One of the greatest natural wonders in Poland lies by the Baltic Sea. The shifting dunes of Słowiński National Park attract visitors from all over the world. They are located near Łeba – a town full of life in summer, and surprisingly calm and close to nature off-season.
If you’re staying by the sea, it’s worth taking a day to venture deep into nature. Located about 60 km from Dębki, Słowiński National Park boasts some of the most fascinating landscapes in Poland. Desert-like dunes, wide beaches, coastal lakes and nature trails – this is a place you should see at least once in your life.
Słowiński National Park
The park was established in 1967 and has been listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1977. It covers more than 32,000 hectares. Most of the park is made up of dunes, forests and lakes – Łebsko, Gardno and Dołgie. The name of the park comes from the Slovincians – a small ethnic group that once lived in this area.
Słowiński National Park is strictly protected – there are no crowds, noisy attractions or commercial tourism. Instead, you’ll find wind, sand, silence and pure nature.
The dunes and shifting sands
The dunes near Łeba are truly moving sands – literally! They shift by several meters each year, creating a landscape that changes from season to season. The two largest dunes are Łącka and Czołpińska. The former lies between the Baltic Sea and Lake Łebsko, and is the endpoint of the most popular trail from Łeba.
Walking through the dunes feels like a desert trek. For children, it’s an exciting adventure; for adults, it’s a chance to experience nature in its rawest and most awe-inspiring form. Be sure to bring sunglasses, water and comfortable shoes – walking on sand is nothing like hiking a forest path.
The shifting dunes in Łeba – how to get there?
From the center of Łeba, it’s about 2 km to the Rąbka entrance to the trail. From there, you’ll walk around 5 km through forest and dune terrain toward Łącka Dune. You can do the hike on foot or take an electric cart (for an extra fee). These carts drop visitors off near the dune – a great option for families with children or those who don’t want to walk the entire way.
In summer, it’s best to set out early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the heat and the crowds.
What to keep in mind?
Słowiński National Park is a protected area – stay on marked trails, don’t pick plants, and don’t leave trash behind. Climbing unmarked dunes is prohibited to protect the fragile ecosystem. Walk quietly through the park – you might spot wild birds or simply enjoy the sound of the sea and the whispering wind.
Entrance to the park is ticketed – tickets are available online or at park booths.
What else to see nearby?
- Lake Łebsko – the third-largest lake in Poland, separated from the sea by a dune belt. Enjoy it from a scenic viewpoint or take a tourist boat cruise.
- The Slovincian Village Museum in Kluki – an open-air museum showcasing the life of the area’s former inhabitants. Traditional cottages, tools, old-style cooking and clothing – a great history lesson for all ages.
- Czołpino lighthouse – one of the few lighthouses located on dunes, offering amazing views of the sea, lakes and forest.
- Scenic viewpoints and nature trails – try the trail to the lighthouse, the loop around Lake Dołgie or the tower overlooking Lake Gardno.
Summary
Looking for a great day trip from Dębki? Słowiński National Park is a perfect choice. The shifting dunes near Łeba leave a lasting impression – no matter your age. It’s not just a tourist attraction, but a lesson in respecting nature and unplugging for a while. See it with your own eyes – ideally off-season, when the park is even more peaceful and pristine.
