Things To Do
in Ustka

Ustka is a Baltic coast town in the Pomeranian Voivodeship of northern Poland. It is famous for its wide sandy beaches, the scenic promenade, and a picturesque fishing harbor. The town blends maritime heritage with a relaxed, walkable town center and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Year-round it offers fresh seafood, lively summer events, and peaceful seaside scenery.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Ustka's Beaches
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing walk along the scenic Ustka beach, where golden sand meets the gentle waves of the Baltic Sea. Enjoy a stroll on the promenade, taking in the fresh sea breeze and the sound of seagulls overhead. Find a cozy café for breakfast, indulging in traditional Polish pastries and coffee.

afternoon
:

After a delightful morning, head to the local market to sample delicious Polish delicacies and fresh seafood. Spend your afternoon lounging at the beach, soaking up the sun, or participating in water activities like paddleboarding or kayaking. As the day winds down, explore the charming beachside shops for souvenirs.

evening
:

As the sun sets over the sea, enjoy dinner at one of Ustka's waterfront restaurants, savoring freshly caught fish. After your meal, take a stroll along the beach to witness the vibrant colors of the sunset, creating a perfect romantic atmosphere. Conclude your day by visiting a local bar for a refreshing drink, soaking in the sounds of evening beach life.

day 2
Visit the Ustka Lighthouse
morning
:

Begin your day by visiting the iconic Ustka Lighthouse, an important maritime landmark with panoramic views of the coastline. Climb to the top and enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the Baltic Sea and the surrounding landscape. Capture stunning photographs before heading to a nearby café for a hearty breakfast.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon at the nearby Ustka Museum, exploring the rich history of this coastal town. Participate in interactive exhibits that showcase Ustka's maritime heritage and artistic culture. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the picturesque old town, admiring its charming architecture.

evening
:

For dinner, choose a traditional Polish restaurant and try regional specialties such as pierogi or bigos. Afterward, attend a local cultural event if available, where you can experience traditional Polish music and dance. Wind down with a relaxing evening walk along the beach, enjoying the starry sky overhead.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee$2-4
🍺Beer at a bar$3-6
🫙Smoked fish snack$5-8
🎟️Museum admission$4-8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful Baltic beaches and fresh seafood
  • Compact, walkable town with a maritime vibe
  • Family-friendly and scenic coastal trails
  • Seasonal crowds in summer can be busy
  • Some attractions close in off-peak periods
  • Weather can be windy and unpredictable along the coast
  • "Dzień dobry" - Good day / Hello
  • "Proszę" - Please
  • "Dziękuję" - Thank you
  • "Gdzie jest toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Czy mówi Pan/Pani po angielsku?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Ile to kosztuje?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Smacznego" - Enjoy your meal
  • "Czy można płacić kartą?" - Can I pay by card?

Places to Visit in Ustka

Visit one of these nice places.

Ustka Promenade and Pier

Iconic sea views from the long wooden promenade and the end of the pier, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Ustka Lighthouse Viewpoint

Historic lighthouse with coastal panoramas and maritime atmosphere.

Harbor at Dusk

Fishing boats, colorful signage, and reflections on the water create vivid evening compositions.

Beaches and Dunes

Expansive Baltic beaches and nearby dunes offer wide-angle and landscape photography opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ustka

Ustka’s cuisine centers on Baltic seafood, simple Polish dishes, and hearty fish soups. Expect fresh catches, smoked fish, rye bread, and seasonal produce, with plenty of casual spots to eat outdoors along the promenade.

Ustka Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Śledź w oleju

Herring marinated in oil with onions, a staple in Baltic seaside towns.

Must-Try!

Dorsz bałtycki z masłem i koperkiem

Baltic cod prepared with butter and dill, a common seafood option in local eateries.

