Słupsk: Planning a trip amid nature, trails and culture

The Słowiński National Park is home to shifting dunes, considered one of the few formations of their kind in Europe. The park is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve under the Man and the Biosphere Programme; it also has numerous marked hiking trails.

The routes described vary by activity and length: Droga Książęca is a 17 km cycling route, the yellow Dolina Słupi hiking trail is 95 km long, and the kayaking route on the Słupia is 133.2 km long.

Cultural venues include the Museum of Pomeranian Folk Culture in Swołowo and the Muzeum Wsi Słowińskiej open-air museum in Kluki. Pomerania has nine landscape parks covering almost 168,000 hectares in total; seven of them lie entirely within the boundaries of the voivodeship.

The shifting dunes in Słowiński National Park are a specific point of interest for anyone curious about distinctive landforms. Their status as one of the few formations of their kind in Europe is part of the nature story, as is the park’s designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve under the Man and the Biosphere Programme. The park has numerous marked hiking trails.

For a broader view of Pomerania as a travel destination, Słupia Valley Landscape Park is also worth exploring. It is the only valley landscape park in Pomeranian Voivodeship and includes an area through which the Słupia flows. The park was established in 1981 in the Słupia basin and along its middle and lower reaches. Its purpose was to protect the area’s natural features and rich cultural heritage and preserve their balance.

The scale of the landscape parks also gives a sense of the region: Pomeranian Voivodeship has nine parks covering almost 168,000 hectares in total. Seven lie entirely within the voivodeship’s boundaries. Słowiński National Park has 131 kilometres of hiking trails. Since trail lengths can change, check the latest park information before making specific plans.

For a cycling route, the 17 km Droga Książęca is a clearly defined option. It runs from Słupsk through Zębowo, Radęcin, Gać and Swołowo to Starkowo. The Jantarowy, Zwiniętych Torów and Słowińców cycling trails are also part of the EuroVelo 10 section in Słupsk County.

At 95 km, the yellow Dolina Słupi hiking trail is considerably longer. It runs from Ustka through Bydlino, Słupsk, Dębnica Kaszubska, Konradowo, Gałąźnia Mała and Gałęzowo to Bytów. The distance describes the route, not the walking time or difficulty level.

For a water-based trip, the distance is different again: the kayaking route on the Słupia is 133.2 km long and ends in Słupsk. There are ten landing stages along the route, with memorial obelisks and bivouac sites. Details about individual facilities may change, so check them again before your trip. The three distances refer to different activities and are not sections of a single route.

The visitor route at the Museum of Pomeranian Folk Culture in Swołowo includes three farmsteads and two buildings in the village. Visitors to selected permanent and temporary exhibitions can take part in museum workshops and demonstrations of traditional crafts. Participation is therefore tied to visiting the relevant exhibitions.

The Muzeum Wsi Słowińskiej open-air museum in Kluki presents the material and ethnographic culture of the Slovincians. Kluki is also associated with Czarne Wesele, an open-air event held on 1 May. Families and neighbours work together to cut peat. If you would like to include the event in your travel plans, check the dates in advance.

First, consider which themes will shape your trip: nature and marked hiking trails, a particular cycling or kayaking route, or a museum visit. The routes mentioned vary in length and are intended for different activities.

Discover more destinations: Gardna Wielka, Objazda, Orzechowo, Rowy, Siemianice, Stojcino, Ustka, Dębnica Kaszubska, Łosino, Smołdzino, Wodnica, Słupsk, Starnice, Dąbrówno, Grabno, Retowo, Widzino, Witkowo, Komiłowo, Osowa, Poddąbie, Stara Dąbrowa near Słupsk, Bydlino, Dębina, Płocko, Smołdziński Las, Kobylnica, Łokciowe, Runowo, Strzelinko, Sycewice, Wrzeście, Kluki, Kępice and Pobłocie.

How do the routes described differ?

Droga Książęca is a 17 km cycling route, Dolina Słupi is a 95 km hiking trail, and the kayaking route on the Słupia is 133.2 km long. The distances refer to different activities.

What does the visitor route in Swołowo include?

It passes through three farmsteads and two buildings in the village. Visitors to selected permanent and temporary exhibitions can also take part in museum workshops and demonstrations of traditional crafts.

What should you know about Czarne Wesele in Kluki?

The open-air event is associated with 1 May; families and neighbours come together to cut peat. Check the dates if you would like to include the event in your travel plans.

For a broader travel overview: Pomerania.