Giełczyn: Cycling Routes, Hiking Route and Memorial Sites

Giełczyn is especially easy to explore for trip planning through three themes: cycling tours, a named hiking route and memorial sites. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether the routes in Giełczyn or additional destinations in the wider Łomżyński travel destination will be the focus of your trip. The routes differ in length and course; archaeological remains and opportunities for nature observation add to the regional options.

Cycling and Hiking Routes from Giełczyn

The 40.15 km C-1 cycling loop runs via Czaplice, Osobne, Wierzbowo, Śniadowo, Jemielite Stare and Giełczyn, returning to the PKS bus station. A route description published in 2012 gives this itinerary. The 46.8 km C-9 cycling route passes through Giełczyn and then continues along the blue trail via Wygoda, Puchały and Zawady. For the section from Giełczyn to the start of the forest, the description published in 2012 specifies a gravel surface. Check the current route and surface before setting out.

The red Giełczyn–Szumowo hiking trail (PL-2555-c) starts in Giełczyn, runs via Głębocz Wielki to Szumowo and is 28 km long. The three routes differ not only in length: C-1 is described as a loop returning to the PKS bus station, C-9 continues from Giełczyn along the blue trail through several places, and the hiking route connects Giełczyn with Szumowo. For your planning, you can therefore weigh up cycling and hiking routes, as well as loop and point-to-point itineraries.

Memorial Sites in Giełczyn

A monument stands beside the village community centre in Giełczyn. There is also a cemetery for those murdered during the Second World War, listed under monument register number A-422. In the area around the Giełczyn destination, a monument in a forest commemorates several thousand Jews and Poles who were murdered there by Germans between 1941 and 1944. Together, these sites offer insight into different forms of remembrance: a monument in the village, a cemetery and a memorial site in the forest.

Culture and Nature in the Wider Łomżyński Travel Destination

Clear traces of a large fortified settlement and the earthworks surrounding it are visible on Góra Królowej Bony. Next to it is Wzgórze Św. Wawrzyńca, with a fortified settlement dating from around the 9th to 10th century, remains of a settlement and the ruins of a church. These two archaeological sites offer different historical points of interest: on Góra Królowej Bony, the ramparts and earthworks stand out, while Wzgórze Św. Wawrzyńca also features settlement and church remains.

Another memorial site in the wider Łomżyński travel destination is located in a forest clearing in Jednaczewski Forest, on the edge of the Rycerski Kierz reserve. A monument erected in 1922 to Stach Konwa stands there, at the presumed site of his burial. Since 2022, the Łomża municipality has organised patriotic commemorations in the clearing around Stach’s, or Stanisław’s, name day on 8 May. They are accompanied by the “Kurpiowska Majówka u Stacha” family festival, with historical and educational elements. If you are planning a trip around this event, check the latest date information.

Nature and birdwatching are also among the region’s attractions. In the Łomża municipality, tourist trails pass through protected areas, including the Łomżyński Park Krajobrazowy Doliny Narwi, offering direct contact with nature. From the viewpoint in Siemień Nadrzeczny, visitors can observe many birds that live in the landscape park. Birdwatching is seasonal and naturally variable. Wielki Dział is a permanent refuge for cranes, black storks, lesser spotted eagles, white-tailed eagles, moose, wolves and deer; which animals you actually see may vary.

The route descriptions for C-1 and the gravel section of C-9 date from 2012; take this into account when planning the current course of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Wizna, Koziki, Piątnica Poduchowna, Kisielnica, Olszyny, Drozdowo, Nowosiedliny, Łomża

For the wider travel overview: Łomżyński.