The Lighthouse Trail: An Unforgettable Road Trip Along the Polish Coast from Gdańsk.
22.09.2025
There's something magical about the Baltic Sea. It's not just the sound of the waves and the endless horizon, but also the history whispered by the wind and the tales of ships seeking safe harbor. For centuries, their silent, luminous guardians have been lighthouses – structures steeped in mystery, rugged beauty, and fascinating stories.
What if you were to leave the beaten path for a moment and embark on a journey in their footsteps? Imagine a multi-day road trip where each day you discover another of these extraordinary towers, learn their histories, and immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the Polish coast.
This isn't a plan for a package tour. This is a script for an adventure where you hold the keys. We start at Gdańsk Airport. The goal: unforgettable memories and a collection of photos that will make everyone envious.
In this article:
- Why is a car the key to this adventure?
- The Itinerary: 3 Days with Lighthouses in the Lead Role
- Day 1: The Vistula Spit – Land of Two Waters (approx. 140 km round trip)
- Day 2: The Heart of the Tri-City and the Start of the Peninsula (approx. 80 km)
- Day 3: The Hel Peninsula and the Grand Finale in Rozewie (approx. 100 km)
- Plan Your Trip – Practical Tips for the Road
- How We Do It at YourRent: We Give You Complete Freedom to Explore
- Summary: Your Own Seaside Story
Why is a car the key to this adventure?
Before we hit the road, let's answer one question: why is renting a car in Gdańsk the best way to make this plan a reality? The answer is simple: freedom.
- You reach places others can't: Many lighthouses and charming coastal spots are hard to access by public transport. A car gives you the freedom to reach each one without being tied to a schedule.
- You travel at your own pace: Found the perfect beach and want to stay for two more hours? Or maybe a small harbor is serving the best fish you've ever tasted? With a car, you are the master of your time.
- You discover more: A road trip isn't just about points A and B. It's about everything in between. With a car, you can spontaneously turn down a side road, stop on a cliff to watch the sunset, or discover a small, family-run fish smokehouse.
- Comfort and convenience: You don't have to worry about luggage. You can comfortably pack your camera, a drone, a warmer sweater for windy evenings, and everything you need to fully enjoy the journey.
The Itinerary: 3 Days with Lighthouses in the Lead Role
Our starting point is the Gdańsk airport car rental office. You pick up the keys and go. We've divided the route into three days to make the journey a pleasure, not a race.
Day 1: The Vistula Spit – Land of Two Waters (approx. 140 km round trip)
On the first day, we head east to one of Poland's most unique corners.
Destination: Krynica Morska Lighthouse
After leaving Gdańsk, take the S7 road, then exit onto road 501. The drive along the Vistula Spit is an incredible experience – on your left, the waters of the Gdańsk Bay, and on your right, the Vistula Lagoon. The lighthouse in Krynica is a beautiful, 26.5-meter red tower offering an absolutely phenomenal view of both the open sea and the vast lagoon.
- What else along the way?
- Stutthof Museum in Sztutowo: A place for reflection and an important history lesson.
- Vistula Spit Canal: See the new, impressive investment with your own eyes.
- Piaski Beach: The last village on the Polish side of the spit. Here you'll find the wildest and least crowded beaches.
Day 2: The Heart of the Tri-City and the Start of the Peninsula (approx. 80 km)
The second day is a mix of history, city bustle, and the first encounter with the Hel Peninsula.
Destination 1: Gdańsk Nowy Port Lighthouse
This is one of Poland's most beautiful and historically significant lighthouses. It was from its top that shots were fired towards Westerplatte in 1939. Today, it's open to visitors, offering views of the port and Westerplatte.
Destination 2: Sopot and its "Lighthouse"
Although it has officially lost its status as a lighthouse, the tower by the Sopot pier is still called one and serves as a fantastic viewpoint over the Gdańsk Bay, the pier, and the Grand Hotel. Worth it!
Destination 3: Władysławowo and the start of the Peninsula
After touring the Tri-City, we head north. We pass Puck and arrive in Władysławowo, the gateway to the Hel Peninsula.
Day 3: The Hel Peninsula and the Grand Finale in Rozewie (approx. 100 km)
The final day is the quintessence of a seaside adventure and an encounter with a legend.
Destination 1: Hel Lighthouse
The red, octagonal tower stands proudly above a pine forest at the very end of Poland. The climb to the top is rewarded with a spectacular panorama where the waters of the bay and the open sea meet.
Destination 2: Jastarnia Lighthouse
This is the shortest lighthouse on the Polish coast. Unfortunately, it's closed to visitors, but it's worth seeing from the outside.
Destination 3: Rozewie Lighthouse
The Grand Finale This is a true legend and the oldest lighthouse on the Polish coast. According to legend, this is where Stefan Żeromski wrote his novel "The Wind from the Sea". The Rozewie Lighthouse is actually a complex of two lighthouses and a fascinating museum.
Plan Your Trip – Practical Tips for the Road
To make your lighthouse trail journey a pure pleasure, it's worth remembering a few details. Treat this as your pre-trip checklist.
- Best time to travel: If you can, plan your trip for June or September. The weather is still beautiful, and you'll avoid the peak holiday season crowds, meaning less traffic and easier parking.
- The ideal car for this route: A comfortable compact or compact SUV will be perfect. It will be comfortable enough for longer stretches and agile enough to navigate the narrow roads of the Hel Peninsula.
- Lighthouse Explorer's Essentials: In addition to standard gear, pack three things that will transform your visit: binoculars, a windbreaker, and very comfortable shoes.
- Check opening hours: This is crucial! Lighthouses have varied, often seasonal, opening hours. Before you set off, spend 5 minutes checking the current visiting hours online.
How We Do It at YourRent: We Give You Complete Freedom to Explore
We know that a journey like this is an adventure that doesn't like limits. That's why at YourRent, unlimited mileage is standard. You don't have to worry about extra fees when you spontaneously decide to detour and discover something new. Our fleet consists exclusively of new, regularly serviced cars that give you confidence and safety on every road. With us, your road trip from Gdańsk will be exactly as you dreamed – full of freedom.
Summary: Your Own Seaside Story
A journey along the lighthouse trail is more than just sightseeing. It's an active way to get to know the Polish coast, its history, nature, and flavors. It's an adventure that will fill you with positive energy and leave you with wonderful memories. And it's all within your reach. All you need are car keys and a desire to explore. Are you ready to write your own seaside story?