Schneidemühl: Rivers, Forests and Regional Discoveries

Schneidemühl (Piła) can be explored through its river landscapes, forest trails and regional history. The Powiat pilski lies entirely within the Noteć river basin. The Gwda flows through the western part of the Powiat pilski and joins the Noteć at Ujście. This offers a choice of different themes for planning excursions: paddling routes with varying time requirements, paths through forests and historic sites.

Paddling the waterways

The kayaking route on the Noteć runs from Osiek nad Notecią to Ujście and is part of the Wielka Pętla Wielkopolski. The Rurzyca route, around 25 kilometres long and also known as the John Paul II kayaking route, passes through several lakes and a wooded valley; about two days of paddling are planned for it. Only the final four-kilometre section of the Rurzyca runs within the Powiat pilski.

The Łobżonka is a scenic kayaking route that is difficult in places. The river is navigable for 60 kilometres, a distance that takes two to three days. Within the Powiat pilski, the Łobżonka runs for about 50 kilometres. The figures therefore distinguish between the total navigable length and the section within the Powiat. Check the conditions along the route before setting out.

Forest trails, hiking and railways

The “Dębowa Góra” forest cycling route is near Osiek nad Notecią and Wyrzysk and runs through the forests managed by the Kaczory Forest District. Its yellow main route is 9.2 kilometres long. The 20-kilometre “Smok” forest cycling route focuses on nature and history: along the way are bunkers, trenches, war cemeteries and a national memorial. The “Torfowisko Kaczory” nature reserve protects, among other species, the strictly protected creeping willow (Salix myrtilloides), as well as other protected and rare plant species.

The Powiat pilski’s network of hiking trails includes a 25-kilometre route from the “Kuźnik” nature reserve via Dobrzyca and Stara Łubianka to Wiesiółka. The Wyrzyska Kolejka Powiatowa is considered a tourist attraction of the Powiat pilski; tourist rides operate on a restored 12-kilometre section. Check the operating arrangements before your trip.

Museums, history and pilgrimage

The open-air museum in Osiek covers 13 hectares and features 28 buildings. The oldest dates from the 18th century, the newest from the early 20th century. In Piła, the Muzeum Okręgowe offers a different perspective on the region: its collections cover archaeology, ethnography, history and art. The permanent exhibition is devoted to furniture and domestic interiors from the late 18th to the early 20th century.

The Marian Shrine in Górce Klasztorne is considered Poland’s oldest Marian pilgrimage site. For a different historical perspective, look to the nearby area: construction of the narrow-gauge railway network around Wyrzysk and Białośliwie was commissioned by local landowners in 1893. Together, these topics complement the museums with religious and technological history.

Planning your stay

The Powiat pilski’s well-developed road network makes it easier to reach historic buildings as well as places of scenic and natural interest. It does not provide specific journey times, so the details of each route are useful for planning. The 9.2-kilometre yellow main route near Osiek nad Notecią and Wyrzysk, the 20-kilometre “Smok” route and the multi-day waterways involve very different time commitments. You can choose excursions to suit your stay based on their themes and stage lengths.

Discover more destinations: Schneidemühl, Dobrzyca, Wysoka, Ujście, Wyrzysk, Schildberg, Colmar, Gostyn.

Return to the main travel overview: Greater Poland.