Gwda Wielka: Kayak Route and Local History

• The section of the Gwda River from Lake Studnica to its confluence with the Dołga in Gwda Wielka is part of the “Pętla Szczecinecka” kayak route.
• A half-timbered church already stood in Gwda Wielka around 1590; at that time, Jakobus Matthäi was appointed the first pastor.
• As part of a leisure and tourism infrastructure project, a kayak landing site on the river was developed in Gwda Wielka.

The exact stretch of river matters for the kayak route: the “Pętla Szczecinecka” includes the Gwda from Lake Studnica to its confluence with the Dołga in Gwda Wielka. If you are planning your trip around this kayaking connection, you can factor the described stretch into your plans.

A kayak landing site on the river was also developed as part of a leisure and tourism infrastructure project. Check current local conditions before using it.

The historical record for Gwda Wielka goes back to around 1590: a half-timbered church already stood there at that time, and Jakobus Matthäi was appointed the first pastor. Both details date to the same period and provide a concrete connection between the town’s history, its church and community life.

Historic buildings in the broader destination of Szczecinek add to this local perspective. In Trzebiechowo, a palace complex includes buildings from the second half of the 19th century; there is also a church dedicated to Our Lady of Częstochowa, dating from the third quarter of the 19th century.

The “Jeziora Szczecineckie” Protected Landscape Area lies within the Szczecinek municipality, in the broader destination of Szczecinek. Bagno Kusowo is considered one of Poland’s largest and best-preserved Baltic raised bogs and covers about 300 hectares. On the southern shore of Lake Wierzchowo, southeast of Wierzchowo, the “Wielkie Błoto” nature and forest education trail runs through the bog along a wooden boardwalk; the route includes five information boards and an observation tower. Check the condition of these facilities before visiting.

In the broader destination of Szczecinek, the red-marked “Szlak Wzniesień Moreny Czołowej” hiking trail runs through the Szczecinek municipality and is 161 kilometres long. The red-marked “Szczecineckie Jeziora” cycling route is 65.1 kilometres long and passes through Spore, Stare Wierzchowo, Wierzchowo, Trzebiechowo, Kusowo and Dalęcino. The routes therefore differ in both length and type; before travelling, it may be useful to check their current courses and waymarking.

Seasonal cultural events are also part of the region: the aviation picnic takes place in Wilcze Laski every year during the summer holidays. Check the specific event dates before planning your trip.

If you are looking for a hotel in Gwda Wielka, first consider whether kayaking and local history are the main focus of your trip, or whether you also want to include attractions in the broader destination of Szczecinek. This distinction helps you consider local attractions in Gwda Wielka separately from regional hiking, cycling and nature experiences.

Discover more destinations: Dziki, Szczecin, Malechowo, Pogodno, Nowe Gonne.

Which section of the Gwda is part of the “Pętla Szczecinecka” kayak route?

It is the section from Lake Studnica to the Gwda’s confluence with the Dołga in Gwda Wielka.

What is known about the church in Gwda Wielka?

A half-timbered church already stood in Gwda Wielka around 1590. At that time, Jakobus Matthäi was appointed the first pastor.

What does the “Wielkie Błoto” nature and forest education trail include?

The trail, located in the broader destination of Szczecinek on the southern shore of Lake Wierzchowo, includes five information boards, a wooden boardwalk across the bog and an observation tower. Check the condition of the facilities before visiting.

For the broader travel overview: Szczecin.