In Kuyavian-Pomeranian, medieval townscapes, archaeological reconstructions and lake landscapes lie side by side. Toruń and Chełmno preserve different evidence of medieval towns; at Biskupin, a reconstructed settlement takes you back to a much earlier era. Also worth exploring are a narrow-gauge railway museum, the graduation towers of Ciechocinek and the lakes of Brodnica Landscape Park. This variety gives you concrete ways to tailor your trip to your interests: architecture and history, technology or landscape.
The Middle Ages in Toruń and Chełmno
Toruń is an exceptionally well-preserved medieval European trading and administrative centre on the Vistula. Its medieval urban fabric includes the ruins of the Teutonic Castle, the Old Town and the New Town, surrounded by a ring of defensive walls. Original street layouts, Gothic parish churches and numerous medieval brick houses have also been preserved. Here, history can be read not only in individual buildings: streets, churches, houses and fortifications are part of a townscape that developed over time.
Chełmno offers a distinctive perspective. The town preserves five Gothic churches and an almost intact medieval street plan. Comparing the two towns draws attention to different details: in Toruń, both the medieval brick houses and the ring of walls are part of the townscape; in Chełmno, the five churches and preserved layout stand out. Those interested in historic towns will find more than a single landmark to discover.
Prehistory in Biskupin
The Biskupin Archaeological Reserve opens a window onto a different era. It includes a reconstruction of a fortified settlement from the transition between the Bronze Age and Iron Age, associated with the Lusatian culture. The reconstruction makes a settlement form from this period a tangible part of the visit. During the tourist season and at museum events, interpreters demonstrate prehistoric crafts, including pottery-making and the production of tools from flint and stone.
You can also view the archaeological reserve from the water. The museum offers passenger trips aboard the “Diabeł Wenecki” boat on Lake Biskupińskie. If you are planning to see demonstrations or attend events, check the dates in advance: craft demonstrations in Biskupin take place during the tourist season and at museum events.
Railway history and crafts
In Wenecja, the Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum explores a different aspect of technological history. It is a branch of the Muzeum Ziemi Pałuckiej in Żnin and one of Europe’s largest open-air narrow-gauge railway museums. Exhibits include steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, railcars, historic carriages, tracks and other railway equipment. Guided tours and railcar rides are also available; in the summer season, themed events are held for children and adults.
In Ciechocinek, another perspective on technology meets traditional craftsmanship. Its three monumental wooden graduation towers are among the largest and most remarkable structures of their kind in Europe. Salt has also been produced there using traditional methods and the same simple tools for almost two centuries. The boiling is still carried out by hand by so-called warzelniks. In Ciechocinek, impressive structures and a continuing production method stand side by side as two distinct facets of local history.
Panoramas and lake landscapes
Mysia Wieża is the only surviving remnant of a fortified castle built by King Casimir the Great around 1350. From its viewing platform, you can take in a panorama of Lake Gopło, the peninsula, the landscape of Kuyavia and the historic architecture of Kruszwica, including its Romanesque collegiate church. The view brings landscape and architectural history together in a single panorama.
Those interested in nature and outdoor activities will find a different range of discoveries in Brodnica Landscape Park. It has more than 40 lakes, including seven with an area of over 100 hectares. Most are narrow, elongated ribbon lakes with steep, wooded banks. Numerous hiking, cycling, canoeing and horse-riding trails add to the landscape. The shapes of the lakes and their shores give the area its distinctive character, while the variety of trails offers different ways to explore it.
Discover more destinations: Świecki, Bydgoski, Włocławek, Żniński, Aleksandrowski, Golubsko-Dobrzyński, Toruński, Brodnicki, Sępoleński, Chełmno, Nakielski, Grudziądz, Inowrocław, Lipno, Mogilno, Radziejów, Rypin, Tuchola, Wąbrzeźno, Radziejów County, Wąbrzeźno County.
Back to the main travel overview: Poland.
