Flatow: Lakes, forests and trails through Krajna

Around 80 lakes, extensive forests and trails for walking, cycling or exploring by water give Flatow many different facets. The Powiat złotowski lies mostly in the historic region of Krajna and the Krajeńskie Lake District. Other areas belong to the Gwda Valley, the Szczecineckie Lake District and the Wałcz Plain. If you are looking for nature and outdoor activities on holiday, you can choose between experiences on the water, hiking routes and regional culture.

Lakes and forests in Powiat złotowski

The landscape is shaped by water and woodland: more than 46 percent of the Powiat’s total area of 1,660 km² is forested. Borówno is one of the largest lakes in the area. The figure of around 80 lakes refers to the entire Powiat, not to a single locality. When choosing where to stay, the first question is therefore which kind of outing interests you most: bodies of water, forest scenery or a combination of different experiences.

Protected areas also contribute to the region’s diversity. The “Wrzosowiska w Okonku” nature reserve was established in 2008 on the site of a former military training ground. “Diabli Skok” lies at the sources of the Rurzyca River, was established at the beginning of the 20th century and was given the name “Devil’s Leap.” The two areas differ even in their traditional names and the contexts in which they were created. They add to the picture of a region where landscape and history can be seen in different ways.

Hiking trails, the Gwda and a circular cycling route

There are several hiking routes of different lengths. The red trail is a two-day route covering 46 kilometres; accommodation is available in Złotów or Radawnica. The yellow trail is 29 kilometres long. The starting and ending points of the hiking trails in the Powiat can be reached by train or PKS bus. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can choose its location based on the hike you have planned and consider the named overnight stops for the red trail. The yellow trail’s length is a practical reference for planning your own outing; no duration is specified.

On the water, a route on the Gwda between Lędyczek and Tarnówka runs for about 35 kilometres through Powiat złotowski. The Gwda and its tributaries are described as attractive options for kayaking. Hiking and paddling are thus two distinct ways to discover the landscape. For cyclists, the network includes a circular route through the area. The trails on this loop were designated by five neighbouring forest districts. A suggested southern loop through the Powiat is listed as 85 kilometres long.

Experience Krajna: places, history and traditions

In Złotów, the Zagroda Krajeńska is an attraction featuring a farmstead dating from the 18th century. In Krajenka, St. Anne’s Church is located in the surviving western wing of a former castle. The two places offer different points of interest if you would like to include architectural and regional history in your trip alongside nature.

Local associations and folklore groups keep Krajna’s traditions alive, practise old customs and promote Krajna embroidery and the Krajna dialect. The area is also associated with a regional dish: “Czernina po krajeńsku na słodko” from Dzierzążenko was featured in the “Polska Wieś Smakuje” soup competition. These cultural and culinary details provide a different focus from the trails and waterways and can complement your choice of outings.

Which holiday apartment location suits your trip?

If your trip centres on the two-day red hiking route, the named accommodation options in Złotów or Radawnica are a practical reference point. If you are more interested in the Gwda, the lakes or regional culture, you can weigh up these priorities when looking for a holiday apartment in Flatow. The route distances and accessible trail endpoints help you plan your outings without having to fit every experience into a single tour.

Other places on this page include Okonek Okonek, Radawnica Radawnica, Głomsk Głomsk, Jastrowie Jastrowie, Złotów Złotów, Łąkie Łąkie, Skórka Skórka and Zakrzewo Zakrzewo.

For the higher-level travel overview: Greater Poland.