Colmar: Lakes, Trails and Ceramic History

Chodzież lies in the Chodzież Lake District; Colmar is one of the city’s historical names recorded in historical sources. The landscape combines landmarks within the city with longer routes through forests and hills.

Lakes and swimming area

Jezioro Miejskie, also known as Jezioro Chodzieskie, is the largest of the three lakes within the city limits. It is a few hundred metres from the market square in Chodzież. Jezioro Strzeleckie is the smallest of the Chodzież lakes; it covers 18 hectares and is completely surrounded by forest. Fishing competitions are held at the lake. If you are interested, check the dates in advance.

Chodzież’s largest beach is on Jezioro Karczewnik. The beach is 60 metres long and has a supervised swimming area. The beach and swimming facilities may operate seasonally; check current operations before your visit. A beach volleyball court is directly next to the swimming area. A car park is only a few dozen metres away; parking regulations may change, so it is advisable to check locally.

Views and nature

Gontyniec is a 192-metre-high terminal moraine hill with rich vegetation and old, stately beech trees. An observation tower stands at the summit. The final climb is easier on foot than by bicycle; the summit offers a view. The red hiking trail also crosses Gontyniec. The settlement of Papiernia lies along this trail, and 150-year-old beech trees in the area have been designated natural monuments.

Another viewpoint is on the grounds of the ski lift. From there, the view extends across Chodzież and Jezioro Miejskie to a section of the Noteć River valley, which is bordered to the north by a chain of moraine hills. The view thus brings together urban and landscape features in a single vista.

Trails and activities

The Tadeusz Siejak Trail is about 15 kilometres long. It passes through the city centre, walking and recreation areas, forests, and the hills in and around Chodzież. A literary-tourism trail following in the footsteps of writer Tadeusz Siejak also passes through places in the city and its surroundings. Six boards with excerpts from Siejak’s works are positioned along this trail. Three additional points are marked on the map but have no boards on site.

The R-1 “Dolina Noteci” cycling trail is about 20 kilometres long and runs from Chodzież through Studzieniec, Milczek, Nietuszkowo, Trojanka, and Oleśnica before returning to Chodzież. Near Oleśnica, fishponds stretch along the trail; many bird species, including swans, can be seen in the surrounding area. Check the current trail surface and signage before setting out. At around 15 kilometres for the Tadeusz Siejak Trail and about 20 kilometres for the R-1 cycling trail, these distances provide a guide for your planning.

Near the ski slope on Talerz Hill is a mountain bike trail created by cycling champions Czesław Lang and Lech Piasecki. The ski slope is at an elevation of 132 metres, is 300 metres long, and is considered the longest facility of its kind in northern Poland. It operates seasonally in winter; check current operations before visiting. The tourist and educational attraction Szlak Chodzieskich Karzełków Płomienistych combines history, local heritage, and play, and invites visitors on a family adventure. It opened on 8 September 2026.

Ceramic history and getting there

The beginnings of the ceramic industry in Chodzież date back to the mid-19th century and are linked to the German entrepreneur Herman Heim, owner of the faience factory in Chodzież. Records indicate that the porcelain factory employed about 600 people at the beginning of its existence and was among the most modern and largest porcelain manufacturers in the then German State. The porcelain factory invites visitors to tour its manufactory; arrange your visit with the operator in advance.

Chodzież lies on National Road 11. The railway station is in the city centre; direct train connections are listed to Poznań, Wrocław, Kraków, and Kołobrzeg. Check current connections and timetables before travelling. When planning, you can choose between exploring the city lakes, trails, and cultural stops without treating the stated route lengths as walking or cycling times.

Discover more destinations: Szamocin, Margonin, Dziewoklucz, Chodzież, Laskowo, Budzyń, Podanin, Krotoschin.

For the broader travel overview: Greater Poland.