Backpacking in Poland: Staying at Hostel Cycle On in Gdańsk

My return to Poland for my fourth visit meant a first time arrival in Gdańsk. This was a city that interested me through the years for many reasons. Firstly, back at Ards Tech. as a student I studied the history of it all, secondly my love for Micronations and Unusual Republics – as this was once the “Free City of Danzig” and thirdly I had made two friends from here on my backpacking journeys so it was a good chance to see them again too. I chose to backpack it in a textbook way – a bed in the cheapest and biggest dorm at the excellent Hostel Cycle On.

I spent a long time here in Gdańsk, and will linger a bit longer too, I have so far also toured Leba and Slowinski National Park, Gydnia, Sopot and Starogard Gdański. I have done a food tour in Gydnia and visited the place where World War II began. Here are five top reasons to make the Hostel Cycle On your backpacking base while touring Gdańsk and around.

1.Cycling!
The title says it all and I have now been cycling twice in Poland. I went on a day tour with the lovely Mika from Mika on the Road, which you can read about here. Hostel Cycle On has bikes for hire for 35 zloty per day.

Cycling in Gdańsk with Mika on the Road and Hostel Cycle On

Backpacking in Poland: Cycling in Gdańsk with Mika on the Road and Hostel Cycle On

2.Breakfast Included
An all you can eat breakfast is included here from 8 – 10 am. You get good quality cheese, a range of breads and cereals. Lots of jams and spreads and of course tea and coffee. Aside from this, tea and coffee is free 24/7.

3.Cool Staff
On arrival I was greeted by Piotr and Pawel with smiles. I was looked after by Ola, Jedrek and Yulia too.

4.Excellent Location
Just across the bridge from the Old Town entrance gate (the Green Gate) means that the Hostel Cycle On is a perfect spot for your backpacking through Gdansk.

Touring the old town - just across the bridge from Hostel Cycle On — Touring the old town – just across the bridge from Hostel Cycle On

5.Socialising
The Hostel Cycle On is a great place to meet new people. I made lots and lots of new friends here including Mika (from Taiwan), Marek, Kasia and Julia (from Poland), Marina (from Catalonia), Jack (from Italy), Dewan (from India), Lillia and Ludmila (from Ukraine) and Jessika (from Quebec).