Wolin National Park
Zachodniopomorskie
Wolin National Park, established in 1960, is one of Poland's 23 national parks and the country's first marine national park, encompassing 109.37 square kilometers on the island of Wolin in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. The park features a diverse landscape including morainic hills, active sea cliffs reaching up to 95 meters, and a delta with numerous marshy islets. It is home to over 1300 vascular plant species, many protected and rare, such as sand-loving and salt-tolerant halophytes. The forests are dominated by pine, beech, and oak, with well-preserved natural beech woodlands. The park is a crucial stopover along the Baltic migratory bird route, hosting over 230 bird species including the white-tailed eagle and the reintroduced Eurasian eagle-owl. Its fauna also includes rare beetles and marine mammals like grey seals and porpoises in the Pomeranian Bay. Key attractions include the sea cliffs of Gosań and Kawcza Góra, the European bison sanctuary with live specimens in aviaries, and the Natural History Museum. The park's headquarters are in Międzyzdroje, which serves as a gateway for visitors. Wolin National Park offers a unique blend of coastal, forest, and wetland ecosystems, making it a vital conservation area and a captivating destination for nature lovers and hikers alike.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their trip during late spring to early autumn for favorable weather and active wildlife observation. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance through the official park website to avoid queues, especially during peak season. The park offers guided tours, which enhance understanding of its natural and cultural heritage. Discounts may be available for children, students, and seniors. Be prepared for some trail closures or restrictions due to weather or conservation efforts, and always follow park rules to protect sensitive habitats.
Interesting facts
- •Wolin National Park is Poland's first marine national park, incorporating both land and sea areas.
- •The park's sea cliffs, such as Gosań, are among the highest on the Baltic coast, reaching up to 95 meters.
- •It hosts over 230 bird species, making it a significant site for bird migration along the Baltic flyway.
- •The European bison sanctuary within the park allows visitors to observe live wisents in aviaries.
- •The park's landscape includes active geological processes, with coastal erosion moving the shoreline approximately 80 cm annually.
- •Three new insect species were discovered within the park, including a beetle (Teredus opacus) and two springtails (Collembola).
History
The idea for Wolin National Park was conceived by forester Mieczysław Tarchalski, a wartime resistance leader, who prepared the foundational documentation though he was prevented from becoming its first director due to political reasons.
The park was officially established on March 3, 1960, initially covering 4844 hectares.
In 1996, it expanded to include marine waters and coastal archipelagos, becoming Poland's first marine national park.
Leon Niedzielski served as the first director until 1972.
Over time, the park has developed its infrastructure and conservation programs, including the reintroduction of species like the Eurasian eagle-owl and protection of its unique coastal and forest ecosystems.
Place Guide
Sea Cliffs of Gosań and Kawcza Góra
These dramatic Baltic Sea cliffs rise up to 95 meters and offer spectacular views and unique geological formations shaped by ongoing coastal erosion.
European Bison Sanctuary (Zagroda Pokazowa Żubrów)
A dedicated sanctuary where visitors can observe live European bison, symbols of the park, housed in aviaries that replicate their natural habitat.
Natural History Museum of Wolin National Park
The museum offers exhibits on the park's diverse flora, fauna, geology, and cultural heritage, providing educational insight into the region's natural environment.
Morainic Hills and Forests
Covering about 75% of the park, these hills are covered with pine, beech, and oak forests, including well-preserved natural beech woodlands with rare plant species like orchids.
Delta of the Świna River
A complex wetland area with numerous marshy islets and channels, important for migratory birds and dynamic sedimentary processes shaping the landscape.
Contact
Phone: 91 386 49 53
