Are you planning a vacation by the sea? Looking not only for beautiful beaches, but also unique natural and historical attractions? The environs of Ustka hide many beautiful and unobvious places that are worth visiting. We have prepared for you a guide to lesser-known, but definitely worth exploring corners. This is a great opportunity to get to know the true "Green Heart of Pomerania" and discover the Ustka area, which will delight lovers of nature, history and active recreation alike.

Slowinski National Park - a unique attraction near Ustka

The Slowinski National Park lies just a dozen kilometers from Ustka, so visiting this place is a must-do on any trip to the Ustka area. It is one of the most valuable parks in Poland, established in 1967 and covering more than 32,000 hectares. What's more, the park has the prestigious status of a UNESCO biosphere reserve and belongs to the NATURA 2000 network.

What distinguishes the Slowinski National Park? First of all, the moving dunes, which move up to 10 meters per year under the influence of the wind. The Łącka and Czołpińska dunes are open to tourists and offer hiking trails, thanks to which you can feel the unique desert climate of the Baltic Sea. The park also includes Lakes Lebsko and Gardno - sanctuaries for rare bird species. In addition, it is worth visiting the observation tower on Rowokół Hill and the lighthouse in Czołpin, which offers a breathtaking panorama of the Ustka area.

Landscape Park "Valley of the Słupia River" - an oasis of silence and nature

Although the Slupia Valley is less well known than the Slowinski National Park, it is definitely a place worth discovering. The scenic park, with an area of more than 37,000 hectares, stretches along the picturesque Slupia River and its tributaries. It is a true paradise for lovers of forests, lakes and history. On its territory there are as many as eight nature reserves and nearly 60 natural monuments.

The park offers numerous bicycle and canoe trails, including the famous "Pope's Slupia Canoe Trail," 133 km long. Here you can admire old hydroelectric power plants, some operating for more than a century and constituting unique living museums of technology. It is also worth visiting educational paths and nature chambers that introduce you to the local flora and fauna.

Hydroelectric power plants - the technical pearl of Central Pomerania

There are more than 15 hydroelectric power plants in the Slupia Valley and on the Wieprza and Lupawa rivers, which have been providing green energy for more than a century. The power plant in Struga, in Soszyca, is the oldest operating hydroelectric plant in Europe, so it is a real attraction for technology history enthusiasts.

What's more, many of these power plants can be toured with a guide. It's a fascinating lesson in history and ecology. The power plants changed the local landscape, creating dams and reservoirs that now serve as tourist attractions and important ecosystems.

"Land of Checkered" - unique half-timbered buildings in Swolowo and Kluki

Want to feel the real climate of Pomerania? Then set out for the "Checkered Land" - the coastal strip from Leba to Darlowo. There you will find unique half-timbered architecture. Wooden buildings with slanted beams and white fillings create a picturesque landscape in the villages of Swołowo and Kluki.

Swołowo is a "living open-air museum" of traditional rural buildings from the 19th century. There is a museum of folk culture and a reconstruction of historic homesteads. In turn, Kluki, located on the territory of the Slowinski National Park, is the site of the Slowinski Village Museum, which preserves unique elements of culture and everyday life of the Slowinians - former inhabitants of the region.

Palaces and monuments in the vicinity of Ustka

History lovers should visit the von Puttkamer palace in Barnowiec, near Kolczyglowy. The place is associated with the wife of German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, Johanna von Puttkamer. The chancellor is believed to be the former owner of Villa Red. The palace has beautiful neoclassical architecture and is an important point on the historical map of Pomerania.

In Biesowice it is worth seeing the impressive palace from the 19th century surrounded by a forest park, which once belonged to the von Zitzewitz family. There is also a mausoleum of soldiers from World War I, highlighting the rich as well as tragic history of the place.

Photo: Mansions and Palaces of Poland

Discover lesser-known gems in the Ustka area

The environs of Ustka are not only beautiful beaches, but also unique places waiting to be discovered. From world-class nature reserves, to historic palaces, to unusual hydroelectric power plants and traditional architecture of the "Checkered Land" - there is something for everyone.

When planning your vacation at Columbus Apartments, use our guide and indulge yourself in unobvious, adventurous and peaceful excursions. It is worth getting to know the true face of Central Pomerania, which captivates with its variety of landscapes and rich history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best accommodations in Ustka for a longer stay?

For a longer stay, apartments will be ideal. They offer space and comfort, so you can feel at home, which is extremely important after an eventful day. Columbus apartments provide comfortable accommodations with convenient access to all the attractions described.

Can the attractions around Ustka be reached by public transportation?

Most of the places described, such as the Slowinski National Park and the Slupia Valley, require access by car to get around freely. Renting a car or having your own vehicle makes sightseeing much easier. It is also worth checking out local bus services, which can connect Ustka with some of the larger towns in the area.

What attractions around Ustka are suitable for families with children?

For families with children, the moving dunes in the Slowinski National Park, the Water Park in Redzikowo or the Charlotta Zoo are ideal choices. In Kraina w Kratę, children can learn about history in an accessible and interesting way.