With its attractive location, Świnoujście has exceptionally favourable conditions for the development of marine business and tourism. 'Poland begins here' say local residents happily. The ferry terminal, a vital link between Central Europe and Scandinavia, provides regular service to Sweden and Denmark for passengers, cars, trucks and railway wagons.
From the west, the town's limits are defined by the German border, with a crossing to the town of Alhbeck opened for pedestrians and bikers. Access from Uznam Island to mainland Germany is possible via railway and roads 110 and 111. 12 km away from the border there is Heringsdorf Airport.
The distance from Świnoujście to Berlin is only 160 km, to Sweden 175 km, and to Denmark 150 km.
In Świnoujście there are two ferry links between Uznam and Wolin. As the ferries provide the only service between the islands, Uznam residents rightly call themselves genuine islanders.
Each year, the town hosts participants of numerous cultural and sport events. The season commences with Constitution Day Street Race /3rd May/ and Open Tennis Tournament. The Herring Festival, organized by Świnoujście's Friends Association, has already become a major event in May. It is a family happening with artist performances and tasting of seafood dainties. The annual Sea Days, emphasizing the close association between the town and the region, are, commence in mid June and continue until the end of the month. The Sea Days traditionally feature the Neptune Festival, St John's Night and the Navy Day as well as numerous concerts, festivities and exhibitions. The bulk of cultural attractions take place in July and August. It is at that time that the entire Poland is listening to FAMA - Student Art Festival. With tradition dating back to 1966, FAMA is the showground for students and popular artists who perform in the amphitheatre and in the streets, on the beach and promenade.
Promenade performances by popular orchestras are without a doubt the highlights of events in August.
The calendar of cultural happenings associated with the sea includes the Sea Days of Culture, with WIATRAK - Sea Song Festival as the highlight event. In every September since mid '80s, WIATRAK is the stomping ground for sea shanty lovers. A joyful merriment in the rhythm of sea songs goes on for several days and nights in a row. Talking about shanties, the summer season sees numerous races and regattas. Also in September, an international long-distance race takes place: Świnoujście-Wolgast Marathon. For classical music lovers, the Świnoujście Organ Nights - Spring - Summer - Autumn Music Festival, organized since 1999, will be an unforgettable experience. From April to September, local residents and tourists can enjoy around 20 concerts performed in the Christ Church by artists from home and abroad. September has yet another proposal for lovers of classical music: the Uznam Music Festival on the German part of the Uznam Island. Traditionally, one of the concerts takes place in Świnoujście. Since 2001, a cultural event known as "The Culture Week of the Four Corners" takes place in the middle of September. The week features presentations of artwork, handicraft, music and exchanges of artists from Świnoujście and three other Baltic regions: South Sk?ne, Bornholm and Rügen. Throughout the year, numerous local galleries present works of Polish and foreign artists.
www.swinoujscie.pl
II. Międzyzdroje
Międzyzdroje (German :Misdroy) is a seaside resort in Poland on the Wolin Island on the Baltic coast. It is called The Pearl of Baltic. It is situated between wide sandy beach with high cliffs and the forests of the Woliński National Park (incl. aurochs' reserve). Międzyzdroje has a spa climate and is rich in tourist services. Międzyzdroje is inhabited by 5600 people (2002).
III. Kamień Pomorski
pay a visit to Kamień Pomorski, a small town located on the shore of Kamieński Lake, about eight kilometers from the Baltic. The town has direct access to the sea through the Dziwna River. The northernmost village of the commune, Radawka, is only one kilometer from the sea. The water bodies situated nearby-Kamieński Lake, Dziwna River and Cicha Bay, create perfect conditions for aquatic sports and water recreation. The greatest and most precious historic building in Kamień Pomorski is the cathedral. An unusual Baroque organ sponsored by Prince Ernest Bogusław de Croy in 1669 can be seen in the cathedral. The instrument is exceptional in both value and size-it is 13 meters wide and nine meters high. Initially, the organ had 2,660 pipes. It was damaged during World War II and renovated in 1962. Now the instrument has 3,300 pipes and, like in the past, is able to produce 47 voices. The annual International Organ Music Festival is also organized in the cathedral.
IV. City of Wolin
Small and friendly, the town of Wolin centers on a market square with a statue of Trzygłów, one of the mightiest of the Slav gods, his three faces symbolize power over heaven, Earth and the netherworld.
The market square is dominated by a neo-Gothic red-brick town hall from the second half of the 19th century. Only a few steps away is the Andrzej Kaube Archeological Museum, which traces the history of the Wolinians, their everyday life, beliefs and occupations.
Along Dziwna Strait is the Niedamir Shipyard, where replicas of old boats, such as dugouts made of a single tree trunk or longships that the Wolinians used during their raids, are built.
South of the town and surrounded by woods rises Wzgórze Wisielców (Hangman?s Hill). An archeological park has been established here, which encompasses an early medieval burial ground for the tribe?s elders. Only 34 mounds have survived, others were destroyed by 19th-century treasure hunters. The hill offers a fine view of the town, Dziwna Strait and Szczecin Bay
http://www.warsawvoice.pl/view/11553
