My name is Alan and I believe that the most valuable things in life are free. When considering where to go on a day trip in Greater Poland, I often come to the conclusion that the most important journey takes place just outside the city, on a forest path. Cutting yourself off from digital noise and a lavishly set table is a real luxury in Poland, so I will take you to my favourite, interesting places for a walk in Greater Poland, perfect for a holiday reset.

Are you planning an Easter walk? Check which attractions in Greater Poland will be open during the holidays

When thinking about where to go for Easter in Greater Poland, the key to a successful trip is to check what will be open. Before you pack your family into the car, make sure you don’t end up disappointed, as popular tourist attractions in Greater Poland often have changed opening hours during the holiday weekend. I have prepared a list for you based on my annual experiences, but it is always a good idea to confirm this information on the websites of the attractions just before you leave.

Is the Arboretum in Kórnik open to visitors on Easter Sunday and Monday?

Yes, as far as the Arboretum in Kórnik is concerned, the gates are traditionally open throughout the Easter holidays, usually from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is at the turn of March and April that the park blooms in full colour.

The blooming forsythias and buds on the mighty magnolias make an incredible impression against the backdrop of awakening nature. Please note, however, that admission is charged – tickets can be purchased at the ticket office or from a ticket machine. The Kórnik Castle and Arboretum itself is a well-known complex, where the palace remains closed during this period, but the extensive alleys with exotic trees more than make up for it.

Can you walk through the palace gardens in Rogalin and see the famous oaks at Easter?

When choosing the park in Rogalin for a walk, it is worth knowing that the local landscape park around the palace is accessible free of charge throughout the year, including holidays. You can freely stroll along the alleys and reach the Warta River floodplains, where Rogalin, the local palace and the famous Lech, Czech and Rus oaks await you.

On Easter Sunday, the palace and coach house are closed. Sometimes the museum is open, which is a great idea for a trip on Easter Monday in Greater Poland. However, walking around and admiring the architecture from the outside does not require a ticket. The lawns around the palace are a great place to spread out a blanket.

What are the opening hours of the open-air museum in Dziekanowice (Greater Poland Ethnographic Park)?

The Wielkopolska Ethnographic Park in Dziekanowice, like the nearby Museum of the First Piasts in Lednica, is closed on Easter Sunday. The employees have a holiday break then.

The situation changes on Easter Monday, when the gates of the open-air museum usually open at 10:00 a.m. and you can walk among the old cottages until 5:00 p.m. It is a fantastic feeling to travel back in time and see the old village and the gems of Polish folk architecture without the crowds that appear there in the summer.

Is the bison farm in Gołuchów open to tourists on Easter Monday?

The animal enclosure in Gołuchów is open from dawn to dusk all year round, including all public holidays, and Gołuchów itself, with its magnificent castle and bison enclosure, is perfect for relaxing walks. There are no ticket offices here, and admission is free.

It takes about twenty minutes to walk from the main car park at the palace to see the bison, fallow deer and wild boars. The park-arboretum in Gołuchów, listed among the most beautiful parks in Greater Poland, covers over 150 hectares of space, which will absorb any number of tourists, guaranteeing peace and quiet.

Is the Botanical Garden of the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań open on Easter Sunday?

The Botanical Garden in Poznań on Dąbrowskiego Street is open all year round and admission is free. In early spring, closing times may be earlier (e.g. 5 p.m. in March), so it is worth checking the current schedule on the garden’s website before your visit.

If the weather is unfavourable and you are planning an Easter walk in Poznań and the surrounding area, a great alternative nearby is the vast area around Lake Rusałka.

Can you still see snowdrops blooming in the ‘Śnieżycowy Jar’ reserve at Easter?

The chance of seeing the carpets of snowdrops for which the Śnieżycowy Jar reserve near Murowana Goślina is famous at Easter is slim. This plant blooms for a very short time, usually from the end of February to mid or late March.

The reserve is located within the active Biedrusko military training ground. Admission is only permitted on selected weekends in March and only when the military is not conducting exercises. This information is published on Thursdays before the weekend in question. When the flowers fall, the ravine becomes simply a charming forest, perfectly fitting in with the interesting nature trails near Poznań.

