Chełmno’s almost completely preserved city walls form a 2,270-meter circuit. The city lies on the Vistula, spread across nine hills of the Chełmińska Plateau. The towers also tell the story of the fortifications’ state of preservation: their total number is given as either 25 or 27; 17 are fully preserved and six survive in fragments. This leaves an open question about the original total alongside specific figures for the surviving towers.
History in the Town Hall and Cityscape
The Muzeum Ziemi Chełmińskiej is located in the Town Hall at Rynek 28, 86-200 Chełmno. Its permanent exhibitions are devoted to the history of Chełmno and the Polish surgeon Ludwik Rydygier. The museum organizes temporary exhibitions in the Sala Mieszczańska on the second floor. The Town Hall therefore presents both permanent themes and changing exhibition focuses.
The Old Town is also part of this history: in 2005, it was added to the Polish list of historic monuments by the President of the Republic of Poland. Another trace of the city’s religious history is the “Na Bramce” chapel: built over a gate around 1620, it is associated with the veneration of Our Lady of Chełmno. Its approximate date and name offer two specific points of reference if you are interested in the city’s historical and religious traditions.
Church, Views and Valentine’s Traditions
The parish Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary houses a relic of Saint Valentine. Visiting hours for 2026 include free admission every day through the entrance on ul. Franciszkańska: until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. Check the hours before your visit. At 60 meters, the church’s northwestern tower is Chełmno’s highest viewpoint. Access is seasonal, so check the schedule that applies to your visit in advance.
Walentynki Chełmińskie takes place in Chełmno every year. For the occasion, local bakers and confectioners prepare heart-shaped pastries and the famous Valentine’s rolls made with lovage. The celebration also includes the Jarmark św. Walentego, where local producers and craftspeople offer handicrafts, souvenirs and regional specialties. This recurring event brings culinary traditions and handmade goods together.
When planning your visit, it is worth noting the difference in timing: Walentynki Chełmińskie is an annual event with specific dates, while the Muzeum Ziemi Chełmińskiej has permanent exhibitions devoted to the city’s history and Ludwik Rydygier. If the festival is the main reason for your trip, check the dates in advance.
Sightseeing and Exploring on Your Own
Rydygiera Park is home to the Park Miniatur Zamków Krzyżackich, featuring nine carefully crafted models of medieval castles. Admission is free. Check whether it is open to visitors before including the park in your plans.
The PTTK guide team offers traditional guided tours of Chełmno, as well as walking routes several kilometers long. Tour and route options may change; check the latest details before your visit. Another way to explore is the “Serce miasta zakochanych” geocaching route: it leads through the Old Town and reveals former meeting places.
The Planty offer a more everyday perspective: they are a popular place for walks among Chełmno residents. Alongside named exhibitions, buildings and guided activities, the walks residents take are also part of the city’s everyday life.
Planning Your Stay
A bus route runs from Świecie via Chełmno and Chełmża to Toruń. As routes and timetables can change, check the current service before traveling. Chełmno offers a variety of ways to shape your trip: city history at the Town Hall, religious and architectural heritage, recurring annual Valentine’s traditions, and guided or independent explorations of the Old Town.
Discover more destinations: Papowo Biskupie, Chełmno, Lisewo, Staw, Sępoleński, Inowrocław, Toruński, Bydgoski
For the broader travel overview: Kuyavian-Pomeranian.
