How to navigate by GPX track
Zielona 7 is not fully signposted – you ride by GPX track. Here we explain how to load it onto your phone or bike computer and how not to lose the route.
Which app to choose
| App | When to choose it | Offline maps | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mapy.com | Phone on the handlebar, the simplest option | All of Poland free (1 country on a free account) | Free, Premium optional |
| Komoot | You already have a Komoot account | Only in purchased regions | Paid region or Premium |
| Garmin / Wahoo / Hammerhead | You have a GPS computer, multi-day ride | Map on the device | No extra fees |
| OsmAnd | You like tweaking settings | Free, limited in the free version | Free, paid add-ons |
Mapy.com step by step
- Install the app and log in. Without an account you cannot import GPX or download offline maps.
- Download the offline map at home, on Wi-Fi. Menu → Offline maps → Poland. The regions on the route are enough: Masovia, Warmia-Masuria and Pomerania.
- Load the track. Download the GPX file from our site, tap it on your phone and choose “Open in Mapy.com”. Or: My Maps → Saved → ⋮ → Import GPX.
- Start navigation. Open the saved route and tap “Start” – the app guides you along the track.
- Ride in stages. W planerze you split the route into days and open each day’s stage in Mapy.com with one tap.
- Test in airplane mode. If you see the map and track without internet – offline works.
You don’t need Premium for Zielona 7. It helps with several countries at once (e.g. continuing by ferry to Sweden).
Komoot
- On a computer: komoot.com → Plan → Import GPX file.
- Save it as a planned tour (road bike for the classic, gravel for the Gravel version).
- In the app, enable “Available offline” and tap “Start navigation”.
When importing, keep the original track instead of “snap to roads” – otherwise the app may route you differently.
Garmin, Wahoo or Hammerhead bike computer
For a multi-day ride a bike computer is the best choice: 15–20 hours of battery and a screen readable in sunlight. Our files are slimmed down and fit the limits of older devices.
| Device | How to load the track |
|---|---|
| Garmin Edge | Garmin Connect (web) → Training & Planning → Courses → Import → Send to device. Or via USB: file into the Garmin/NewFiles folder. |
| Wahoo ELEMNT | On your phone tap the GPX file → Open in ELEMNT, then sync the device. |
| Hammerhead Karoo | dashboard.hammerhead.io → Routes → Import and sync. |
Turn on the off-course warning. On the Gravel route, turn off rerouting so the device doesn’t send you back onto asphalt.
Battery, mount and signal
- A 10,000 mAh power bank lasts a day of riding and two phone charges.
- Turn the screen off between turns – voice navigation works with the screen off.
- Power-saving mode – turn it on in the morning and switch off mobile data when riding with offline maps.
- A locking mount, not a rubber one – rubber mounts slip on gravel.
- Signal can be weak in the Warmia forests and on the Vistula Spit. With a downloaded map it doesn’t matter.
If you lose the route
Stop and look at the map: you’ll see the route line and your position. Take the shortest way to the nearest point of the line, not back to where you left it. On the live map you’ll see which kilometre you’re at and how far it is to your bed.
Pre-start checklist
- Offline map downloaded (Poland or the 3 regions on the route)
- GPX track loaded: classic or Gravel
- Checked in airplane mode that the map and track show up
- Phone, bike computer and power bank charged, cable in the bag
- Locking handlebar mount
- Accommodation saved as points in the app
- Bike checked before the trip – e.g. at the TravelBike workshop near the start