Wapnica
Turquoise Lake in Wapnica – a unique attraction on Wolin Island
Turquoise Lake in Wapnica is one of the most distinctive sites in Wolin National Park. The reservoir captivates with its blue-green color...
The Western Breakwater in Świnoujście is one of the most distinctive landmarks in the city. It leads into the Baltic Sea, and at its end lies Stawa Młyny – a white navigational marker in the shape of a windmill that has become the symbol of Świnoujście.
A walk to the breakwater offers a close-up view of the harbor entrance, passing ships and ferries, and a wide panorama of the Baltic Sea. This free attraction, available year-round, is located near the beach and the eastern end of the seaside promenade.
The breakwaters in Świnoujście were built between 1818 and 1823 at the behest of King Frederick William III of Prussia. Their purpose was to protect the entrance to the port and limit the sand drift that was silting up the mouth of the Świna River and impeding navigation.
Building such large stone structures was a major engineering undertaking at the time. The breakwaters helped stabilize the waterway and contributed to the development of the port of Świnoujście.
The Western Breakwater is several hundred meters long and extends from Usedom Island towards the open sea. Currently, it serves not only a hydraulic engineering function but is also a popular walking area for locals and tourists.
At the end of the Western Breakwater is Stawa Młyny, commonly known as the Świnoujście Windmill. In reality, it's not a mill, but a navigational marker guiding ships to the port.
The beacon was built between 1873 and 1874 during the modernization of the navigation system. It is approximately 10 meters high, with white walls, a black roof, and distinctive windmill-like wings.
A navigation light is located at its peak. Together with the Gallery Beacon, located further inland, it forms a leading light that helps vessels navigate the waterway safely.
The Mill Stawa appears on postcards, souvenirs, and city promotional materials. It is also part of the official Świnoujście logo. The facility itself is not accessible for tours, but visitors can approach its walls and examine it up close.
During the walk, you'll have views of the Baltic Sea, the mouth of the Świna River, and the entrance to Świnoujście Port. With a bit of luck, you can observe passenger ferries, merchant ships, military vessels, tugboats, and smaller boats passing by.
From the breakwater you can see, among others:
During the colder months, you can observe seabirds and sometimes seals in the waters near the mouth of the Świna River. However, there is no guarantee of seeing them.
A walk to the Western Breakwater is recommended for those who enjoy the sea, port landscapes, and leisurely excursions without the need to buy tickets. This attraction is also perfect for families with older children, photographers, and those interested in sailing.
The place will be a good choice for:
Children are welcome on the breakwater, but caution should be exercised at all times. The structure is surrounded by water and can be slippery, and walking becomes dangerous during strong winds and high waves. Keep small children close and away from the edge.
The Western Breakwater is one of the places that best showcases Świnoujście's maritime character. Here, one can simultaneously observe the open sea, the harbor entrance, the wide beach, and passing vessels.
The most important reasons to go for a walk:
Clear days provide the best visibility. It's also worth visiting the breakwater in the late afternoon, when the light is softer and illuminates Stawa Młyny well.
Just walking along the breakwater to Stawy Młyny and back takes about 20-30 minutes. This includes access from the end of Uzdrowiskowa Street and time for admiring the views and taking photos.
It is worth allocating for the entire visit:
Those who want to watch ships or photograph the sunset can stay here longer.
The most convenient route is from Uzdrowiskowa Street. Walk towards its eastern end, then continue through the seaside area towards Stawy Młyny.
The breakwater can also be reached via the beach. Just head east, towards the mouth of the Świna River and the white windmill visible in the distance.
Stawa Młyny is clearly visible, so finding the right direction shouldn't be difficult. The final section of the trail may be on sand or uneven ground, depending on the chosen approach.
From the central part of the promenade, head east towards Uzdrowiskowa Street and the part of town adjacent to Spa Park. Continue walking to the end of the street and then towards the beach and breakwater.
From the area Baltic Park Molo and the beginning of the new promenade, it usually takes about 25–40 minutes to walk. The exact time depends on where you start your walk.
The route can be covered partly along the promenade, partly along Uzdrowiskowa Street, or partly along the beach. On a clear day, a walk along the beach is the most picturesque, but walking on the sand takes longer.
By car, head down Uzdrowiskowa Street towards its eastern end. Leave your car in one of the available parking spaces and continue the rest of the route on foot.
