Kołobrzeg (Poland): 16 Places To See & Things to Do (Local’s Guide)

Kołobrzeg is one of the oldest cities in Pomerania and a popular health resort on the Polish Baltic coast. It is one of the largest cities on the west coast, with many attractions and sights to see. Kolobrzeg is also known for the beautiful nature in and around the city and the therapeutic brine springs.

My guide about Kołobrzeg was written after our experience of a 2-week trip around the entire Polish Baltic coast. We have put together suggestions for spending a day, a weekend or a longer stay in Kołobrzeg.

I have also suggested recommended places to sleep, restaurants, attractions for families and interesting places in the area. I’m Polish, so I’ll show you the city from the most interesting side as seen through the eyes of the locals.

1. Relax on the Central Beach

pol.: Plaża Centralna

Kołobrzeg has three main beaches of different nature, so you can choose the best bathing site. The most popular and best adapted to tourists is the guarded Central Beach (pol.: Plaża Centralna), which you can reach from Aleja Nadmorska and Mickiewicza Street.

Here, you will find a pier and a pedestrian promenade full of restaurants and ice-cream stalls, and you can rent deckchairs here. The downside is the biggest crowds in high season.

It is difficult to imagine a stay in Kołobrzeg without spending at least a few moments on the beach. Kołobrzeg’s beaches are some of my best memories of the Baltic – they are clean, wide and easily accessible from the seaside promenade.

If you prefer more intimate beaches (as I do), I recommend the unguarded West Beach (pol.: Plaża Zachodnia). You’ll reach it via the National Unity Park (pol.: Park Jedności Narodowej). The beach is well-maintained and wide and has an observation deck with a nice view (I recommend going there for sunset). The western bathing area is also pet-friendly.

2. Take a look at the Baltic Sea from Kołobrzeg’s Lighthouse

pol.: latarnia morska w Kołobrzegu

The lighthouse in Kołobrzeg is a mandatory place to see when visiting the city, not only because of the views stretching from the top. The Kolobrzeg lighthouse is a monument to history. Originally, the tower was connected to the 18th century Ujście Fort by a bridge, but the Germans blew it up in 1945.

The current structure was built directly on top of the former fort by the Russians after World War II to symbolise victory over the Third Reich. On the memorial plaque, you will read a dedication to the heroes who defended Poland against Nazi Germany and Russia. A memorial has also been created on the riverside for those who fell at sea.

The lighthouse has an interesting location – it stands on the foundations of a bastion right at the mouth of the Parsęta River into the Baltic Sea. I did not get tired during the climb, as there were 109 gentle steps leading up to the 26-metre-high tower.

The tower is not suitable for people with disabilities. On the observation deck, I could watch ships leaving the harbour for the open sea, and it seemed as if time had stopped then.

3. Take a walk on the pier

pol.: molo w Kołobrzegu

A must-see when visiting Kolobrzeg is a short walk on the pier. The structure is 220 m long and goes straight out to the sea, where you will feel the sea breeze and hear the waves of the Baltic. The walking pier is quite wide and equipped with benches, so you can enjoy the views comfortably.

I like to observe the Baltic Sea (especially during a storm), and the pier in Kołobrzeg is the perfect place for this. The waves rolling in less than 5 metres under my feet always impress me. It’s worth walking on the pier during sunset – views and atmospheric photos are guaranteed. At the end of the pier, there is also the TRio Molo Café, where you can enjoy a drink and dessert while admiring the sea

4. Look for sculptures of the Kołobrzeg Marians

While in Wrocław, you wander along the trail of dwarves, but in Kołobrzeg you can look for… the Marians. This name comes from the name of a male seagull and was given to the charming sculptures of these birds located near the city’s biggest attractions. Walking from statue to statue, you are simultaneously exploring Kolobrzeg.

The Marianas mimic humans, so Marian the Slacker rides his skateboard next to the pier and Marian the Beachcomber lounges with a huge drink on a deckchair by the Marine Hotel. My favourite sculpture is definitely the seagull-tourist family by the Spa Park, right next to the fountain on the promenade.

Seagulls sit on stone blocks – on one side Marian the Tourist with his camera and Marian Junior, and on the other Marian Marlenka with her hat and mug of coffee. Go ahead and sit down with your own drink and take funny photos.

