Stare Wierzchowo on the Gwda

Stare Wierzchowo combines a distinctive piece of architectural history with routes along the Gwda. The Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel, a restored half-timbered cottage, and several documented cycling and kayaking routes give the place its own character. When planning your holiday, it is therefore worth looking at two different aspects: the historic architecture in the village and the routes that lead through the surrounding landscape.

Architectural history at the church

The Neo-Baroque Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel was built in 1928. A half-timbered church, built in 1757 and donated by the estate owner at the time, Jurgen Hans von Zarten, previously stood on the same site. The two building phases at this location are marked by the years 1757 and 1928.

Details of the present building also shape its appearance: the church tower is built in half-timber from the level of the upper floor and is topped with an onion dome and lantern. Inside, a wooden ceiling with its original polychrome decoration has been preserved. Together, these features give the church more than a single historical date: the half-timbering, roof shape, and painted ceiling offer different points of interest for anyone interested in architectural forms and the furnishings of older churches. A restored half-timbered cottage adds to the architectural character of Stare Wierzchowo.

The Gwda and routes on the water

Stare Wierzchowo lies on the Gwda. The “Gwda” kayaking route passes through the village between Jezioro Wierzchowo and Jezioro Smolęsko. The connection between the river and the two named lakes is a specific reference point for planning a route. The 61.4-kilometre “Pętla Szczecinecka” kayaking route also passes through Stare Wierzchowo.

A stone-and-brick bridge over the Gwda is another easily recognisable feature of the area. There are suitable spots on both sides for a short stop or to start a paddling trip. Here, a structure on the river and practical guidance for a trip come together. If you would like to divide your time between local history and outdoor activities, the church and river routes offer different thematic focuses; no specific duration or order follows from this.

Cycling through Stare Wierzchowo

Cyclists also have a named route to consider: the red-marked “Szczecineckie Jeziora” cycling route is 65.1 kilometres long and passes through Stare Wierzchowo. Its markings and overall length help you gauge it as a longer ride; the village is one part of the route described. Unlike the kayaking routes, this route focuses on cycling. If you plan your trip around your preferred way of getting around, you can distinguish between the Gwda and the kayaking routes on the one hand and the marked cycling route on the other.

Neustettin as a wider travel destination

Stare Wierzchowo is part of the wider travel destination of Neustettin. There are other, separate themes to explore as part of a regional itinerary: in Trzebiechowo, a palace complex includes buildings from the second half of the 19th century; the village is also home to a church from the third quarter of the same century, dedicated to Our Lady of Częstochowa. These places broaden the picture of Neustettin, but their buildings are not features of Stare Wierzchowo.

Another attraction within the wider travel destination is the “Wielkie Błoto” nature and forest educational trail on the south shore of Lake Wierzchowo, southeast of Wierzchowo. It includes five information boards, a wooden footbridge over the marsh, and an observation tower. This trail is also a separate regional attraction and should not be confused with a circular route through Stare Wierzchowo. The different highlights—the church and river in the village, other architectural history, and nature attractions in the wider Neustettin area—provide a factual basis for choosing your preferred starting point for the trip.

Discover more places

You can also include Rakowo, Lubowo, Krągi, Silnowo, Drezno, Szczecinek, Borne Sulinowo and Sępolno Wielkie in your search for a suitable destination.

See the overview of the wider travel destination: Neustettin.