Gutkowo: Lakes, Trails and St. Lawrence’s Church

Lakes and Landscape

Lake Ukiel (Krzywe) lies in the northwest of Olsztyn, between the districts of Dajtki, Gutkowo and Likusy. At 412 hectares in area and 43 metres deep, it is the largest and deepest lake in Olsztyn. Lake Redykajny lies on the boundary between Gutkowo and Redykajny and is Olsztyn’s northernmost body of water.

There are several natural, unguarded beaches on Lake Redykajny, accessible via forest paths through pine woods. Near the lake, the Redykajny nature reserve protects wetlands and their vegetation. Fishing takes place on the lake both from the shore and from boats. The lakes’ different features help set them apart: Lake Ukiel is notable for its area and depth, while Lake Redykajny is distinguished by its northern location and its position on the boundary between Gutkowo and Redykajny.

Cycling and Hiking

Two cycling routes offer different highlights. The 21.9 km Dywity–Barkweda–Dywity leisure and sightseeing route passes through Redykajny and Gutkowo. The “Szlakiem olsztyńskich jezior” route follows a cycling path along the shore of Lake Ukiel and passes Zatoka Kopernika (Gutkowska). The routes can therefore be distinguished by their described courses: one passes through several places, while the other follows the lakeshore and the bay. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

At 18.5 km, the black Alojzy Śliwa hiking trail is the longest hiking trail in Olsztyn; this comparison may change if routes are modified. It is named after Alojzy Śliwa (1885–1969), a Warmian poet, prose writer, publicist and social activist. The trail reaches Gutkowo. From its Gutkowo section, the route heads towards the former village of Łupstych on Lake Ukiel and then follows a forest path along the shore towards the Dajtki district.

St. Lawrence’s Church and Local History

The Gothic St. Lawrence’s Church in Gutkowo was built between 1375 and 1400 and is one of Olsztyn’s oldest architectural monuments; only St. James’s Church in the city centre is older. The late Gothic building is made of red brick on a stone base. Its ornate brick-and-timber tower dates from 1778. Inside, the altars, pulpit, organ, confessional and holy-water font are Baroque in style; the main altar and side altars dating from the 18th century have been preserved. In 2007, work began to uncover medieval wall paintings beneath the plaster.

Alojzy Śliwa links the church and the hiking trail: he is buried in the cemetery next to St. Lawrence’s Church and is also the namesake of the black trail. Gutkowo’s former role as a place for recreation is also part of its local history. During the interwar period, the area was used partly for recreation by people from Olsztyn; an excursion boat operated there at the time.

Another Activity

Ataman Stud in Gutkowo offers riding lessons. Check the current arrangements before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Stawiguda, Purda, Gmina Gietrzwałd, Majdy, Łajsy, Dobre Miasto, Jeziorany, Wilimy.

For the broader travel overview: Olsztyn.