The wildest part of Świnoujście
South of the town the Świna splits into many channels and forms an archipelago of marshy islands in the Szczecin Lagoon. This is the so-called backwater delta of the Świna, a unique place in Poland. Since 1996 the area has been part of Wolin National Park; before that, the islands were farmed for many years.
A paradise for birds
Over 240 bird species have been recorded here, more than 160 of them breeding on site. During migration thousands of geese, ducks and cranes stop over on the islands. The islands of Karsiborska Kępa and Bielawki are reserves protected by the Polish Society for the Protection of Birds (OTOP).
How to see the delta
- Most of the islands are closed to tourists because they are protected. Birds are watched from the shore, ideally with binoculars.
- The closest point to the delta is Karsibór island, which you can reach by bike or by car from Warszów. For lunch after birdwatching, stop at Rybaczówka or the Fishermen’s Tavern in the marina.
- The best view of the delta from above is from the Lubin hillfort viewpoint on the island of Wolin, about 22 km from the centre of Świnoujście.
- A quiet zone applies in the delta: no motorboats or jet skis.
It is most interesting in spring and autumn, during the migrations. Set off in the morning and take binoculars and something warm, as the wind blows hard over the lagoon.
