Kashubska Puszcza

An extensive forested region in the heart of Kashubia with pristine lakes, rolling hills, and traditional Kashubian villages representing authentic regional culture. The area offers excellent hiking, kayaking on forest lakes, and opportunities to experience Kashubian customs and local cuisine.

Things to do

• Hiking the Pomeranian Trail — Trek through dense forests and past glacial lakes on this well-marked long-distance route that winds through the heart of Kashubska Puszcza.
• Kayaking on Lake Raduńskie Górne — Paddle across this pristine forest lake surrounded by pine woods, offering peaceful water exploration and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
• Visit Kartuzy — Explore this traditional Kashubian town at the edge of the forest known for its monastery, local crafts, and authentic regional atmosphere.
• Cycling forest trails — Navigate the network of marked cycling routes through rolling forested terrain, connecting villages and offering varying difficulty levels.
• Birdwatching at forest wetlands — Observe rare species including white-tailed eagles and black storks in the protected wetland areas and around forest lakes.
• Visit Wdzydze Lake Museum — Tour this open-air ethnographic museum featuring traditional Kashubian wooden buildings, boats, and cultural heritage displays.

Food to try

• Kashubian kluski — Hearty potato and barley dumplings typically served with mushroom or meat sauce, representing the region's traditional peasant cuisine.
• Kashubian żur — A sour rye soup made from fermented rye flour, potatoes, and mushrooms, offering an authentic taste of Kashubian comfort food.
• Smoked lake fish — Freshly caught pike or perch from the region's lakes, traditionally smoked and often served at local restaurants and roadside stands.
• Kashubian pierniki — Spiced gingerbread cookies decorated with traditional motifs and often glazed, available at local markets and craft shops.
• Mushroom-based dishes — Forest mushrooms foraged locally are featured in soups, stews, and as side dishes throughout the region's traditional cuisine.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect forest traditions — Ask permission before foraging mushrooms or berries, as locals view the forest as a shared resource with established gathering customs.
• Learn basic Kashubian phrases — While Polish is widely spoken, locals appreciate visitors who attempt words in Kashubian, a distinct Slavic language still used in rural communities.
• Visit during regional festivals — Plan around summer Kashubian cultural festivals and village celebrations to experience traditional music, dance, and crafts in authentic contexts.
• Support local craftspeople — Purchase directly from artisans making traditional wooden crafts, woven textiles, and pottery rather than mass-produced souvenirs in tourist shops.