The region
The Kujawsko-Pomorskie region is unique in the whole of Poland as it is said to provide a double pleasure of sightseeing. As its name indicates it contains two in one. Our region links two distinctive historical and geographical areas, located on both banks of the Vistula - the longest Polish river. Therefore everything is double. Starting from the name of the province itself through its capital cities to monuments of culture and attractions of nature.
.jpg) | .jpg) | .jpg) |
Bydgoszcz and Toruń are the most important cities in the region. Located close to one another, they are excellently connected by fast roads, railways and waterways. Together they create a double capital city of the province. Bydgoszcz is the seat of the ‘Governor’ (Wojewoda). The city can be visited for business or for pleasure. You can get on with business here and at the same time do inexpensive shopping. The distinctive element is its numerous parks and green areas and the walks along the River Brda provide an unforgettable experience. Picturesque bridges lead to Mill Island (Wyspa Młyńska) and to the area of the so-called Venice of Bydgoszcz. From here, within easy reach, are preserved granaries, a medieval cathedral and art nouveau town houses. A modern opera house nearby reminds us of one more asset of Bydgoszcz - a lively music life.
.jpg) | .jpg) | .jpg) |
Toruń is the seat of the regional government. The city is a prestigious university centre and a centre of Gothic architecture. Owing to its monuments, the Old Town, with its Town Hall from the 14th century, town houses and the remaining sections of its walls, it was put on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The outstanding astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus was born and lived in Toruń. Walking through the market or along the river you can still feel his spirit and from the city’s planetarium his universal energy. Toruń is famous for the production of delicious gingerbread and in many places you can find the aromatic scent of these sweet delicacies, baked according to a 500 year-old recipe.
.jpg) | .jpg) | .jpg) |
When you want to learn about the most valuable monuments in Kujawsko-Pomorskie you should see them from two perspectives. On one side there are unique wooden buildings, on the other red brick Gothic architecture. The finest example of a wooden monument is Biskupin, the pre-Slav village known also as the ‘Polish Pompeii’ where a 2700 year-old prehistoric settlement was found with defensive walls, a gate and cottages still excellently preserved. Archaeological festivals are held in Biskupin and many Polish historical films have been made there.
 | .jpg) | .jpg) |
Monuments in brick are the product of the activities of the Teutonic Order in this area, for instance castles and churches. The buildings are mostly located on picturesque hills or along rivers, in small towns they provide the unique medieval character. In their shadow you can rest, admire the light and the slender shapes created by the hands of medieval builders. Inside you can feel the spirit of former times encouraging a historical or religious reflection. The majority of such monuments are located in Toruń and in the Chełmińska district. Golub-Dobrzyń is an example of a well-preserved Teutonic castle. Every year spectacular tournaments are held in which knights from Poland and abroad compete. The cathedral of the Assumption of St. Mary in Chełmno is a famous Gothic church. The relicts of St. Valentine are kept there and therefore the city is considered the capital of those in love. During St. Valentine’s Day the streets of Chełmno are bathed in red and the window displays of shops are full of romantic and interesting gifts.
|
|
| .jpg) |
| The landscape of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Province has also had a twofold influence and owes its form to the particular role of two religious orders. The first are the Teutonic Knights and the second the Mennonites, mysterious and industrious emigrants from the Netherlands who were a characteristic group of Anabaptists. They came to Poland to escape the anti-reformation and religious persecution and found hospitality and tolerance, and therefore they settled here. In the area of Kujawsko-Pomorskie they found their ‘promised land’. For more than two centuries they built anti-flood embankments, ditches, locks, bridges and causeways, windmills and Lutheran churches. They were extraordinary masters of water engineering. Their history is reflected in their works and there are a lot of them. Even today the remains of distinctive Mennonite buildings and cemeteries are preserved along the Vistula Valley from Nowe through Grudziądz, Bydgoszcz and Toruń to Włocławek. In order to admire this outstanding heritage it is worth going to the area of Gruczno near Świecie. This is a great place for explorers of new taste experiences as a festival of ‘flavour’ is held annually in Gruczno. You can taste many specialities from the whole region among them excellent honey, wines, preserved pork products and the famous plum jam. |
The Kujawsko-Pomorskie region is the mecca for those seeking healthy regeneration, physical purification and biological balance. The region can be said to have a double cure at two renowned health resorts where clients can use the largest sources of brine in Europe. The first is Ciechocinek, the other Inowrocław. The iodine and ozone in the air work as an excellent balm to cure many illnesses. Brine flowing down the wooden structure creates a unique and fresh microclimate, helpful for both people and plants. Green parks around these ‘graduation towers’ demonstrate this. Paths covered with flowers create pleasant scenery for walks and bicycle rides. In both resorts many cultural events are held providing an excellent entertainment for clients. Therefore many famous Polish celebrities are frequent guests in Ciechocinek and Inowrocław. | |
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg) | .jpg) | .jpg) |
When writing about the Kujawsko-Pomorskie region one should not forget about the two rivers: the Brda and Wda. They flow through the picturesque area of Bory Tucholskie in the north-eastern part of the region, are both rich in fish species, including a delicious trout. The Brda winds between beautiful banks and rapidly runs through thick forests where fallen tree trunks provide many attractions during canoeing rallies. In his youth, Karol Wojtyła, later Pope John Paul II, canoed there. The Brda is known for an extremely difficult section known as ‘Hell’ but after passing through it you can reach Zalew Koronowski, one of the largest reservoirs in the region. The Wda is calmer, lazily winding among scented fields and woods, better for family tourism, and it finally reaches the Vistula near Świecie. An additional attraction is the chance to meet beavers while it flows through the ‘Rezerwat Krzywe Koło’, a n unusual place where it seems as if the river had mistaken its direction creating a strange loop.
.jpg) | (1).jpg) | .jpg) |
Lovers of active tourism who wish to visit Kujawsko-Pomorskie will be satisfied twice as much . You can reach the region both by bike and on foot. From the west via Europe’s longest international cycling route (Euro Route R-1), marked with a green bike on a white background with R-1 below. It runs from France, via the Netherlands, Germany and Poland to the border of the Kaliningrad region. In this area it runs via the old seat of the Cistercians - Koronowo, and the Teutonic red brick towns on the Vistula - Świecie and Grudziądz. The section is typically low-lying, calm and beautiful. From the north-west you can reach the region on foot by a part of the Camino de Santiago (Road of St James), a part of a longer route from Olsztyn to Toruń and at the same time coinciding with the international foot path E-11. The route is marked with the characteristic shell of St. James and in this region the route begins in the popular Brodnickie lake district. Then it goes through the picturesque valley of the River Drwęca, through beautiful Brodnica, known as the Gate of Mazury, and Golub-Dobrzyń famous for its medieval tournaments.
You can list many double sightseeing advantages of the region and everybody will find something for body and soul. You will leave the region much richer, healthier and wiser than you could have expected. If you do not believe it, check for yourself! Welcome!
