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Overview
Kashubian Landscape Park (Kaszubski Park Krajobrazowy) sits in the Pomeranian (Pomorskie) Voivodeship of northern Poland, roughly between Gdańsk and Bytów. Established in 1983, it protects around 370 km² of moraine hills, glacier-carved lakes, beech and mixed forests, and the headwaters of several rivers including the Radunia and Słupia.
This is the heart of Kashubia — a distinct ethno-cultural region whose people maintain their own Slavic language, folk crafts, embroidery traditions, and cuisine. The landscape itself is often called the 'Kashubian Switzerland' for its hilly, lake-dotted character, though the name is informal and slightly exaggerated; the hills are gentle rather than dramatic.
The park is not a national park, so private settlements, farmsteads, and small towns are scattered throughout. Kartuzy, the administrative centre of the area, and the village of Chmielno are common bases. Tourism here remains relatively low-key compared with the Baltic coast, making it a genuine alternative for travellers seeking peaceful countryside over crowded beach resorts.
Biodiversity is a quiet highlight: the forests shelter deer, wild boar, beavers in the river valleys, and a variety of raptors. The lakes — more than a dozen of them within or just outside park boundaries — support good freshwater fishing and canoeing.
Before You Go
Poland is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Visa requirements depend entirely on your nationality. For accurate, up-to-date entry rules, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official website of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Health and practical prep
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme disease are present in Polish forest areas. Consult a travel health clinic before your trip; TBE vaccine is advisable for those spending extended time outdoors.
- Pack insect repellent, especially May through August.
- Sturdy walking shoes or trail footwear are recommended; paths can be muddy after rain.
- Mobile coverage is generally adequate in towns but can be patchy in deep forest sections. Download offline maps (e.g., Mapy.cz or OsmAnd) before heading out.
- Many rural accommodations and restaurants are cash-preferred; carry złoty.
When to go
Summer (June–August) brings the warmest temperatures for swimming in the lakes and the liveliest local festivals. Spring and early autumn offer fewer visitors, better light for photography, and comfortable hiking temperatures. Winter is quiet but some guesthouses and eateries may reduce hours or close — verify locally before travelling in that season.
Getting There
By air
The closest international airport is Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN), approximately 30–45 km from the park's eastern edge depending on your destination within it. It has direct connections to many European cities. From Gdańsk, you can continue by bus, train, or rental car.
By train
Kartuzy, the main town serving the park area, is connected to Gdańsk by regional rail. Journey times vary; check PKP Intercity and Polregio schedules at pkp.pl or polregio.pl for current timetables and fares, as these change seasonally.
By bus
Regional buses operated by public and private carriers link Gdańsk, Kartuzy, Chmielno, Sierakowice, and other settlements in the area. Schedules and operators should be verified locally or through e-podróżnik.pl, Poland's regional public transport aggregator.
By car
Driving is the most flexible option, especially if you want to reach trailheads and lake shores directly. The park is easily reached via national road DK20 and smaller regional roads. Road surfaces are generally good in summer but some forest access tracks may require care after wet weather.
Getting Around
Within the park and surrounding area, a private car or bicycle provides the most freedom. The Kashubian Landscape Park and neighbouring areas are crossed by a well-developed network of marked hiking trails (including sections of long-distance routes) and cycling paths, many of them colour-coded with PKT (Polish Tourism Country-Loversʼ Society) signage.
Cycling is popular and practical; bike rental is available in Chmielno and Kartuzy — verify current providers on arrival. The terrain involves genuine hills, so occasional lower-gear cycling or e-bike rental is worth considering.
Canoe and kayak routes on the Radunia and Słupia rivers are a regional highlight. Local outdoor operators in Chmielno and surrounding villages rent equipment and can arrange short or multi-day paddle trips; verify availability and booking requirements locally or through the regional tourism office.
Local bus services connect larger settlements but are infrequent on weekends and in the off-season. Taxis and ride-share services (Bolt operates in Kartuzy) can fill gaps, but availability in the deepest rural areas is limited.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in the park area ranges from basic forest campsites and lakeside camping grounds to agritourism farms (agroturystyka), guesthouses (pensjonaty), and a handful of larger hotels in Kartuzy. Agritourism stays are the most characteristic experience — they typically include home-cooked breakfasts and sometimes dinner, and hosts are often a useful source of local knowledge.
Chmielno and the lake shores fill up quickly in July and August; book well in advance for peak summer. Spring and autumn visitors will find much more availability and, generally, lower prices. Verify room types, meal inclusion, and cancellation policies directly with each property, as standards and policies vary widely.
Camping is available at organised sites around the lakes; wild camping is not permitted within the park boundaries. Verify current campsite facilities and fees locally or through the regional tourism portal (visit.pomorskie.eu).
Things to See & Do
Hiking
The park maintains a network of marked trails ranging from short lakeside loops to full-day ridge walks through beech and pine forest. Góra Szymbarskie (sometimes listed as near Szymbark, just outside park boundaries) and the hills around Wieżyca — at around 329 m the highest point in Pomerania — are popular objectives. Trails are generally well-marked; pick up a regional map from a local tourist information point before setting out.
