Gutkowo between lakes and brick Gothic architecture

In Gutkowo, two very different sides of Olsztyn meet: a lakeside landscape with cycling and hiking trails, and the history of the Gothic Church of St. Lawrence. Whether you prefer to spend your vacation days outdoors by the water or are interested in architecture and local history, these destinations give Gutkowo its distinctive character.

Lakes and forest trails around Gutkowo

Lake Ukiel (Krzywe) lies in northwestern Olsztyn, between the districts of Dajtki, Gutkowo, and Likusy. Covering 412 hectares and reaching a depth of 43 meters, it is Olsztyn’s largest and deepest lake. Lake Redykajny lies on the border between Gutkowo and Redykajny and is Olsztyn’s northernmost body of water. Several undeveloped, unguarded beaches are located along its shores. Forest trails through pine woods lead there.

Near Lake Redykajny, the Redykajny Nature Reserve protects peat bogs and their vegetation. The lake is fished from both the shore and boats. This part of the landscape therefore brings together different interests: those who enjoy exploring wooded areas can follow the trails to the beaches, while those interested in nature and bodies of water will find different points of interest in the lake and the reserve.

Cycling and hiking routes with different highlights

The 21.9-kilometer Dywity–Barkweda–Dywity leisure and sightseeing route passes through Redykajny and Gutkowo. Another cycling tour, “Szlakiem olsztyńskich jezior,” follows a cycle path along the shore of Lake Ukiel and passes Zatoka Kopernika (Gutkowska). The two descriptions emphasize different features: one names several places along the route, while the other highlights the lakeside path and the bay. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The black Alojzy Śliwa hiking trail also leads to Gutkowo. At 18.5 kilometers, it is the longest hiking trail in Olsztyn; changes to the routes may affect this designation. From the Gutkowo section, the trail heads toward the former village of Łupstych, then follows a forest path along the shore of Lake Ukiel toward Dajtki. Alojzy Śliwa (1885–1969), after whom the trail is named, was a Warmian poet, prose writer, publicist, and social activist. During the interwar period, Gutkowo partly served as a recreation area for Olsztyn; an excursion boat operated there at the time.

The Ataman Stud Farm in Gutkowo offers riding lessons. If you plan to visit, check the current arrangements in advance.

Church of St. Lawrence: Gothic architecture and Baroque furnishings

The Gothic Church of St. Lawrence was built between 1375 and 1400 and is one of Olsztyn’s oldest architectural monuments. Only St. James’s Church in the city center is older. The Late Gothic building is made of red brick on a stone base. Its ornate masonry and timber tower dates from 1778.

The interior brings together various historical details: the main altar and side altars from the 18th century have been preserved; the altars, pulpit, organ, confessional, and holy water font are Baroque in style. In 2007, work began to uncover medieval wall paintings beneath the plaster. Next to the church is a cemetery where, among others, Alojzy Śliwa is buried—the same person whose name the hiking trail bears.

Choose the right focus for your vacation

When looking for a holiday apartment in Gutkowo, you can start by considering what you want your days to revolve around: lakes and routes, or a visit to the church and its architectural and local history. This lets you choose accommodation to suit your interests without combining the different destinations into a single experience.

Discover more destinations: Guzowy Piec, Biedowo, Wojtkowizna, Butryny, Adamowo, Cerkiewnik, Purda, Barczewo.

Back to the main travel overview: Olsztyn.