Planning a holiday in Poland and looking for a place that will enchant you with its untouched nature, tranquillity, and plenty of opportunities for active pursuits? The Tuchola Forest (Bory Tucholskie) region is a fantastic corner of our country, though perhaps not always appreciated as much as it deserves. Located on the border of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian and Pomeranian voivodeships, these vast forest areas, predominantly pine, criss-crossed by winding rivers and dotted with post-glacial lakes, form a truly ideal escape from the urban hustle and bustle. You’ll find something for everyone here – from attractions for children and things worth seeing with kids, to places perfect for a romantic weekend for two or an active trip with friends. Attractions in the Tuchola Forest region include options for every season, including winter activities, as well as solutions for bad weather or rain. The region is also dog-friendly for those who want to visit attractions with their dog. These places are often highly rated by visitors, which only confirms their charm. It’s worth exploring these areas, which offer many interesting options to discover. Planning a trip to the Tuchola Forest is the best way to see it for yourself and breathe in the fresh air. So, what exactly does the Tuchola Forest hold, and what should you make sure to see? Here are our tried-and-tested suggestions (because after all, it’s best to recommend what you’ve experienced yourself!).

Bory Tucholskie National Park – the Heart of the Green Forests

The true treasure of the region and the beating heart of these green spaces is, of course, the Bory Tucholskie National Park. It was established in 1996 and is located in north-western Poland, mainly in the Pomeranian voivodeship, within the Chojnice county, covering parts of the Chojnice and Brusy communes. One could say it constitutes one of the key natural attractions on the borderlands of Kashubia and the Tuchola Forest.

The park covers an area of over 4,600 hectares, of which forests make up an overwhelming 83% of the surface. The park’s symbol – a majestic capercaillie (głuszec) perched on a pine branch against the backdrop of a lake – perfectly captures the character of this place. What’s more, the Bory Tucholskie National Park is part of the broader UNESCO Bory Tucholskie Biosphere Reserve, which only underlines its uniqueness and global significance for nature conservation.

Forest Havens of Peace: Trails and Paths for Nature Lovers

If you love walking, nordic walking, or horse riding, the National Park and its surroundings are a true paradise for you. They offer a wealth of trails and paths – in total, the Bory Tucholskie National Park alone boasts an impressive 45 km of hiking trails, plus 5 specifically marked routes of varying lengths, such as the red trail. Three educational paths have also been designated, totalling 16.4 km, ideal for learning about the local flora and fauna. And for riders, there is one horse riding trail stretching 5.4 km.

Among the forest nature trails, Jelenia Wyspa in the Tuchola Landscape Park, the trail in the Jeziorka Kozie Nature Reserve, and the one in the Dolina Rzeki Brdy Reserve are certainly worth noting. An interesting option, although it sometimes requires appropriate footwear (especially after rain!), is the educational path in Suszek, led along the Stążka River, where the peat bogs and swamps are probably the most impressive.

In the very heart of the National Park lies the interesting “Lipnickiego Loop” nature trail. It leads through an area where – interestingly – peat was still extracted in the 1980s. Today, a small water reservoir has formed in the depression left by the excavation, surrounded by marshy pine forest, which can be conveniently walked around on a wooden boardwalk. And along the blue educational path “Piła Młyn”, you’ll come across a replica of the Napoleonic cross, a memento of the passage of French troops through these areas in 1812. (Who would have thought even Napoleon reached here!).

Nature’s Greatest Treasures: Unique Plant and Animal Species

For biologists and nature enthusiasts, the Tuchola Forest is undoubtedly a real, living textbook. This region has much to boast about – it is here that we find the richest accumulation of relict plant species in Poland. They can be found in various habitats, including within the łąki józefowskie nature reserve. In these famous forests, besides the ubiquitous pines, we can admire truly unique, often protected and rare species of plants, animals, and even fungi. But what specifically makes this flora so exceptional?

Take, for instance, the lobelia lakes, such as the beautiful Lake Gacno Wielkie, located within the National Park itself. They are famous for their absolutely unique vegetation, including flagship species: lake lobelia and quillwort. On the banks of these reservoirs (or, strictly speaking, right next to them), you can also encounter many other extraordinary plants, such as fen clubmoss, the delicate common marsh-pennywort, or fascinating carnivorous sundews. And dragonflies flutter abundantly over the surface of the water, adding charm to the landscape.

It’s not just the lakes that hold treasures. The peat bogs on the aforementioned Lipnickiego Loop are covered with characteristic peat mosses and aquatic plants, and in the water pools, you’ll see beautifully blooming white water lilies and yellow water-lilies. Not far from the Tuchola Forest, already in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian voivodeship, lies the famous Rezerwat Cisy Staropolskie, home to the largest concentration of yew trees in all of Europe! (I used to think yews were just individual trees, and here’s a whole forest!).