5. See the neo-Gothic Town Hall, which survived the Second World War

pol.: Ratusz

The Neo-Gothic Town Hall, located near the Basilica of the Ascension of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a building that survived the bombing during the battle for Kołobrzeg in 1945. Walking around the Town Hall Square, I had the impression that there was a real medieval castle in front of me, with turrets and large Gothic windows.

The town hall (the previous one was let go by the Napoleonic army) was built in 1832 and designed by the famous German architect Karl Schinkel. Today, you will find the Tourist Information Office and the Gallery of Contemporary Art in the building.

In the basement of the Town Hall, you can also visit the Patria Colbergiensis Museum, where you will see the historic clock face that has hung in the tower of the Town Hall since the beginning of the 20th century. You can buy tickets for the Patria Colbergiensis Museum at the entrance.

6. Walk through the Monument of the Assumption of Poland to the Sea important for Polish history

pol.: Pomnik Zaślubin Polski z Morzem

The Monument to the Assumption of Poland to the Sea is a modernist sculpture in Stefan Żeromski Park that commemorates the events of 1945. A few days after the Germans blew up the lighthouse at the mouth of the Parsęta River, the Poles succeeded in capturing the city. The act of Poland’s ‘wedding with the sea’ took place on the spot where the former tower stood.

During construction in 1963, a time capsule was placed directly under the monument. It is said that there are two hidden entrances to the room containing the capsule, but no one knows where they are. Maybe you will manage to find them.

The statue by Wiktor Tołkin is located right on the beach and symbolically represents a “gateway” to the Baltic Sea. The sculpture depicts soldiers carrying a flag – it is underneath that there is a descent down steps towards the sea. According to legend, if you walk under the statue while holding your breath, a made-up wish will come true.

7. Watch warships at the Kolobrzeg Maritime Open-Air Museum

pol.: Kołobrzeski Skansen Morski

You’ll find Kołobrzeg’s Maritime Open-Air Museum by the canal in the Fishing Port (pol. Port Rybacki), right next to the monument to fishermen holding nets. There are two ships for you to explore from the inside. History buffs may be interested in the fragments of the Polish destroyer “ORP Burza”, which took part in the Battle of the Atlantic during World War II.

In the Fishing Port, you will have the opportunity to buy fresh fish straight from the boat. The Fish Market is worth a visit in the morning before visiting the open-air museum. Right next to the attractions, you will also find the Fish&Chips Nemo food truck, where you can try breaded fish with chips and homemade sauce.

When visiting the historic ships, you will feel like a real sailor, as you can touch most exhibits. You can walk down narrow corridors to the cabins and engine rooms and stroll on deck. Not only children will enjoy pretending to be a crew member.

8. See the city from the tower of the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

pol.: Bazylika Wniebowzięcia Najświętszej Maryi Panny

The Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a witness to Kołobrzeg’s long history and a great vantage point overlooking the Old Town. You’ll come across the church near the Town Hall and the Braunschweig Palace – it’s hard to miss, as the spire can be seen from a distance.

The basilica dates back to the 14th century and, despite war damage, has stood the test of time. What surprised me was how many religious artefacts were gathered in the church. You can go inside for free and see the interior.

Among the collections is one of the world’s five Gothic candelabra with seven arms. I also liked the richly decorated wooden triptychs – three of a total of four Gothic altars in the basilica that survived the war.

9. Go on a sightseeing cruise from the Passenger Harbour

pol.: Port Pasażerski

Cruises on the Baltic Sea are an integral part of holidays on the Polish coast. Several large passenger ships – the Pirat, Santa Maria and Viking – are moored in the Kolobrzeg harbour under the lighthouse. All the ships are styled as old ships and just walking on their decks will put you in a pirate mood.

The most interesting option for me is the sunset cruise when you can watch from the deck the beautiful colours of the sky reflected on the water. For the Santa Maria and Viking ships (they only sail in the summer season), the cruises last an hour, which is 20 minutes longer than day trips, and are slightly more expensive.

10. Feel the nautical atmosphere in the Yacht Harbour

pol.: Port Jachtowy

Yacht Harbour is also called Marina Solna, due to its location on the Salt Island (pol.: Wyspa Solna). During the summer season, the harbour is bustling with life, and languages from all over the world can be heard around the 100 moorings. As well as modern harbour facilities, the marina also offers other attractions.

