Plan your trip to Pomerania around its landscapes and cultural history: landscape parks and historic monastic complexes offer specific themes to explore. When choosing accommodation, use this focus as a starting point; then consider your specific destinations and how to get there.
Landscape Parks and Hiking Trails
There are nine landscape parks in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, covering a total area of almost 168,000 hectares. Seven of them lie entirely within the boundaries of the voivodeship. The Dolina Słupi Landscape Park was established in 1981 in the Słupia’s catchment area and along its middle and lower course to protect the area’s natural assets and rich cultural heritage and preserve their balance.
The Vistula Spit Landscape Park protects the wildlife and landscape of the Vistula Spit. Its defining features include primeval forests with diverse plant life, large longitudinal dunes where sea holly often grows, and wide sandy beaches. Here, forests, dunes and beaches are central, alongside the protection of wildlife.
For hiking, Słowiński National Park offers a useful point of reference: it has 131 kilometres of hiking trails. As trail lengths may change, check the latest park information before planning. The examples differ in their focus: the description of the Vistula Spit Landscape Park highlights landforms, while the length of the trails at Słowiński National Park is relevant when planning a hike.
Monastic Culture in Pomerania
The three most important former Cistercian monastic complexes in the Pomeranian Voivodeship are Oliwa and Pelplin, former male monasteries, and Żarnowiec, a former nunnery. Their former roles offer a clear comparison: two of the complexes were monasteries for men, while the third was for women. Those interested in regional cultural history will find three named examples here, each with a different monastic role.
Kociewie and Polish Cuisine
In Kociewie, Szandar is a traditional potato cake. It is served warm with onions and salad made from pickled cucumbers. For a broader culinary perspective, turn to Poland: pierogi are found throughout the country and made with a variety of fillings. Savoury versions may contain potatoes and cheese, cabbage and mushrooms, meat or vegetables; sweet fillings include, for example, curd cheese or fruit.
Bigos, occasionally translated as hunter’s stew, combines sauerkraut, various meats and plenty of spices. Kopytka are elongated dumplings. They are served with meat sauces or stews, or on their own, sprinkled with sugar and drizzled with melted butter. Polish potato pancakes are served with a variety of accompaniments, usually savoury; in some regions, they are also eaten with sweet cream and sugar. Polish broth is served with homemade noodles.
Desserts also vary by season: cheesecake, poppy seed cake and apple pie are considered leading Polish desserts. Poppy seed cake is most often eaten at Christmas and Easter. The culinary picture therefore ranges from the specific Szandar tradition in Kociewie to dishes and festive baked goods associated with Poland as a whole.
Plan Your Journey and Accommodation
For rail travel, one general point about Poland is useful: Intercity Express trains connect larger cities and do not stop at smaller stations. Check current connections and timetables before travelling. If you choose accommodation with rail access in mind, check it against your specific train connection before finalising your plans.
Discover more destinations: Starogard Gdański, Bytów, Słupsk, Puck, Wejherowo, Sztum, Kartuzy, Kwidzyn, Chojnice, Malbork, Kościerzyna, Gdańsk, Gdynia, Lębork, Nowy Dwór Gdański, Tczew, Człuchów, Sopot, Starogard County.
Go to the main travel overview: Poland.
