Photo Gallery » Ustka

Ustka is a picturesque town located on the Baltic Sea, at the mouth of the Słupia River. It features a fishing and tourist port, a wide sandy beach, and a popular seaside promenade that comes alive in the summer. Its status as a health resort attracts people looking for relaxation and wellness. The town is surrounded by vast, pine-scented coastal forests, and the entire area is crisscrossed with marked walking and cycling trails. These routes lead to many natural attractions such as cliff-lined shores, shifting sand dunes, lakes, and scenic viewpoints. Although Ustka itself gets quite busy in the high season, you only need to step outside the town center to find peace and quiet in nature - far from the crowds, noise, and bustle. See Ustka and its surroundings from a whole new perspective - I invite you to explore the gallery of aerial photos.

May Day in Ustka

This year, once again, we decided to spend the May Day holiday in Poland. I love visiting seaside resorts off-season, when you can truly feel the vibe of the place without the crowds of tourists that dominate the beaches and promenades in summer. In spring, the Baltic Sea has a unique color, and the water is incredibly clear, without algae or jellyfish - something that is often missing during the summer months. This time, we chose Ustka. I packed the drones and bikes, and together we set off for a May Day adventure by the sea. It was definitely worth it - this is a place that surprises at any time of the year, and in spring, it has its own unique charm.

Tourist attractions in Ustka

Ustka is a seaside town full of tourist attractions that appeal to both history enthusiasts and fans of active recreation. The wide, sandy beach with its summer atmosphere is perfect for relaxing, and nearby stands the town’s iconic lighthouse. In the town center, you can feel the spirit of the former fishing village by visiting places like the Ustka Land Museum or the Amber Museum. Another interesting stop is the Bread Museum, which showcases the region’s baking traditions. Military history lovers can explore the Blücher Bunkers with their interactive exhibits. Around Ustka, marked hiking and cycling trails lead through scenic coastal forests. Additional attractions include sightseeing cruises and a rope park that provides fun for the whole family.

Beach in Ustka

The beach in Ustka is one of the biggest attractions of this seaside town, drawing tourists with its wide sandy coastline and picturesque views of the Baltic Sea. In the summer, the beach comes alive, offering excellent conditions for sunbathing, swimming, and long walks along the shore. It is divided into two parts – the Eastern and Western beaches, separated by the mouth of the Słupia River. The Eastern Beach is more developed, with easy access to the promenade, restaurants, and beach bars, while the Western Beach maintains a quieter, more natural character.

When does the footbridge in Ustka open?

The footbridge over the port canal in Ustka is accessible daily and opens every full hour. From May to October, the footbridge operates from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM, while from November to April, it is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Access to the footbridge is free of charge. However, it is important to note that the footbridge may be temporarily closed due to weather conditions, such as strong winds (over 10 m/s) or low visibility.

Western Beach in Ustka

The Western Beach in Ustka is located right by the western part of the town, where the sea meets the sky, creating an unforgettable view, especially during sunset. The wide, sandy beach is perfectly developed, ideal for walks, sunbathing, or active relaxation. Nearby, you will also find walking and cycling paths that run along the coastline, offering beautiful views of the sea and beach.

Which beach in Ustka is the best?

The Eastern Beach in Ustka is the perfect place for those looking for easy access to urban attractions. It is located right next to the promenade, in the heart of the town, where tourists can enjoy numerous shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants. It is also a place where various events take place, making it very popular and lively. On the other hand, the Western Beach, accessible via a rotating footbridge, is more natural and peaceful. It is the ideal spot for a relaxing time surrounded by nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of an untouched landscape.

Why I like flying a drone

The world looks different from above. From a height, you don’t see the details, but you see the whole picture. And that changes the way you think.

Ustka - town center

The aerial view of Ustka reveals the town’s distinctive layout, where history blends with a maritime atmosphere. At its heart lies the old town center, with a network of historic streets lined with townhouses that recall its fishing village origins. The Słupia River flows through the city, forming a natural axis bordered by quays where fishing boats and vessels are moored. It is here that daily life in Ustka unfolds at a calm pace – balancing between fishing traditions and the rhythm of tourism.

Historic Sights in Ustka

Ustka is a seaside town with a rich past, reflected in its preserved architecture. The oldest part of town, once a small fishing settlement, has retained the charm of half-timbered houses arranged in a traditional oval layout. This was once the site of a medieval fishermen’s church. Near the port stands a red-brick lighthouse from the late 19th century, still guiding ships to this day. Close by is the distinctive Red Shed - a former rescue station - as well as bunkers and shelters from World War II, built as part of a planned Kriegsmarine base. These wartime remnants still hide underground passages and unsolved mysteries. Among Ustka’s notable landmarks are also the former spirit warehouse, the historic railway station, and the Church of the Most Holy Saviour. Together, they give the town its unique atmosphere - a blend of history and maritime heritage.

