THE FIERCE BEAUTY OF NORTHERN POLAND
Michaela Suchá
Our journey around northern Poland starts in the Leba, a small town located right on the coast of the Baltic. Although neither picturesque nor exciting, it turns out to be a perfect starting point for exploring the beautiful nature that this area is known for. You can feel the chilly northern wind on your face, fine sand between your toes, and the specific smell of pines and sea. These sensory experiences are the most precious memories I take away from the trip.
Slovinski National Park is a location sought after by tourists. Usually I don't like to visit crowded places, but you just need to see the breathtaking scenery of the white untouched dunes. I was impressed by the tree trunks buried in the sand, reaching up to the sky. There was something really photogenic about its minimalistic composition. Interestingly, the dunes are moving from three to ten metres per year, so several villages remain buried under the sand. It is quite a unique European phenomenon. I recommend entering the park as soon as possible, so you can enjoy this beautiful natural scenery without crowds.
The real highlight of the trip was the beach near the Ulinia village, in the Nature reserve Mierzeja Sarbska. I will never forget the feeling of euphoria I felt while walking the miles of deserted beach as waves tried to catch my bare feet. From the parking lot you can reach the beach through a pine forest. This walk itself is very pleasant. I wished to walk with my eyes closed and breathe in the scent of pine trees and the sea. The beauty of this fierce north coast is mesmerising, and I hope one day to return.
This article first appeared in PRISMA, Issue 12.