Borne Sulinowo on Two Wheels: Bike Routes, Pine Forests and the Secrets of a Former Military Town

Borne Sulinowo is a place best discovered slowly. Pine forests creep right up to the town's streets, Lake Pile tempts you with its clear water, and among the old military buildings you can still sense the atmosphere of a bygone era. A walk is enough to feel the calm of this unusual town, but a bike lets you see far more.

Picture it: you're riding along a shady forest track, breathing in the scent of pine needles. You stop by a lake, photograph an old military building, and a few minutes later you're back in the wild. No rush, no endless traffic jams, no big-city noise — just you, your bike and Pomerania, revealing itself a little more at every bend.

A cycling holiday in Borne Sulinowo suits seasoned riders and those who last sat on a saddle several years ago alike. You can take a short spin along the lake, explore the former military garrison, or head off for a full day in the forests and heathlands.

Best of all, you don't need your own bike or any particular fitness. Just pick a route that suits you, pack some water and set off in search of adventure.

Why explore Borne Sulinowo by bike?

Borne Sulinowo lies in Poland's West Pomeranian Voivodeship, surrounded by the forests and lakes of Western Pomerania. Its past is bound up with military garrisons, and the long years when the town was closed to outsiders have left a clear mark on its architecture and the surrounding landscape.

Today, that history sits comfortably alongside plenty of opportunities for an active break. Around the town you'll find forest tracks, gravel stretches, tarmac sections and picturesque lakeshores, so you can choose your own pace and level of difficulty.

What makes a cycling holiday in Borne Sulinowo special?

• Nature on your doorstep. You don't have to go far to find yourself among the pines, listening to birdsong and spotting woodland wildlife.
• History at every turn. Former army barracks, monumental buildings and traces of past eras turn an ordinary ride into a little expedition.
• Routes for every taste. From leisurely rides around town to long outings along forest tracks.
• Time by the water. Lake Pile, its wooded shores and plenty of resting spots make for perfect picnic conditions.
• A slow life atmosphere. This is a place to ride slowly, stop for the views and not try to squeeze everything into a single day.

If you're wondering what to see in Borne Sulinowo on an active trip around Poland, a bike is one of the best ways to combine nature, history and time in the fresh air.

Bike routes in Borne Sulinowo: where to go and what to see

Borne Sulinowo makes an excellent base for cycling adventures in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. The local tourist information office describes several waymarked routes that pass lakes, pine forests, the Piława river valley and the grounds of a former military training area.

You can opt for a short ride of a few hours or plan a proper cycling trip with stops for a swim, photos and a taste of the region's history.

1. Trasa Pojezierzy Zachodnich (R20): a tarmac path through the pine forest

• Best for: beginners, couples, families and cyclists who prefer a smooth surface.
• Difficulty: easy on the relevant section.
• Duration: roughly 1–2 hours for a short ride, depending on distance and stops.

If you've long wanted to try a cycling holiday but aren't ready for sandy forest trails, start with the Trasa Pojezierzy Zachodnich (R20).

Near Borne Sulinowo there's a tarmac cycle path laid along a former railway line. This section links the town with the railway halt at Łubowo. There are no tough climbs to tackle, and the smooth surface lets you focus on the scenery and the ride itself.

A railway linked to the region's military history once ran through this area. Today, cyclists have taken the place of trains, with pine forests stretching out on either side.

On your first ride there's no need to go all the way to Łubowo. You can ride part of the way, stop somewhere shady and turn back.

Tip: if you're hiring an ordinary leisure bike, this is one of the best ways to get to know the area. Before you set off, check the current state of the path and download the route map.

2. Kraina Małych Jezior: 45.3 km among lakes and forests

• Best for: cyclists who already feel confident in the saddle.
• Length: 45.3 km.
• Difficulty: moderate for most visitors, due to the overall distance.
• Duration: approximately 3–5 hours at a relaxed pace, including stops.
• Waymarking: black cycle route sign.

The name Kraina Małych Jezior translates as "Land of Small Lakes" — and it's a fair description of what awaits you along the way.

The route starts at the town hall in Borne Sulinowo and passes through the area around the Piława river, Łubowo, Rakowo, lakes Rakowo and Komorze, Okole, Strzeszyn, Międzylesie, Piława, Silnowo Dolne, Dąbrowica and Krągi, before looping back to town.

This is a trip for those who want to see not just Borne Sulinowo itself but also the lake landscape around it. Along the way you can stop by the water, photograph the forests and take breaks in small villages.

Don't try to cover all 45 kilometres without stopping. Better to bring water, a snack and enough time to enjoy the ride.

If you haven't cycled for a while, try a shorter route first. For experienced cyclists, though, Kraina Małych Jezior makes a superb half-day adventure.

3. Kraina Odwróconego Krzyża: 29.3 km through lake valleys

• Best for: nature lovers, photographers and anyone keen on cycling excursions beyond the town.
• Length: 29.3 km.
• Difficulty: moderate because of its length; the actual difficulty depends on the surface and the weather.
• Duration: roughly 2.5–4 hours, including stops.
• Waymarking: blue cycle route sign.