Where in Greater Poland can I find open observation towers for an Easter walk?

The metal tower in Szachty in Poznań and the tower in Świętno are open 24 hours a day, all year round. You can even go there at dawn on Easter Sunday, checking out other observation towers in advance, e.g. in Mosina or Siekowo.

The situation is different on Dziewicza Góra. Admission to the tower is free, but it is open at specific times, usually limited to weekends and holidays in spring. It is worth checking the current hours on the Łopuchówko Forest District website. The Spatial Orientation Park in Owińsk and the local footbridges are available free of charge, but also at designated times, including public holidays.

Where to go for an Easter walk in Greater Poland? 7 proven routes for the whole family

Instead of spending hours at the table, hit the trail. Wielkopolska is the perfect destination for an Easter walk with the family. I have selected some interesting places to walk; Wielkopolska offers routes that do not require specialised equipment and provide a powerful dose of endorphins.

Wielkopolski National Park: which walking routes to choose for a family trip?

When visiting the Wielkopolska National Park, the hiking trails can be incredibly surprising. The red trail around Lake Góreckie is best suited for a family outing. Start from the car park in Jeziora – descend gently towards the viewpoint of the ruins of Klaudyna Potocka’s castle.

It is a loop that families with children can complete in about two hours, with breaks for throwing pebbles into the water. The route is wide, well-trodden and sheltered by old oak trees, which protect you from the spring wind. If you are looking for something shorter, choose the path along Lake Kociołek with the entrance from Górka.

Poznań’s Malta and Cytadela: what attractions await walkers during the holidays?

Cytadela Park is the largest green enclave in the centre of Poznań, ideal for burning off those festive calories. The main avenue runs alongside military cemeteries, and smaller paths encourage you to find Magdalena Abakanowicz’s outdoor sculptures “Nierozpoznani” (The Unrecognised).

Lake Malta in Poznań is a 5.5-kilometre loop with an ideal asphalt surface. The Malta Thermal Baths and nearby cafés may have changed opening hours or be closed (especially on Sundays), so just prepare yourself for a recreational walk and the sight of nature awakening.

Zielonka Forest: which educational trails are worth visiting during your break from the Easter table?

The educational trail on Dziewicza Góra is a classic, but I recommend venturing deeper into Trakt Bednarski, which starts near Kamińsk. When choosing hiking trails in the Zielonka Forest region, you are entering a mine of unusual places where wetlands mix with dense pine forests.

In spring, the Zielonka Forest can be muddy. The ground slowly releases water after winter, so leave your city shoes in the wardrobe. Comfortable outdoor footwear is essential to ensure that your walk does not end with wet socks.

The Piast Trail: how to plan a festive walk in the footsteps of history around Ostrów Lednicki?

The area around Lake Lednickie is a space through which the historic Piast Trail leads, where Polish history still breathes today. Focus on the western shore of the lake. Leave your car in the free car parks by the dirt roads and head for the causeway.

The ferry to the island may not run during the holidays, but the walk itself, with a view of the ruins of Mieszko I’s palatium, captures the imagination, and a full walk around Ostrów Lednicki can be planned for a little later in the spring. The wind over the water can be strong at this time of year, so a well-fastened jacket is a must. Ostrów Lednicki is a place that encourages reflection on where we come from.

Barycz Valley: where in the Greater Poland region is the best place to observe nature coming to life?

The Barycz Valley and its charming Wielkopolska part are primarily the areas around Antonin and Przygodzice. The Przygodzice Ponds are a brilliant observation point for returning waterfowl. A simple pair of binoculars will completely change your perception of this route.

The embankments between the ponds are closed to traffic. The silence is broken only by the clamour of cranes and flocks of wild geese, thanks to which a brilliant nature education takes place here in the bosom of nature. Just a few minutes away is the wooden hunting palace in Antonin, surrounded by an old, charming park.

Lake Powidzkie: does it offer interesting routes for a long, festive walk?

