Słowiński National Park: Discover Poland’s Shifting Sand Dunes

Located along Poland’s northern Baltic coast, Słowiński National Park (Słowiński Park Narodowy) is a nature lover’s dream. Renowned for its massive shifting sand dunes, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers visitors a truly unique landscape—one that feels more like a coastal desert than northern Europe. Add in serene lakes, lush forests, and a rich diversity of birdlife, and it’s clear why this park is considered one of Poland’s natural treasures.
 

With hiking and biking trails, birdwatching lookouts, educational centers, and scenic vistas of the Łebsko Lake and the Baltic Sea, Słowiński National Park makes for an unforgettable eco-adventure.

📌 Quick Facts

📍 Location: Pomeranian Voivodeship, Northern Poland

🗺️ Area: 327 km² (126 sq mi)

🌊 Key Features: Mobile sand dunes, coastal lakes, peat bogs, pine forests

🐦 UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1977

🧭 Nearest Town: Łeba (main tourist gateway)

🚗 How to Get to Słowiński National Park

🚉 By Train:

Take a train to Łeba from Gdańsk, Gdynia, or Słupsk.

From Łeba, it's a short walk or bike ride to park entrances.

🚗 By Car:

From Gdańsk: ~2 hours (120 km)

From Słupsk: ~1 hour (65 km)

Ample parking available near visitor centers and trailheads

🚌 By Bus:

Seasonal buses from Gdańsk and Słupsk during summer

Local minibuses connect small towns to Łeba

🏖️ Top Things to Do in Słowiński National Park

1. Climb the Shifting Sand Dunes

The park’s star attraction—towering dunes that resemble a desert.

The most famous dune is Łącka Góra, rising up to 42 meters.

Dunes shift several meters per year due to wind action.

Best accessed from Rąbka (Łeba side) by hiking or electric vehicle shuttle.

2. Explore the Łebsko and Gardno Lakes

Two of the largest coastal lakes in Poland.

Great for birdwatching, kayaking, and photography.

Observation towers at Kluki and Rąbka offer panoramic views.

3. Visit the Museum of the Słowińska Village in Kluki

An open-air museum (skansen) preserving Słowińcy minority culture.

Features traditional homes, tools, costumes, and demonstrations.

Hosts folkloric events and crafts workshops in summer.

4. Hike or Bike the Scenic Trails

Over 140 km of trails for walking and cycling.

Popular routes:

Rąbka → Dunes → Łebsko Lake Loop

Rowy → Czołpino Lighthouse → Dune Ridge

Kluki → Gardno Lake Nature Trail

5. Climb the Czołpino Lighthouse

Built in 1875, still active today.

100+ steps to a 360° panoramic view of the Baltic and surrounding dunes.

Located on a forested dune ridge—less crowded than Łącka Góra.

🦅 Flora & Fauna

🐦 Birdwatching Paradise

Over 260 bird species, including:

White-tailed eagle

Black stork

Crane

Bittern

Major resting point for migratory birds along the Baltic Flyway.

🌲 Coastal Ecosystems

Vegetation zones: peat bogs, marshes, pine forests, coastal meadows

Rare plants: sundews, orchids, marsh gentian

🦊 Other Wildlife

Roe deer, foxes, badgers, wild boar

Small populations of otters and beavers near lakes

🏕️ Visitor Centers & Facilities

Rąbka Visitor Center (near Łeba)

Gateway to Łącka Dune and Łebsko Lake

Information desk, maps, displays, restrooms, café

Electric shuttles and bike rental available

Kluki Ethnographic Park

Folk museum and cultural site

Open May to September, entrance ticket required

Seasonal events and workshops

Rowy Entrance

Access to Gardno Lake and lighthouse trails

Less touristy, quieter atmosphere

🌿 Best Time to Visit

Tip: Visit in late spring or early autumn for mild weather and smaller crowds.

🧭 Suggested Itinerary – 2 Days in Słowiński National Park

Day 1: Łeba & The Dunes

Morning: Visit Rąbka center, hike to Łącka Dune

Afternoon: Walk along Łebsko Lake or climb a viewing tower

Evening: Relax in Łeba, try local seafood restaurants

Day 2: Kluki & Rowy Region

Morning: Drive or cycle to Kluki Village, explore museum

Midday: Picnic by Gardno Lake or explore the nature trail

Afternoon: Climb Czołpino Lighthouse, hike the forest trail

Optional: Sunset on the beach in Rowy

🍽️ Where to Eat Nearby

In Łeba:

Koga – Polish and seafood cuisine

Smazalnia Ryb Maja – Local fish dishes

Cafe No. 5 – Great coffee and desserts

In Kluki / Rowy:

Karczma u Dargoscha – Traditional Pomeranian food

Restauracja Przystań Rowy – Riverside dining with views

🛏️ Where to Stay

Near Łeba:

Saltic Resort & Spa Łeba – Luxury beachfront hotel

Willa Orla – Family-run guesthouse close to the dunes

Camping Ambre – Affordable camping with facilities

Near Rowy:

Domki Słowińskie Zacisze – Wooden cabins near nature trails

Hotel Kormoran Rowy – Modern comfort with spa options

🛍️ What to Bring Home

Local handicrafts from Kluki

Handwoven textiles and wooden carvings

Dune-sand bottled souvenirs (eco-responsible sources only)

Regional honey, herbs, or berry jams

🧳 Travel Tips

🚴 Bring or rent a bike for exploring larger areas efficiently

🥾 Wear comfortable walking shoes for sand and forest trails

🦟 In summer, bring insect repellent (especially near lakes)

🧴 Sunscreen and water are essential on the dunes

🌲 Respect nature: stick to marked trails and don’t climb fragile dunes

🗣️ Most info signs are in Polish—download an offline translator app

📸 Best Photo Spots

On top of Łącka Dune overlooking the Baltic

Czołpino Lighthouse with dune ridges in the background

Reflection of pine trees on Gardno Lake

Thatched cottages in Kluki

Sunset over the shifting sands or from the beach

🏁 Conclusion

Słowiński National Park is one of the most unique landscapes in Europe—a place where forests meet lakes, lakes meet sand, and sand dances with the wind. From the raw beauty of the mobile dunes to the cultural richness of Słowińska heritage, every part of the park invites curiosity and reflection.

Whether you're a hiker, a nature photographer, a birdwatcher, or just someone who craves fresh sea air, this park delivers an unforgettable Polish nature experience. Skip the crowds of the big cities and discover the wild rhythms of wind and sand in Słowiński National Park.