Szelnas

Szelnas is a small village located in the region of Lower Silesia, within the Polish province of West Pomerania. The village is situated in the Gryfino County, approximately 15 kilometers northeast of the city of Gryfino and 100 kilometers southeast of the regional capital, Szczecin. Szelnas lies along the banks of the Peene River, which flows through the area, contributing to its scenic landscape.

Historically, the region around Szelnas has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence suggesting settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. During the Middle Ages, the area was part of the Duchy of Pomerania, later becoming part of the Kingdom of Poland and then the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. After the partitions of Poland in the late 18th century, Szelnas fell under Prussian rule and was incorporated into Germany. Following World War II, the village was returned to Poland as part of the post-war border adjustments.

Szelnas is primarily an agricultural community, with farming being the dominant economic activity. The village features traditional Polish architecture, including wooden houses and farmsteads, reflecting its rural character. The local landscape is characterized by fertile farmland, forests, and the Peene River, which provides recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. The village is also part of the broader cultural and historical landscape of the former German-Polish border region, known for its diverse ethnic heritage.

Today, Szelnas remains a quiet, rural settlement with a population of just over 100 residents. It lacks significant infrastructure or tourism development but retains a sense of historical continuity. The village is accessible via local roads, connecting it to nearby towns and cities, though it remains relatively isolated from major urban centers. Residents primarily engage in farming, small-scale trade, and local services, contributing to the village’s self-sustaining economy.