Zatopiony las koło Czołpina, Ancient forest remains on Baltic beach in Czołpino, Poland
Zatopiony las koło Czołpina is a submerged forest with preserved oak and beech tree trunks that emerge from beneath the sand after strong storms. The tree remains form a dense pattern along the shore and are exposed to varying degrees depending on weather conditions.
The forest grew about 3000 years ago before a major fire destroyed it and the Baltic Sea subsequently flooded the area. This natural disaster shaped the landscape we see today.
The forest is part of Słowiński National Park and shows how the coastline has changed over time. Visitors can see these changes firsthand when walking over the old tree stumps.
The best time to visit is after strong storms when more wood is exposed and the walk is shorter. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the surface can be wet and slippery.
The forest floor was transformed by centuries of compaction into a rubber-like black layer visible beneath the sand. This elastic surface creates a striking contrast against the golden sand and responds to pressure like an ancient sponge.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
