Discover Schneidemühl

• All of Piła County lies within the Noteć River basin.
• The Gwda crosses the western part of Piła County and flows into the Noteć at Ujście.
• Tourist rides operate on a restored 12 km section of the Wyrzyska District Railway.

On the Noteć, a kayak route runs from Osiek nad Notecią to Ujście; it is part of the Wielka Pętla Wielkopolski. In the wider destination of Greater Poland, this 688 km marked water route via the Warta and Noteć rivers, several lakes and two navigable canals offers another point of reference for waterway travelers.

The Rurzyca water route, also known as the John Paul II Kayak Trail, runs through several lakes and a wooded valley. The approximately 25 km route is planned to take about two days of paddling; only the final 4 km section of the Rurzyca lies in Piła County. The Łobżonka is scenic and difficult in places: 60 km of the river is navigable, and the trip takes two to three days. About 50 km of the Łobżonka runs through Piła County. For a comparison of time commitments, the Rurzyca is the shorter option; factor in the Łobżonka’s longer duration when planning your trip.

The “Dębowa Góra” forest cycling route is near Osiek nad Notecią and Wyrzysk and passes through the forests managed by the Kaczory Forest District. Its main yellow route is 9.2 km long. A longer cycling option, the 20 km “Smok” nature and history trail, passes through forests managed by the Kaczory Forest District. Bunkers, trenches, war cemeteries and a national memorial site lie along the route. These distances provide a concrete comparison; check conditions on the relevant trail before setting out.

The hiking trail network in Piła County also includes a 25 km route from the “Kuźnik” Nature Reserve via Dobrzyca and Stara Łubianka to Wiesiółka. When choosing, the difference between a cycling and hiking route matters as much as the distance: the Dębowa Góra main route is the shorter of the two cycling routes mentioned, while the Kuźnik route, as a hiking trail, requires its own planning.

The strictly protected blueberry willow (Salix myrtilloides) is among the plants found in the “Torfowisko Kaczory” nature reserve. Other protected and rare plant species also grow there. Piła County’s well-developed road network makes it easier to reach historic buildings and places of scenic and natural interest; specific route conditions may change.

The open-air museum in Osiek covers 13 hectares and features 28 buildings. The oldest dates from the 18th century and the newest from the early 20th century. In Piła, the Muzeum Okręgowe has collections of archaeology, ethnography, history and art. Its permanent exhibition of furniture and domestic interiors spans the late 18th to the early 20th century. This gives you the choice between an ensemble of historic buildings and a museum visit with a broader thematic scope.

The Marian Shrine in Górka Klasztorna is considered Poland’s oldest Marian pilgrimage site. An annual Passion Play is associated with the shrine; if you want to plan your trip around it, check the dates in advance. The Wyrzyska District Railway is considered a tourist attraction of Piła County. Tourist rides use a restored 12 km section; check operating arrangements before you travel.

First, consider whether your trip will focus more on paddling times, cycling and hiking trails, or museums. Then compare your planned visits with the location of accommodation that suits you, without equating route length with a specific travel time. For more detailed local planning, see the pages for Schneidemühl, Dobrzyca, Wysoka, Ujście and Wyrzysk. Discover more destinations: Śrem, Kępno and Pleszew.

How do the cycling routes differ in length?

The main yellow route at Dębowa Góra is 9.2 km long, while the “Smok” forest cycling route is 20 km. The latter combines nature and history and passes bunkers, trenches, war cemeteries and a national memorial site.

How do paddling times on the Rurzyca and Łobżonka compare?

The approximately 25 km Rurzyca route is planned to take about two days of paddling; only its final 4 km river section lies in Piła County. Allow two to three days for the 60 km navigable section of the Łobżonka; about 50 km of the river runs through Piła County.

What should you check before visiting?

Check the operating arrangements for tourist rides on the Wyrzyska District Railway and the dates of the annual Passion Play in advance. For cycling and hiking trails, it is a good idea to check conditions before setting out.

For the broader travel overview: Greater Poland.