Discover Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship

Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship reveals itself through historic places and landscapes shaped by lakes and trails. Toruń, Biskupin, Chełmno, Wenecja, Ciechocinek, Kruszwica and Brodnica Landscape Park offer different ways to explore the region: from medieval urban layouts and archaeological reconstruction to railway history, nature and traditional salt production.

Medieval cities and archaeological history

Toruń lies on the Vistula and is an exceptionally well-preserved medieval European centre of trade and administration. Its urban fabric includes the ruins of the Teutonic Order castle, as well as the Old Town and New Town, which are surrounded by a ring of defensive walls. Original medieval street layouts, Gothic parish churches and numerous brick houses preserve different aspects of the city’s history. Together, they create a striking picture of medieval urban structure, religious buildings and residential architecture.

At Biskupin, the archaeological reserve takes visitors back to another era: it includes a reconstruction of a fortified settlement from the transition between the Bronze and Iron Ages, associated with the Lusatian culture. During the tourist season and at museum events, interpreters demonstrate prehistoric crafts, including shaping vessels and making tools from flint and stone. The “Diabeł Wenecki” boat offers another perspective: passenger trips on Lake Biskupińskie provide views of the archaeological reserve from the water. Check the dates of seasonal events and the current timetable when planning your visit.

Chełmno also preserves a distinctive medieval heritage: the city has five Gothic churches and an almost intact medieval urban layout. Comparing it with Toruń reveals two different facets of historic townscapes, while Biskupin, with its reconstructed settlement, focuses on a much earlier period.

Railway history and landscapes

In Wenecja, the Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum is dedicated to railway history. It is a branch of the Muzeum Ziemi Pałuckiej in Żnin and is one of Europe’s largest open-air narrow-gauge railway museums. Exhibits include steam and diesel locomotives, handcars, historic carriages, tracks and other railway equipment. The museum offers guided tours and handcar rides; during the summer season, themed events are held for children and adults. Check the latest dates for these seasonal events.

Brodnica Landscape Park offers a different focus. More than 40 lakes lie within its boundaries, including seven that each cover more than 100 hectares. Most are narrow, elongated ribbon lakes with steep, wooded shores. Numerous hiking, cycling, canoeing and horse-riding trails add different ways to explore the park’s lake-filled landscape. This provides a contrast between nature and outdoor activities and the region’s historic sites, without reducing them to the same kind of excursion.

Salt tradition and views in Kruszwica

Three monumental wooden graduation towers define the landscape of Ciechocinek. They are among the largest and most remarkable structures of their kind in Europe; together, they measure 1,742.3 metres and stand just under 16 metres tall. Alongside these structures is a craft tradition: salt has been produced there with the same simple tools for almost two centuries. The boiling is still done by hand by so-called “Warzelniks.” The architectural history and continuing handcraft represent two distinct aspects of the place.

In Kruszwica, Mysia Wieża is the only surviving remnant of a fortified castle built by King Casimir the Great around 1350. From its viewing platform, visitors can enjoy a panorama of Lake Gopło, the peninsula, the landscape of Kuyavia and the historic architecture of Kruszwica, including the Romanesque collegiate church. The view brings together water, landscape and a tangible example of medieval architecture.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Wąbrzeźno County, Bydgoski, Włocławek, Żniński, Aleksandrowski, Golubsko-Dobrzyński, Toruński, Brodnicki, Sępoleński, Chełmno, Nakielski, Graudenz, Inowrocław, Lipno, Mogilno, Radziejów, Rypin, Świecki, Briesen, Radziejów County, Tuchel.

See the main travel overview: Poland.