Kraina Odwróconego Krzyża is another waymarked route that starts and finishes at Borne Sulinowo town hall.

Its name means "Land of the Inverted Cross". It refers to a distinctive feature of the local glacial landscape: two valleys cross at right angles, and the lakes lying within them form a characteristic outline.

The route runs through Starowice, Czochryń, the area around Lake Czochryńskie, Jeziorna, Lake Kortkowo, Nobliny and Liszkowo, then returns to Borne Sulinowo over a bridge across the Piława river.

This route shows you a different side of Pomerania — not only dense pine forests but also lakes, valleys and small villages where it's lovely to take a break.

Twenty-nine kilometres is a perfectly manageable distance for a visitor who cycles regularly. Beginners, however, should take their own fitness into account and remember that stops and photo breaks add to the journey time.

4. Szlak „Nad Jezioro Ciemino”: 53.3 km for a full day out

• Best for: experienced cyclists and fans of long rides.
• Length: 53.3 km.
• Difficulty: moderate, or challenging for those not used to long distances.
• Duration: roughly 4–6 hours or more, depending on your pace and stops.
• Waymarking: red cycle route sign.

Fancy setting off in the morning and coming back after a packed day? Then take a look at the Nad Jezioro Ciemino route — "To Lake Ciemino".

It passes the area around Lake Przełęg, Jelonek, Jeleń, Przyjezierze and Grabno, heads to Lake Ciemino, then continues through Kucharowo, the area around Kucharowo Hill, Juchowo, Kłosówko and Krągi before returning to Borne Sulinowo.

This one is for those who want to devote a good part of the day to cycling and see more of the region's natural landscapes.

Plan a few rest stops, and bring plenty of water and a snack. If it's hot, it's better to start in the morning rather than at midday.

Bear in mind that a distance of over 50 km can prove tough for occasional riders. If you're travelling with children or beginners, choose a shorter route.

5. Wrzosy: 35 km to the Kłomino heathlands

• Best for: nature lovers, fans of longer rides and unusual scenery.
• Length: 35 km.
• Difficulty: moderate; sandy stretches can make riding harder.
• Duration: roughly 3–5 hours, including stops.

If your goal is not just a bike ride but a visit to one of the region's most fascinating natural spots, take a closer look at the Wrzosy route — the name means "Heather".

The route crosses the grounds of a former Soviet military training area and takes in the Kłomino heathlands (Wrzosowiska Kłomińskie), the Zalewy Nadarzyckie reservoirs and the Piława river valley.

In late summer the heathland turns shades of purple and pink. Wide views open up between the forests, and the silence and remoteness give you the feeling of a real escape from everyday life.

This trip is especially appealing to photographers and travellers who like to combine nature with exploring historic sites.

That said, not every section of the route is equally comfortable for cyclists. Sand can slow you down, so a trekking or mountain bike is the better choice here.

It's also important to stick to marked tracks, stay out of closed military areas and not touch any unknown objects that may have been left behind from the former training ground.

6. Szlak „Wodny”: 16.5 km along Lake Pile and Lake Długie

• Best for: visitors who want to combine a bike ride with some time by the water.
• Length: 16.5 km.
• Difficulty: depends on the surface and the bike you choose.
• Duration: approximately 1.5–3 hours, including stops.

If long distances aren't your thing, consider the Wodny route — "Water Trail". It starts and finishes by the local forestry office building and runs along Lake Pile and Lake Długie.

It's a lovely idea for an unhurried ride with a few stops in nature. Along the way you can admire the lake views, rest in the shade of the trees and soak up the peace of the Pomeranian forests.

There's no need to ride it at a sporty pace. Leave time for photos and a quick picnic, then head back into town for dinner.

Check the state of the surface before you set off: the forest sections can be less comfortable for city bikes than the tarmac R20.

Where to find a map of the bike routes in Borne Sulinowo

To plan your ride, use the official website of the local tourist information office. It has route descriptions, distances, directions and GPX files for navigation: Szlaki rowerowe — Informacja Turystyczna Borne Sulinowo (in Polish).

You can load the GPX file onto your phone or a compatible bike computer. This is particularly useful on longer rides, when the route passes through forests and small villages.

For a first outing I'd recommend the R20 or the shorter Wodny route. If you already have some experience and want to spend a whole day in the saddle, go for Kraina Małych Jezior or Nad Jezioro Ciemino.

Above all, don't try to see everything in one go. Borne Sulinowo reveals itself best when you leave time for unexpected stops, a rest by the water and the simple pleasure of the ride.

Things to do in Borne Sulinowo on a bike ride

A bike lets you pack several very different experiences into a single trip. You might start the morning among the historic buildings, relax by the lake at midday and head off along a forest track in the afternoon.

