Ostrzeszów can be explored through two clear focal points: sacred art and trails of varying lengths. There is also a viewpoint in the surviving tower of the former castle, as well as museums covering different subjects. This lets you decide in advance whether you want to focus your stay more on churches and the town’s history, on hiking, or on both.
Church Art and Views Across the Town
The post-Bernardine monastery complex consists of interconnected church and monastery buildings. Baroque polychrome wall paintings have been preserved inside the monastery church. The parish church offers a different emphasis: its frescoes were donated by townspeople from the 14th to the 19th century. There are also Baroque altars; the main altar holds a copy of Murillo’s “The Assumption of the Virgin”.
In the wider destination of Schildberg, the history of Ostrzeszów’s parish church dates back to its founding in 1353. Its nave was added in 1360; after earlier destruction, the church was rebuilt between 1721 and 1723. The chancel arch contains limewood figures believed to have been carved by Albrecht Dürer. This architectural and artistic history adds further historical and artistic context to the surviving frescoes and altars.
Baszta Kazimierzowska is the surviving tower of Ostrzeszów’s former castle and a viewpoint from which you can take in the town panorama. The tower was restored in 1960 and adapted for museum and exhibition purposes. The church art and tower thus offer different ways to explore the town’s history: one through the decoration of church interiors, the other through a surviving structure with views across the town.
Museums and Planning Your Visit
The Władysław Golus Regional Museum is located in the town hall at Rynek 19. Its permanent exhibitions cover Norwegian officers at Oflag XXI C, the work of Antoni Serbeński, and “Ignacy Moś for His Town”. These themes offer several possible points of interest for a museum visit, from history and art to urban development.
In the wider destination of Schildberg, another museum is located within the church and monastery complex of the Sisters of Nazareth in Ostrzeszów. It covers the presence of the Bernardines and the history of the Sisters of Nazareth. There is also a temporary exhibition about the Sisters of Nazareth in Grodno, as well as accessible former burial crypts. Visits are possible on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00, 2:00 or 3:00 p.m., and on Sundays at 2:00 or 3:00 p.m. Check visiting hours before planning your visit.
Hiking Trails and Longer Routes
There are two hiking routes to choose from, with clearly different lengths. The green-marked, flat WK–3670 z hiking trail runs through Ostrzeszów and is 48 kilometres long. The red-marked nature trail is 21 kilometres long; it starts and ends at OSiR Ostrzeszów. In the wider destination of Schildberg, this nature trail also passes through the Jodły Ostrzeszowskie nature reserve and the villages of Pieczyska, Godziętowy, Tokarzew and Królewskie before returning to OSiR. Comparing the 21- and 48-kilometre routes helps you choose a length that suits your plans; the shorter of the two is also the one that starts and ends at OSiR.
The Amber Cycling Route also passes through Ostrzeszów in the wider destination of Schildberg. It starts in Syców and runs via the Ostrzeszów Hills, Kobyla Góra, Ostrzeszów, Mikstat, Ołobok, Kalisz, Russów, Stare Miasto, Konin and Ślesin to Przewóz. The route runs mostly along paved roads with light traffic; there are occasional unpaved sections, as well as field or forest paths. There are no major technical difficulties, and the route is suitable regardless of bicycle type or fitness level. Surface conditions and signage may change; check them before setting out.
More Options in the Wider Destination of Schildberg
In Ostrzeszów, the supervised Kąpielisko bathing area has a sandy beach, a 60 × 110-metre pool, a diving tower and a 50-metre water slide. WOPR lifeguards supervise the bathing area; seasonal opening arrangements may vary. The Oceanik indoor swimming pool at the KąpieLOVA Sports and Recreation Centre has a stainless-steel leisure pool with air and water attractions, as well as a children’s pool. Check the current operating status of the facilities before visiting.
Travel and Arrival Information
National Road 11 runs through Ostrzeszów. Its route connects Kołobrzeg, Piła, Poznań, Ostrów Wielkopolski, Ostrzeszów, Lubliniec and Bytom. In the wider destination of Schildberg, Ostrzeszów railway station is located at Dworcowa 6, 63-500 Ostrzeszów. Check the station’s operating details before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Grabów Nad Prosną, Syców, Kobyla Góra.
Back to the wider travel overview: Schildberg.
