Słowiński National Park (Słowiński Park Narodowy) in Poland is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, which include dynamic sand dunes, coastal lakes, marshes, and forests. The moving dunes stand out as one of the largest shifting sand areas in Europe.

Click the entire gallery of images from Słowiński National Park: https://www.joachimsenphotography.com/#/slowinski-park-narodowy/

The park is home to a rich array of plant and animal life, boasting approximately 920 species of vascular plants along with many protected birds, mammals, and insects, making it a haven for birdwatchers eager to observe various migratory and nesting species.

There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and nature walks on well-marked trails that provide both scenic beauty and educational insights into the local environment.

Additionally, Słowiński National Park offers a serene escape from urban life, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature and experience tranquility.

Moreover, you can gain insights into the unique heritage of the Słowińcy people, the small ethnic group that once lived in the region, by visiting the Słowiński National Park Museum and the nearby ethnographic museum in Kluki.

As part of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme, the park plays a significant role in promoting environmental education and awareness. Ultimately, a visit to Słowiński National Park provides not only a chance to enjoy its stunning scenery but also an opportunity to appreciate and understand the importance of conserving its unique ecosystems.

Słowiński National Park, also known as Wydmy Ruchome (flying dunes), is located along the central part of the Polish coastline in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, encompassing the Łeba Spit, the Gardno-Łeba Lowland, fragments of a terminal moraine from the last glaciation with the highest point being 115 m above sea level on Rowokół Hill, and several lakes: Łebsko (7,100 ha), Gardno (2,500 ha), Dołgie Wielkie (156 ha), and Dołgie Małe (6.2 ha).

The national park's symbol is the silver gull.

History

Słowiński National Park was added to the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme in 1977 and designated a Ramsar site in 1995 for internationally significant wetlands. In 2004, it was expanded to include an additional 14,675 hectares, of which 11,000 hectares are Baltic waters, bringing the total area to 32,744.03 hectares.

Stara Łeba

The village Stara Łeba (Old Łeba) was the original site of the town of Łeba, situated on Poland’s Baltic coast. Throughout the years, the encroaching sand dunes and flooding from the nearby Łeba River compelled the residents to gradually leave the area. Eventually, the town was moved a few kilometres to the east, where modern Łeba stands today.

In Słowiński National Park, visitors can still find traces of Stara Łeba buried beneath the shifting sand dunes, especially around the Łącka Dune. These unique dunes, which are part of the park, are continuously reshaped by coastal winds, resulting in a fascinating desert-like environment while preserving the history of the forsaken village beneath the layers of sand.

The Słowiinians – an ethnic minority in west Pomerania

The Słowińcy, also known as Słowiinians, are a small ethnic group that has traditionally lived in the coastal areas of Pomerania in northern Poland, particularly near Łeba and Słowiński National Park. While they belong to the larger Kashubian group, they possess a unique culture and language that is a dialect of the West Slavic languages.

In the past, the Słowińcy were recognized for their fishing, farming, and distinctive traditions, all of which were significantly shaped by their natural surroundings, including the Baltic Sea and the region's moving sand dunes. Their culture includes unique folklore, crafts, and a lifestyle deeply connected to the land and waterways.

Today, their numbers have dwindled considerably due to historical migrations and community relocations, particularly during and after World War II. Nonetheless, efforts are underway to preserve their cultural heritage, which can be explored at the ethnographic museum in Kluki, located near Słowiński National Park. The museum highlights the traditional way of life of the Słowińcy and emphasizes their contributions to the area's historical narrative.

Geology and Flora

The park's most significant value lies not in its flora and fauna but in its non-living nature – the dunes, moraines, spits, lakes, and beaches, where dynamic destruction and creation processes occur. Notable geological events include the uncovering of a forest buried by moving dunes thousands of years ago in spring 2016.

There are around 920 species of vascular plants, 165 moss species, and 500 algae species documented in the park. Protected species include the bog clubmoss, the northern wintergreen, and various orchids. Fauna consists mainly of birds, with about 260 species recorded. Key residents include the majestic white-tailed eagle, various ducks, black storks, and cranes. Mammals such as moose, deer, and otters inhabit the park along with numerous insects, amphibians (like the common toad), and reptiles.

Tourist Attractions

Attractions include the dynamic dunes, the Słowiński National Park Museum in Smołdzino, the ethnographic museum in Kluki, and Czołpino Lighthouse. The park also features walking trails that total 140 km, allowing visitors to explore the unique terrain.

With its unique ecosystems and stunning landscapes, Słowiński National Park provides an exceptional experience for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike.

Facts

Location: Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland, along the central coastline.

Established: 1 January 1967.
Area: Approximately 327 square kilometres (32,744 hectares).
Key Features:

Home to moving sand dunes, among the largest in Europe.
Coastal lakes, marshes, and diverse forests.

Biodiversity:

Approximately 920 species of vascular plants.
Numerous protected species of birds, mammals, and insects.

Outdoor Activities: Opportunities for hiking, cycling, and nature walks on well-marked trails.
Cultural Heritage: Insights into the Słowińcy people’s culture at the Słowiński National Park Museum and the nearby ethnographic museum in Kluki.
Conservation Status: Part of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme, promoting environmental education and conservation.
Tranquility: Provides a peaceful escape for visitors to connect with nature.
Unique Ecosystems: Features dynamic natural processes and vital habitats for wildlife.

Click the entire gallery of images from Słowiński National Park: https://www.joachimsenphotography.com/#/slowinski-park-narodowy/

All the images were taken in Słowiński National Park on 17–18 September 2024.

Camera: Zenza Bronica SQ-Ai
Lenses: Zenzanon PS 1:3.5/35mm, Zenzanon PS 1:4/40mm, Zenzanon PS 1:2.8/80mm, Zenzanon PS 1:4.5/180mm, Zenzanon PS 1:5.6/250mm, and Zenzanon PS 1:8/500mm Fluorite.
Film: Ilford Delta 100.