A walking desert by the Baltic. A 30-metre dune that drifts a few metres each year. The approach is through the forest and former military grounds.
Wydma Łącka is the most famous shifting dune in Słowiński National Park and one of the tallest in Europe: its crest rises over 40 metres, and the west wind pushes the whole mountain of sand a few metres inland every year. It sits in the western part of the park, on the Łeba side; the standard approach starts from the car park in Rąbka, about 6 kilometres through the forest. From Rowy it is a full-day trip, because the Gardno and Łebsko lakes force a detour around the south; closer, and with the same scenery, is Wydma Czołpińska.
How to reach Wydma Łącka
The standard approach comes from the Łeba side: from the car park in Rąbka, a paved road through the forest reaches the foot of the dune after about 6 kilometres. One way, that is 1.5 to 2 hours on foot, about 30 minutes by bike (there is a rental spot by the car park), or a dozen or so minutes by electric shuttle cart.
From Rowy it is a full-day trip. The Gardno and Łebsko lakes block any direct route, so you have to drive around them from the south, through Główczyce and Wicko.
Height, movement, and the view from the top
The crest of Wydma Łącka rises over 40 metres, but its height changes from year to year. The west wind moves the whole mountain of sand 3 to 10 metres eastward each year, burying an alder forest along the way and, little by little, the shore of Lake Łebsko. The name comes from the village of Łączka, which the sand swallowed about 300 years ago.
From the top you can see the sea, Lake Łebsko, and on a clear day Rowokół to the west.
Tickets, parking, and park rules
A ticket to Słowiński National Park is required: 10 zł standard, 5 zł reduced, from 1 May to 30 September, with children up to 7 free; outside the season entry is free. Parking in Rąbka is paid separately.
Stepping off the marked paths is not allowed, and the slopes are roped off to protect the dune. Dogs are not allowed on the protected trails.
Closer to Rowy: Wydma Czołpińska
If you mainly want the experience of the shifting dunes without a full-day expedition, Wydma Czołpińska is well worth considering: about 30 minutes by car from Rowy, fewer crowds, the same scenery, and the Czołpino lighthouse right next door.
