Easy hikes and walks around Świecie

The Water Gate is one of the four gates in the defensive wall of old Grudziądz, surrounded by these walls since the city's location in 1291. It led to the Vistula port and mill. Built at the beginning of the 14th century. It is the only city gate preserved to our times. It was used to enter the city and the castle from the side of the then port square, i.e. the Vistula Meadows. Previously, it was closed at night by a wooden gate reinforced with iron, which defended access to the city. It was burned down in 1659 and in 1945. After World War II, it was thoroughly restored. Currently, it houses the city museum.

The oldest part of Grudziądz, existing even before the city's charter in 1291 under Kulm Law. It includes the former 13th-century town of Grudziądz within the former city walls, along with Castle Hill.

Chełmno A bit poor, quiet and in places neglected, but it has something about it that makes you want to return. I'm here every year or two and with each visit I like it more and more. It is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Poland. To this day, its 13th-century urban layout has survived almost intact, and over two kilometers of defensive walls are among the best preserved in the country. A walk along them and through the narrow streets gives a much better idea of a medieval town than many history lessons. The center had a huge impact on the development of urban planning and self-governance in this part of Europe. It was from here that the order began to organize the administration of the conquered lands, and the town became a model for subsequent settlements. In 1233, the Teutonic Knights granted it the so-called Chełmno Law – a medieval "city user manual" that defined the principles of self-governance, trade, and justice. The solution proved so practical that over 200 towns and about 1500 villages in the territory of present-day Poland were later founded according to Chełmno Law. Chełmno is called the City of Lovers. All thanks to the relics of St. Valentine kept in the parish church. It's worth sitting down for a coffee in the market square and just watching. There are no crowds here like in Toruń or Gdańsk, but there is peace and the atmosphere of a small town that doesn't need to prove anything. If I had to point out the most charming small town in Kuyavia and the Chełmno Land, Chełmno would be very high on this list.

Mukrza Lake

Very nice camping site close to the beach. The reception is at the building close to the sea, while the pitches lies at a secured area some meters before. Clean toilets and nice pitches in trees.

Cute town to walk around. Had a nice meal at the restaurant in the corner called Loft. There is a bench to sit down and enjoy some time with Copernicus.

Even the little birds in the forest need a roof over their heads 😉

A combination of two buildings from different eras: a brick medieval gate with an added Baroque chapel above (!) the road. Unfortunately, due to moisture and lack of security, the chapel above the road is inaccessible. Note the unusual Pietà on the road (Mary with raised arms, not embracing the body).