Dziki was founded on a moraine hill between Lakes Dzicze and Remierzewo, in marshy, wooded terrain. The landscape, trails and village history give the place its different facets. Lake Dzicze lies at the foot of the village, at 141.6 m above sea level. It covers 14.5 ha and is 2.8 m deep.

Lakeside landscape and trails

The red “Szlak Wzniesień Moreny Czołowej” hiking trail is 161 km long and passes through Dziki. Its route goes around Lake Dzicze and then continues into the village. Another option is the yellow-marked “Zaczarowane Pejzaże” cycling route, which is 51.7 km long and also passes through Dziki. The two routes differ considerably in length; the lake and village are part of the described route of the hiking trail. Check the trail markings locally before setting out.

The bodies of water also form a connection of their own: the Płytnica River flows through Lake Dzicze, which lies at the foot of the village. Together with Lakes Rymierzewo, Przełęg and Kniewo, Dzicze forms a canoeing route. Thus, alongside the marked walking and cycling trails, several connected lakes are also key points for finding your way around. When planning, it helps to consider the type of trip and the specific section, rather than relying solely on a route’s total length.

Village history and notable details

The original settlement was located to protect the salt route that ran through the area at the time. According to tradition, Mr Schulte of Czarne founded the settlement in 1560. The village’s history thus links a specific account of its founding with the former importance of the route through the area.

Another historical detail is the school building in Dziki. It still stands almost unchanged and probably dates back to well before 1900. A Christian cross is set into the brick façade at its apex. Here, the building, façade material and cross are closely connected; the assumed early date of construction remains an estimate. These details give the village’s history a tangible point of reference, without implying that visitors can enter the building.

Neustettin as the wider destination

Beyond Dziki, the wider destination of Neustettin offers further nature-related attractions. The Szczecinek Municipality lies in the Drawskie Lake District; the “Jeziora Szczecineckie” protected landscape area is located within the municipality. Bagno Kusowo is also located there: the raised bog covers about 300 ha and is considered one of Poland’s largest and best-preserved Baltic raised bogs. These landscape features belong to the wider destination of Neustettin, not to the description of the village of Dziki.

Another natural attraction in the wider destination of Neustettin is the “Wielkie Błoto” nature and forest educational trail on the southern shore of Lake Wierzchowo, southeast of Wierzchowo. The trail features five information boards, a wooden boardwalk over the bog and an observation tower. Check the condition of the site locally before your visit.

The region’s architectural history can also be explored across the wider destination of Neustettin. The Church of the Assumption of Mary, dating from the 18th century, stands in Wierzchowo. The Holy Family Church in Spore dates from 1859 to 1865, and the All Saints Church in Wilcze Laski from 1894. These examples complement Dziki’s village history with distinct historical sites elsewhere in the wider destination.

Discover more destinations: Pogodno, Malechowo, Stettin, Nowe Gonne, Gwda Wielka

Back to the wider travel overview: Stettin.