And what about the animals? The Tuchola forests are full of life. You’ll encounter common roe deer, red deer, wild boar, foxes, hares, martens, hedgehogs, badgers, and otters by the water. Birds are a separate, rich chapter – the Tuchola Forest region hosts species such as the majestic white-tailed eagle, the capercaillie (the park’s symbol), the elegant crane, the mysterious black stork, as well as the goldeneye, black woodpecker, great bittern, whooper swan, or eagle owl. Wild animals are easiest to spot, of course, in Bory Tucholskie National Park.

For those who prefer observation from a safe distance, or want to see rare farmed breeds, the Show Enclosure for Animals is an excellent option. It’s located on the grounds of the Folwark, near the Centre for Nature Education in Chociński Młyn. There you can admire animals of old breeds included in a protection programme (such as Polish ponies, White-Backed cattle, Świniarka sheep, Kuroptavian Green-legged hens), as well as wild animals that have arrived at the centre from the Rehabilitation Centre for Wild Animals. As my forester friend says: „The nature of the Tuchola Forest can surprise you at every turn, you just have to know how to look”.

Water Attractions of the Tuchola Forest – Lakes and Rivers

It’s not just the forests that make the Tuchola Forest unique. The region lies in the river basins of two main rivers: the Brda and the Wda, and it is precisely water that plays a key role in shaping the landscape and, consequently, its tourist appeal. Numerous post-glacial lakes beckon for active leisure – whether kayaking or sailing. And the rivers? They are simply dream routes for unforgettable paddling adventures!

Kayaking Trips: Discover the Forest from a Different Perspective

Indeed, if there is one thing you simply MUST come to the Tuchola Forest for, it’s kayaking trips! The areas around the Tuchola Forest are truly famous for this activity. The Brda and Wda rivers, flowing right through the middle of the forests, offer plenty of picturesque kayaking routes, suited to different skill levels. Discovering these forests and lakes from a kayak is an experience you won’t forget – it allows you to get closer to nature in an extraordinary way and feel its true peace. The Brda River, for example, connects the Szczycieńskie lake system (Szczytno Wielkie with Końskie, Krępsko, and Szczytno Małe), offering truly interesting sections for a trip. And if you’re looking for something even different, in Wierzchowo you can try floating… on rafts!

The Most Beautiful Lakes: Nature’s Gems in the Heart of the Forest

Within the Tuchola Forest itself, 21 lakes have been counted, but in the entire region there are many, many more – hidden amongst the dense pine forests. Each of them has its unique charm and history. Will you manage to visit even a few of them?

Jezioro Charzykowskie is probably one of the most well-known and popular, and right on its shore lies the lively resort village Charzykowy. A bit further afield you’ll find Wiele, a small village on Lake Wielewskie and Lake Ciepłe. There is also the village Osiek in the Starogard county, picturesquely located on the largest lake in the county, Lake Kałębie, and on Lake Czarne.

But that’s not all! Lake Krasne, surrounded on all sides by coniferous forest, can be found in the commune of Przechlewo. Lake Okonińskie, in turn, is located within the Tuchola Landscape Park, offering beautiful views. And Jezioro Gacno Wielkie, as we’ve already mentioned (though it’s worth repeating!), is an excellent example of a lobelia lake, of significant natural value.

The region also hides places of unique character. Grodzisko Raciąż, a unique place on the historical map of the Tuchola Forest, is located on Lake Śpierewnik, exactly on the border of the Pomeranian and Kuyavian-Pomeranian voivodeships. A natural monument, the majestic Bartuś Oak, extends its impressive canopy over the shore of Lake Płęsno. We also have Kacze Oczko – a tiny lake under strict protection, which can be walked around thanks to a convenient wooden boardwalk. This same nature trail also runs along the edge of… well, something special! The Stream of Seven Lakes.

Struga Siedmiu Jezior is a phenomenal river almost 14 kilometres long (exactly 13.9 km), which, as the name suggests, connects as many as 8 lakes! On the list of reservoirs under strict protection, it’s worth mentioning Lake Nierybno as well. Plenty to choose from, isn’t there?

Historical Sites and History of the Tuchola Forest – Following the Footsteps of the Past

The Tuchola Forest is not only breathtaking nature, but also fascinating history. Its traces can be found in numerous historical sites and extraordinary places. From medieval strongholds to remnants of the powerful Teutonic Knights – this region holds many secrets, just waiting to be discovered!

