Rowy - what to see in the area?
Those who love Rowy unanimously agree that once you come here, the next vacation will plan itself — also in Rowy. There is something to it, as this small fishing village has almost everything that tourists need for a holiday, and the area is rich in numerous attractions.
Beautiful and clean Baltic beaches
Anyone who chooses the Baltic as their holiday destination does so for a reason. The local coastline has something that is hard to find in Greece, Egypt, or Turkey. Sandy beaches, charming cliffs, uniquely fragrant dunes, and amber, which you can find with a bit of luck, even during the season. Of course, the weather roulette is included, but every Baltic enthusiast knows perfectly well that during a storm, the air is filled with the healthiest iodine. All of this can be found in Rowy, located in the central part of the coast, about 20 km from Słupsk. In the eastern part of the village, there is Lake Gardno, which can be reached by crossing the starting point of the Słowiński National Park.
Rowy for the active
For those who can't sit still for long, even on holiday, Rowy is a great place for cycling trips and hiking. Trails run along the beach, leading to Ustka, and in the other direction to Łeba through the Słowiński National Park. Along the way, you can admire breathtaking views from high cliffs and enjoy the beauty of pine forests. Cyclists can ride around Lake Gardno or follow the trail of three lakes (Gardno, Dołgie Małe, and Dołgie Duże). More seasoned two-wheeler enthusiasts can opt for the red trail from Rowy to Ustka, but they need to be prepared for bumps and sandy stretches. It's worth remembering that the trails can be an excellent place for a pleasant stroll, not necessarily for demanding activities.
Tourist attractions near Rowy
Tourist trails are not everything. The area is full of interesting places. To the west, there are tiny villages Dębina, Poddąbie, and Orzechowo. Here, you can find high cliffs with impressive views of the sea. Almost every picture taken here will look like a professional postcard. In some places, the coastline here is quite rocky, with large boulders protruding from the water, especially in Dębina. In Poddąbie, there is a charming bridge over a gorge near the beach entrance. As a curiosity: just off the coast in Poddąbie (according to Google Maps marked essentially between Poddąbie and Dębina), a Danish torpedo boat that was seized by the Germans during the war got stuck in 1945. In the 1960s, the wreck was cut up, but now and then, the sea reveals remnants of the ship.
The spa town of Ustka
Further west is Ustka (about 16 km along the coast, 22 km by car). Ustka is one of the larger towns in this area. It has the status of a health resort, thanks to its brine and peat (medicinal mud) deposits, as well as the healthy climate present here. While in Ustka, it's worth climbing the lighthouse for a beautiful view and seeing the drawbridge in the port. Additionally, you must stroll along the promenade, which features the Mermaid statue, a popular spot among tourists. It's no wonder, since according to legend, touching the Mermaid's breast brings good luck.
The center of Ustka is filled with stalls and food points, but it definitely has a more urban character than Rowy. In Ustka, excursion boats also operate, and tourists are met with attractions at every turn. When at the port in Rowy, it's worth asking the staff of the tour boats when trips to Ustka take place. This could be a good opportunity to visit the health resort, but… by sea. The boat collects tourists from the port at a specified time and returns with them to Rowy.
Słowiński National Park and nearby attractions
To the east of Rowy is the entrance to Słowiński National Park. Just 3 km from the booth where you need to buy the entrance ticket, there is a viewing platform over Lake Gardno. About 15 km further (approximately 30 km by car from Rowy), you can reach another lighthouse, this time in Czołpino. Here, there is also quite a historical attraction. The sea washes ashore (or rather takes and gives back) ancient tree trunks that are around 3000 years old. On the map, this place is described as a sunken forest near Czołpino.
It is also worth visiting the nearby Smołdzino, from where you can reach the Rowokół hill and the viewing tower at the top via the yellow and blue trails. Here's another curiosity: Rowokół is a medieval site of pagan worship. There was a temple of Swarożyc here at that time. Because of this, some people consider the mountain to be a Holy Mountain or even a place of power.
Accommodation in Rowy
Accommodation options in Rowy are very diverse, and everyone has the chance to find a place to stay that meets their expectations and budget. Tourists have several campsites, numerous holiday home resorts of varying standards, many guesthouses, apartments, and recreation centers at their disposal. Importantly, the beach is separated from the town by only a small stretch of forest, so many accommodations are very close to the sea. It's advisable to book them in advance, as during some periods, you may not find a free room if you go without a reservation.
Rowy for everyone
Rowy itself offers tourists a lot of attractions: Słowiński National Park, hiking trails and bike paths, a park with an amphitheater and a playground (where various events are held), sports equipment rentals, a funfair, clean beaches… The surrounding area is conducive to trips, and within a radius of 30 km, you can find quite a lot. One could write endlessly about Rowy and their advantages, but the best way is to go there and experience the magic of this small fishing resort for yourself. There is a high probability that one holiday in Rowy won't be enough.
Photo and text author: Agnieszka Soszka