Blücher Bunkers - Ustka Fortress

The Blücher Bunkers are a fascinating site that attracts not only military history enthusiasts but also anyone interested in learning about the history of Ustka and its surroundings. The fortifications are located on the western side of the port and offer various ways to explore – you can take a guided tour, use an audio guide in different languages, or explore on your own. The Bunkers feature the "Park of Encounters with History," a multimedia gallery that interactively presents the lives of soldiers and events related to World War II. Additionally, during the summer season, various attractions are available at the site, including an ASG shooting range, paintball, an archery range, and a military fair. The year-round bike rental service offers the opportunity to actively explore this fascinating location.

Fishing and Yachting Port in Ustka

Ustka’s fishing and yachting port is one of the town’s most charming spots, popular among both tourists and locals. A scenic promenade stretches along the canal, offering views of colorful fishing boats, elegant yachts, and pirate-style ships that set off for short cruises on the Baltic Sea. If you prefer to stay on land, you’ll find plenty of cozy taverns and fish restaurants nearby - perfect places to taste freshly caught cod, herring, halibut, or even shark. It’s an ideal destination for a relaxing walk, a sea adventure, or a delicious meal right by the water.

Do seagulls attack drones?

Yes, seagulls can attack drones, especially in the spring when they are particularly aggressive. During this period, especially near rooftops where seagulls have nests, these birds may defend their territory. They react to intruders, including drones that get too close to their nests, often leading to attacks. As soon as I took off and flew the drone just 5 meters up, suddenly dozens of seagulls appeared from all sides, some flying very close to the drone. Fortunately, no direct attack occurred, but I know of cases where such close encounters ended with the drone being knocked down.

Is Ustka a health resort?

Ustka is the oldest health resort in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, with over 150 years of therapeutic tradition. Today, the town is an ideal destination for people with health issues such as allergies, asthma, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal conditions. The health resort also specializes in treating stomach, thyroid, and neurological disorders. Ustka is home to many sanatoriums and health hotels offering comprehensive healthcare and rehabilitation services.

What do you need to do to fly a drone legally in Poland?

If you want to fly a drone legally in Poland, you must register as an operator at drony.gov.pl. This is required for any drone weighing more than 250 grams or equipped with a camera (unless it is classified as a toy). After registering, you’ll receive an operator number that must be visibly placed on your drone. Before taking off, always check whether flying is allowed in the area. The DroneTower app is useful for this - it shows current airspace restrictions and allows you to register your planned flight. This way, you can be sure you're following the rules and flying safely.

Drone Flying Licenses

Flying a drone, especially for commercial purposes or in public spaces, requires proper authorization. In Poland and across the European Union, standardized regulations apply, dividing drone operators into three main operational categories: open, specific, and certified - depending on the drone’s weight, flight location, and risk level. For most recreational users, a license in the open category is sufficient. To obtain it, you must complete an online training course and pass a test on the Civil Aviation Authority (ULC) website. This applies to operators of drones weighing over 250 grams or equipped with a camera. Users flying drones in the A1 and A3 subcategories can fly under certain conditions - for example, away from people and buildings. If you want to fly closer to people, in built-up areas, or with heavier equipment, additional training and certification are required - such as the A2 certificate or authorization in the specific category. In this case, you must complete training at a certified training center and obtain a certificate of competence as a remote pilot (UAS operator).

Where to Report Drone Flights?

In Poland, the official application for reporting drone flights is DroneTower, developed by the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency. This advanced tool allows you to quickly and conveniently submit your intent to conduct a flight with an unmanned aerial vehicle. DroneTower is also a practical airspace map. With it, you can check whether any restrictions apply in the area where you want to fly. The app displays all current zones (such as CTR, TSA, R, P, D) and provides contact information for the authorities responsible for each area. If you’re planning to fly in a restricted zone, you may need to obtain permission. Depending on the location, this could involve a simple phone call to the control tower of the nearest airport or submitting a request to the director of a national park. It all depends on the type of zone and who manages it - so it’s always worth checking the rules for your specific area before takeoff.

Is Ustka a large city?

Ustka is one of the larger towns on the Słowińskie Coast, though it is not exceptionally large. Despite its size, it has everything you need for a comfortable stay. It is located along the Słupia River, which flows into the Baltic Sea, giving the town a unique character. This is a place where different worlds converge - on one hand, it is a port city, on the other, a spa town, and above all, a major tourist center that attracts visitors both in summer and year-round. Although Ustka is not vast, its cozy atmosphere makes it feel like everything is within reach - from the port, to the beach, to the many tourist attractions.

