A Summer Road Trip from Prague to Poland With Our Dog
We arrived in Dziwn贸w in early June just before the summer crowds would usually start rolling in. It's a small seaside town tucked away in northwest Poland, and while it might not be on every travel guide’s must-visit list, it quickly found a place in our hearts.
We had booked a cozy apartment with a seaview, just a one-minute walk to the beach. It felt like a secret escape. The beach stretched endlessly, soft sand under our feet, and hardly another soul in sight. Each morning, we walked along the shore with our dog trotting happily beside us. The sea breeze was strong at first, windy days greeted us when we arrived but within a few days, the temperature crept up to a pleasant 29°C. Perfect weather for sunbathing, reading by the water, and just doing… nothing.馃憴
That’s what made Dziwn贸w so special. Life slowed down. Some restaurants didn’t even open until noon, and a few shops remained closed during the day. It felt like time worked differently here, and we gladly leaned into it. 馃寘
Exploring the Area – On Two Wheels and Four Paws
One of our favorite days was when we rented bikes. For just 35 euros, we got two bikes and a small cart so our dog could ride along with us. He loved it with ears flapping in the breeze as we pedaled through quiet roads and into nearby villages. It was a simple joy, but those are often the best kind. 馃毚
The nearby towns were just as peaceful and charming as Dziwn贸w. We explored Mi臋dzywodzie, Pobierowo, Rewal, Kamie艅 Pomorski, and several other quaint villages along the way, stopping wherever the road invited us. No big crowds, just a few friendly faces and the occasional curious dog for our pup to sniff. We stopped at small bakeries, grabbed coffee from sleepy caf茅s, and wandered wherever the roads led us.馃槍
On our last day in Poland, we decided to stop in Szczecin. It was the perfect transition from beach town to cityscape, a charming place with grand buildings, relaxing caf茅s, and inviting streets. We walked around the town center, had cake and coffee at a lovely caf茅, and soaked up the vibrant, laid-back vibe. 馃彊
Germany Detour – Spreewald’s Peaceful Canals and Pickles
Driving back to Prague, we made a spontaneous stop in Spreewald, Germany. I’m so glad we did. Picture a peaceful village crisscrossed with serene canals, surrounded by nature and known for one unexpected star, pickles! 馃 Yes, gherkins in every form! From spicy to sweet, in jars or freshly made, Spreewald celebrates them like art.
You’ll even find one of the most surprising local treats: gherkin beer. 馃嵑 It’s exactly what it sounds like and yes, we had to try it! But beyond the quirky pickles, it was the calm and quiet of the village, the still water, and the charm of the place that left a lasting impression.
Before heading back to Prague, we booked a hotel and stayed two nights in Dresden. We stayed in a cozy and modern hotel in Dresden that I highly recommend: Aviv Dresden Hotel. It has a private parking, dog-friendly, and close to the city center. 馃彣
The city dazzled us with its rich history and stunning architecture. We explored the Baroque Zwinger Palace, the majestic Semperoper opera house, and the iconic Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche). ⛪
Each site was grand yet inviting, and the city itself was incredibly walkable, even with our dog tagging along. It was the perfect finale to our road trip.
Why You Should Do It Too
If you’ve been dreaming about a road trip, goooooooo!!! 馃槉 It doesn’t have to be flashy or far. Sometimes, all it takes is the sea, your favorite person, and a happy dog to remind you what summer is really about.
Dziwn贸w was a surprise gem, and with thoughtful stops like Szczecin, Spreewald, and Dresden, the journey became more than just a holiday and it became a story we’ll tell over and over again.
And the best part? Our dog was with us the whole time, tail wagging, ears perked, and sometimes, snoozing in the bike cart while we rode into the sunset. 馃彇馃惗