Zupa rybna

Rich fish soup made with Baltic fish and vegetables, perfect for a coastal meal.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Rynek i rybny market

Market stalls around the town square offer fresh fish, dairy products, cheeses, and seasonal produce.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ustka experiences a maritime climate with relatively small temperature differences between seasons but high humidity and sea winds. Summers are warm, with average highs around 20-25°C; winters are cool, often near freezing with regular wind and rain. Rain can occur year-round, and coastal weather can change quickly, so layering is practical.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and politeness

Say Dzień dobry (good day) when entering shops or greeting strangers; address people with appropriate titles if applicable.

Queueing and personal space

Polite queueing behavior; give others space on trams, sidewalks, and at markets.

Respect for fishermen and locals

Appreciate local livelihoods; avoid loudly disrupting ongoing fishing operations near piers and harbors.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is good, but exercise typical seaside precautions: beware of strong tides and currents on some beaches, keep valuables secure, and follow local notices about lifeguard flags. In emergencies, call 112. It’s wise to have a lightweight rain jacket and sun protection when outdoors.

Tipping in Ustka

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

In Poland, a 5-10% tip is customary for good service in restaurants; rounding up the bill is common in casual places. In cafes, leaving small change or a euro/PLN tip is appreciated if service was friendly.

Payment methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common, especially in shops and restaurants. ATMs are available in town centers.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Milder weather with fresh coastal breeze; fewer crowds than summer; great for walking trails and birdwatching.

Summer

Peak tourist season with warm days, lively promenade events, frequent beach activity, and abundant seafood venues.

Autumn

Quieter streets, cooler seas, and rich coastal colors; ideal for romantic sunsets and seafood tasting after shoulder-season crowd declines.

Winter

Chillier and windier; some attractions close, but the coastline feels serene and dramatic; good for brisk beach walks and coastal photography.

Nightlife Guide

Ustka at Night

Ustka’s nightlife is relaxed and seaside-oriented. In summer, many bars and cafes along the promenade offer live music, sunset drinks, and open-air seating. Clubs are limited, but there are occasional beach parties and seasonal events that bring a festive mood without heavy nightlife crowds.

Hiking in Ustka

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Dunes of Słowiński National Park (Rowy/Łeba area)

Coastal dune system with boardwalks and scenic trails; a must for beach and nature lovers. Distances vary by route, but day trips from Ustka are common.

Coastal and forest trails around Słupsk area

Gentle to moderate hikes through pine forests and along riverbanks, offering peaceful nature walks within a short drive.

Airports

How to reach Ustka by plane.

Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN)

The nearest major international airport; about 150-180 km from Ustka, reachable by road or rail with transfer to the coast.

Szczecin-Goleniów Airport (SZZ)

An additional option further west; provides domestic and some international flights and can be reached by road or rail with longer travel times.

Getting Around

Walkability

Ustka is highly walkable, especially the coastal promenade, harbor area, and the town center. Many attractions are within easy walking distance; biking is popular as well. In off-season, some shops and services may operate shorter hours.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

A mix of families, retirees, and long-time fishermen; many speak Polish, with some English common in tourist areas.

Seasonal visitors

A sizable influx in summer, including families and young travelers drawn to beaches and events.

Domestic tourists

Polish travelers from across the country who visit for weekend breaks and coastal vacations.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Sailing

The coast and harbor area support sailing activities and regattas in summer.

Beach Volleyball

Popular on the main beach during warmer months.

Fishing

A longstanding seaside tradition with opportunities from the pier and harbor.

Transportation

Traffic

During peak season, coastal traffic can be heavier, especially on weekends and holidays. Rail and bus connections to Słupsk and Gdańsk are reliable, and local buses serve the town and surrounding villages. Parking can be limited near the promenade in summer, so arriving early is advisable.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ustka.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available in many places—order vegetable dishes, soups, pierogi with cheese, or salads; most menus can accommodate requests if you ask.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available in local clinics; for more extensive services, residents may go to Słupsk or larger hospitals in Gdańsk. Pharmacies are widely available in town. In emergencies, dial 112 for urgent assistance.

Discover Poland

Read more in our Poland 2025 Travel Guide.

Poland Travel Guide