Rowy Beach

The beach at Rowy has two personalities: west of the mouth of the Łupawa river the cliff coast begins, while to the east stretch the shifting dunes of Słowiński National Park. This small holiday village in Ustka municipality, between Ustka and Łeba, has about 375 residents (2021) and is a quieter alternative to the big resorts. Lake Gardno lies just behind the village, and you can walk for kilometres along the shore towards the park.

The beach and bathing areas

In summer Rowy has two supervised bathing areas. Rowy Zachód (West) has about 400 m of shoreline and four beach access points – this is the busiest part, by the harbour and promenade. Rowy Wschód (East) has about 200 m and one access point; beyond it the shore runs along the park's dunes, and the further from the village, the emptier it gets. Restrictions on dogs apply within the national park, so follow the signs at the entrances.

A village of Slovincians and shipwrecks

Rowy was first mentioned in 1282; the name is of Slavic origin and means a ravine or a deep spot in the sea. The village was home to the Slovincians – the last sermon in their language was preached here in 1799. The Yorck von Wartenburg counts came from Rowy. Look out for the granite, neo-Romanesque Church of Saints Peter and Paul from 1844–1849, built as a Lutheran church.

The old cemetery on the hill was the resting place not only of villagers but also of sailors from wrecked ships – Swedes, Dutch, French and even Arabs. According to the parish chronicle, at least 25 sailing ships and other vessels were wrecked near Rowy between 1796 and 1936. By Lake Gardno, at the end of ul. Spokojna, traces of a medieval motte-type knight's stronghold survive.

Słowiński National Park on your doorstep

At ul. Parkowa 1 there is a branch of the Słowiński National Park Museum with an exhibition on beach wildlife through the four seasons and mounted birds. From 1 July to 31 August it is open daily 9:00–17:00; from September to June only for groups of 10 or more by prior arrangement. A standard ticket costs PLN 10, reduced PLN 5 (park price list, October 2026). The 7-kilometre "Rowy" nature trail starts here: along the red trail past the viewing platform over Lake Gardno, then on the black trail to the beach and back to the village along the sea.

Tripto tips

• It is quietest east of the Łupawa mouth – after a 15-minute walk you leave the crowds behind.
• In strong winds, keep away from the foot of the cliff and off the breakwater at the river mouth.
• Out of season most bars are closed, but the beach and trails remain open.
• Buses run from Słupsk all year, and in season also from Ustka and Kluki. In summer the beach car parks fill up quickly.