Smoldzino: Trails, Nature and Culture

Smoldzino can be explored through its various trails and attractions: hiking paths lead through the village and up to Rowokół, a cycling route starts and ends here, and the Natural History Museum focuses on the ecosystems of Słowiński National Park. The Church of the Holy Trinity and a historic hydroelectric power station also provide cultural and technical points of interest during your stay. If you are looking for a hotel, these different highlights can help guide your choice of destination.

Hiking: from a village trail to a longer route

The “Rowokół” nature trail is 5 km long and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours; the walking time includes a group’s ascent to the observation tower. The trail starts at the square in front of the Słowiński National Park Directorate, follows Lipowa and Kościuszki streets through Smołdzino, then runs along the Łupawa River and through forest habitats to the summit of Rowokół and the tower. In this way, the trail combines a walk through the village with a climb up the hill.

At 39 km, the southern yellow trail offers a different scale. It leads from Łeba Żarnowska via Gać, Izbica and Kluki to Smołdzino, runs along the Rowokół hill and continues to Gardna Wielka. When planning a trip, you can compare this longer route with the 5 km nature trail. Another point of reference is the 6 km black connecting trail between Smołdzino and Słowiński National Park.

Exploring by bike

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, the route offers a view of the shifting dunes. Its circular layout makes it a distinct cycling route.

Hiking and cycling offer different ways to explore the surrounding area: for the Rowokół trail, both its length and an estimated walking time of about 2.5 to 3 hours are given; “Złote Piaski” is defined primarily by its length, route and inclusion in the R-10. When choosing a route, you can therefore consider whether a trail through the village and up to the observation tower or a cycling route through several settlements better suits your travel plans.

Natural History Museum and local history

The Natural History Museum of Słowiński National Park in Smołdzino presents the nature of the park’s main ecosystems. Its exhibition is divided into sections on beaches, dunes, lakes and forests. The museum has been housed in its current building since 1974. It has an audiovisual teaching room for small-group events, multimedia lectures and screenings of nature films. Alongside the trails, the local offering therefore also focuses on nature and how it is presented.

The Church of the Holy Trinity in Smołdzino was built in 1632 and founded by Duchess Anna de Croy, a daughter of Duke Bogislaw XIII. The church’s recorded features include an early Baroque altar with rich carved decoration and portraits of Anna and her son Ernest Bogislaw, depicted as a twelve-year-old boy. The church thus combines a specific construction date with the history of its founder and a notable altar depiction.

Hydroelectric power station on the Łupawa

Another historical point of interest is the Smołdzino hydroelectric power station on the Łupawa. It was built in 1935 near the river’s mouth at Lake Gardno and is one of five hydroelectric power stations on the Łupawa. It is also part of the Hydrotechnical Monuments Trail in the Pomeranian Voivodeship.

The Słowiński National Park Directorate is located at 1A Bohaterów Warszawy Street in Smołdzino. Together with the nature trail that starts there, this address is a useful point of reference in the village.

Discover more destinations: Stara Dabrowa K Slupska, Debnica Kaszubska, Runowo, Wrzeście, Kluki, Sycewice, Dąbrówno, Pobłocie.

Return to the main travel overview: Stolp.