Smołdzino: Hiking, Cycling and Natural History

Hiking trails around Rowokół

The “Rowokół” nature trail is 5 km long and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. This estimated time includes a group’s ascent to the observation tower. The trail starts in the square in front of the Słowiński National Park Directorate building and passes through Smołdzino along Lipowa and Kościuszki streets. It then follows the Łupawa and passes through forest communities to the summit of Rowokół and the observation tower.

The 115 m-high Góra Rowokół is in the immediate vicinity of Smołdzino; an observation tower stands at its summit. For planning your day, you can distinguish this nature trail from a longer hiking route: the 39 km southern yellow trail runs from Łeba Żarnowska via Gać, Izbica and Kluki to Smołdzino, along Rowokół hill and onwards to Gardna Wielka. The two trails differ considerably in length and route.

Cycling through the surrounding area

The “Złote Piaski” cycling route is about 25 km long and is part of the international R-10 route. It starts and ends in Smołdzino and passes through Łokciowe and Smołdziński Las. Near Przybynin, the route offers a view of the shifting dunes. The approximate route length and circular layout are useful points of reference if you would like to include a bike ride in your travel plans; no walking time or other distance information is associated with it.

There is also a 6 km black connecting trail linking Smołdzino with Słowiński National Park. Along with the nature trail and cycling route, it offers another way to consider whether you would prefer to get around on foot or by bike during your stay.

Natural history museum and national park

The natural history museum of Słowiński National Park in Smołdzino presents the nature of the park’s main ecosystems. The exhibition covers beaches, dunes, lakes and forests. The museum therefore turns its attention to a range of landscapes and habitats, rather than just one setting. The museum has been housed in its current building since 1974.

The building also includes an audiovisual classroom for small-group activities, multimedia lectures and nature film screenings. For your travel plans, this facility is a cultural point of interest in its own right, alongside the outdoor trails. The Słowiński National Park Directorate is located at Bohaterów Warszawy 1A in Smołdzino; the nature trail starts in the square in front of its building.

Church and hydroelectric power station

The Church of the Holy Trinity in Smołdzino was built in 1632, funded by Duchess Anna de Croy. She was the daughter of Duke Bogislaw XIII. The church contains an early Baroque altar with elaborate carved decoration. The portraits on the altar include depictions of Anna and her son Ernest Bogislaw, shown as a twelve-year-old boy. For those interested in cultural history, the building offers specific names and details that bring the history of the village to life.

The Smołdzino hydroelectric power station on the Łupawa also adds a historical dimension: it was built in 1935 near the Łupawa’s mouth at Lake Gardno. The power station is part of the Hydrotechnical Monuments Trail in the Pomeranian Voivodeship and is one of five hydroelectric power stations on the Łupawa. Alongside nature trails and the museum, Smołdzino thus offers technology history and sacred architecture as different interests to consider when choosing a trip.

Other destinations

Other destinations on the same level: Sycewice, Dąbrówno, Orzechowo, Witkowo, Dębina, Smołdziński Las, Retowo and Ustka.

For the higher-level travel overview: Słupsk.