Briesen (Wąbrzeźno) combines a distinctive connection to its lakes with a multifaceted history reflected in the townscape. Wąbrzeźno lies between three lakes; the area of the present-day town is partly surrounded by Zamkowe, Frydek and Sitno. The town beach is located at Jezioro Zamkowe in Podzamcze. Churches, the town hall and the market square also lead through different architectural and cultural histories. This makes it possible to explore the town through its landscape and historical landmarks.
Churches, the Town Hall and Historical Traces
The Church of Saints Simon and Jude Thaddeus was built between 1323 and 1349. A parish church in Wąbrzeźno has served as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Expectation (Sanktuarium Matki Bożej Brzemiennej) since the 16th century. The designation “Sanktuarium Matki Bożej Brzemiennej” was first used officially in 1993 for the long-standing Marian cult. The town hall adds a later accent with a different architectural character: it was built in 1892 in the Neo-Gothic style from unplastered red bricks. The Church of Our Lady Queen of Poland (Matki Bożej Królowej Polski) dates from 1836 and houses sacred artworks from the 16th to the 19th century. Art Nouveau houses shape the restored market square; there are also the ruins of the Castle of the Bishops of Chełmno. A tourist trail through Wąbrzeźno includes eight historical stops.
The town’s transport history is also among its historical traces: Poland’s first electrified railway line was built in Wąbrzeźno. This historic railway is no longer in operation as a passenger service. The former track corridor of the Wąbrzeska kolejka has been replaced by a walking and cycling path—bringing together a former transport link and a modern way to get around on foot or by bike.
Trails, Water and Active Leisure
Walking and cycling paths in Wąbrzeźno pass viewpoints and outdoor fitness equipment. Cycling loops use kilometres of modernised cycle paths. As route conditions can change, it is worth checking the latest information before setting out. At the Przystań Sportów Wodnych im. Jana Bosmana-Lewandowskiego, there are opportunities for kayaking, sailing and stand-up paddleboarding; these activities may be seasonal. The town beach is at Jezioro Zamkowe in Podzamcze. Seasonal facilities may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit.
The „Przyjazne Wzgórze“ Activity Centre includes high ropes courses, in-ground trampolines, mini golf, a zip line, slides, a skatepark and a basketball court. Individual facilities may change; check the current conditions before your visit. The Pływalnia Miejska im. Pawła Bączyńskiego offers lap lanes and a sauna area. Facilities and access at the swimming pool may also change.
The open-air amphitheatre offers a different cultural perspective, hosting seasonal concerts by the water. If you would like to include a concert in your visit, check the event dates in advance.
Routes in the wider Wąbrzeźno County
Routes in the wider Wąbrzeźno County destination also extend beyond Wąbrzeźno. The green KP-4077-z hiking trail runs through Wąbrzeźno and is about 52 km long. Another route is a 52 km cycling route from Brodnica through several places to Wąbrzeźno. The similar length represents different ways of travelling: one is a hiking trail, the other a cycling route. Check the signage and conditions locally.
Discover more destinations: Lipno, Żniński, Inowrocław, Golubsko-Dobrzyński, Radziejów, Brodnicki, Włocławek, Chełmno.
View the wider travel overview: Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship.
