Lakes, hiking and cycling routes, and St. Lawrence’s Church give Gutkowo several specific highlights for a stay. For planning purposes, the bodies of water and their individual features are easy to distinguish.

Ukiel and Redykajny Lakes

In the northwest of Olsztyn, Lake Ukiel lies between the districts of Dajtki, Gutkowo and Likusy. With an area of 412 hectares and a depth of 43 metres, it is the city’s largest and deepest lake. Lake Redykajny lies on the boundary between Gutkowo and Redykajny and is Olsztyn’s northernmost body of water.

There are several natural, unguarded beaches at Lake Redykajny, accessible via forest paths through pine woods. Near the lake, the Redykajny Nature Reserve protects wetlands and their vegetation. While Lake Ukiel is distinguished primarily by its size and depth, Lake Redykajny is characterised by its location on the district boundary and the beach access described here. You can choose what to focus on according to which of these specific features interests you.

Gutkowo’s history is also connected with recreation by the water: during the interwar period, the village served in part as a recreational destination for Olsztyn; an excursion boat used to operate here.

Hiking and Cycling

According to its route description, the black Alojzy Śliwa Hiking Trail is 18.5 kilometres long and Olsztyn’s longest hiking trail. Its length and ranking may change if routes are revised. The trail is named after Alojzy Śliwa (1885–1969), a Warmian poet, prose writer, publicist and social activist. From the Gutkowo section, the route continues towards the former village of Łupstych on Lake Ukiel. It then follows a forest path along the shore towards the Dajtki district.

Another option on two wheels is the 21.9-kilometre Dywity–Barkweda–Dywity cycling route. It is a leisure and sightseeing route that passes through Redykajny and Gutkowo. The “Szlakiem olsztyńskich jezior” cycling tour follows a cycle path along the shore of Lake Ukiel and passes Zatoka Kopernika (Gutkowska). These details describe different routes and activities; the distances given do not indicate how long either the ride or walk takes.

Ataman Stud Farm in Gutkowo offers riding lessons. Check the current terms of the offer before visiting. You should also check current trail conditions before a bike ride or setting out on the hiking trail.

St. Lawrence’s Church and Local History

The late Gothic St. Lawrence’s Church is built of red brick on a stone plinth. It was built between 1375 and 1400 and is one of Olsztyn’s oldest architectural monuments; only St. James’s Church in the city centre is older. The church’s ornate brick-and-timber tower dates from 1778.

The furnishings also feature many specific details: the altars, pulpit, organ, confessional and holy water stoup are Baroque in style. The main altar and side altars from the 18th century have been preserved. In 2007, work began to uncover medieval wall paintings beneath the plaster.

A cemetery lies directly beside the church, where Alojzy Śliwa is among those buried. His name links this place with the hiking trail of the same name, which continues through Gutkowo towards Łupstych and Dajtki.

Discover more destinations: Biesówko, Barczewo, Przykop, Jeziorany, Maróz, Skolity, Purda, Gmina Gietrzwałd

Return to the main travel overview: Olsztyn.