Colmar is one of the historical names by which Chodzież has been known. The town lies in the Chodzież Lake District and offers a range of options for a stay: lakes and wooded hills, trails through the surrounding area, and a rich ceramic and porcelain heritage.
Lakes Between Town and Forest
Jezioro Miejskie, also known as Jezioro Chodzieskie, is the largest of the three lakes within the town limits. It is a few hundred metres from the market square, making it a handy landmark in town. Jezioro Strzeleckie is the smallest of the Chodzież lakes: it covers 18 hectares and is completely surrounded by forest. Chodzież’s largest beach is at Jezioro Karczewnik. The 60-metre-long beach has a supervised swimming area, with a beach volleyball court right next to it. A car park is a few dozen metres from the swimming area. Swimming and beach facilities may be seasonal; check the current situation before your visit. Parking regulations may also change.
Trails, Hills and Views
The approximately 15-kilometre Tadeusz Siejak Trail passes through the town centre, walking and recreation areas, forests, and the surrounding hills in Chodzież and nearby. Another option for cyclists is the approximately 20-kilometre R-1 “Dolina Noteci” cycling route, which runs from Chodzież through Studzieniec, Milczek, Nietuszkowo, Trojanka and Oleśnica, and back to Chodzież. Before setting out, check local conditions regarding the trail surface and signage.
Gontyniec, at 192 metres high, is a terminal moraine hill with rich vegetation and old, majestic beeches. An observation tower stands at its summit; it is easier to cover the final ascent on foot than by bicycle. The Papiernia settlement lies on the red hiking trail. Its area is home to 150-year-old beeches designated as natural monuments. Another viewpoint is on the ski lift grounds: from there, you can see across Chodzież, including Jezioro Miejskie, and a section of the Noteć proglacial valley, bounded to the north by a chain of moraine hills.
Porcelain, Town History and a Winter Excursion
The beginnings of the ceramics industry in Chodzież date back to the mid-19th century. They are associated with the German entrepreneur Herman Heim, owner of the faience factory in Chodzież. At the start of its operation, the porcelain factory employed about 600 people and was among the most modern and largest porcelain factories in the German Empire at the time. The factory invites visitors to tour its manufacturing facility; check the arrangements with the operator in advance.
A literary and tourist trail also passes through Chodzież and the nearby area, following in the footsteps of the writer Tadeusz Siejak. Six panels along the route display excerpts from his works; three further points are marked on the map but have no panels on site. The Szlak Chodzieskich Karzełków Płomienistych combines history, local heritage and play, and invites visitors to enjoy a family adventure and active recreation in town.
For a winter excursion, the ski slope is on Talerz Hill. It is at an altitude of 132 metres, is 300 metres long, and is considered the longest facility of its kind in northern Poland. It operates seasonally. When planning your stay, you can therefore choose between different activities: town and industrial history, trails through the wooded surroundings or, in the winter season, the ski slope.
Getting There and Finding Your Way
Chodzież railway station is in the town centre. Direct train connections are listed to Poznań, Wrocław, Kraków and Kołobrzeg; check the current timetable before travelling. Chodzież is also on national road 11. This information can help you choose how to travel, but does not replace checking current connections.
Discover more destinations: Szamocin, Margonin, Dziewoklucz, Chodzież, Laskowo, Budzyń, Podanin.
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