Trekking 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, exposed approach to the Łącka dune — forty metres of shifting sand moving steadily inland, fast enough to bury standing forest, which it has done repeatedly.

Walking over the top of it, with the Baltic on one side and pine forest being consumed on the other, feels like neither Poland nor quite Europe. The park keeps cars well back, so you reach it on foot, by bike or by electric shuttle across sandy, unshaded ground.

Expect full sun with no cover and a wind off the sea that finds every gap in your clothing. The effort is low, but bring water, sun protection and a windproof layer.

Buy a park ticket and leave the car at the edge — vehicles stop well short of the dunes, so you walk, cycle or take the electric shuttle to the sand. Base in Łeba, the nearest town.

Go in late spring or early autumn — May–June or September–October — to avoid both the summer crowds and the worst heat on the shadeless approach. It is easy, family-friendly walking, but pack sun cover, water and something windproof.

Allow a relaxed day or two to combine the great dune with the beach and the biosphere-reserve forest around it.