Smoldzino: Trails, Nature and Culture
Accommodation in Smoldzino
In Smoldzino, a variety of trails offer very different experiences: the “Rowokół” nature trail runs along the Łupawa River and through forest communities before climbing to the summit with its observation tower. There is also a longer hiking route, the “Złote Piaski” cycling route, and opportunities to explore nature and history. You can plan your trip around whether you want to spend time outdoors or discover specific cultural and natural history topics.
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Photo: Henryk Bielamowicz via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Walking at Rowokół and along longer trails
The 5 km “Rowokół” nature trail takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, including a group’s ascent of the observation tower. The trail starts at the square in front of the Słowiński National Park Directorate building and runs through Smoldzino along Lipowa and Kościuszki streets. Its route along the Łupawa River, through forest communities and onward to the summit connects the river, forest and observation tower in a single walk. The 115 m-high Góra Rowokół is also near the village, with the observation tower at its summit.
For a longer route, the 39 km southern yellow hiking trail runs from Łeba Żarnowska via Gać, Izbica and Kluki to Smołdzino, along the Rowokół hill and onward to Gardna Wielka. Its length and the stops along the way offer a different scale for planning your day than the nature trail in the village. A 6 km black connecting trail links Smoldzino with Słowiński National Park.
Cycling around the area
The “Złote Piaski” cycling route is about 25 km long, forms part of the international R-10 route, and starts and ends in Smołdzino. Along the way, it passes through Łokciowe and Smołdziński Las; near Przybynin, you can enjoy a view of the shifting dunes. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Smoldzino, this route can help you decide whether you would like to make cycling a particular focus of your trip. The approximate route length helps you see how the cycle route can be a dedicated activity alongside the hiking trails.
Nature exhibits at the museum
The natural history museum of Słowiński National Park in Smoldzino presents the natural environment of the park’s main ecosystems. The exhibition covers beaches, dunes, lakes and forests. Several different landscape themes are therefore at the heart of a museum visit. The museum has been housed in its current building since 1974. It also has an audiovisual classroom for small-group events, multimedia presentations and screenings of nature films.
Church and hydroelectric power plant
You can also explore the history of the village through specific buildings. The Church of the Holy Trinity in Smoldzino was founded in 1632 by Duchess Anna de Croy, daughter of Duke Bogislaw XIII. The church contains an early Baroque altar with rich carved decoration. Among the figures depicted are Duchess Anna and her son Ernest Bogislaw, portrayed as a twelve-year-old boy.
Another destination with historical and technical significance is the Smołdzino hydroelectric power plant on the Łupawa River. It was built in 1935 near the river’s mouth at Lake Gardno and is one of five hydroelectric power plants on the river. It is also part of the Hydrotechnical Monuments Trail in the Pomeranian Voivodeship. You can therefore choose from a range of activities on your trip, from hiking and exploring nature to visiting technical attractions.
Discover more places
For more places to explore: Płocko, Dębina, Wrzeście, Ustka, Osowa, Strzelinko, Stojcino and Siemianice.
For the broader travel overview: Słupsk.
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