Neustettin Between Lakes, Marshes and Cultural Heritage
Accommodation in Neustettin
Neustettin (Szczecinek) can be viewed from various angles as you plan your trip: landscape, trails and cultural history each add their own distinctive touch. Geographically, the Gmina Szczecinek is located in the Drawsko Lake District. Protected natural areas and lakes meet hiking and cycling trails here; historic churches and a castle add to the experience. This can help you decide whether you would like to focus your stay more on nature watching, outdoor activities or culture.
File:Szczecinek j Trzesiecko wyciag nart wodnych.jpg
Photo: Maciek r. drewniak via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Lakes, Marshes and Protected Landscapes
One striking natural area is Bagno Kusowo. The raised bog covers about 300 hectares and is described as one of Poland’s largest and best-preserved Baltic raised bogs. If you are interested in bog landscapes, it offers a tangible example of the natural side of the Gmina Szczecinek. Another aspect of conservation can be seen in the 49.4-hectare Jezioro Kiełpino water and flora protection area, where relict aquatic plants are protected. The Jeziora Szczecineckie Protected Landscape Area is also part of the Gmina.
The lakes in the region also vary in scale. Lake Wielimie covers 17.9 square kilometres and lies partly within the Gmina Szczecinek. On Lake Wierzchowo, southeast of Wierzchowo, the “Wielkie Błoto” nature and forest educational trail runs along the southern shore. Its features include five information boards, a wooden walkway across the bog and an observation tower. The trail combines information about the landscape with a route through the marshland.
Exploring on Foot or by Bike
For a longer hike, the red-marked “Szlak Wzniesień Moreny Czołowej,” which is 161 kilometres long, passes through the Gmina Szczecinek. The “Szczecineckie Jeziora” cycling route is also marked red and is 65.1 kilometres long. Its described route passes through Spore, Stare Wierzchowo, Wierzchowo, Trzebiechowo, Kusowo and Dalęcino. At 161 kilometres, the hiking route is considerably longer than the 65.1-kilometre cycling route. Which one suits your trip depends on how you would like to spend your time outdoors.
Churches, a Castle and a Mural
The area’s architectural history can be seen in several places. In Trzebiechowo, the castle complex includes buildings dating 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 same century. In Wierzchowo, the 18th-century Church of the Assumption of Mary adds to this historical perspective. The Church of the Holy Family in Spore was built between 1859 and 1865; the All Saints’ Church in Wilcze Laski dates from 1894. These different dates can help you put places in context not only by their landscape but also by their architectural history.
The “Przewodzi Partia” mural in Wierzchowo tells a different chapter of the area’s history. It was created in 1975 and is still visible. Between churches built over several centuries and this mural lie different forms of cultural heritage: sacred architecture, a castle complex and a work from the 20th century. This makes it possible to complement a stay in nature with specific cultural and historical themes.
Seasonal Events and Clear Conditions
The aviation picnic in Wilcze Laski takes place every year during the summer holidays. The dates may vary, so the holiday period is the appropriate timeframe for planning. At Lake Wierzchowo, recreational fishing has been governed by a new order issued by the village head since 24 February 2026 and is permitted only from the shore. If you would like to combine your trip with fishing or an event, these details are useful starting points for further planning.
Places in the Region
Spore, Stare Wierzchowo, Pilawa, Borne Sulinowo, Silnowo, Drezno, Sitno, Lubowo, Szczecinek, Rakowo, Krągi, Sępolno Wielkie
For the broader travel overview: West Pomerania.