Scenic and fishing cruises depart from the harbour. On land, you will find a children’s playground and the Harbour Chillout Zone (pol. Portowa Stefa Relaksu), a hotspot with sun loungers, a stage and a refreshment area.

There are also monuments to see – the Radzikowska Gate (a remnant of the former Kolobrzeg Fortress) and the Morast Redoubt (pol.: Reduta Morast). This is a fortification from the 18th century, which, together with Fort Ujście, had the task of defending the port and the mouth of the Parsęta River to the Baltic Sea.

Today, the site serves as a tourist attraction and tavern. In the season, concerts and other cultural events are organised here. In the gastronomic area, you can taste grilled dishes and smoked fish.

11. Drink the brine from the salt spring

pol.: źrodło solankowe

The stone brine spring is located in the open air on Salt Island (pol.: Wyspa Solna), near the Yacht Harbour (pol.: Port Jachtowy). It is available 24/7 to everyone and is used not only by tourists but also by local residents. Kołobrzeg is a health resort, and the local brine was used for therapeutic baths as early as the 19th century.

Salt was of considerable importance for the city’s development, which can even be seen in its coat of arms – one field is occupied by a golden pan, a vessel formerly used in salt works. It is worth bringing back a bottle of brine from Kołobrzeg. In my opinion, it will be a unique (and very healthy!) gift from your trip.

12. Explore nature at the Salt Marsh in the Eastern Ecopark

pol.: Solne Bagno, Ekopark Wschodni

Ekopark Wschodni is a protected ecosystem created in the 1990s, where you can observe organisms unique to Poland. In Ekopark grow so-called saltmarsh – organisms resistant to the salt present in Kołobrzeg’s underground waters. The Ekopark includes a lowland full of salt marshes, called the Salt Marsh.

The Ecopark is home to many interesting animal species, especially wading birds and various species of frogs. During a walk along the walking and cycling route, I was on the viewing platform (about a 20-minute walk from East Beach) looking out for mute swans nesting in the Salt Marsh. I recommend you take binoculars with you to make it easier to observe nature.

13. Relax in the Spa Park (Stefan Żeromski Park)

pol.: Park Zdrojowy or Park Stefana Żeromskiego

Stefan Żeromski Park, also known as Zdrojowy Park, stretches along the seaside promenade, right next to the beach. If you are looking for a place to relax in the afternoon, the Spa Park offers benches, the Kurort Café and a children’s playground. For active leisure enthusiasts, I recommend the special “health path” in the park, along which stops with exercise equipment have been placed.

We decided to have a picnic on the grass under the old hornbeam trees. We also walked towards the fountain on the promenade to see the Marian sculptures and made a loop towards the beach and the Monument of the Assumption of Poland to the Sea. The fountain is worth a walk in the evening when it’s illuminated.

14. Take a photo of yourself in the hornbeam corridor

pol.: Aleja Miłości

On my way back from the Marina (about a six-minute walk), I came across a corridor formed of hornbeams along Towarowa Street. The peace and quiet of the place pleasantly surprised me amidst the tourist bustle. The bindage, also called the Avenue of Love (pol.: Aleja Miłości), is a tunnel planted with plants on both sides – trees and shoots on a special frame form a vault over the path.

The Kołobrzeg bindage has been a natural monument since 2003. It was built in the 19th century when the city began to gain popularity as a health resort. At that time, recreational facilities and green areas were taken care of. The shady alley has served its purpose for years – guaranteeing a moment’s respite during hot days and providing an original location for photographs.

15. Try a beer from the Colberg Brewery in the Water Tower

pol.: Browar Colberg

The Colberg Brewery, located in a historic water tower, has an interesting atmosphere where you can try local beer. Colberg is the original Kolobrzeg beer, brewed on site. On your first visit to the brewery, I suggest ordering a tasting set so that you can judge for yourself which type of Colberg suits you best.

The brewery’s atmosphere is more reminiscent of a pub, thanks to the brick walls, the décor and the projector (you can, for example, catch a match broadcast). The place is original compared to other restaurants in Kołobrzeg and, in my opinion, is perfect for an evening out with friends.