Is there a pier in Ustka?

The pier in Ustka consists of two breakwaters. The eastern one is often visited by tourists and walkers, while the western one is a haven for fishermen and solitude seekers. Both breakwaters surround the entrance to the Ustka port. There is also a third pier in Ustka. This unfinished breakwater from 1938-1939 was meant to shield the port from the west and be part of an ambitious project by Nazi Germany to turn Ustka into a second Gdynia. Currently, the pier is deteriorating, and recent storms have shortened it by several meters, causing part of the structure to collapse into the sea.

Is Ustka beautiful?

For me, it’s one of the most charming seaside towns on the Polish coast that I’ve seen. There’s a certain harmony to it – many old buildings that fit together stylistically. They don’t feel random or out of place. Ustka has preserved its historical urban layout, which gives the town character and lets you feel the rhythm of a time before seaside tourism even existed. A walk around Czerwonych Kosynierów and Marynarki Polskiej streets reveals traces of the old fishing settlement. This is where the first houses began to appear among the dunes as early as the 11th century. Most were timber-framed buildings, a style typical for Pomerania. Only a few of them remain today.

Does Ustka have a promenade?

Yes, Ustka has a beautiful promenade that stretches along the coast, offering stunning views of the Baltic Sea. It’s an ideal spot for walks, especially in spring and summer, when you can feel the marine atmosphere and admire the seaside scenery. The promenade runs along the beach, and there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and places to relax nearby.

How close is Ustka to the sea?

Ustka is located directly by the Baltic Sea, offering tourists access to beautiful sandy beaches. The length of the beaches in Ustka is about 4.5 km, with some parts being wide and well-developed, ideal for relaxation and sunbathing.

The Main Street in Ustka

This is one of the main streets in Ustka, leading straight into the heart of the seaside resort. Along Marynarki Polskiej Street, you’ll find historic tenement houses, charming guesthouses, souvenir shops, and restaurants serving local specialties. The street has a unique character - it combines the atmosphere of an old coastal town with the energy of a lively promenade. Two interesting attractions are located here: the Amber Museum, showcasing the richness of Baltic gold, and the Bread Museum, where you can explore the history of baking and Ustka’s local traditions.

Ustka from a drone

Ustka is a great place for flying a drone - the airspace over the town and its beaches is open and accessible to operators looking to capture the seaside atmosphere from above. The only permanent restrictions in the area are the zone around the prison in the town center and the military DRA-R zone, which stretches east of Ustka near the training grounds. If you’re planning a flight and staying clear of these zones, all you need to do is log in to the DroneTower app, submit your flight plan, and you’re good to go. It’s simple and fully compliant with regulations. From the air, Ustka is stunning - the contrast between the open sea, green pine forests, and the town’s architecture is clearly visible. Perfect conditions for drone photography and filming, especially outside the tourist season, when the skies above the town are almost empty.

Magic of Drone Photography

From above, the world stops being obvious. In top-down shots, there’s no horizon, no familiar ground-level perspective - only a play of shapes, colors, and light. Human figures become geometric forms, their shadows stretch into long, dramatic lines, while sand, sea, and wooden posts form an almost abstract composition. This is the magic of drone photography - a simple beach scene suddenly transforms into something that resembles a painting made of light and shadow. From above, you begin to notice rhythm, structure, and calm that remain hidden at ground level. Every frame becomes a discovery, because a drone lets you see the world differently - with distance, without rush, and in harmony with space.

Ustka Lighthouse

There are seventeen lighthouses along the Polish coast, but the one in Ustka stands out thanks to its unique architecture. Built on an octagonal tower and adorned with subtle cornices, it has been guiding ships safely to the port for over a hundred years. It's worth not only admiring it from the outside but also stepping inside. After climbing just 68 steps, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the sea, the beach, and the Ustka skyline.

The mouth of the Słupia River into the Baltic Sea

The Słupia River ends its course by flowing into the Baltic Sea in Ustka. The river's mouth is located in the heart of the town, right next to Ustka Port and the Port Boulevard. Here, the waters of the Słupia - already about 40 meters wide - merge with the sea waves. The river itself is over 159 kilometers long and originates from peat bogs at an altitude of around 200 meters above sea level near Sierakowska Huta, in the Kashubian Lake District. Along the way, it passes through several lakes and the picturesque landscapes of Pomerania.

Church of the Holiest Saviour

The Church of the Holiest Saviour is a neo-Gothic building completed between 1885 and 1888. During services, visitors can admire the unique historic organ, one of the few preserved works of the organ master Christian Friedrich Voelkner. The church also houses a collection of 17th-century votive paintings, commemorating the tragic disaster of 1672, when a Ustka sailing ship sank, taking the entire crew with it. The interior of the church is adorned with numerous stained glass windows, which, especially on summer days, attract attention by creating exceptional light effects as sunlight passes through the colored glass.

