Kiełpino is considered a small village in the heart of Kashubia. The parish church of Saint Michael the Archangel and a kayaking route that ends in the village offer two concrete focal points for a stay; to the north are Małe Jezioro and Duże Kiełpino, two glacial lakes. This lets you decide in advance whether architectural history or time by the water will be the focus.
Church and Local History
The parish church of Saint Michael the Archangel was built in 1647. Organs were installed there in 1879 and still serve the parish today. A further phase of construction followed in 1926: the church gained a transept, a polygonal chancel, a chapel and a sacristy. The three dates bring distinct stages of its history into focus. Check access arrangements in advance if you plan to visit the church.
The former inn on Długa Street is another chapter in the village's history. Built in the late 19th century, it served as an inn until 1944 and is now used as a residence. Its historical layout included a ballroom, a dining room, a kitchen, a pantry, rooms for the owners and guest rooms. The combination of halls, a kitchen and guest rooms gives a vivid picture of how the inn once operated.
Radunia, Lakes and Kayaking
For those interested in nature and water, the lakes north of the village and the Radunia offer different points of interest. The approximately 15 km stretch of the Radunia from Ostrzyce to Kiełpino is considered particularly scenic and is suitable for people who appreciate nature and tranquillity. The Ostrzyce–Kiełpino kayaking route ends in Kiełpino at a convenient landing place with a spot to rest after your water adventure.
A nature-based kayaking experience is also offered in Kiełpino: KAJACZKOWO describes it as taking place among the trees and on the water. If you plan to take up this offer, check the provider's details before booking. For your travel plans, you can consider separately the described route ending in Kiełpino and the nature experience offered in the village.
Cultural Highlights in the Broader Destination of Kartuzy
In the broader destination of Kartuzy, the town offers its own cultural attractions. Its Gothic collegiate church dates from the 14th century, is considered one of Pomerania's most valuable architectural monuments and is unique on a national scale. Its Baroque roof, shaped like a coffin lid, symbolizes the Carthusian monks' monastic ideal of life with the words “memento mori” — “Remember that you must die.”
The Franciszek Treder Kashubian Museum in Kartuzy presents literature, material culture, language, as well as regional history and traditions. The exhibits are displayed in eight galleries in the main building. The exhibition areas mentioned include Bazyli's forge, “Kaszubska współczesność z korzeni wyrasta” and temporary exhibitions.
Routes and Getting Around Kartuzy
The Promenada Asesora is also part of the broader destination of Kartuzy: in the town, it runs along the shore of Jezioro Karczemne as a walking and cycling path and is linked to the Ławka Asesora, which serves as a viewpoint over Kartuzy. The green Nordic walking route around Kartuzy also starts and ends at the Ławka Asesora. It runs entirely through the forest, along wide, surfaced paths and hilly terrain, and passes close to small woodland lakes.
Kartuzy has a rail connection with Trójmiasto. If this connection is part of your travel plans, check the current timetable before travelling.
Choose a Hotel for Your Stay
Discover more destinations: Czeczewo, Miechucino, Delowo, Przewóz, Sikorzyno, Miszewko, Brodnica Górna, Ostrzyce
Return to the broader travel overview: Kartuzy.
