Jaroty

Cycling and Hiking Around Jaroty

For almost its entire length, the Olsztyn–Zgniłocha cycling route passes through the forest complexes of the Puszcza Napiwodzko-Ramucka forest. Its course connects the starting point near the church in Jaroty with a longer route in the direction of Zgniłocha. Those planning to take the route can use its stated length of 24 kilometres as a guide when choosing their cycling itinerary.

The green-marked “Do źródeł Łyny” hiking trail is also in the nearby area of Jaroty. It is just under 50 kilometres long and heads towards the former village of Jaroty. The trail offers a different way to explore the area on foot, and its stated length is notably different from that of the cycling route. The two routes should be considered separate options: the cycling route is described as passing through forest complexes, while the hiking trail heads towards the former village.

Park and Skatepark

The park between Nagórki and Jaroty is in the nearby area of the destination and covers almost four hectares. Its illuminated paths are intended for walking and cycling. The park has terraces, barbecue areas, and a playground. Alongside the paths, it offers several different spaces for spending time outdoors; the playground is a particular attraction for families with children.

Another place to get active is Jaroty Skatepark. Its features include a mini ramp, bank ramps, grind boxes, and a quarter pipe. The facility was built on the site of a disused asphalt court next to a school and is a neighbourhood project funded by the Olsztyn Civic Budget. Skateboarding enthusiasts will find a facility with several specifically named obstacles and ramps, rather than just an open space.

The History of the School and Church

The Polish School in Jaroty operated from 1930 to 1939 in the family home of the Barczewski family. It was founded on the initiative of Józef Malewski and Jakub Barczewski. A commemorative plaque about the school’s activities was installed in 1957 on the surviving red-brick building of the former school. The former school building now houses a library and a therapeutic day centre.

Another historic trace is the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, dated to 1888–1889. It was incorporated into the present-day Church of Our Lady, Mother of the Church. The surviving red-brick building of the former school stands opposite the 19th-century chapel. In Jaroty, memories of the Polish school and the history of the chapel can therefore be found in neighbouring buildings.

A commemorative plaque in Jaroty also recalls the arrest of Wojciech Kętrzyński in 1863, after he supplied weapons to participants in the January Uprising. Together with the plaque on the former school building, it points to different chapters of the area’s history. For travellers who want to explore historical connections as well as cycling and leisure activities, this history offers a focus of its own.

Other nearby places to explore: Cerkiewnik, Dywity, Butryny, Adamowo, Zgnilocha, Gmina Gietrzwałd, Barczewo and Mierki.

For the wider travel overview: Olsztyn.