A timber-framed church dating from 1774, the Człopica River and a blue-marked cycling route give Huta Szklana concrete points of interest for a trip combining architectural history and landscape. The river belongs to the Warta River basin; the village’s history stretches from a glassworks already operating in 1709 to the founding of an Olęder village, ordered in 1716. The “Śladami Sapiehów” cycling route passes through Huta Szklana. The building, settlement history and designated route thus offer distinct interests for visitors.

Watercourse and settlement

The Człopica River flows through Huta Szklana and belongs to the Warta River basin. This places the village within a larger river system. The layout of the settlement plots is also linked to a watercourse: they were laid out along a stream flowing from Żelichowo, which is now called the Człopica. The village can therefore be viewed from two perspectives: geographically, through the river, and historically, through the layout of its plots.

Church and regional architectural history

The church dates from 1774 and is an example of the 18th-century sacred timber-frame architecture characteristic of the border region between Greater Poland and Pomerania. It is also one of the oldest surviving monuments in the municipality of Krzyż Wielkopolski. Timber framing is a construction method using a load-bearing wooden frame; the church thus brings together its architectural form, period and regional context. Its construction date places it in the 18th century; its comparative status as a monument, by contrast, refers to the municipality as a whole.

Historical development

The village’s history can be traced through two dates and an older transport route. Huta Szklana’s origins are linked to a glassworks that was already operating there in 1709. An order issued by the commissioner of the Wieleń estates in 1716 called for the founding of an Olęder village in the area of present-day Huta Szklana. These are two distinct historical connections: the glassworks is linked to the village’s origins, while the order relates to the founding of the village. Huta Szklana also lay on the former road from Trzcianka to the bridge over the Drawa River near Łokacz. The road was once used to transport cloth made in the workshops of Trzcianka to Brandenburg. This cloth transport was part of the road’s former function.

Cycling the “Śladami Sapiehów” route

For cyclists, the blue-marked “Śladami Sapiehów” cycling route passes through Huta Szklana. It is 53 kilometres long and is one of six designated cycling routes in the Nadleśnictwo Trzcianka forest district. Its route connects natural and historical attractions, mainly associated with the Sapieha magnate family. It follows paved rural roads or roads with light traffic. Distance, road types and thematic focus are distinct considerations when planning your ride. Check route conditions and signage before setting out; both may change.

Discover more destinations

Pestkownica, Krzyż Wielkopolski, Kuźnica Żelichowska, Kuźniczka, Przesieki, Kocień Wielki, Marylin, Czarnków

For the overview of the wider area: Czarnikau.