Medieval Mysteries: The Stronghold and Remnants of the Teutonic Knights

Looking into the past of the Tuchola Forest, we come across fascinating traces of bygone eras. One such interesting place is a partially reconstructed wooden stronghold, dating back to the Middle Ages. Unfortunately, it was consumed by fire in 1330, and then… sold to the Teutonic Knights. They, in turn, began construction of a brick castle in Tuchola, which, however, as was often the case in those times, shared the fate of many similar structures and was destroyed during the Swedish wars. A pity, isn’t it?

Traces of an even more distant past can be found in the mysterious stone circles in Leśno – this is a Goth cemetery whose roots date back to the Bronze Age! A bit further afield, near the Wda River, lie the Stone Circles in Odry, another extraordinary archaeological and natural monument. Do these places hide any ancient secrets?

There’s no shortage of impressive ruins here either. In Czersk you can see the remnants of the Castle of the Dukes of Mazovia. And what about the Teutonic Knight’s castle in Człuchów, where Konrad Wallenrod himself was supposedly commander? It’s a truly impressive structure, with a rich, at times dark history. It’s also worth visiting Koronowo, where the majestic Cistercian Monastery stands, whose construction began, mind you, as early as 1289!

Extraordinary Places: The Trzebciny Viewpoint Tower and Other Attractions

The Tuchola Forest, as you already know, can truly surprise you. One of these slightly less obvious, yet very moving attractions is the Trzebciny Viewpoint Tower. It stands on the spot where a powerful tornado passed in 2012, literally ‘mowing down’ a strip of forest. Interestingly, the attraction is precisely the view of this damaged, but slowly regenerating forest. It was decided to build the tower on a small hill between Tleń and Tuchola so that the scale of those destructions, the immense effort put into clearing up, and also… a miracle of nature, namely the slow process of life regenerating, could be seen from above. It’s a view that makes you think.

Another, completely different, but equally extraordinary place is the aqueduct in Fojutowo. This structure, clearly referencing historical Roman aqueducts (isn’t that fascinating?), connects the waters of the Czerska Struga with the Brda Canal. It constitutes a unique example of engineering and is a great place for a walk and photos (especially in autumn!).

Towns and Villages of the Tuchola Forest – Charming Corners

Although the Tuchola Forest is primarily associated with untamed nature, the region also hides charming towns and villages. It’s worth stopping in them for longer to get a feel for the local atmosphere and learn about the history. The indigenous population of these areas – the Borowiacy Tucholscy, Kociewiacy, and Kashubians – have left their mark here, and their influence is visible in local traditions and… the character of the people (at least, that’s how I feel it!).

Tuchola – the Heart of the Tuchola Forest: Museum and Historical Sites

Tuchola is often referred to as the informal capital of the entire Tuchola Forest region. It’s a city of about 14 thousand inhabitants, located in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian voivodeship, at the junction with Kashubia, Kociewie, and Krajna. Its beginnings date back to ancient times, supposedly even the period of Mieszko I.

In 1287, a significant event was the consecration of the church by Archbishop Jakub Świnka of Gniezno. And in 1346, the Teutonic Grand Master, Heinrich Dusemer von Arfberg, granted Tuchola the Chełmno Law in Malbork – a testament to the city’s significance at the time. Although, as we’ve already mentioned, the Teutonic castle was destroyed during the Swedish wars, it’s still worth visiting the Museum of the Tuchola Forest in Tuchola. It excellently presents the history, culture, and daily life of the region’s inhabitants (it’s one of those places that’s really worth seeing!).

Chojnice and Czersk: Discover the Charm of Historical Towns

For many tourists, Chojnice is a ‘gateway’ to the Tuchola Forest, and at the same time the largest town in the area. It has about 40 thousand inhabitants, is located in the Pomeranian voivodeship and is just 6 km from Charzykowy. In Chojnice, you absolutely must take a walk around the Old Town, above which the Człuchów Gate proudly stands – it’s an impressive remnant of the medieval town fortifications. You can admire the Neo-Gothic Town Hall there, a beautiful Gothic basilica, or the Church of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, representing the Vistula Gothic style. And lovers of local history will find something for themselves in the Historical and Ethnographic Museum.

Czersk, in turn, is another charming town in the Chojnice county, located on the Czerska Struga. Although the town itself has its own atmosphere, it’s also worth visiting nearby Osiek. The Neo-Gothic church there from the 19th century hides true gems – paintings and frescoes by Otto Linnemann. Interestingly, the main altar for this church was donated by Abbott Feliks Kos of Pelplin, and the painting within it, depicting the Holy Trinity surrounded by angels, was painted by none other than Herman Han. In Osiek, as we mentioned earlier, you will also find the ruins of the Teutonic Knight’s castle – another trace of the region’s turbulent history.

