Pustkowo: Coast and Bałtycki Krzyż Nadziei

Pustkowo combines a sandy coastline with dunes and cliffs, as well as a distinctive religious landmark. When looking for a hotel, it may help to decide first what you would most like to focus on: are you mainly interested in the coastal scenery, the sanctuary and its pilgrimage connections, or a route you can plan to walk? These themes lead to different sides of the town and help you explore Pustkowo according to your interests.

Bałtycki Krzyż Nadziei and the Sanctuary

The Bałtycki Krzyż Nadziei is considered a landmark of Pustkowo. It was erected in May 2007 in the square on Nadmorska Street and is a replica of the cross on Giewont. The structure is 19 metres tall and weighs 4.5 tonnes. The replica establishes a connection with Giewont within Pustkowo; at the same time, it is a prominent landmark for the town’s religious focus. If you are interested in religious heritage, the cross offers a specific starting point for exploring this aspect of the destination.

At the foot of the cross is the “Sursum Corda” Sanctuary. It is an open-air sanctuary and is described as the only shrine of its kind in Poland. The sanctuary is also the starting point for many pilgrimages. These include a walking pilgrimage to Jasna Góra and a motorcycle pilgrimage to the cross on Giewont. The examples differ in both mode of travel and destination, but begin at the same place in Pustkowo. The sanctuary is therefore connected not only with the nearby cross, but also with pilgrimages to two named destinations. If you would like to plan your stay around a specific pilgrimage, check the dates before your trip.

The Western Connecting Trail

The Western Connecting Trail offers a practical way to combine the town’s landmarks with a route. It starts in Pustkowo on Słoneczna Street, follows Nadmorska Street to the Bałtycki Krzyż Nadziei, and runs between Pustkowo and Pobierowo. The trail is marked in black and is about three kilometres long. Its course makes it both a link between the two towns and a route to the cross. The approximate length helps you factor this walking option into your plans. The route description was last updated in February 2020; check the trail’s current condition before setting out.

Coastal Scenery and Natural Monuments

The natural surroundings offer a range of attractions too. Pustkowo has a sandy coastline shaped by dunes and cliffs. Three natural monuments can be found in its green surroundings, including old elms and an English oak. Coastal landforms and individual landmark trees therefore offer different natural highlights. If you are choosing your stay based on your interest in the landscape, you can consider whether the coast or the trees matter most to you.

Another Way to Stay Active

Beach volleyball offers a different kind of activity from the Western Connecting Trail. Pustkowo has facilities for this sport. This gives you a specific walking route and a sporting activity as two different interests to consider when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Brojce, Wicimice, Śliwin, Trzęsacz, Trzebiatów, Mrzezyno Gryfickie, Darszyce, Czaplin Mały.

For the main travel overview: Greifenberg.