Licheń: Pilgrimage Centre and Church Architecture

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Licheń in Licheń Stary is Poland’s second-largest religious centre of worship after Jasna Góra, measured by the number of pilgrims. Licheń is also home to Poland’s largest church: the basilica was built between 1994 and 2004. These two superlatives describe different measures—the importance of the sanctuary in terms of pilgrim numbers and the size of the church building.

Hiking Trails and Diverse Landscapes

Konin County offers seven marked hiking trails with a combined length of more than 110 kilometres. They provide a different perspective on the region from its architectural and cultural heritage. One notable elevation is in the Złota Góra Nature Reserve: it protects the highest hill in Konin County, which is 191 metres above sea level. The area can be reached via the yellow Brzeźno–Złota Góra trail and the blue Żychlin–Złota Góra–Wyszyna–Turek trail. The observation tower on Złota Góra is in the municipality of Krzymów, within the nature reserve.

The landscape parks also offer contrasting features. The Nadwarciański Landscape Park covers an approximately 30-kilometre stretch of the Warta Valley along the river’s middle course, from the A2 motorway in the east to the mouth of the Prosna; part of the park lies in Konin County. The Powidz Landscape Park protects a landscape shaped by the Ice Age. At its heart is a group of dozens of glacial lakes, mostly ribbon lakes. The park also extends into Konin County, including the municipalities of Kleczew and Wilczyn. The Warta Valley and a landscape shaped by glacial lakes thus offer two distinct natural settings.

Traces of History and Local Culture

In Ślesin, the triumphal arch, known by residents as “Napoleon’s Gate”, commemorates Napoleon: it was erected in his honour in 1811, four years after Napoleon passed through Ślesin. The Amber Road is one of the historic routes that cross Konin County. The hermitage of Bieniszew offers a different natural setting. It lies on the summit of Sowia Góra, surrounded by the forests near Kazimierz.

Ochweśnica culture is also associated with a specific place: it originated in the municipality of Skulsk in Konin County and included a distinctive form of speech called “kmina ochweśnicka”. Together with the historic routes and the triumphal arch, this cultural perspective shows how varied regional discoveries can be—from a named landmark to a local language tradition.

Forest Education, Diving and Waterways

The Forest Education Centre in Grodziec offers hands-on forest education. It includes a room with taxidermied animals, a model of a lignite mine and a hut where a forester tells stories. Check current access arrangements before your visit.

The Diver dive centre in the Tręby Stare recreational area is in the municipality of Kleczew and the Powidz Landscape Park. It offers instructors for people who have never dived before. The lake system in Konin County also offers another perspective on the region: canals and locks connect it to the navigable Warta, making it part of the almost 690-kilometre Great Waterway of Wielkopolska. If you are planning a trip on the water, check the conditions before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Jabłonka, Licheń Stary, Konin, Ślesin, Sompolinek, Witnica, Wiśniewa, Julia, Sługocinek, Golina, Skulsk, Brzeźno, Grodziec, Stare Miasto, Osowce, Modła Królewska, Świętne.

For the broader travel overview: Greater Poland.