Choszczeński: Cycling Routes, Cultural Heritage and Lake Klukom

Choszczno in Choszczeński combines cycling routes with medieval buildings and experiences at Lake Klukom. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the different highlights: in Choszczno, the church, defensive walls and town history take centre stage; for active days, there are several cycling routes of varying lengths and itineraries. Walking paths, running routes and fishing spots round out the options. When choosing your destination, you can weigh up whether you would most like to explore cultural heritage, get active or discover the city's recreational areas.

Cultural Heritage and Town History in Choszczno

The Roman Catholic Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 14th century. The church contains a ceramic relief of the Tree of Jesse depicting the genealogy of Christ and a 15th-century epitaph to the mayor Mikołaj Rebentisch. The building's history and works of art thus bring together several eras in one place.

The surviving fortifications also tell the story of the medieval town: the defensive walls date from the 14th and 15th centuries. At the corner of Piastowska and Wolności Streets, a Gothic tower belonging to the Barbakan outwork of the Stone Gate complex has been preserved. More recent historical landmarks include the water tower, built in 1903, and the railway station building, which opened in 1848.

The Muzeum Ziemi Choszczeńskiej preserves several hundred movable artefacts dating from the Stone Age to the present day; the current exhibition may change. Visits are possible only after an appointment has been confirmed in advance. Be sure to arrange your visit before travelling. Another perspective on the town's history can be found at the Aleja Gwiazd Kolarstwa Polskiego, unveiled in 2002.

Cycling, Walks and Recreation

There are cycling routes of varying lengths and with different endpoints to choose from. The marked Green Route is 16.7 kilometres long and runs from Choszczno to Recz. At 83 kilometres, “Rowerem po Ziemi Choszczeńskiej” is the main tourist cycling route in the municipality of Choszczno. Another option is the Trasa Pojezierzy Zachodnich: its 20-kilometre section runs from the southern to the northern boundary through the municipality. It is part of a 420-kilometre route from the border with the Federal Republic of Germany to Biały Bór. The length and itinerary can help you choose a route to match the kind of cycling trip you have in mind.

There are also various ways to spend time outdoors beyond cycling. Miejska Góra is a walking area with running routes. The original layout of the walking paths has been preserved in Moniuszki Park. A promenade runs along Lake Klukom in the centre of Choszczno; the lakeside recreation area also includes fishing spots. The Modry Las golf complex includes the 9-hole Orli Las course. These options offer different kinds of activities, from walking and running to fishing or golf.

A Broader Look at Powiat Choszczeński

Beyond Choszczno, Powiat Choszczeński offers further nature and cultural experiences. The county has numerous lakes and rivers, many of which are managed fishing waters. Drawieński National Park is a protected part of the ancient Drawsko Forest; in the wider context of the county, the park lies in the municipalities of Drawno and Bierzwnik. The marked walking trails in the municipality of Drawno, as well as in the national park and its surroundings, total 77 kilometres. These details refer to the wider region, not Choszczno alone.

Relics of a medieval Cistercian monastery complex have been preserved in Bierzwnik. The recurring event “3 Dni na Cysterskim Szlaku” was also held there. For the 2024 edition, guided tours of the monastery and archaeological sites are documented, accompanied by members of the association for the protection of Cistercian heritage. The monastery remains and tours are part of the broader regional cultural offering and complement the architectural history you can discover in Choszczno.

Places to help you get your bearings in Choszczeński also include Choszczno, Bonin, Kiełpino, Drawno, Łasko, Skrzaty, Dominikowo, Gostyczyn and Bierzwnik.

For the broader travel overview: West Pomerania.