Insko between lake, landscape and film culture

Insko is located in Iński Landscape Park. A landscape shaped by the Ice Age, clear lakes, gorges, boulder fields and extensive forests characterise the park. Alongside these natural features are two distinct cultural topics: Ińskie Lato Filmowe and the railway history of Ińska Izba Pamięci. When planning a stay, the highlights are easy to distinguish: the lake and landscape define the natural setting, the film festival is a cultural event, and the collection is devoted to the railway’s past.

Lake and landscape

Lake Ińsko borders the town to the south and gave it its name. It has three islands, including Wyspa Sołtyski. On this island is a 20-hectare nature reserve with an old beech and oak forest that is more than 150 years old. The lake, island and protected forest are therefore part of the same landscape.

Thanks to its clear water and diverse wildlife and plant life, Lake Ińsko is considered one of the most popular diving spots in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. Local diving centres offer technical support. If diving is a priority for you, ask the centres in advance about the specific support available.

The boulder reserve offers a different landscape. It is about 2 km from Insko and extends roughly 500 m east from the lakeshore. A lakeside path crosses the hill covered with boulders opposite Sołtyski Island. The distance indicates how the reserve relates to the town, while its extent from the shore provides a second point of reference.

At Wzgórze Zamczysko, a Slavic fortified settlement stands above Lake Zamczysko. From the wooded hill, there are views of the lake, Insko and Lake Piesna.

Film festival in Insko

Ińskie Lato Filmowe takes place in Insko, within Iński Landscape Park. It is one of Poland’s oldest regularly held film events; the first edition took place in the first half of August 1973.

The regular programme includes screenings of new Polish films and meetings with filmmakers. In addition to cinema, the festival usually includes events related to art and nature. If a festival visit fits your trip, check the specific event dates before making plans.

Railway history at Ińska Izba Pamięci

Ińska Izba Pamięci is located in the former narrow-gauge railway station building at 3 Kolejowa Street. Its permanent exhibition is devoted to the 101-year history of the Szadzka Commuter Railway (Saatziger Kleinbahn AG). The collection includes railway lamps, cardboard tickets, timetables and railway network maps, as well as wagon manufacturer’s plates, railway workers’ uniforms and caps. The collection ranges from documents and network plans to equipment and clothing, conveying the railway theme through a variety of objects. Unlike the film festival, the focus here is on a specific railway and its history. Visitors are asked to make contact by telephone in advance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Koszewko, Morzyczyn, Chociwel, Sowno, Granica, Oświno, Pęzino, Żukowo

For the broader travel overview: Stargard.