Sand giants – the largest sand dunes of the world, Europe and Poland

Although dunes are mainly associated with deserts, these impressive sand formations are also found in the temperate climate of Europe, such as the Polish Baltic Sea. Shaped by the wind, they are not only a unique geological phenomenon, but also a tourist attraction. Where is the largest sand dune in the world? And where in our country?

What is a dune and how are sand formations formed?

A dune is a land form created by the wind, which carries and arranges grains of sand into characteristic hills. It is formed where the lack of vegetation allows sand to move freely – in deserts, sea coasts or river valleys. This process, called aeolian activity, depends on the strength of the wind and the terrain. Dunes take on a variety of shapes: sickle-shaped (barchans), parabolic or oblong, and each is a testament to local climatic conditions. They are not only a wonder of nature, but also home to unique ecosystems that are home to drought-tolerant plants and animals.

The largest dune in the world – Duna Federico Kirbus

Duna Federico Kirbus is a true giant – the world’s highest known dune! It is located in northwestern Argentina, in the province of Catamarca, where it rises to an impressive height of 2845 m. What’s more, the difference between its base and summit is as much as 1234 m, making it the record-holder among single dunes on Earth. It is located in the desert region of Bolsón de Fiambalá, at the foot of the Andes Mountains, in a wild, almost lunar landscape.

Its impressive size remained rather unknown for a long time. Only Argentine journalist and traveler Federico Kirbus publicized information about its existence, and since then the dune has borne his name.

Federico Kirbus’ dune is a classic example of a linear dune that does not move – its mass and lack of intensive sand transport make the structure permanent, although its surface is constantly modeled by the wind. Due to its high altitude and extremely dry climate, there is almost no vegetation.

Europe’s largest dune – Dune du Pilat

Dune du Pilat, also known as Dune du Pyla, is the largest dune in Europe and one of the continent’s most spectacular geological phenomena. Located on the west coast of France, just above the Atlantic, near the town of Arcachon and 60 km from Bordeaux, it attracts crowds of tourists every year. Its current height is 103.6 meters, its length is about 2.9 km and its width reaches 600 meters. The dune consists of an impressive mass of about 60 million^{cubic meters of} sand and is still growing. Importantly, it is not a permanent structure – it is constantly moving inland, gradually covering up the neighboring Les Landes pine forest. The speed of this movement can range from 1 to as much as 5 meters per year.

Although the dune looks like an all-natural creation, its current form is partly the result of human activity. In the 19th century, French authorities took extensive measures to protect the coastline from the shifting sands, including by planting forests and controlling the dunes. This led to material piling up in one place, giving rise to today’s Dune du Pilat. In addition to being a landscape phenomenon, the dune is also of interest to geologists and climatologists.

Dune du Pilat is a place full of curiosities. Its name is often confused – the correct form comes from the old spelling of the village of Pilat, although the term Pyla is often found in tourist materials. The dune has already consumed not only forests, but also fragments of infrastructure, including German bunkers from World War II. The top of the Dune du Pilat offers views of Arcachon Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and a green belt of forests. Since 2013. Dune du Pilat is a protected site – it has been included in the French register of scenically valuable areas.

Poland’s largest dune – Lackawanna Dune

Lacka Dune is the highest dune in Poland, rising 42 meters above sea level, located in the heart of the Slowinski National Park, on the spit between Lake Lebsko and the Baltic Sea. This unusual creation of nature is one of the most characteristic places of Pomerania. The dune owes its name to the village of Łączka, which was completely buried by moving sands about 300 years ago.

The Lackawanna dune is not a static formation – each year it moves from 3 to as much as 10 meters in an easterly direction. Its mobility is the result of winds from the Baltic Sea, which transport sand grains and pile them on its slopes. The western slope is gentle, while the eastern slope is steeper and shorter, which gives the dune its characteristic silhouette. The formation process began about 5,000 years ago, when coastal winds began to carry sand from the beach inland. The lack of dense vegetation on the spit favors the formation of shifting dunes, of which Lackawanna is the highest. In spring and summer it reaches its maximum, but in autumn and winter winds can lower it, sometimes up to 30 meters.

Before 1945, the site was known under the German name Lontzken Berg, and the Polish name was officially approved in 1955. The area in which it is located is now protected as part of the Slovinski National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 1977.

In addition to its aesthetic value, the dune has an important ecological function. It protects the coast from erosion and is home to rare plants, such as sand dune and seaside myotis, which have adapted to this harsh environment. If you want to see it with your own eyes, take the hiking trail from Leba via Rąbka. You can walk, pedal a bike or take a melex – any option is good to reach the top and marvel at the view.