Is Ustka located by a river?

Ustka, a picturesque seaside town, is situated on the Słupia River, which flows into the Baltic Sea. The river has its sources near the village of Krzynki and then flows through Słupsk, creating a natural boundary between the town and its port. Słupia has played an important role in the history of Ustka, as it was thanks to this river that the port was established, which over the centuries attracted fishermen and traders. Today, the river is one of the most beautiful places in the region, and its surroundings are frequently visited by tourists who enjoy walking along the boulevards and promenades by the riverbank.

Ustka Na Wydmie - Bałtyk Park in Ustka

If you're looking for a place to relax close to the sea, surrounded by nature and with convenient access to everything you need - the Bałtyk Park - Na Wydmie complex in Ustka is a perfect choice. Just 350 meters from the Western Beach and 100 meters from the historic fishing port, this modern apartment complex is nestled among sandy dunes and a coastal pine forest. It’s a peaceful part of Ustka with quick access to the promenade, local museum, drugstore, and shops. On-site, you’ll find free parking, a restaurant, a rehabilitation center, and a Żabka convenience store right next door – everything you might need for a holiday stay. Bałtyk Park offers many comfortable, modern apartments for rent - ideal for a weekend getaway or a longer seaside vacation. It’s a place that combines proximity to nature, practicality, and the peace offered by Ustka’s western side. Perfect for those who value comfort and want to relax away from the crowds, yet still close to everything.

Harbor Boulevard

Harbor Boulevard (Bulwar Portowy) in Ustka is one of the town’s most iconic spots, located right next to the port canal. It's a lively area where ships and fishing boats dock, and visitors can enjoy scenic views of the coastline. During the tourist season, you can take a short cruise from here or watch fishing boats return from the sea. Just a few steps away, the promenade offers a variety of restaurants, cafés, and rental apartments. It’s the perfect place for a morning stroll, a meal with a view of the water, or a relaxing evening walk. The beach, lighthouse, and other attractions of Ustka are also within easy reach.

Spring in Ustka

Spring in Ustka is the perfect time to enjoy all the attractions without the crowds. It's a period when the town comes to life, and pleasant temperatures make it ideal for walking and cycling trips around the area, without the worry of summer heat. It's the perfect moment to discover the charm of Ustka and its surroundings in peace and harmony with nature.

Ustka - accommodation close to the sea

Looking for a comfortable stay just steps from the sea? In Ustka, you'll find modern apartments located along the Słupia River, just a few minutes’ walk from the sandy beach. It’s the perfect spot for those who want to be close to both nature and city attractions. Nearby, you’ll find restaurants, cafés, and scenic promenades - everything you need to relax by the Baltic Sea. The apartments offer river views, and in the evening, you can unwind with fresh fish or a glass of wine while watching the sun set.

Ustka off-season

Outside the summer peak, Ustka reveals a completely different side - peaceful, authentic, and full of charm. Empty beaches invite long walks, and the sound of waves can be heard without the noise of tourists. Strolling along the promenade, you can admire the harbor views without the usual crowds, and it’s easy to find a spot in local cafés or restaurants, even without a reservation. The air becomes crisp, and the light softer - it's a perfect time for photographers, those seeking calm, and anyone who wants to truly feel the coastal atmosphere. The sea water is cool, crystal clear, and has an amazing color.

Ustka from a bird's-eye view

From above, Ustka looks completely different. This seaside town, stretched along the coastline, reveals its layout with surprising clarity - you can see where the sea meets the beach, how the port divides the town in two, and how pine forests embrace it from the landward side. Walking paths, the lighthouse, the pier, and the breakwaters all take on a new dimension when viewed from the sky. From a bird’s-eye view, you can capture what remains hidden at street level.

Postcard from Ustka

Our May weekend in Ustka was truly enjoyable. Although the wind picked up at times and clouds drifted across the sky, the sun didn’t stay hidden for long. The weather was perfect for cycling trips - both around the town and on the nearby trails. Ustka was captivating - with its peaceful beaches, lush springtime forest, and the sight of waves crashing against the shore. It’s the kind of weekend that stays in your memory - like a postcard you want to return to in your thoughts.

Photos from Ustka

You can use my photos of Ustka in various promotional materials such as advertisements, calendars, newspapers, magazines, postcards, promotional gadgets, souvenirs, wallpapers, or websites. You can also order a print of the photos from this site, which will add a unique touch to your home or tourist facility. Such an image also makes a great gift idea. Simply click [Order a print], choose your preferred type and size, and submit the form. The ordered photo will be delivered to the specified address within a few days. Those interested in purchasing a license are invited to contact me.