Besides Chojnice and Czersk, the Tuchola Forest is full of other, smaller, but equally interesting localities. Charzykowy is a popular resort on Lake Charzykowskie, also home to the National Park directorate. It has a long sailing history – the famous Chojnicki Yacht Club was founded here, as early as 1922! Wiele, picturesquely located on Lake Wielewskie and Lake Ciepłe, hosts the International Folklore Festival every year. Swornegacie, in turn, is a charming, tourist village with a distinctly palpable Kashubian atmosphere (incidentally, the historic wooden church that now stands in the open-air museum in Wdzydze Kiszewskie comes from here).

It’s impossible not to mention Wdzydze. There’s Wdzydze Tucholskie, located on the huge Lake Wdzydze, within the Wdzydze Landscape Park. And a bit further afield, in Wdzydze Kiszewskie (on Lake Gołuń), there is something truly unique: the Kashubian Ethnographic Park, the oldest open-air museum in Poland! It was founded by wonderful people – Izydor Gulgowski along with his wife Teodora. Popular events are held there every year, such as the Wdzydze Fair or the Potato Festival. Worth popping in to feel the true spirit of Kashubia.

In recent years, the inhabitants of the Tuchola Forest have also shown remarkable creativity, creating interesting “themed villages” in their area. This is a fantastic idea for getting to know local culture, crafts, or products. Below is a list of those worth visiting:

• Mining Village in the village of Piła on the Brda – for fans of industrial history.
• Bird Village in Adamkowo – something for ornithology enthusiasts.
• Mushroom Village in Krzywogoniec – a paradise for mushroom pickers (even outside of the season!).
• Honey Village in Wielki Mędromierz – delicious and educational.
• Borowiacy Gnomes Village in Teolog – an attraction for the little ones.
• Borowiacy Village in Nowy Sumin – get to know the Borowiacy!
• Railway Village in Pruszcz (a railway festival is often organised at the station) – something for railway enthusiasts.
• Apple Tree Village in Jabłonka – sweet and fruity.
• Yew Village in Wysoka (near the Staropolskie Yews Reserve) – a reference to the famous trees.
• Bread Village in Jania Góra (dedicated to the theme of bread, as the Borowiacy have held bread in high regard for centuries) – feel the respect for tradition.
• Flower Village in Żalno (with a Flower Park) – colourful and fragrant.

These themed villages are a great way to spend time actively and, importantly, get to know the local community and its passions and traditions. (Even though getting to them can sometimes be a challenge without a car!).

The Tuchola Forest: Active Leisure and Adventure

Well, how does that sound? If you’re the type of traveller who can’t sit still, the Tuchola Forest is your element! This region is an absolutely ideal place for those yearning for movement and unforgettable adventure. The attractions awaiting you here can be discovered in many ways – covering miles on foot, speeding along forest tracks by bike, or perhaps calmly drifting by kayak on the water? The possibilities are endless!

For the Active Soul: Hiking and Cycling Trails

Planning a trip and a multi-kilometre hike into the forest depths? Be sure to pack your backpack – not just for a sandwich and water, but also for documents or small useful items. You can choose a lighter, sporty tourist version or a more elaborate trekking backpack. And shoes? Comfortable trekking shoes are absolutely crucial, which will not only ensure comfort, but also (importantly!) protect against potential adder bites (yes, they live here!). Trekking poles might also be useful, especially on longer routes. And one more practical tip: if you’re going in summer and plan to stay on the trail longer than you think, a small head torch with adjustable light power is a really good idea.

What if you prefer to discover the secrets of the Tuchola Forest on two wheels? Appropriate equipment will also be useful here. It’s worth choosing a special cycling backpack, which will ensure proper back ventilation (because who likes a wet back!) and often has a built-in hydration pack. The bike itself? No problem – you can hire one from one of the many rental shops operating in the area.

Particularly attractive for cyclists is the Kashubian Marszruta – an impressive system of marked cycling trails, extending across the Chojnice county and covering a large part of the Tuchola Forest area. As we mentioned regarding the National Park, hikers also have plenty to choose from – the network of trails and educational paths here is really dense and well-maintained, often equipped with facilities such as wooden boardwalks over bogs or comfortable benches for resting.

Unforgettable Impressions: Viewpoints and Observation Points

The Tuchola Forest lures with beautiful landscapes and, to be frank, nature unlike anywhere else. To fully appreciate this unique charm, it’s worth looking for viewpoints and observation points from which you can gain a wider perspective.

