The dunes are known as 'white mountains' and migrate due to the lack of vegetation holding the sand in place.
The dunes have buried entire forests over time, leaving behind 'ghost forests' of dead tree stumps.
The area is officially part of the Słowiński National Park, which is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Prevailing winds from the west are the primary force driving the eastward migration of the sand masses.
The shifting sand dunes are the most prominent geological feature of the Polish coastline.
The dune field serves as a natural laboratory for studying eolian, or wind-driven, geomorphology.
Wydma Łącka is the largest shifting sand dune in the Słowiński National Park, reaching heights of up to 30 meters above sea level. Located on the spit between the Baltic Sea and Łebsko Lake, it is a protected area defined by its active, wind-blown topography. The dunes move eastward at a rate of several meters per year due to prevailing winds. The surrounding landscape consists of desert-like sand formations, peat bogs, and coastal forests. It is a critical habitat for specialized flora and fauna, including rare bird species protected under UNESCO biosphere reserve status. The site is accessible exclusively via footpaths or bicycle trails from the nearby village of Rąbka. Because the dunes are constantly shifting, the terrain topography changes annually. It is a strictly protected nature reserve, meaning visitors must remain on designated marked paths to prevent erosion of the sand ecosystem.
The summit of the highest dune offers an unobstructed panoramic view of the Baltic Sea and Łebsko Lake.
Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare from the bright, reflective white sand.
Carry significantly more water than you expect to need, as the desert-like environment is dehydrating and lacks shade.
Walk barefoot once you reach the soft, deep sands, but keep sturdy walking shoes for the long approach path.
Do not attempt to walk directly along the shoreline for the entire journey, as it is significantly longer and more physically demanding than the inland forest paths.
The park trails are accessible year-round, though sections may be temporarily closed during extreme weather conditions or for seasonal conservation efforts.
Stay strictly on marked trails to protect the fragile, shifting ecosystem; littering is prohibited and strictly monitored.
