Birnbaum: Lake District, Trails and Cultural Heritage

Lakes, hills and trails through the landscape

The Międzychód-Sieraków Lake District combines numerous lakes with a hilly landscape shaped by the Ice Age. Sierakowski Landscape Park has a network of hiking, horse-riding, cycling and water trails, with an estimated total length of around 1,000 km. This figure refers to the trail network as a whole and illustrates the different ways to explore the region: on foot, by bike, on horseback or on the water.

One example of a shorter nature outing is the Ostępy Puszczy Noteckiej nature trail in Bucharzewo. It is 3 km long, has 10 stops and covers nature conservation and forestry. Those interested in a longer hike will also find a 38 km section of the International Way of St. James in the county. It passes through Bucharzewo, Sieraków, Chalin and Międzychód.

Cyclists can also follow named routes. The international R-1 cycle route passes through the county via Lewice, Łowyń, Gorzyń, Wielowieś, Międzychód, Mierzyn and Sowią Góra. The Szlak Stu Jezior R-8 connects Międzychód, Olandia in Prusim, Chalin, Sieraków, Chrzypsko Wielkie, Łężeczki and Białokosz. These names give cyclists concrete reference points for planning their own routes.

Water experiences and active outings

The Warta River is accessible to waterway traffic along its entire stretch through the county. There are waterway stations in Międzychód and Sieraków. Activities in Sierakowski Landscape Park include motorised water sports, kayaking and sailing, as well as cycling, horse riding and cross-country skiing. If you enjoy spending your holiday on the water, you can give these activities greater weight when choosing your destination; if you prefer to explore on land, the same park also has hiking and cycling trails.

WakePark Sieraków, with a two-tower cable lift, is located on Lake Jaroszewskie. Sieraków is also home to Stado Ogierów, a centre for equestrian recreation and sport. Wielkopolska horses and Polish Konik horses are bred there. These distinctive destinations complement the trails with experiences focused specifically on water sports or horses.

History, architecture and regional discoveries

The Muzeum Zamek Opalińskich in Sieraków displays the sarcophagi of the Opaliński family and archaeological finds from excavations, including stove tiles, vessels, glass and personal everyday objects. The varied objects offer insight into the family’s history and finds from the region. In Kamionna, the Parish Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in 1499. Its historic furnishings include late Gothic choir stalls, a late Gothic crucifix and a bell dating from the 16th century.

Another church is located in Chrzypsko Wielkie: the Parish Church of St. Adalbert was built between 1600 and 1609 as a late Gothic brick building. In Kwilcz stands a late Neoclassical, plastered masonry building, constructed in 1828 to a design by architect Karol Fryderyk Schinkel. The palace is set in an extensive park. Those interested in different architectural styles will find, alongside the churches, an example of late Neoclassical architecture.

In Chalin, the Ośrodek Edukacji Przyrodniczej is housed in a restored 19th-century manor within a historic estate complex surrounded by a park. The centre has six Nordic walking routes with a total length of 50 km. It offers school groups one-day educational programmes and nature outings. In Mniszki, visitors can try making clay vessels and a wicker basket at the Centrum Edukacji Regionalnej i Przyrodniczej workshops. If you would like to explore crafts and nature-related topics during your holiday, you can include these places in your choice of outings.

More places to discover: Tuchola, Zatom Nowy, Śródka.

For the broader travel overview: Greater Poland.