Lake Powidzkie and the surrounding area look completely different in spring than during the noisy summer season. Start your walk on the promenade in Powidz and follow the wild paths south along the eastern shore.

The water here is incredibly crystal clear. The absence of sailboats and sunbathers allows you to fully appreciate the size of this body of water. The trails lead through narrow strips of forest right next to the water, giving you a feeling of complete isolation from civilisation in this amazing part of Poland.

The Morasko Meteorite Reserve and the Ostrzeszów Hills: suggestions for lovers of unusual landscapes

A great destination is the Morasko Meteorite Reserve, where the approach to the craters left by the fall of cosmic matter begins at a forest car park in the north of Poznań. The path leads gently uphill, passing floodplains, to forest gullies created thousands of years ago by celestial bodies.

For residents of southern Greater Poland, Ostrzeszów and the Ostrzeszów Hills, with the highest peak in the province, Kobyla Góra (284 m above sea level), are an excellent alternative for an excursion. The undulating, almost mountainous landscape is something unusual in the lowlands of our region.

A walk with reflection: discover places in Greater Poland with a unique Christmas atmosphere

A walk is not always about covering kilometres, but sometimes simply about pausing for a moment. It is about discovering the emotions that our surroundings evoke in us.

Why is the park next to the palace in Śmiełów the perfect place for a peaceful walk at Easter?

The former Śmiełów estate, which today houses the A. Mickiewicz Museum, is steeped in the spirit of Romanticism and the history of the bard. The English-style landscape park was designed to encourage slowness and reflection. The solitary, ancient oak trees and the Lutynia River create a setting cut off from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Unlike popular city parks, there are no crowds in Śmiełów. If you want total tranquillity and a quiet conversation without having to dodge cyclists, this former estate will meet your expectations.

What kind of atmosphere do the Warta River boulevards in Pyzdry offer on a festive afternoon?

I highly recommend Pyzdry, its beautiful murals and boulevards invite you to visit. It is one of my favourite small towns that has focused on the river. Brick stairs arranged in a huge mosaic lead to wide promenades. The lazy flow of the Warta River creates a sleepy, provincial atmosphere here.

The walk is enriched by a huge historical mural telling the story of the town. It is a great destination for a Sunday afternoon, when the sun slowly sets in the west, bathing the river in orange light.

Poznań’s Śródka and Jordan Bridge: why is it worth going there for an evening stroll?

There is something magical about an evening in this area, and the charming Śródka district and Jordan Bridge in Poznań are absolute tourist gems. The narrow, cobbled streets lit by lanterns are reminiscent of pre-war Poznań. The highlight of the walk is the famous three-dimensional mural “Opowieść śródecka” (The Story of Śródka).

Crossing the red-lit Jordan Bridge towards Ostrów Tumski opens up a magnificent view of the cathedral. It is the perfect end to a festive day, where the history of the city intertwines with its modernity.

Easter Monday: where to walk to experience the Śmigus-dyngus tradition (and where to avoid it)?

If you want to take part in the joyful street watering, which culminates in the traditional Śmigus-dyngus (especially on Easter Monday), head to the market squares of small towns near Poznań, such as Kórnik or Środa Wielkopolska. There, you can still find groups of children cultivating this tradition with water pistols in their hands.

For those who want to avoid an unexpected shower, I recommend the Cemetery of Distinguished Wielkopolska Residents on St. Adalbert’s Hill in Poznań. It is an oasis of solemnity and a place for a walk full of historical reflection, where water-splashing traditions are not allowed. Local parks, on the other hand, are a bad idea.

How to plan the perfect Easter walk in Greater Poland? A practical logistics guide

Lack of planning can ruin a trip. Logistics is not black magic, but a few simple rules that will allow you to focus on what is most important – being together and offline.

What is the weather forecast for walks in Greater Poland this Easter?

The capricious weather in Greater Poland at Easter is sometimes like roulette. “April showers” is not just a proverb, but a meteorological fact. There have been holidays in short sleeves, but also walks in driving snow.

Always dress in layers, like an onion. The temperature in a sunny forest will be different from that in the open space above the Warta River. A waterproof windbreaker will save you from passing showers.

