Cliffs

The cliffed coast of Wolin Island can be divided into two sections. The west section comprises the stretch of land between Międzyzdroje and Grodno, while the east section stretches from Grodno to Międzywodzie. The cliffs have a different height and are made up of a different material. The first section is taller and more diverse in terms of geological structure. The cliff is 5-10 m AMSL tall in the area of Międzyzdroje and its height increases as the cliff stretches to the east, until it reaches 95 m AMSL in the area of the Gosań Mountain, the highest hill at the Baltic Sea. Then, the height of the cliff decreases to 30-40 m AMSL in the area of Grodno. The slope is made primarily of glacial till. In the vicinity of Międzyzdroje the slope is formed by sand and clay. The differences in geological structure lead to formation of bays and promontories along the coastline. The eastern section is smaller, although the Strażnica hill with Kikut lighthouse is 74 m AMSL tall. The cliffs in this region are sandier and more gently sloping. 

Just as the other coasts of this kind, the cliffs of Wolin were formed as a result of the interaction between the sea and the land. They are a part of the Wolin Strip, i.e. forested moraine belt. The force of the waves, meteoric water, gravitation and the destructive power of wind make the material fall down the slope of the cliff. It is not infrequent to come across rock rubbles or heap cones on the beach. The cliffs undergo constant scarp retreat. It is estimated that the edge is moved by around one metre a year.

The cliffs can be viewed from the beach, when following the seaside trail. From that position you can see exactly what the slopes look like and how steep they are. But it is certainly worth the effort to climb a few observation points on top of the hills. Splendid views are offered by, among others, the Kawcza and Gosań Mountains.