Kayaking and lake recreation
Lake Raduńskie Górne and Jezioro Kłodno are among the lakes used for swimming, paddleboarding, and fishing. Organised canoe descents of the Radunia river are well-established and suitable for families as well as more experienced paddlers. Verify current operators and water-level conditions locally.
Kashubian culture and museums
- Museum of Kashubian-Pomeranian Writing and Music in Wejherowo (nearby) — for broader regional context.
- Kashubian Ethnographic Park in Wdzydze Kiszewskie — an open-air skansen museum with relocated historic Kashubian farmsteads, windmills, and a church. Widely considered one of the best open-air museums in northern Poland; verify opening hours and admission directly with the museum.
- Local pottery workshops in Chmielno, where the Necel family has practised traditional Kashubian ceramics for generations. Visits may be possible; confirm availability locally.
Cycling routes
The Kashubian Cycle Route (Szlak Kaszubski) and several themed loops cover the park and surrounding commune roads. Distances and difficulty vary; tourist information offices in Kartuzy can provide maps.
Birdwatching
Spring migration (April–May) brings warblers, raptors, and wetland species to the lake margins. Osprey and white-tailed eagle have been recorded in the region.
Food & Drink
Kashubian cuisine reflects a rural, lake-rich region. Freshwater fish — perch, pike, and eel — feature prominently, often smoked or pan-fried simply. Żur kaszubski (a sour rye soup), kartofle z żurem (potatoes with fermented rye broth), and hearty pork dishes are common. Look also for blueberry dishes in summer; the forests produce abundant bilberries (borówki), which appear in pancakes, preserves, and desserts.
Restaurants and rural guesthouses (agroturystyki) in towns such as Kartuzy, Chmielno, Żukowo, and Sierakowice are the main dining options. Standards are generally unpretentious and portions are generous. Menus are usually in Polish; staff may have limited English outside the larger towns.
Kashubian honey and locally produced fruit liqueurs (nalewki) are worth trying. Many agritourism farms sell direct; ask your host. Craft beer has begun to appear in the region; verify current taproom options locally as the small-brewery scene is still developing.
For supplies, Kartuzy has the widest range of supermarkets and a weekly market. In smaller villages, opening hours can be limited, especially on Sundays — stock up in advance if you plan to self-cater in a rural property.
Practical Information
Tourist information
The main regional tourism office for the area is based in Kartuzy. Staff can provide printed trail maps, event calendars, and accommodation listings. Verify current hours on arrival.
Emergency contacts
- General emergency number in Poland: 112
- Police: 997 | Fire: 998 | Ambulance: 999
Money
ATMs are available in Kartuzy and other larger settlements; availability drops sharply in rural areas. Many agritourism farms and small restaurants prefer cash.
Connectivity
Mobile data (LTE) works well in towns and on main roads. Forest and remote trail coverage can drop. Download offline maps and, if using a paper map, purchase one from a local bookshop or the tourist office.
Accessibility
Most forest trails and rural paths are unpaved and uneven, making them challenging for visitors with mobility impairments. Some lakeside areas have flatter, more accessible paths — verify locally for specific needs.
Language tips
Basic Polish phrases are appreciated outside tourist centres. Kashubian speakers will often use Polish with visitors. A translation app can be useful in smaller establishments.
Safety
The Kashubian Landscape Park is a low-risk destination by any general measure. Petty crime is uncommon in rural areas, though standard precautions apply in Gdańsk and other larger cities nearby.
Outdoor hazards are the main practical concern: ticks (active April–October), slippery forest paths after rain, and limited mobile coverage in remote sections. Always inform someone of your planned route on longer hikes and carry water, a basic first-aid kit, and a charged phone.
Swimming in the lakes is generally safe at designated bathing areas (kąpieliska) that are monitored in summer. Swimming outside these areas, especially in rivers, carries greater risk; observe any posted warnings.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Kashubians are a West Slavic ethnic group with a distinct identity recognised under Polish law. Kashubian (Kaszëbsczi) is the only regional language in Poland to hold official regional language status, and you will see it on bilingual road signs throughout the area — a visible marker of a living cultural tradition.
Traditional Kashubian embroidery uses bold floral motifs in a specific palette (yellow, black, red, blue, and green) and is applied to tablecloths, clothing, and decorative items. Authentic pieces are still made locally and sold through craft cooperatives and individual artisans. Mass-produced imitations exist; if authenticity matters, ask about provenance.
Local festivals, particularly in summer, often feature folk music, dance, Kashubian-language performances, and craft demonstrations. The Kashubian culture is not a museum exhibit but a living community — approach it with the same respectful curiosity you would bring to any minority culture. Avoid treating folk dress or religious customs as photographic props without permission.
Catholicism is deeply embedded in local life; roadside shrines, wayside crosses, and church calendars shape the rhythm of rural communities. Major Catholic holidays can affect shop and restaurant hours.
