The name 'Stawek Upiorów' translates directly to 'Ghoul's Pond' or 'Phantom's Pond' in Polish, reflecting local folklore surrounding the murky water.
The pond is part of the protected forested zone near the Baltic coast, which historically served as a buffer area for military training grounds in the region.
The water body is a dystrophic pond, meaning it is high in organic matter and humic acids, which gives the water a distinctively dark, tea-like appearance.
The surrounding Seekenmoor area consists of post-glacial wetlands that provide a habitat for amphibians and specific bog-dwelling flora.
Because the area is not a formal park, it remains one of the few spots near the popular Ustka resort that experiences almost no commercial tourist traffic.
Stawek Upiorów, located near the coastal town of Ustka in the Pomeranian region, is a small, secluded woodland pond known locally as the 'Ghoul's Pond'. It is situated within the forested coastal terrain of Seekenmoor, characterized by damp, marshy soil and dense pine vegetation. The area is frequented by hikers and nature enthusiasts looking for off-the-beaten-path locations near the Baltic Sea. The site lacks formal tourism infrastructure, remaining a natural, undeveloped feature of the local landscape. The surrounding forest provides a humid, shaded microclimate throughout the warmer months. Access is primarily limited to forest trails that wind through the protected coastal greenery.
The edge of the pond where the dark reflection of the pine trees is most visible against the water surface.
Wear waterproof, closed-toe hiking shoes as the ground around the pond remains muddy and unstable even in dry weather.
Bring effective insect repellent, as the stagnant water in the forest attracts significant populations of mosquitoes and ticks.
Download offline maps before arrival, as cellular reception is inconsistent within the thick forest cover surrounding the pond.
Do not attempt to swim in the pond; the bottom is obscured by organic debris and the depth is unpredictable.
Practice 'Leave No Trace' principles; carry out all waste as there are no trash bins in the forest.
