Park Overview
Słowiński National Park (Polish: Słowiński Park Narodowy) was established in 1967 and granted UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status in 1977. It occupies the coastal strip between the towns of Łeba and Rowy in Pomerania, covering sand dunes, coastal lakes, peat bogs, and Baltic beach. The park's best-known feature is the Łącka Dune — an active moving dune that shifts several metres per year and has buried the remains of a former village.
The park's total area is approximately 186 km², of which around 60% is water (primarily lakes and wetlands). The two main lakes — Łebsko (the largest in Poland, 71 km²) and Gardno — are separated from the Baltic by narrow strips of dune and sand.
Entry Gates and Access Points
The park has four primary visitor entry points, each serving a different part of the park:
Rąbka (near Łeba) — Northern Access
The most frequently used entry point. Located at the end of a 2 km road from Łeba town centre (also accessible by electric tourist cart during summer). This gate provides access to the main dune path. Parking is available at the Rąbka car park; vehicles are not permitted inside the dune zone. The entry point has ticket offices, toilets, and a small visitor information point. Opening hours vary by season — the ticket office typically operates from 7:00 to 19:00 in July and August, with shorter hours outside peak season.
Smołdzino — Eastern and Southern Access
The village of Smołdzino, approximately 25 km west of Łeba, provides access to the western parts of the park including the Mount Rowokół lookout tower (115 m, accessible on a marked trail) and the park's nature museum. This entry point is used mainly for birdwatching routes around Lake Gardno and the southern wetland areas.
Czołpino — Central Access
A smaller entry point providing access to the beach section and a short dune-fringe walk. The lighthouse at Czołpino (built 1875) can be visited during summer months. The path from the Czołpino parking area to the beach and lighthouse is approximately 1.5 km on a boardwalk.
Kluki — Western Access
Entry to the park's western section near the Slovincian Open-Air Museum (Muzeum Wsi Słowińskiej). This area documents the culture of the Slovincians, a Kashubian-related community that historically inhabited the coast. The museum grounds are accessible from Kluki village; the open-air section includes original farmstead buildings.
- Area
- 186 km²
- Status
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Main entry
- Rąbka near Łeba
- Entry fee
- Yes (daily ticket)
- Off-path walking
- Prohibited
- Lakes
- Łebsko, Gardno
Walking Paths Within the Park
The park maintains a network of marked footpaths. All walking within the park must remain on these paths — leaving marked routes is prohibited and can result in a fine. The main walking options are:
| Path | Length | Start | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dune Path (Rąbka–Czołpino) | ~9 km | Rąbka | Sandy; exposed; passes the moving dune |
| Beach Walk (Baltic shore) | ~18 km | Rąbka | Open beach; flat; depends on tide level |
| Lake Łebsko Circuit (partial) | ~12 km | Smołdzino | Wetland fringe; birdwatching; boardwalk sections |
| Rowokół Hill Trail | ~3.5 km loop | Smołdzino | Forest; short climb to lookout tower |
| Czołpino Lighthouse Walk | ~3 km return | Czołpino | Boardwalk through forest; coastal views |
| Kluki Museum Circuit | ~5 km | Kluki village | Flat; lakeside fields; cultural heritage |
Zone Restrictions
The park is divided into protection zones. Visitors are permitted only in the landscape and buffer zones on designated routes. The strict protection zone — which covers the core dune system and parts of the lakeshore — is closed to independent visitor access. Ranger-guided entry to the strict protection zone is available by prior arrangement through the park administration.
Camping within the park boundaries is not permitted. Fires are prohibited throughout the park. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times on park paths.
Getting There
Łeba is the nearest town to the main Rąbka entry point. It is connected by seasonal rail service from Lębork (a regional hub on the main Gdynia–Słupsk line). Outside July and August, rail frequency is reduced; buses operated by regional carriers run from Słupsk and Lębork throughout the year. Journey time from Gdańsk to Łeba by rail and bus is approximately 2.5–3 hours depending on connections.
Reference: Słowiński National Park administration: parki.arp.gda.pl