Gostynin between lakes and urban history
Accommodation in Gostynin
Gostynin lies at the transition between the Kutno Plain, the Kuyavian Lake District and the Płock Basin, in the Skrwa Lewa catchment area. There are 60 lakes around the town, forming the geographical area of the Gostynin Lake District. There are also wooded areas, some of which are protected within the Gostynin-Włocławek Landscape Park. If you would like to combine nature, longer routes and insights into the town’s history, you will find different options here to help plan your trip.
Lake District and protected nature
Each nature reserve focuses on different features. Dolina Skrwy protects the landscape of the Skrwa Lewa gorge and a variety of forest communities, consisting mainly of oak-hornbeam forests. The Drzewce protected area preserves oak-hornbeam forest communities in the ancient valley of the Skrwa Lewa. Lubaty encompasses the natural landscape of Lake Lubaty, with the surrounding marshes and forests; part of the lake lies within the protected area. Lucień lies on the northern shore of Lake Lucieńskie and includes a 50-metre-wide belt of reeds as well as woodland. These varied landscape features can help you decide which natural areas to include in your interests during your stay.
Hiking trails and excursions
The green “Leśna pętla” hiking trail is 15.5 km long. It leads from the market square in Gostynin via Lake Bratoszewo, Brzozówka, Zalesie and Lake Gaśno to Gostynin railway station. The yellow “Szlak rynnowych jezior polodowcowych” trail also starts at the railway station: it runs past Lakes Kocioł and Czarne, Ziejkowa and Lake Przytomne towards Lake Skrzyneckie. If, instead of a route focused on Gostynin, you are considering a connection between towns, the southern section of the red “Bolesław Krzywousty” trail offers a route from Płock to Kutno that passes through Gostynin.
The town is also a central starting and finishing point for the local system of tourist cycling routes. Its circular routes explore the surrounding area. The Miniszlak Wielokulturowego Gostynina was established from July 2018 as a walkable city trail with 11 information boards at various locations around the town. The boards tell the stories of the Germans, Poles, Russians and Jews who once lived in Gostynin. When planning your trip, you can choose between longer hiking routes, cycling loops and a look at the town’s layered history.
Town history and special events
Several buildings make the town’s development tangible through their architectural forms and dates. The town hall was built between 1821 and 1824 and has a four-sided clock tower with an openwork crown. The former inn at Rynek 16 was built in the 1820s on Baroque foundations and cellars dating from the 18th century. The brick house at Floriańska 14 dates from 1828; its façade features two Tuscan columns. The Kramów at Floriańska 23 was built around 1927 as a modern urban market hall or set of stalls. The Tadeusz Kościuszko Secondary School building at 3 Maja 15 dates from 1904–1907. Its original architecture has been preserved, with the exception of the historic attic walls at the top. The Gostynin railway complex dates from 1924, when the railway line reached the town.
The Neo-Gothic Chapel of St James was built between 1883 and 1886. Every year, on the last Sunday in July, it hosts a traditional, lively indulgence fair in honour of the Apostle James. If you would like to plan around this event, schedule your trip for the last Sunday in July. Throughout the summer holidays, there is a supervised municipal outdoor swimming pool at the Bratoszewo water area on Dybanka Street, open daily from 10:00 to 18:00; pedal boats are also available free of charge.
Getting there and choosing accommodation
The Kutno–Płock–Sierpc railway line operated by Koleje Mazowieckie runs through Gostynin. For driving directions, note that the town is where Voivodeship Road 573 from Nowy Duninów to Żychlin, branch road 574 from Szczawin Borowy to Gąbin, and roads 265 to Kowal and 581 to Krośniewice meet. When looking for a hotel, holiday apartment or holiday home, you can first consider the kind of stay you are planning: one focused more on the routes and natural areas described above, on town history, or on a visit during the summer holidays. Which type of accommodation best suits your preferences for service, independence, space and meal planning is a separate decision for your trip.
For further orientation, you can also find the local pages for Zwoleń, Kamieniec, Solec and Gostynin here.
For the broader travel overview: Masovia.
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