Łeba – Architectural History, Museums and Maritime Memory

Łeba offers several distinct points of interest to help you plan your trip: architectural and commemorative history, museums, a maritime episode and a longer circular route in the surrounding area. If you are looking for a hotel in Łeba, these topics can help you organise your interests for your stay. The places and stories range from church architecture and a historic house to collections and a route that is subject to a seasonal fee.

Architectural History and Places of Remembrance

The Church of the Assumption of Mary was built in 1683, partly using materials from St Nicholas Church, which was destroyed by storms in 1558. The church therefore brings together two points in time: its construction in the 17th century and the earlier history of some of the building materials used.

A granite boulder measuring 2 metres high and 1 metre wide stands against the outside wall of the church as a Reconciliation Obelisk. It commemorates residents of Łeba and the surrounding villages who lost their lives in the First World War. Thus, different historical themes come together in one place: the architectural history of the church and the remembrance of those killed in the war. If you are interested in the history of the area, the obelisk offers a tangible connection to the memory of people from Łeba and the surrounding villages.

Another historic landmark is the oldest house in Łeba, at 86 Kościuszki Street. It was built by the merchant and consul Johann G. Mampe at the former address of 18 Hauptstraße. The two street addresses identify the house in different ways: 86 Kościuszki Street is its location, while 18 Hauptstraße is its former address. Unlike the church, the focus here is a house whose builder is known by name.

Museums and Maritime History

The Butterfly Museum in Łeba features a permanent exhibition with 102 entomological display cases. They contain more than 4,000 butterflies and other insects from almost every part of the world. The number of display cases and the size of the collection give a clear impression of the exhibition’s focus: insects take centre stage here, while the church and the oldest house offer connections to the architectural and local history of the area.

The private Amber Museum in Łeba offers another museum experience. A local tourism organisation describes it as Poland’s largest private amber museum. Visitors can therefore choose between different collection themes: amber on the one hand, and butterflies and other insects on the other. If you choose museums by subject, you can distinguish between these focuses.

A replica of the so-called Spruce Raft, or Świerkowa Tratwa, is located in Łeba’s marina. The raft is associated with the voyage of three sailors from Łeba to Sweden on 28 August 1957. One of them was the sailor Andrzej Urbańczyk, who later became well known. The replica thus points to a dated maritime story, clearly distinct from the buildings and collections.

Circular Route in the Łeba Area

A circular route in the area around Łeba, which is subject to a seasonal fee, runs from Stara Łeba along the coast and past the Łącka Dune before returning to Stara Łeba. The route is 15.10 km long. This excursion differs from the landmarks and museums described above: both the stated distance and the seasonal fee are relevant when planning. Check the latest information about the fee before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Nowecin, Żarnowska, Wicko, Lebork, Dymnica, Lędziechowo, Roszczyce, Sarbsk

For the broader travel overview: Lauenburg.