Skórcz combines a medieval town plan with a Gothic church and several hiking trails. Those who want to combine culture and activity in one stay can complement the town’s architectural history with trails through forests and along lakes. The routes also cover different themes: alongside landscapes, one trail focuses on the history of the Jania estates.

Medieval Town Plan and All Saints’ Church

The medieval urban layout of Skórcz is listed in the register of monuments and has remained unchanged since the mid-14th century. This means that the town’s historical structure, not just an individual building, is part of its cultural heritage.

The Gothic church Kościół pw. Wszystkich Świętych dates from the 14th century. Its furnishings include Late Gothic and Baroque pieces. Around 1500, a gable was built between the nave and the chancel. Further changes followed: in 1927, side aisles were added to the church; the tower, destroyed in 1945, was rebuilt in 1957. These dates provide an overview of the different phases of its architectural history, from the medieval church to the changes made in the 20th century.

West of the medieval town plan is an area containing an early Iron Age settlement, which is under strict archaeological protection. Thus, Skórcz’s history includes not only medieval evidence but also a much older settlement history.

Hiking from Skórcz: Town Sections, Forests and Lakes

The green PTTK hiking trail “Wzdłuż Jeziora Czarnego” begins at the former Skórcz railway station on ul. Dworcowa and runs from Skórcz to Osiek. In town, it passes the parish cemetery and All Saints’ Church before continuing along ul. Główna. After leaving Skórcz, the route follows forest paths through the Bory Tucholskie around Jezioro Czarne. The trail therefore alternates between a section through town and the forest stretch beyond it.

Two other hiking trails start and end in Skórcz. The first suburban route listed is 25 km long and passes through forests and alongside numerous large lakes. Along the way are the Czarne and Kałębnica foresters’ lodges, the lakes Tuszynek, Słone and Głuche, as well as Skrzynia, Skorzenno and Osiek.

Another route is about 18 km long. It passes through Barłożno, along the Janka River, and through Kościelna Jania, Stara Jania and Mirotki. Its historical focus is the early settlement of the Jania estates, as well as the life and anti-German Order policies of the knight Jan z Jani.

The two longer routes differ both in length and in theme: the 25 km route links forest and lake landscapes, while the shorter route focuses on the history of the Jania estates. Route length and personal interests therefore offer practical guidance when choosing a trail.

Discover more destinations: Borzechowo, Godziszewo, Skarszewy, Nowy Wiec, Zblewo, Białachowo, Starogard Gdański, Kokoszkowy.

For the broader travel overview: Preußisch Stargard.