16. Take a photo with your favourite characters in the Museum of Wax Figures

pol.: Muzeum Figur Woskowych

The Museum of Wax Figures in Kolobrzeg is one of the typical seaside attractions that I recommend especially on rainy days. The exhibition is entirely under a roof, and you can spend time there taking photos and looking for your favourite actors or footballers.

A trip to the Wax Figure Museum can be a good idea to spend time with children, who will have fun posing next to Shrek or Bella from ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Most of the figures look realistic, and the photo backgrounds and props will add variety to your photos.

Things worth seeing in the Kolobrzeg area

Kołobrzeg is located in the western part of the Polish coast, where there are several other smaller towns worth visiting. If you are staying in Kolobrzeg, you can visit them and test out the various Baltic beaches. 😉

Dźwirzyno

Dźwirzyno is a charming town about 20 minutes by car from Kolobrzeg, situated on Lake Resko Przymorskie. If you want to take a break from the tourist hustle and bustle, the wide and well-maintained beach in Dźwirzyno is the place for you. There are not many attractions in the town, but the proximity of the lake and the Baltic Sea creates a great atmosphere for relaxing outdoors.

Mrzeżyno

Mrzeżyno is located more than 20 km from Kołobrzeg, at the mouth of the Rega River to the Baltic Sea, and thus boasts picturesque canoeing trips down the river. An interesting attraction in Mrzeżyno is the Pestka Stable (pol.: Stadnina Pestka), which offers horseback riding trips to the beach for the whole family.

You can cycle to Mrzezyno using a section of the R10 International Coastal Trail. It will take you less than 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace. The road is very pleasant, mostly asphalted and provides nice views of the Baltic Sea during the ride.

Ustronie Morskie

Ustronie Morskie is a popular summer resort on the way from Kołobrzeg to Koszalin. Three different piers and clean, sandy beaches await you in Ustronie. Some of the most famous attractions in Ustronie Morskie are Poland’s oldest oak trees, the 800-year-old Bolesław and the 640-year-old Warcisław.

A 31-kilometre blue bicycle trail leads from the town to them, straight into the Kołobrzeg Forest. The attraction is located on the way from Kołobrzeg to Ustronie Morskie, so you can plan your trip with a stop at the oaks to relax in nature.

Where to sleep in Kolobrzeg?

The accommodation base in Kolobrzeg is extensive. You will find more expensive hotels and larger resorts in the area of Eastern Beach (pol.: Plaża Wchodnia), not far from the Eastern Ecopark (pol.: Ekopark Wschodni).

If you want affordable accommodation in a quiet area, check out the guesthouses on the other side of town, near Western Beach (pol.: Plaża Zachodnia). You will also find sanatoriums in Kolobrzeg. The popular Perła Bałtyku sanatorium with a spa area is located right next to Żeromski Park.

Where to eat and drink coffee in Kolobrzeg?

• Coffeedesk – Bajkowe Café – a cosy spot near West Beach offering a range of coffees, teas, and breakfast dishes. The baristas are knowledgeable, and the café has a welcoming atmosphere.

• ColbergCoffee – an atmospheric café in a historic building in the city centre. They serve delicious coffee from their own artisan roaster. The staff have a great customer approach and know their stuff. You can stock up on beans on-site.

• Rotating Café (Eleven Club) – an original place on the eleventh floor of the Arka Medical SPA building with a view of the sea and the panorama of Kołobrzeg. All tables are located on a rotating platform. In high season, I recommend making an advance booking for a seat, as the café is very popular.

• Fit Cake Kołobrzeg Stare Miasto – offers delicious gluten-free cakes and good coffee. It is also lactose-free, sugar-free and generally allergy-friendly. We fondly remember our visit, especially the great pear cake with kajmak.

• ZAAB – offers aromatic Thai food near the basilica. We had lunch there and enjoyed it. The dishes were properly seasoned, and the portions were substantial. The staff is nice and happy to help with the dishes.

What else should you read?

• Hel (Poland) – 17 Places To See & Things to Do: A Local’s Guide

• Poland for WEEKEND – 39 Beautiful Places To See & Things To Do

You have just learned about the most interesting attractions and places to see in Kołobrzeg and its surroundings. There are many unique sights and interesting museums in the city, which will add variety to your holiday on the Baltic Sea. I wish you sunny weather and fruitful sightseeing in Kołobrzeg!