In Biesal, a listed railway station complex meets several cycling routes. You can explore the area through its railway history or choose a ride that starts in Biesal, passes through it or ends here. The choices are particularly clear for the Black Cycling Route and the “Śladami leśnych osad” route: they differ in their course and stated length.

Railway Station Complex and Local History

The Biesal railway station complex was built between 1871 and 1873 in connection with the construction of the so-called Thorn–Insterburg main line. The listed ensemble includes not only the station building, but also a water tower with a pump station and storage building, a well and a freight forwarding building. It also includes residential houses with outbuildings, an access road and surrounding green spaces. These are located near the station building, the water tower and the level crossing on the road to Podlejki.

The station building is made of brick on a stone plinth; original window and door fittings have been preserved. The complex was entered in the register of monuments in 2012. At the building, you can view a range of architectural details together: the change of materials between the brick and the plinth, as well as the preserved fittings on the windows and doors.

Access to the railway station complex is restricted. The interiors can be visited by arrangement with the respective owners and users. The ground floor of the station building, which is generally accessible, is an exception. Check the visiting conditions in advance, as access arrangements may change.

Another historic site in Biesal is the former Protestant chapel. It was built in 1924 on a plot donated by the landowner Hugo Striewski. After the Second World War, it became the property of the Catholic Church. A simple soldier’s grave dating from 1945 is located in the cemetery adjoining the chapel.

Several detached houses built between the world wars have also been preserved in Biesal. They are referred to as “kochówki” or “zydlung”. Together with the history of the station and the chapel, these houses provide another historical point of interest in the area.

Cycling Routes Starting in and Passing Through Biesal

The Black Cycling Route starts in Biesal, passes through Tomaryny, Śródka, Guzowy Piec, Salminek and Jadaminy, and returns to the starting point. Its stated length is 15.6 kilometres. The route is therefore described as a loop; check local route conditions before setting out.

Another option is the “Śladami leśnych osad” cycling route. It starts at the bus stop in Biesal and initially follows a paved road through the village. The route is listed as 17 or 19 kilometres long. It also includes surfaced forest tracks that are sandy in places; as the surface may change, check conditions before starting. A leisurely ride is stated to take two to two and a half hours. The stated lengths can be compared with the 15.6-kilometre loop of the Black Cycling Route; the time estimate applies to this second route.

Another route name is “Ścieżkami mazurskiej puszczy”: its loop closes in Biesal. A cultural and historical guide from 2021 also describes Route 5 as a 23-kilometre car or cycling excursion. It runs from Gietrzwałd via Tomaryny, Biesal and Guzowy Młyn, and back to Gietrzwałd. These details offer a different perspective from the cycling routes that start or end in Biesal: Route 5 is described as an excursion between several places.

Plan Your Journey

Biesal is on the Toruń–Olsztyn railway line. Travelling by train is mentioned as one way to reach the starting point of the Black Cycling Route. Check the connections for your planned travel date before setting out. When choosing a route, it is also worth considering the length, estimated travel time and surface separately: the Black Cycling Route is listed as 15.6 kilometres long; “Śladami leśnych osad” is 17 or 19 kilometres long and has a stated riding time at a leisurely pace, as well as forest tracks that are sandy in places.

Discover more destinations: Włodowo, Nowe Kawkowo, Myki, Klewki, Dorotowo, Łajs, Tumiany, Rzeck.

Go to the regional travel overview: Olsztyński.