Karthaus: Discover Culture, Lakes and Trails

• The Gothic collegiate church dates from the 14th century; its Baroque roof is reminiscent of a coffin lid.
• The Franciszek Treder Kashubian Museum focuses on literature, language, material culture and regional history.
• The Promenada Asesora is a walking and cycling path by Lake Karczemne, with a lookout point.
• A Nordic walking route covers 8.4 km in about two hours, from Ławka Asesora to Kartuzy.

The collegiate church is a striking testament to the work of the Carthusian Order. It is considered one of Pomerania’s most valuable architectural monuments and is unique on a national scale. Its distinctive Baroque roof is shaped like a coffin lid. The shape symbolizes the Carthusian monks’ monastic way of life through the idea of memento mori—“remember death.” Architecture and the history of the order are therefore closely linked here.

At the Franciszek Treder Kashubian Museum in Kartuzy, you can discover different aspects of Kashubian heritage: literature and language as well as material culture, regional history and traditions. The exhibitions are spread across eight rooms in the main building. Exhibits include Bazyli’s smithy, the exhibition “Kaszubska współczesność z korzeni wyrasta” and temporary exhibitions. Alongside historical and everyday cultural themes, visitors can also see changing presentations.

The musical history of the collegiate church can also be traced over time: in 2008, the summer series of organ concerts was renamed “Kartuski Festiwal Muzyki Organowej i Kameralnej.” A total of 140 concerts were held there between 1983 and 2019.

The Promenada Asesora runs along the shore of Lake Karczemne as a walking and cycling path. It connects to Ławka Asesora, a lookout point overlooking Kartuzy. The promenade is a destination for many outings by locals and visitors. Another promenade by Lake Klasztorne Małe was created in 2020; it is a separate lakeside location, not a section of the Promenada Asesora.

The Arboretum Leśników Kartuskich, on the northwestern edge of the town, offers a different kind of nature experience. Covering 4.03 hectares, it includes parts of a managed forest more than 100 years old. Its collection contains 23 species and varieties of woody plants and more than 150 species of herbaceous plants and shrubs. A nature trail about one kilometre long runs through the arboretum. You can combine a walk through the botanical collection with the nature trail without mistaking either for a longer long-distance route.

Nordic walking route No. 1 has a specific estimated duration: the 8.4-kilometre route takes about two hours and runs from Ławka Asesora via Kosy and Bilowo to Kartuzy. The green Nordic walking route around Kartuzy also starts and ends at Ławka Asesora, but offers a different experience: it runs entirely through the forest, along wide paved paths and hilly terrain, and passes close to small woodland lakes. These descriptions help you distinguish a route with an approximate duration from one shaped more by forest and terrain.

For a longer route, the blue-marked Szlak Kartuski PTTK runs from Trójmiasto through the Kashubian Lake District to Kartuzy. A cycling route is also described: the nearly 26-kilometre, green-marked Kartuska Nature Bike Route. This cycling route should not be confused with the green Nordic walking route. Before planning, check the latest information on the Szlak Kartuski PTTK and Nordic walking route No. 1.

Kartuzy has a rail connection with Trójmiasto. If travelling by train is important to your plans, check the timetable in advance. A local landmark is the Tourist Information Centre at Brama Kaszubskiego Pierścienia, ul. Klasztorna 1, near the collegiate church. Before your visit, check its opening hours and the services currently offered.

When choosing accommodation, compare your planned priorities: would you like to explore the collegiate church and museum, include lakeside trails, or set aside time for forest and route options? Compare available accommodation locations with these plans and, if relevant, your train journey. This way, your search reflects your actual itinerary rather than a general idea of Karthaus.

Discover more destinations: Widlino, Zukowo, Borowo, Brodnica Górna, Dzierzazno, Garcz, Golubie, Goreczyno, Kaliska, Kamienica Krolewska, Kartuzy, Lapalice, Mirachowo, Pierszczewo, Prokowo, Sianowo, Sianowska Huta, Somonino, Reskowo, Miechucino, Ostrzyce, Przewóz, Kiełpino, Leźno, Brodnica Dolna, Kamienicki Mlyn, Lemany, Mezowo, Sznurki, Kielpino K Kartuz, Ręboszewo, Wyczechowo, Czeczewo, Miszewko, Długi Kierz, Puzdrowo, Łączyno, Załakowo, Delowo, Nowa Sikorska Huta, Tokary, Chmielno, Borucino, Przyjaźń, Banino, Smołdzino, Wiezyca, Suleczyno, Sikorzyno, Grzybno, Egiertowo, Kczewo, Starkowa Huta, Stare Czaple, Rąb, Sulmin and Zgorzałe.

What is special about the collegiate church in Karthaus?

It dates from the 14th century. Its Baroque, coffin-lid-shaped roof symbolizes the Carthusian monks’ monastic way of life through the words memento mori.

Which Nordic walking route has an approximate duration?

Route No. 1 covers 8.4 kilometres from Ławka Asesora via Kosy and Bilowo to Kartuzy; the estimated duration is about two hours.

What rail connection is there from Karthaus?

Kartuzy has a rail connection with Trójmiasto. Check the current timetable for your journey.

To the main travel overview: Pomerania.