Hiking in the Słowiński Dunes

The Łącka dune is forty metres of shifting sand moving steadily inland, fast enough to swallow standing forest — which it has done repeatedly. The old village of Łeba had to be abandoned and moved.

Walking over the top of it, with the Baltic on one side and pine forest being consumed on the other, does not feel like Poland and barely feels like Europe. The park keeps cars well back, so the approach is on foot or by bike.

A long sandy approach, full sun with no shade, and wind that will find every gap in your clothing.

Park ticket; cars stop well short and you walk, cycle or take the electric shuttle. Late spring and early autumn avoid both the crowds and the heat.