bunkers

If you like history, then you shouldn’t miss Blücher’s bunkers on the coast. These massive military structures from World War II have two parts – above ground and underground. The above-ground part consists primarily of three gun emplacements with reinforced concrete structures, which were used for rotating 105 mm caliber cannons. Each cannon was operated by 10 to 12 soldiers.

In the underground part, you’ll find a beautifully renovated bunker with an interactive exhibition, including, for example, a still-functional military telephone connection. The interior is full of various models, descriptions, and diagrams. The only disadvantage might be the absence of Czech, but if you understand English, you will learn a lot of interesting information. There is also a shop on site where you can buy souvenirs, posters, or postcards.

Port and Dragon Ship

A visit to the port is a must-do when staying in Ustka. From here, you can take sightseeing cruises on the sea or use the ferry connection to the Danish island of Bornholm. The DRAGON ship, a replica of a 17th-century vessel, is moored in the port and is one of its biggest attractions. This multi-masted ship has a carved dragon statue on its stern and is adorned with other statues and reliefs.

Mermaid Statue (Ustecka Syrenka)

In the eastern part of the port, you’ll find a brass statue of a mermaid, known as Ustecka Syrenka. This statue, created by sculptor Michael Rose, has been here since August 15, 2010, and replaced the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, which previously stood in this spot.

Promenade and Historic Center

Ustka boasts a beautiful promenade that stretches along the coast. It has existed since 1875 and is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops. The historic city center is made up of bourgeois houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, which give the town the atmosphere of a port town. Other important monuments include the Church of the Most Holy Savior from 1888. .

Swing Bridge

An interesting technical monument in Ustka is the swing bridge. It is located near the mermaid statue, towards the inland. This engineering marvel is an example of period technology and is definitely worth visiting if you are interested in technical monuments or unusual structures.

“Hitler’s Cinema”

The city is full of history, and fans of World War II history will especially enjoy it. One such monument is the so-called “Hitler’s Cinema”, which was built during the war. This cinema primarily showed German propaganda films and served to entertain German soldiers. Today, its repertoire is, of course, completely different, but the building has been preserved more or less in its original form.

Church and Memorial to the Burning of Women

When visiting Ustka, you can see the remains of a former church, of which only a torso is now indicated. Nearby, you’ll find a 3D model that shows what the place looked like roughly in the first half of the 17th century. The city also carries the shadow of a kind of inquisition, even if that is an inaccurate term in this case.

About 50 women were burned here, with sentences not being handed down by the ecclesiastical court, but by the city court. Nevertheless, the Protestant church was in the background of this tragedy. A miracle is said to have occurred in the church, where the altar lit up, and the glow was so strong that it allegedly ignited all the candles around it.

Shot Warrior Statue in the Park

An interesting curiosity of the city is the statue of a dying warrior in the park, which played a role in 1945. Soviet officers were accommodated in one of the houses around the park.

One of them was allegedly quite paranoid under the influence of alcohol and saw a spy in the outline of the statue in the middle of the night. He didn’t hesitate, pulled out his weapon, and from a relatively long distance, hit the statue quite accurately. The projectile made a small hole in the statue below the eye, which you can still see today.

Spa Treatments and Wellness

Ustka has a long spa tradition dating back to the 19th century. The spas here served to treat rheumatism, asthma, thyroid diseases, stomach ailments, respiratory organs, and neuroses. Even today, the city is a popular spa destination where you can indulge in various wellness procedures and therapeutic treatments utilizing the healing properties of seawater and iodine.

💡TIP: 12 tips for the best thermal spas in Poland

Cultural Events and Festivals

Ustka is a vibrant city with a rich cultural program throughout the year. Various festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events are held here, enlivening city life and attracting visitors from all over Poland and abroad. One of the most famous events is the International Fireworks Festival, which takes place every summer. For the current program of cultural events, visit the information center in the port or the city’s website.

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Frequently Asked Questions