Where to park your car near popular trails (e.g. in the Wielkopolski National Park)?

The biggest mistake is to leave at noon. In the Wielkopolski National Park, on public holidays, official tourist car parks (e.g. in Jeziora or Osowa Góra) fill up quickly, often by 10:30 a.m.

Arrive early in the morning. An alternative are smaller forest car parks on the Trzebawia or Puszczykowo side, which are not mentioned in guidebooks. Parking in unauthorised places almost always results in a call from the Forest Guard.

How to get to Puszcza Zielonka or Lake Lednickie by train?

By choosing public transport, e.g. Koleje Wielkopolskie, you get a cheap and stress-free solution. To get to the Zielonka Forest, get off at the stations in Czerwonak, Owińsk or Bolechowo. It is a few minutes’ walk from the platform to the forest.

If you want to explore the Piast Trail, head for the Pobiedziska or Lednogóra station. The journey from Poznań takes less time than driving through the city, and there is no problem with parking. You can end your trip at a different station than the one you started at.

Which restaurants near the walking routes may be open at Easter?

Local restaurants, especially smaller ones along the route, are often a big unknown during the holidays. The rule is brutal: most places are closed on Sundays. On Mondays, some of the most popular places, such as Malta or the Market Square in Kórnik, open.

My philosophy is independence. Instead of looking for an open café, do it differently. Make a good cup of coffee at home, pour it into a thermos and pack a box of homemade cake. A picnic on a fallen tree trunk tastes much better than a cake in a noisy restaurant and costs nothing.

An Easter walk for everyone: suggested routes for families with children and dog owners

All family members deserve to relax during the holidays, regardless of the number of legs or age. Choosing a route that suits the group’s abilities eliminates fatigue and unnecessary conflicts.

Which walking routes in Greater Poland are best suited for prams?

When walking with a pram, a hard surface without roots is essential. Apart from Malta and Cytadela in Poznań, the perimeter of Lake Rusałka is also ideal, with its wide, paved paths.

Outside Poznań, you will find excellent conditions on the main avenues of the Kórnik Arboretum and in the revitalised park next to the palace in Wąsowo. Avoid the boggy forests of the Zielonka Forest, where the wheels will quickly get stuck in the mud.

Which educational trails in Greater Poland will be the most interesting attraction for children?

Children quickly get bored with monotonous walking, so they need goals. The educational trail around the pond in the Łysy Młyn reserve near Biedrusko is a bull’s eye. There is a wooden water mill and insect models there.

The Beaver Trail near Czerniejewo is another great option. Tracking beaver feeding traces on fallen tree trunks stimulates children’s imagination much better than sitting in front of a tablet.

Where can you go for a walk with your dog around Poznań at Easter?

Dog owners often look for open spaces for their pets; the best places to go with your dog are Dębiński Forest or Marceliński Forest, where there is a large, fenced-in dog run. These are urban forests where animals are very welcome.

Remember that dogs must be kept on a leash in the Wielkopolski National Park. Letting them run free is a threat to the local fauna and may result in a fine.

Map of Easter walks in Greater Poland: a summary of the best places and key tips

This collection of ideas is a solid arsenal for every day of the holidays. Regaining your life balance starts with pressing the “log out” button.

Place / Route	Route profile	Biggest advantage	Logistical requirements
Kórnik Arboretum	Paved paths, flat	Spring flowers, large oak trees	Ticket purchase required
Wielkopolski National Park	Forest roads, hills	Silence, view of lakes	Dogs must be kept on a leash
Zielonka Forest	Wild paths, sometimes muddy	Completely cut off from the city	Good hiking boots
Barycz Valley	Long, flat dykes	A paradise for birdwatchers	Binoculars, air rifle
Śmiełów (Park)	Park avenues, romantic atmosphere	No crowds, history	Your own food in a thermos

If you already have a specific destination in mind, just pack your rucksack. Don’t wait for perfect weather, because it doesn’t exist in nature. Let us know in the comments which route you chose for this holiday and share your discoveries and photos. We look forward to hearing from you!