Two distinct themes stand out when planning a trip to Stare Wierzchowo: the Gwda River and its connections to kayaking, and the architectural history of the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel. The village lies on the Gwda; the “Gwda” kayak trail passes through Stare Wierzchowo between Jezioro Wierzchowo and Jezioro Smolęsko. There is also a church whose site has been occupied in turn by an older half-timbered church and a later Neo-Baroque building.
Kayak Routes and Cycling Route
At the stone-and-brick bridge over the Gwda, there are suitable places on both sides to stop briefly or start a paddling trip. The bridge therefore provides a specific landmark for anyone considering including this stretch of the river in their plans. The “Pętla Szczecinecka” kayak route also passes through Stare Wierzchowo; it is 61.4 kilometers long. While the “Gwda” kayak trail identifies the stretch between two lakes, the “Pętla Szczecinecka” can be distinguished by its stated total length.
For a different way of getting around, the red-marked “Szczecineckie Jeziora” cycling route passes through the village. It is 65.1 kilometers long. Together with the 61.4-kilometer kayak route, this gives you two clearly distinct route options: cycling on the one hand and paddling on the other. The distances refer to different routes and activities, so when planning, the first question is whether you want to explore the area by bike or on the water. You can check the current routes and signs before setting out.
Half-Timbered Architecture and Building History
A half-timbered church built in 1757 once stood on the site of today’s Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel. It was donated by the estate’s owner at the time, Jurgen Hans von Zarten. The present Neo-Baroque church was built in 1928. This sequence makes the relationship between the two buildings clear: they are different churches on the same site, not a single building preserved unchanged since 1757.
The present church also brings together a range of architectural details. From the level of the upper story, its tower is built in half-timbering and topped by an onion dome with a lantern. Inside, a wooden ceiling with its original polychrome decoration has been preserved. Outside, the tower draws the eye to the half-timbered construction; the ceiling adds a distinct feature to the church interior. The village also has a restored half-timbered cottage. Together, the church and cottage offer two different examples of half-timbered architecture in Stare Wierzchowo, while the church’s construction dates make it possible to trace how the village’s appearance has changed over time.
Neustettin as a Wider Destination
The wider destination of Neustettin offers additional cultural and natural attractions located elsewhere. In Trzebiechowo, these include a palace complex dating from the second half of the 19th century and a church from the third quarter of the same century, dedicated to Our Lady of Częstochowa. These historical landmarks broaden the picture of the region’s cultural heritage without replacing the story of Stare Wierzchowo’s architecture.
One natural attraction in the wider Neustettin destination is the “Wielkie Błoto” nature and forest education trail on the southern shore of Lake Wierzchowo, southeast of Wierzchowo. It features five information boards, a wooden walkway over the bog and an observation tower. Check conditions on site before visiting. The wider Neustettin area therefore offers landscapes and nature trails alongside churches and historic architecture, each as a separate interest.
Discover more destinations: Lubowo, Drezno, Rakowo, Silnowo, Pilawa, Sitno, Borne Sulinowo, Szczecinek
For the wider travel overview: Neustettin.
