Biesal

• The railway complex was built between 1871 and 1873 in connection with the construction of the Thorn–Insterburg main line and was entered in the heritage register in 2012.
• The Black Cycling Route starts and ends in Biesal; its stated length is 15.6 kilometres.
• The “Śladami leśnych osad” cycling route starts at the bus stop in Biesal. It has stated options of 17 or 19 kilometres, with a journey time of two to two and a half hours at a leisurely pace.
• Biesal is on the Toruń–Olsztyn railway line. A local tourist information source lists the train as one way to reach the starting point of the Black Cycling Route.

The Biesal railway complex was built between 1871 and 1873 in connection with the construction of the so-called Thorn–Insterburg main line. It was added to the heritage register in 2012. Alongside the station building, the complex includes a water tower with a pumping station and storage room, a well and a freight forwarding building. It also includes residential buildings with outbuildings, an access road and adjoining green spaces. The green spaces are near the station building, the water tower and the level crossing on the road to Podlejki.

The station building is made of brick on a stone foundation; original window and door fittings have been preserved. The building therefore offers a chance to see both its construction and surviving details. Access to the interiors is restricted, however: visits can be arranged with the respective owners and users. The ground floor of the station building is the exception and is generally accessible. Access arrangements may change, so check them before your visit.

The former Protestant chapel is also part of Biesal’s history. It was built in 1924 on land donated by the estate owner Hugo Striewski. After the Second World War, the chapel became the property of the Catholic Church. A simple soldier’s grave dating from 1945 is located in the adjacent cemetery.

Another historical trace is the several surviving detached houses from the interwar period. They are known as “kochówki” or “zydlung.” Together with the railway complex, these buildings reflect different chapters of local history: development around the railway, interwar houses and the post-war change in ownership of the chapel.

The Black Cycling Route runs from Biesal via Tomaryny, Śródka, Guzowy Piec, Salminek and Jadaminy, then returns to Biesal. The stated route length is 15.6 kilometres. Another option is “Śladami leśnych osad”: this cycling route starts at the bus stop in Biesal and initially follows an asphalt road through the village. It has stated options of 17 or 19 kilometres. The route includes surfaced forest roads that are sandy in places.

At a leisurely pace, “Śladami leśnych osad” is said to take two to two and a half hours. This time estimate applies to this route, not the Black Cycling Route. The lengths can also be compared directly: at 15.6 kilometres, the Black Cycling Route is shorter than both stated options for the other route. Check current route conditions before setting out.

The “Ścieżkami mazurskiej puszczy” cycling route also completes its loop in Biesal. A 2021 cultural guide also describes Route 5 as a 23-kilometre car or cycling trip from Gietrzwałd via Tomaryny, Biesal and Guzowy Młyn, returning to Gietrzwałd. This route therefore covers a different area from those that start in Biesal.

The location on the Toruń–Olsztyn railway line is relevant when planning how to reach the starting point of the Black Cycling Route: a local tourist information source lists the train as one option. Check the current timetable before travelling. It is also a good idea to check the conditions on each cycling route before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Swaderki, Łajs, Tumiany, Włodowo, Nowe Kawkowo, Dorotowo, Myki, Pluski.

Can you access the interiors of the railway complex?

Visits to the interiors can be arranged with the respective owners and users. The ground floor of the station building is the exception and is generally accessible. Check access arrangements before your visit.

How do the cycling routes differ in length?

The Black Cycling Route is 15.6 kilometres long. “Śladami leśnych osad” has stated options of 17 or 19 kilometres; the stated journey time of two to two and a half hours at a leisurely pace applies to this route.

Which route passes through Tomaryny and Guzowy Młyn?

A 2021 cultural guide describes Route 5 as a car or cycling trip from Gietrzwałd via Tomaryny, Biesal and Guzowy Młyn, returning to Gietrzwałd. The stated length is 23 kilometres.

For the main travel overview: Olsztyński.