Wolin National Park

Wolin National Park (Woliński Park Narodowy; "voh-LEEN-skee") protects the central-western part of Wolin Island on Poland's Baltic coast: towering sea cliffs, beech forests on glacial hills, quiet lakes and the reed-filled delta of the Świna River. It sits right next to the seaside resort of Międzyzdroje, so you can walk from the beach promenade to a forest trail in minutes. Highlights include the Gosań cliff, the Kawcza Góra viewpoint, the milky-blue Turquoise Lake and a European bison enclosure.

Where it is and how to get there

Wolin Island lies in the far northwest of Poland, close to the German border. Międzyzdroje, the gateway town, is about 100 km (60 miles) north of Szczecin — roughly 1.5 hours by car, or a direct regional train along the Szczecin–Świnoujście line. From Berlin it is about a 3-hour drive. The nearest airport is Szczecin-Goleniów.

Poland's first marine national park

The park was founded in 1960 with 4,844 hectares, on the initiative of forester Mieczysław Tarchalski. In 1996 a strip of the Baltic Sea and part of the Szczecin Lagoon were added, making Wolin the first Polish national park to protect marine waters. Today it covers about 10,937 hectares (42 sq mi). Its logo shows the white-tailed eagle, Poland's largest bird of prey, which nests on the island, and the sea holly, a spiky coastal plant.

Things to do in Wolin National Park

• The cliffs — some of the highest on the Polish coast. The tallest, Gosań, rises more than 90 m (295 ft) above the sea. They are actively eroding, and landslides follow storms and thaws.
• Kawcza Góra — a forest viewpoint above Międzyzdroje overlooking the beach, the pier and the open sea; steps lead up through the beech woods.
• Turquoise Lake (Jezioro Turkusowe) near Wapnica — a flooded former chalk pit whose suspended chalk particles turn the water a striking turquoise. A path circles it.
• European Bison Show Reserve in Międzyzdroje — see Europe's largest land mammal up close.
• Natural History Museum in Międzyzdroje — exhibitions on the island's wildlife and the Baltic.
• The Świna backwater delta — islets and reed beds rich in waterbirds.

How much time do you need?

Two to three hours is enough for Kawcza Góra and a short cliff walk. A full day lets you add Turquoise Lake (drive or cycle to Wapnica) and the bison reserve. Trails are well marked but steep and sandy in places. The park asks visitors to explore only in daylight and only on marked trails: leaving the trail or approaching the cliff edge risks a landslide, and in strong winds you should stay off the trails altogether.

Dogs are not allowed in the park, and drones need the director's written permission.

With kids or on a rainy day

Families can start at the bison reserve, reached from central Międzyzdroje by a forest track, and then climb Kawcza Góra — short but steep steps with a big payoff. Turquoise Lake is an easy, mostly flat walk. On a rainy day, head for the Natural History Museum. The beach below the cliffs is narrow, so skip it in stormy weather.

When to visit (including winter 2026/27)

May–June brings fresh green beech forests and flowering meadows; September–October offers fall colors and a much quieter Międzyzdroje. Summer trails near the resort are crowded. In winter, cliff paths can be slippery and storms may trigger new landslides — keep away from the edge and avoid the beach below the cliffs at high water. The museum and bison reserve keep shorter winter hours.

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026:

• Park entry: a fee applies (reduced tickets are 50% of the standard price). The park's online shop is temporarily closed and no current price list is published; tickets are sold from machines and an operator at trail entrances, and at the museum and bison reserve.
• Free: children under 7.
• Bison Show Reserve and Natural History Museum: October 1–April 30, Tuesday–Saturday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (last entry 3:30 p.m.); closed Sundays and Mondays.
• Contact: Grodno 1, 72-500 Międzyzdroje; phone +48 91 386 49 53; email sekretariat@wolinpn.pl.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes — it is the best way to see the wild side of the Polish Baltic coast, and it combines easily with a beach holiday. Nearby, visit the Międzyzdroje pier, the lighthouse in Świnoujście and the Slavs and Vikings Center in the town of Wolin.