Gwda Wielka can be explored through two specific themes: the river stretch on the “Pętla Szczecinecka” kayak route and a historical connection dating back to around 1590. The wider destination of Neustettin offers additional nature, hiking, and cultural themes.

Kayak Route and Local History in Gwda Wielka

The stretch of the Gwda from Lake Studnica to the confluence of the Dołga in Gwda Wielka is part of the “Pętla Szczecinecka” kayak route. This links a specific section of the river to the named route. A kayak landing stage on the river was also upgraded as part of a leisure and tourism infrastructure project. Before setting out, check both current river conditions and whether the landing stage is accessible.

Local history also has a precisely dated point of reference: a half-timbered church already stood in Gwda Wielka around 1590. At the same time, Jakobus Matthäi was appointed the first pastor. This information describes the church that existed then; it does not establish whether that earlier building has survived.

Nature and Trails in the Wider Destination of Neustettin

The Gmina Szczecinek is located in the Drawskie Lakeland. The “Jeziora Szczecineckie” protected landscape area lies within the gmina. Bagno Kusowo is also located in the gmina: the raised bog covers about 300 ha and is considered one of Poland’s largest and best-preserved Baltic raised bogs. Another nature feature is the 49.4 ha “Jezioro Kiełpino” water and flora protection area, which protects relict aquatic plants.

The “Wielkie Błoto” nature and forest educational trail lies on the southern shore of Lake Wierzchowo, southeast of Wierzchowo. It includes five information boards, a wooden walkway over the bog, and an observation tower. These facilities set the trail apart from a simple route: its description includes information, a walkway, and a viewpoint. Check the condition of the facilities before visiting.

The routes also differ considerably in scale. The red-marked “Szlak Wzniesień Moreny Czołowej” hiking trail is 161 km long and passes through the Gmina Szczecinek. The red-marked “Szczecineckie Jeziora” cycling route is 65.1 km long and passes through Spore, Stare Wierzchowo, Wierzchowo, Trzebiechowo, Kusowo, and Dalęcino. The cycling route is therefore considerably shorter than the hiking trail; the distances help with comparing their scale but do not determine a day’s itinerary. Confirm the cycling route’s length and course locally before travelling. The hiking route’s markings and condition may change, so it is also advisable to check them before setting out.

Buildings, a Mural, and a Summer Event

Trzebiechowo’s historic heritage includes a palace complex dating from the second half of the 19th century. The village is also home to a church dedicated to Our Lady of Częstochowa, dating from the third quarter of the 19th century. The two buildings represent distinct historical periods within the same village.

Other churches shape the cultural themes of the wider destination of Neustettin: the Church of the Assumption of Mary in Wierzchowo dates from the 18th century. The Holy Family Church in Spore was built between 1859 and 1865, and the All Saints’ Church in Wilcze Laski dates from 1894. The “Przewodzi Partia” mural, created in 1975, is also still visible in Wierzchowo. Since its visibility may change, check its condition before visiting.

The annual aviation picnic in Wilcze Laski takes place during the summer holidays. The exact dates vary. If the picnic is important to your travel plans, check the date for the relevant year.

Discover more destinations: Dziki, Stettin, Pogodno, Nowe Gonne, Malechowo

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Stettin.