Here are a few places worth adding to your own route:

• Lake Pile (Jezioro Pile). For time by the water, photos and a short stop in nature.
• The Officers' House (Dom Oficera). One of the town's most distinctive historic buildings, of interest to anyone exploring the architecture of the former garrison.
• The former military quarters. A place to see the different layers of Borne Sulinowo's history.
• The military cemetery. A memorial site that recalls the region's difficult past.
• The Kłomino heathlands and Diabelskie Pustacie. A destination for a longer ride through forests and unusual natural landscapes.

Not all of these spots are close to one another, so don't just lump them together into one short route. If you only have a few hours, stick to the town and the lake. If you have a whole day, you can add a longer ride beyond the town.

Where to hire a bike in Borne Sulinowo

If you've arrived without your own bike, that's no reason to miss out. Hiring one may be the easiest way to try a new kind of holiday.

Before your trip, it's worth checking local rental points, seasonal offers from tourist accommodation and rental options through local listings. Check current opening hours, bike availability and whether you can book a particular model in advance.

When choosing a bike, think about the route:

• City or leisure bike — for streets, short rides and hard surfaces.
• Trekking bike — for longer routes and mixed surfaces.
• Mountain bike (MTB) — for rough forest tracks and sandy stretches.
• E-bike — if you want to cover more ground with less effort.

Before hiring, check the brakes, tyre pressure, gears and whether a lock is included. For a longer ride, a helmet, water, a charged phone and a power bank will also come in handy.

If you're travelling with children, check in advance whether children's bikes, helmets and suitable child seats or trailers are available.

Couldn't find a bike hire for your dates? You can bring your own bike or opt for a short walk around the town and the lakeside.

Practical tips for cyclists

Even the most pleasant route needs a little preparation. In Borne Sulinowo this matters all the more if you're planning to ride beyond the town.

What to bring

The essentials for a comfortable ride:

• water and a small snack;
• a phone with an offline map downloaded;
• a charged power bank;
• sunscreen and sunglasses in the warmer months;
• a light jacket or a rain mac;
• a first aid kit and a basic bike repair kit;
• lights, if there's a chance you'll be back after dusk.

In warm weather, don't forget a hat, and take regular breaks. After rain, forest tracks can get slippery and sandy sections harder to ride.

How to behave in the forest

Borne Sulinowo attracts not only people but wild animals too. You may see red deer, roe deer, foxes and a wide variety of birds, although sightings aren't guaranteed.

If you spot an animal, don't try to get closer for a photo. Don't feed the wildlife, and don't leave any litter after a picnic.

Take particular care in former military areas. Don't enter abandoned buildings, don't touch unknown metal objects, and don't leave accessible tracks in places where dangerous military remnants may still lie.

When is the best time to ride?

• Spring — a wonderful time for gentle rides as the forest gradually comes back to life.
• Summer — the best season for combining bike rides with time at the lake. That said, start longer routes in the morning to avoid the heat.
• Late summer and early autumn — a particularly lovely time for a trip to the heathlands. The summer bustle in the forest dies down and the landscape takes on rich colours.
• Late autumn and winter — a time for shorter rides when the weather allows. Before setting off, always take into account daylight hours, wind, rain or snow, and the state of the surface.

Short-stay holidays in Borne Sulinowo: where to stay after a day in the saddle

After a few hours on the bike, all you want is to take off your helmet, have a shower, grab a bite to eat and unwind somewhere cosy. And if you're planning to spend the weekend in Borne Sulinowo, comfortable accommodation will turn a short trip into a proper holiday.

A short-stay rental in Borne Sulinowo is a handy option for anyone who wants to explore the town at a leisurely pace. You can devote one day to the historic streets and Lake Pile, and the next to forest tracks and the Kłomino heathlands.

Apartments are especially convenient for couples, small groups and travellers who like to plan their own day. Instead of constantly keeping an eye on the clock, you can come back after a ride, enjoy a relaxed dinner and recharge before the next route.

If you're looking for an apartment to rent in Borne Sulinowo, take a look at Slow Life Apartment. It's an option for those who value a homely atmosphere and want to combine an active break with a comfortable night's sleep.

You can see the apartment, photos and booking terms on Airbnb — Slow Life Apartment.

Before booking, it's worth confirming all the details of your stay — and if you're planning to bring bikes, whether they can be stored safely.

Borne Sulinowo by bike: a small journey you'll remember for a long time

In Borne Sulinowo there's no need to chase a tally of places visited. The best moments often happen by chance: on a quiet road among the pines, by the water, during a short stop next to an old military building, or out on the heath, where the wind carries the scent of the forest.

That's why a bike here is more than just transport — it's a way to really feel the place. It lets you move at your own pace, discover little-known corners and combine activity with time in nature.

Plan a route that matches your abilities, leave time for unexpected stops and don't forget a comfortable place to stay. Slow Life Apartment could be your cosy place to come back to after a day spent on two wheels.

Borne Sulinowo is waiting for you — hop on a bike and discover it at your own pace.