In Nowy Tomyśl, willow is not only a craft material but also part of public cultural life. The Muzeum Wikliniarstwa i Chmielarstwa in Nowy Tomyśl—the Museum of Basketry and Hop-Growing—is the only museum of its kind in Poland. Its name alone brings together basketry and hop-growing; both offer a concrete way to appreciate what makes the place distinctive. Other discoveries highlight different aspects: a recurring basketry competition, a zoo with facilities for younger visitors, and routes with named places and historical stops.

Basketry with an annual event

Every year in the second half of August, the museum hosts the Ogólnopolski Konkurs Plecionkarski (National Basketry Competition) as part of the Jarmarku Chmielo-Wikliniarskiego (Hop and Basketry Fair). The museum’s theme is thus also linked to a recurring annual event. The specific event dates may vary; if you want to plan your trip around it, check the latest dates. The competition therefore offers a point in time for anyone who would like to experience Nowy Tomyśl’s basketry as part of the festival.

A zoo and routes with different focuses

The Nowy Tomyśl Zoological Garden has been open since 1974 and today covers more than five hectares. There is a children’s playground at the entrance, and a mini-zoo with small farm animals for younger visitors. Its focus differs from that of the museum: here, the specifically mentioned facilities for children sit alongside the size of the grounds, while the museum focuses on basketry and hop-growing.

The routes also offer different options in terms of transport and course. The yellow hiking trail starts in Nowy Tomyśl and continues via Paproć, Chojniki and Szarki. The Szlak Wikliny is an approximately 113-kilometre cycling loop through the municipalities of Miedzichowo and Nowy Tomyśl. This means you can choose between a hiking route passing several named places and a longer circular cycling route. Check the current course of the yellow trail locally, as its route may change.

As you ride into Nowy Tomyśl, the Szlak Wikliny directs cyclists to the museum and the zoological garden. You should also check the route’s current signposting locally. This guidance differs from a simple route description: it concerns the way the route is marked as you arrive in the city.

Willow wicker and city history

The Wiklinowa Muszla Koncertowa on Norwida Street is a willow-wicker venue for cultural events. At the museum, basketry is a subject; at the concert shell, willow wicker forms the structure of an event venue. The cultural programme may change. So if you are planning to attend an event, check the latest dates.

The Nowotomyski Szlak Turystyczno-Historyczny runs through the city and includes stops on local history, among them the town hall, churches and a former mill. The different stops offer a range of historical perspectives along the route. Check the current signage locally before following it.

In Grubsko, wooden buildings and the natural surroundings preserve a state that reflects conditions from more than 300 years ago. The focus here is not on individual stops along a circular route, but on the interplay between buildings and their surroundings. This provides a different emphasis from the historical route through the city.

Discover more destinations: Nowy Tomyśl, Zbąszyń, Łęczyce, Opalenica, Pawłówek, Wąsowo, Silna Nowa, Dakowy Mokre, Wojnowice, Glinno.

View the broader travel overview: Greater Poland.