This Baltic Sea resort town has Europe's largest shifting sand dunes in Słowiński National Park, plus a 14th-century fishing harbor and sandy beaches stretching 10 kilometers.
Łeba, a coastal town in northern Poland, sits between two lakes and the Baltic Sea. You'll find massive sand dunes that move several meters each year, creating desert-like landscapes along the coast. Walk through the remains of World War II rocket testing facilities, watch sea lion shows at the Sea Park, or explore the 20-hectare dinosaur park with life-sized prehistoric creatures. The town's white-sand beaches stretch for kilometers, while the canal streets still house 19th-century fishermen's cottages.
The Moving Dunes of Słowiński National Park
The sand dunes in Słowiński National Park move up to 10 meters annually, burying trees and reshaping the landscape. You can walk the marked trails through pine forests before reaching the vast sandy area. From Łeba's center, reach the dunes on foot (2-hour walk) or by bicycle (30 minutes). In summer, electric carts run every 30 minutes from the park entrance to the main dune viewing point.
Beaches and Swimming
The Baltic beaches near Łeba extend up to 100 meters wide, covered in fine, light-colored sand. Swimming conditions are best in July and August when water temperatures reach 18-20°C. You'll find water sports zones with jet ski and paddleboard rentals at the main beach entrances. Local sailing schools run daily courses from June to September, teaching windsurfing basics and sailing techniques.
Family Activities in Łeba
At Łeba Park, you can walk among 100 life-sized dinosaur models spread across pine forest paths. Each model includes information panels explaining the species and its habits. The Sea Park in Sarbsk, 8 kilometers from town, runs sea lion shows three times daily and maintains aquariums with Baltic Sea species. For problem-solving fun, try the five different mazes at Łeba Labirynt Park, including a 2.5-meter-high hedge maze.
Military History Sites
The rocket testing facility near Pletka operated as a German weapons development center from 1941 to 1945. Today, you can explore the museum's collection of wartime photographs, documents, and recovered equipment. One concrete bunker contains exhibits about V-1 flying bomb tests, including original technical drawings and launch pad remains.
Fishing Community and Local Food
Along Kościuszki street, 19th-century fishermen's houses with characteristic steep roofs line the canal. The port buzzes with activity early morning when fishing boats return with their catch. Small family-run smokehouses around the harbor prepare fresh fish daily - try the mackerel or salmon smoked over alder wood chips, following recipes from the 1800s.
Weather and Health
The air in Łeba contains high concentrations of iodine and salt from sea spray, mixed with pine forest scents. These conditions can help with respiratory issues. Summer temperatures typically range between 20-25°C, though Baltic winds can cause quick weather changes. The most stable weather occurs from late June through August, with occasional rain showers.
