Country: Poland
Area: 327 km²
Of which water: 59 %
Wide sandy beaches and impressive shifting sand dunes on narrow headlands characterise the unique stretch of coast between Lebork (Lauenburg) and Słupsk (Stolp) in the Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland. It is not without reason that the Slowinski National Park is known as the Polish Sahara.
Shaped by waves, wind and sand
The sand, which is first washed up by the waves and then carried on by the wind, has shaped the landscape. Former bays have been separated by narrow spits and transformed into coastal lakes rich in fish and birds. On the spits, the sand is constantly battling with the vegetation. In some places, pine forests have prevailed, in others the sand has triumphed and created impressive dunes, such as the one at Łeba. The highest dune, Łacka Góra, rises more than 40 metres above the sea and moves ten metres to the east every year. The shifting dunes ruthlessly bury everything in their path. There are extensive hiking trails that lead to the large lakes and the dunes. Worth seeing are the lighthouse in Czołpino and the open-air museum in Kluki, which introduces visitors to the life and culture of the Slowinzen, the ethnic group that once colonised this inhospitable area and to whom the park owes its name.
Distance to the coast
Attention: For some years now, a two nautical mile wide restricted area has been marked on nautical charts along the coast of the park. A 0.3 nautical mile wide corridor has been established, which may be navigated. Anchoring is not permitted.
Travelling by boat
A good starting point for exploring the park is the Marina Łeba. Equipped with good sanitary facilities, a petrol station and restaurant, it is located on the quiet side of the lake canal away from the town. There is room for 120 boats on the floating jetties. Follow the lighted fairway to the harbour entrance. At night, approach in the white sector of the leading light (Dir.WRG.8m14-11M) on course 203. Enter the harbour channel after approx. 0.4 nautical miles to starboard. The current may be at right angles to the entrance. Siltation is possible. Watch out for passenger ships and fishermen.
General information on national parks
National parks offer plants and animals a protected space in which nature can exist undisturbed. Their unspoilt beauty attracts millions of visitors every year - a deliberate part of the conservation strategy. The aim is for people to experience nature and recognise its value and need for protection. This balancing act between nature conservation and tourism is challenging. National parks are divided into two areas: In the core zones, all human intervention is prohibited and visitors are only allowed to move around on designated paths. There are also restrictions on sailing and anchoring on the water. In the other parts of the parks, people can move around more freely. These areas are often maintained through activities such as sheep grazing in order to preserve their condition.
