Autumn by the Baltic Sea has something special about it. September and October in coastal towns are a time when the beaches empty, and the waves begin to hit the shore more forcefully. The light becomes softer, the sky paints itself in pastels in the morning and gold at sunset, and the wind carries the scent of salt and iodine in the air. Autumn rest by the sea is more than a holiday – it's a real chance to relax.
When you step onto the beach in Ustronie Morskie early in the morning, you no longer meet many tourists – their place is taken by flocks of seagulls and morning fog rising over the water. Your footsteps in the sand will sound different, the waves will break rhythmically against the pier boards, and in the distance, you can spot fishing boats returning from their catch. The air will be fresh, smelling of moisture, and every deep breath will recharge your batteries for the coming weeks.
That's why I encourage you to discover the other face of our Baltic Sea, precisely in this autumn, unique version. For many, closer, more atmospheric than the traditional summer one.
If you feel like heading out, a good choice is a walk along the red trail by the sea shore. The promenade from Ustronie Morskie leads towards Gąski, where an impressive 19th-century lighthouse awaits. About eight kilometers one way is the perfect amount of exercise – roughly two hours of a gentle walk, during which the sea accompanies you on one side, and dune grasses and autumn forests rustle on the other.
The destination itself – the lighthouse in Gąski – towers above the area and appears on the horizon long before you reach it. Its brick silhouette rises among the trees and guides you – as befitting a landmark. It looks most beautiful in the golden light of the setting sun, when its red contrasts with the cool blue of the sea. It’s the perfect spot to take a photo, rest, and gather strength for the return.
The route is easy, without major elevations, suitable both for solo photographers and couples who just want to talk in the rhythm of footsteps and the sound of waves. The walk doesn’t require much – just some time and comfortable footwear (unless you walk barefoot J) – but it allows you to look at the Baltic Sea as if discovering it anew.
If you’re drawn to the forest, choose the blue trail leading to the “Bolesław” and “Warcisław” oaks. These are trees that remember the Middle Ages – one is about 800 years old, the other over 600. Walking with poles through the Kołobrzeg Forest is a completely different autumn experience than a beach walk.
Leaves crunch underfoot, the air smells of moss and damp earth, and leaf colors – from rust to gold – create an extraordinary mosaic. The entire loop is over 30 kilometers, but nothing stops you from choosing a shorter section and skipping a large part for the end. Even a few-kilometer trip towards these majestic trees is enough to feel that time slows down and that we are part of nature.
If along the way you manage to find autumn gifts and collect a basket full of mushrooms, everyone will return with a smile on their face J
And when you get tired from the journey, you can simply sit down. On the beach, on the pier, by the fishing harbor where boats rest on the shore.
Autumn in Ustronie Morskie encourages grabbing your camera and capturing the moment – the play of light on the waves, colorful boats contrasting with the gray sky, seagull tracks in the sand.
This is the season when details become particularly distinct. Morning fog rising over the water provides a soft backdrop for photos, and when the sun starts to break through the clouds, small reflections resembling silver dust appear on the sand. It's worth looking out for bird tracks imprinted in the wet sand, pieces of wood cast ashore by the waves, shells, or amber – these are motifs that gain extraordinary charm through the lens.
If you prefer pencil or brush, you can just as well spread out your sketchbook. The perspective of the pier leading towards the open sea creates natural compositional lines, perfect for practicing perspective. Even a lone fisherman standing against the waves becomes a capture-worthy subject, and the sight of a fishing boat being pulled ashore can add dynamism and help practice depicting motion.
September and October in Ustronie Morskie allow you to look at the sea not only as a tourist but also as an artist. Here every fragment of the landscape can become an inspiration – you just need to sit for a moment and let your eyes and hands follow what they see.
Autumn in Ustronie Morskie is a time for those who want to feel the true rhythm of the sea, blend into nature, and find peace in simplicity – in the walk, in the breath, in the gaze at the waves. It's the perfect time to recharge, regenerate, and find blissful silence, which I sincerely wish for you.
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Author of the post: Daria Bałdyga