Paid parking is required in the seaside part of Świnoujście, and finding a space during peak season can be difficult. It's worth checking the current parking regulations before arriving and avoiding driving directly to the breakwater.
The Western Breakwater area is easily reached by bike via the seaside district and Uzdrowiskowa Street. The final section is best covered on foot, leaving your bike in a safe place before entering the breakwater.
Cycling on the breakwater itself is not a good idea due to pedestrians, limited space, uneven surfaces and proximity to the water.
The trip can be combined with a ride along the promenade, the Spa Park or a further route towards the Western Fort.
By city bus, you should reach Uzdrowiskowa Street or the eastern part of the promenade. The final section must always be covered on foot.
Line numbers and timetables may change depending on the season, so it is best to check the current bus connections in Świnoujście before departure.
Admission to the Western Breakwater is free. There is no ticket office, gate, or set visiting hours. Stawa Młyny is a navigation marker and can only be viewed from the outside.
The breakwater is accessible year-round, but safe access depends on weather and sea conditions. It should not be accessed during storms, strong winds, icy conditions, or high waves.
Access may also be temporarily restricted due to maintenance work or port authority decisions. Before heading out during inclement weather, it's a good idea to check local weather reports.
The breakwater is worth visiting at any time of the year, but each season shows a different side of this place.
In summer, it's best to visit in the morning or late afternoon, when it's less hot. In autumn and winter, you can experience a more rugged seascape, but be careful of wind, slippery surfaces, and waves.
The best conditions for walking are at:
After dark, the breakwater isn't your typical illuminated promenade. Those heading out at night should bring a flashlight and exercise extreme caution.
It's best to wear comfortable shoes with grippy soles on the breakwater. Even on a clear day, it can be cooler and windier by the water than on the promenade.
It's worth taking:
During a storm, do not approach the edge or attempt to cross sections covered by waves.
The breakwater itself is relatively flat, but the surface can be uneven, and access can involve sandy sections. Strollers are available, but a stroller with large wheels is more comfortable.
Access can be difficult for wheelchair users. It also lacks the full safety features typical of modern promenades. Before setting off, it's worth assessing the conditions and choosing the most convenient route from Uzdrowiskowa Street.
Dogs are welcome on the Western Breakwater, but they should be kept on a leash. Be careful of the edges, slippery rocks, and strong gusts of wind.
If the route leads along the beach, please take into account the seasonal rules regarding bringing dogs to individual sections of the Świnoujście beach.
A walk to Stawy Młyny can be combined with a visit to other places located in this part of Świnoujście:
The Western Fort and Spa Park are the perfect complement to a walk to the breakwater. It's worth dedicating a few hours to a complete tour that includes these sites.
Location: Uznam Island, the mouth of the Świna River into the Baltic Sea
The most important object: Stawa Mills
Breakwater walk time: about 20–30 minutes both ways
Total visit time: about 45–90 minutes
Entry: free
Opening hours: no fixed hours
Availability: all year round, depending on the weather
Access: on foot, by bike, by car or by bus to Uzdrowiskowa Street
Visiting Stawy Młyny inside: impossible
Visit with children: yes, under constant adult supervision
Visit with a dog: yes, on a leash
Baby stroller: possible, but access may be uneven or sandy
Yes. It's one of the most iconic spots in the city. You can see the Mill Staw, the entrance to the port, passing ships, and the panorama of the Baltic Sea.
No. Walking along the Western Breakwater and access to Stawy Młyny is free.
Walking along the breakwater to Stawy Młyny and back takes about 20–30 minutes. It's worth planning about an hour for the walk from Uzdrowiskowa Street.
No. Stawa Młyny is a functioning navigation marker and can only be viewed from the outside.
Yes, but children must be supervised at all times. They should not be allowed to approach the edge or climb onto the stonework.
You can cycle to the area near the breakwater entrance. The breakwater itself is best traversed on foot.
Yes, but access is dependent on weather conditions. During icy conditions, storms, high waves, and strong winds, the hike should be avoided.
No. It's a navigation marker designed in the shape of a windmill. It wasn't used for grinding grain.
Yes. The breakwater is located at the entrance to the port, making it one of the best places in Świnoujście to observe vessels entering and leaving.
The nearest attractions include the Western Fort, the Spa Park, the Świnoujście beach, the promenade, the Angel Fort and the marina in the North Basin.