The already mentioned Trzebciny Viewpoint Tower, offering that somewhat surreal view of the forest damaged by the tornado, provides truly unforgettable impressions and prompts deeper reflection on the power, and perhaps whims, of nature. But there are also points that simply celebrate beauty without destruction.

Take, for example, the viewpoint over Lake Charzykowskie. A phenomenal panorama unfolds from there, showing the lake’s surface, the forests stretching to the horizon, and the picturesque village of Małe Swornegacie. In the Bory Tucholskie National Park itself, it’s worth visiting the viewpoint at the mouth of the famous Stream of Seven Lakes. These places allow you to look at the Tuchola Forest from a completely different perspective and, importantly in today’s world, capture its beauty in photos! (Though sometimes it’s best to just put the camera away and soak in the moment…).

The Tuchola Forest – Richness of Flora and Fauna

As we have repeatedly emphasised, the nature of the Tuchola Forest is its greatest, undisputed treasure. This region, covered by the Natura 2000 area and being part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is home to truly unique species of plants, animals, and fungi. Its biological richness is fascinating and constitutes one of the main reasons why it’s worth coming here.

Practical Information – Planning Your Trip

Now that you know what’s worth seeing in the Tuchola Forest, it’s time for some practical tips. Planning a trip to this region is, as a rule, quite simple, and the accommodation base and tourist information operate quite efficiently.

Accommodation in the Tuchola Forest: From Luxury Hotels to Cosy Agritourism Stays

The Tuchola Forest has, fortunately, a well-developed accommodation base. This means you’ll find a wide choice of places to stay – from hotels and guesthouses, to numerous, often very atmospheric agritourism farms. Agritourism in the Tuchola Forest is particularly thriving, especially in summer. It offers something many of us are looking for: peace and quiet, and direct contact with nature, though in peak season finding a vacant spot without booking in advance might be a challenge.

Where to stay? You can choose larger centres, such as Tuchola or Chojnice, or opt for smaller, typically tourist villages, like Swornegacie or Charzykowy, often located right by the lakes. The truth is, everyone, regardless of budget or preference, should find something for themselves here.

Map of the Tuchola Forest: How to Plan Your Route?

A good, up-to-date map of the Tuchola Forest is essential – without one, it’s difficult, or rather, not worth planning a longer route! The region, as we mentioned, offers plenty of hiking and cycling trails and educational paths, which are often well-marked and equipped with facilities such as wooden boardwalks (a salvation over marshy areas!) or comfortable benches for resting.

In the Bory Tucholskie National Park itself, they’ve thought of motorists – you’ll find five designated parking areas, among others in Klosnowo and Bachorze, at the mouth of the Stream of Seven Lakes, and also not far from the aforementioned viewpoint. This significantly eases access to the trailheads.

Where to look for detailed information and the aforementioned maps? The Municipal Tourist Information Point in Charzykowy is a great address. Equally helpful is the Centre for Nature Education of the Bory Tucholskie National Park in Chociński Młyn. It’s worth mentioning the Kashubian Marszruta cycling trail system again – worth checking its route if you’re planning a larger-scale cycling adventure.

And how much does entry to the National Park cost? The information, though seemingly minor, is important: a standard ticket costs 6.00 zł, and a concession ticket 3.00 zł. Remember this when planning your visit!

The Tuchola Forest – Plan an Unforgettable Trip

So, how does that sound? Does the Tuchola Forest sound like a place worth discovering? In our opinion – absolutely yes! Its wild, resin-scented pine forests, crystal-clear lakes (though not all are ideal for swimming!), picturesque, winding rivers, and a rich, multi-layered history create a mosaic that can enchant literally every traveller. It doesn’t matter if you’re keen hikers covering miles, kayaking enthusiasts, cycling fans, or simply looking for somewhere you can finally breathe deeply and just admire the beauty of the surrounding nature – the Tuchola Forest certainly has something valuable to offer you.

From the unique plant and animal species we’ve already told you about, through the medieval historical sites and those smaller, interesting towns, to those truly original themed villages – as you can see, there’s no shortage of attractions here. Interestingly, residents from nearby Tricity, for example, often come here seeking that desired escape from the urban hustle and bustle. But I’ll tell you honestly: even travelling from the much more distant Lesser Poland (as I once happened to do), we always come back from there delighted!

It’s an ideal spot for a quick weekend break, but also for a longer, more relaxed summer holiday. A place where you can truly recharge your batteries, listening to the rustling of the trees and the singing of the birds, and perhaps even the soothing splash of water. So… get ready for an adventure! Discover all the secrets of the Tuchola Forest for yourselves. We are convinced that this is a region that will remain in your memory for a long, long time.