Godziszewo: Lake, Styna and History

Godziszewo lies on the Styna and beside the extensive Lake Godziszewskie. The lake extends across the villages of Godziszewo, Demlin and Obozin. Recreation and leisure activities are available by the water; the Styna is also a fishing water. In these different ways, the lake and river shape the character of the area.

The landscape is hilly, with numerous rises and depressions. Its landforms date back to the Baltic glaciation. At 105.7 m above sea level, Święta Góra is the highest point in Godziszewo. Two main roads run through the area: the Starogard Gdański–Gdańsk route runs from south to north, while the Skarszewy–Tczew route runs from west to east.

Lake Godziszewskie offers recreation and leisure activities by the water. Those interested in exploring the landscape on foot can also take the northern section of the Jezior-Kociewskich Trail. Marked in red, it is 38.2 km long and runs between Skarszewy and Starogard Gdański. At kilometre 11.5, it passes Lake Godziszewskie, and at kilometre 11.6, the Styna.

The stated length refers to the entire trail section mentioned. When planning, it is therefore important to distinguish this distance from the two marked points by the lake and river. The different landscape features also provide a sense of direction: this trail section connects a lake with a river, while Godziszewo’s hilly terrain is shaped by rises and depressions.

The Styna is also of interest to those who enjoy water-based activities: from Lake Godziszewskie to its mouth, it is significant for fishing. There are three fishing districts along it, and the entire Styna is a fishing water. This means that the leisure opportunities at the lake complement the river’s importance for fishing, although the two bodies of water do not have the same character.

The Church of St. John of Nepomuk was built in 1748 as a single-nave Baroque building on a small hill. Its original Rococo interior is among the most valuable in Kociewie. The vestibule contains a Renaissance tomb monument to Jan Wiesiołowski and his wife, Justyna z Branickich. The building’s design, interior and tomb monument offer different insights into the history of the area.

The history of settlement here goes back a long way: finds of hand-formed pottery suggest that a settlement may already have existed here in the 8th century, in the early Middle Ages. Godziszewo is one of the oldest settlements in Pomerania. Former mill-related structures also survive along the Styna. A Roman Catholic cemetery dating from the beginning of the 20th century is listed in the register of monuments.

The activities mentioned appeal to different interests: the lake offers leisure by the water, the marked trail combines a nature experience with a longer route, and the church, tomb monument and former mill buildings add a cultural perspective on Godziszewo. The roads running through the area also provide geographical orientation between the places mentioned, but do not indicate specific travel times.

To compare profiles of other places, you can also visit Suchobrzeźnica, Skorcz, Kokoszkowy, Wilcze Błota, Siwialka, Borzechowo, Starogard Gdański and Studzienice.

Which villages does Lake Godziszewskie lie within?

Lake Godziszewskie lies within the villages of Godziszewo, Demlin and Obozin.

How long is the northern section of the Jezior-Kociewskich Trail?

The red-marked section between Skarszewy and Starogard Gdański is 38.2 km long. At kilometre 11.5, it passes Lake Godziszewskie, and at kilometre 11.6, the Styna.

What historic buildings and sites are there in Godziszewo?

They include the Church of St. John of Nepomuk, built in 1748, with its Rococo interior; the Renaissance tomb monument in its vestibule; former mill-related structures along the Styna; and a cemetery dating from the beginning of the 20th century.

For the wider travel overview: Preußisch Stargard.