Briesen between lakes and brick history

Briesen (Wąbrzeźno) lies between three lakes and combines this landscape with a rich architectural history. The area around present-day Wąbrzeźno is partly surrounded by Lakes Zamkowe, Frydek and Sitno. Your trip can focus on the town’s history, routes with scenic viewpoints, or activities on the water. The tourist circular route through Briesen includes eight historic stops and gives your visit a historical theme.

Sacred architecture and town history

The Church of the Holy Apostles Simon and Jude Thaddeus was built between 1323 and 1349. Since the 16th century, the parish church in Briesen has served as the Sanctuary of the Pregnant Mother of God (Sanktuarium Matki Bożej Brzemiennej). The designation “Sanktuarium Matki Bożej Brzemiennej” was first officially used in 1993 for the long-standing Marian cult in Wąbrzeźno. The Church of Our Lady Queen of Poland is also a historic landmark: it dates from 1836 and houses sacred works of art from the 16th to the 19th century.

The town hall provides a different architectural accent. It was built in 1892 in the Neo-Gothic style using exposed red brick. Art Nouveau townhouses shape the appearance of the restored market square. The ruins of the castle of the Bishops of Chełmno are another of Briesen’s attractions. The churches, town hall, market square and castle remains represent different architectural styles and historical themes.

Seasonal concerts at the open-air amphitheater by the water are also part of the cultural scene. If a concert is important to your travel plans, check the relevant event dates. The seasonal program makes the specific date an important distinction from the town’s permanent architectural landmarks and historic sites.

Lakes, routes and activities

Walking and cycling routes in Briesen pass scenic viewpoints and outdoor fitness equipment. The cycling circuits use kilometers of modernized, safe and well-signposted cycle paths. This lets you choose between walking routes and cycling circuits for your time outdoors; conditions can change, so check them before setting out.

The history of the railway has also left a route that is still used today. Poland’s first electrified railway line was established in Wąbrzeźno, but it does not operate as a passenger service. The former route of the Wąbrzeska kolejka has been replaced by a walking and cycling path. The historic railway and the present-day path are therefore two different aspects: one is part of the town’s history, while the other serves pedestrians and cyclists.

The town beach is at Jezioro Zamkowe in Podzamcze. The Jana Bosmana-Lewandowskiego Water Sports Marina (Przystań Sportów Wodnych im. Jana Bosmana-Lewandowskiego) offers opportunities for kayaking, sailing and stand-up paddleboarding. These water sports may be available seasonally; if you are planning to take part, check what is offered at the time of your visit. Another option is the Paweł Bączyński Municipal Swimming Pool (Pływalnia Miejska im. Pawła Bączyńskiego), which has sports lanes and a sauna area. Facilities and access can change, so it is worth checking before your visit.

More local leisure activities

The “Przyjazne Wzgórze” Activity Center includes rope courses, ground trampolines, mini golf, a zip line, slides, a skatepark and a basketball court. Individual facilities may change; confirm current availability if a particular activity is important to your plans. This broad range differs from the historic sites and water-based activities, offering another way to shape your stay.

Sports facilities are also available at the Jana Wesołowskiego Municipal Stadium (Stadion Miejski im. Jana Wesołowskiego). They include a certified blue athletics track, facilities for long jump, high jump and pole vault, and throwing areas. For travel by car, Briesen has a bypass and a connection to the motorway. Check current road conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Żniński, Golubsko-Dobrzyński, Toruński, Aleksandrowski, Grudziądz, Sępoleński, Inowrocław, Radziejów.

For the regional travel overview: Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship.