Wielkopolska

The region of Wielkopolska, or Greater Poland, can trace its history all the way back to the beginnings of the Polish state, and two of its ancient capitals were located here. Wielkopolska is situated in the western portion of Poland, with flat plains to the south and lakes to the north. The Warta River is the major waterway in this region, and great cities grew up around this source of transportation and food. It was here that the Polanie tribe, the original Poles, settled and where they adopted Christianity.

Wielkopolska, as a result of being a part of Prussia for some time, shows German influence. The territory was regained and lost multiple times over the course of Poland’s history, the final instance being after WWII, when it was again able to join the rest of Poland.

Many ancient cities with long and storied histories can be found in Greater Poland. Palaces, castles, ruined fortifications, archeological sites, and cathedrals containing the relics of saints remember the origins of the Polish nation. Touring the region will offer plenty of surprises and will increase your appreciation for Poland as a whole.

Sights in Wielkopolska

Like other regions in Poland, such as Malopolska and Silesia, Greater Poland has its share of sights and historical landmarks.

Poznan is one of the most popular cities to visit in Wielkopolska. Its lovely old town area is a can’t-miss attraction with a mechanical clock, while its Cathedral Island preserves remnants from the first settlement here.

Kornik Castle: Located near Poznan, Kornik Castle contains an important scientific library, a museum, art galleries, and an arboretum.

Rogalin Palace: Filled with art treasures and artifacts from throughout Europe and history, Rogalin Palace is a museum established from the collection of a wealthy local family. It is surrounded by parkland.

Gniezno: An ancient capital of Poland, Gniezno is at the heart of old Poland. Its Gothic cathedral contains the remains of St. Adalbert, who brought Christianity to the Poles in the Middle Ages. The Romanesque doors of the cathedral tell St. Adalbert’s story in bronze.

Biskupin: Biskupin is the sight of an unusual archeological discovery: a Bronze Age settlement preserved within the waters of a lake. Visitors can see how early settlers of the region lived when they explore the reconstructed fortifications and buildings.

Golub-Dobrzyn Castle: This castle is today the sight of jousting and fencing tournaments that bring medieval recreation to life. A museum and guest rooms round out the experience available at Golub Castle.

Gorzow Wielkopolski: Located in the western part of Wielkopolska, Gorzow Wielkopolski contains a 13th-century church, a Jewish cemetery, and a 19th century New Town that remained mostly intact after WWII despite Gorzow’s Old Town having been badly damaged.

All throughout Wielkopolska are historic churches and cathedrals, castles and towers, forests, waterways, and fields. If you have time on your tour of Greater Poland, exploring lesser-known spots or diverting from your original plan can be well-rewarded.

Torun is the birthplace of Nicolas Copernicus and boasts a historic core protected by UNESCO. Torun is famous for its gingerbread, which complements its annual holiday festivals well. Torun isn’t officially within the Wielkopolska region, but its proximity and popularity often make it a part of tours of Greater Poland.

Other Wielkopolska Attractions

Eco-tourism and outdoor recreation are two popular activities in Wielkopolska. Horseback riding, hiking, fishing, biking, and camping can also be enjoyed in Greater Poland’s forests and parkland. To the north, lakes create opportunities for water sports and provide scenic trails. Wielkopolski National Park, around the area of Poznan, protects wildlife and offers picture-perfect natural scenery.

Food in Wielkopolska

Greater Poland’s traditional cuisine takes some inspiration from German cuisine and some from the well-established agricultural tradition of the region. Try potato dishes, such as potato pancakes or hot baked potatoes filled with cottage cheese. Various styles of dumplings accompany meat dishes and soups, duck, and vegetables. In Poznan, try St. Martin’s croissants, which are pastries filled with poppy seeds and almonds, then drizzled with icing and sprinkled with more almonds. They are consumed in great volumes during the feast day of St. Martin.