Birnbaum offers a range of options for planning a trip that combines landscape and culture. More than 100 lakes shape the hilly, glacially formed landscape of Międzychód County. There are also cycling and hiking trails, facilities focused on nature and water, and historic buildings in several towns. When choosing destinations, it is worth deciding on your priorities first: active days outdoors, insights into regional history, or a mix of both.

Lakes and trails

The range of active recreation in Sieraków Landscape Park includes everything from motorised water sports and kayaking to sailing, cycling, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. The park has a dense network of hiking, riding, cycling and water trails, with an estimated total length of around 1,000 kilometres. This approximate total includes different types of trails, so when planning a specific trip, the route itself and its theme are what matter.

Several named routes also provide guidance. International cycle route R-1 passes through Międzychód County via Lewice, Łowyń, Gorzyń, Wielowieś, Międzychód, Mierzyn and Sowią Góra. The Szlak Stu Jezior R-8 cycle route connects Międzychód, Olandia in Prusim, Chalin, Sieraków, Chrzypsko Wielkie, Łężeczki and Białokosz. For a culturally themed route, there is a 38-kilometre section of the International Way of St James through the county, passing through Bucharzewo, Sieraków, Chalin and Międzychód. Markings and surfaces may change, so check them before setting out.

The Warta River is accessible for water excursions along its entire course through the county. There are water trail stations in Międzychód and Sieraków. WakePark Sieraków, with a two-pylon tow lift, is also located on Lake Jaroszewskie. As facilities may change, it is advisable to check before planning a visit.

History and regional culture

In Sieraków, the Muzeum Zamek Opalińskich displays sarcophagi belonging to the Opaliński family and archaeological finds from excavations. These include stove tiles, vessels, glassware and personal items; the exhibition may change. Also in Sieraków, Stado Ogierów is a centre for equestrian recreation and sport. Wielkopolska horses and Polish Konik horses are bred there.

The churches in Kamionna and Chrzypsko Wielkie offer different points of historical interest. The parish church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kamionna was built in 1499. It retains late Gothic choir stalls, a late Gothic crucifix and a 16th-century bell. The parish church of St Adalbert in Chrzypsko Wielkie was built between 1600 and 1609 as a late Gothic brick building. In Kwilcz, another building adds to the picture: the palace was built in 1828 to a design by Karl Friedrich Schinkel. It stands in an extensive park and is a plastered, solid-walled building in the Late Classicist style.

Nature education and specific excursions

In Chalin, the Ośrodek Edukacji Przyrodniczej is housed in a restored 19th-century manor house, within a historic estate complex surrounded by a park. The centre has six Nordic walking routes with a combined length of 50 kilometres. A shorter trail is located in Bucharzewo: the Ostępy Puszczy Noteckiej educational trail is three kilometres long, has ten stops and covers nature conservation and forestry. The two offerings therefore differ both in their stated length and in their scope.

Also in Bucharzewo is the two-hectare Integracyjny Leśny Ogród Edukacyjny „Leśna Przygoda”. It is adapted for people with disabilities, including wheelchair users and blind and visually impaired people. If you would like to include a hands-on activity in your trip, you can try making clay vessels or a wicker basket at workshops at the Centrum Edukacji Regionalnej i Przyrodniczej in Mniszki.

For a stay in Birnbaum, it helps to organise your days around your interests: churches, the museum and the palace offer a different focus from cycling and water trails or nature education. Choose specific destinations and routes for your plans; the routes and places mentioned do not automatically form one combined tour.

Discover more destinations

Miedzychod, Kamionna, Łowyń, Tuchola, Chrzypsko Wielkie, Bucharzewo, Kwilcz, Sieraków, Wielowieś, Zatom Nowy, Gorzyń, Łężeczki, Śródka.

For the overarching travel guide: Greater Poland.