Brodnica Landscape Park and its attractions

Brodnicki Landscape Park is a place that often escapes the attention of tourists rushing to Masuria, although it offers equally spectacular views and much more tranquility.

This is a land of over forty lakes hidden in deep grooves and forests that change their appearance with the rhythm of the seasons. Whether you plan a weekend getaway or a longer holiday, this region in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship allows you to slow down the pace. Brodnicki Landscape Park is a proposal for those who prefer educational trails, paddling on meandering rivers, and local history written in brick walls over noisy resorts.

Brodnicki Landscape Park – Information

This area, protected since 1985, covers over 16,000 hectares in the central part of the Brodnicki Lake District. The terrain shape is a relic of glacier activity – numerous hills, moraine ridges, and characteristic ribbon lakes dominate here. They are usually long, narrow, and deep, which makes the shoreline extremely varied and picturesque. Water covers a significant area, but forests make up the majority of the terrain, mostly pine and mixed forests.

The park's location is advantageous logistically. It lies close to Brodnica, which provides good access from Toruń, Bydgoszcz, or Warsaw. Thanks to this, Brodnicki Landscape Park is accessible even for a short trip. The terrain formation makes each season look different here: in spring, forests are bright and full of bird songs, in summer they provide cool shade, in autumn they shimmer with brown and gold, and in winter the rugged moraine landscape gains sharpness.

Brodnicki Landscape Park – Attractions

Nature is the main actor here, and observing wildlife does not require specialized equipment – just patience. The park is a refuge for the white-tailed eagle, which has become a symbol of this place, but attentive observers can also spot the black stork, cranes, or grebes. The richness of fauna attracts nature photographers who find outdoor settings here all year round.
Besides nature, the region offers interesting monuments. It is worth visiting Brodnica to see the ruins of the Teutonic castle with a tower that serves as a lookout point over the city panorama and the Drwęca valley. An urban curiosity is the triangular market square, rare in European cities. Meanwhile, in nearby Kurzętnik, there is the Kurza Góra Ski Center. Although the name suggests winter fun, the place operates year-round – in summer and spring, tourists are attracted by a viewing tower.

The region is also favorable for cycling tourism. The network of forest and asphalt roads with low traffic allows planning loops of 20-50 kilometers, running along the lake shores and through small, sleepy villages. Brodnicki Landscape Park offers attractions gradually, encouraging exploration at your own pace.

Głęboczek Vine Resort & SPA on Lake Forbin

A good base for exploring this part of the lake district is the Hotel Głęboczek Vine Resort & SPA located on Lake Forbin. Its location at the historical and natural border allows combining outdoor activity with relaxation at a high standard. Guests can choose accommodation in the hotel part or in the Settlement, where rooms and apartments reflect a rustic atmosphere in their décor.

The resort emphasizes a holistic approach to relaxation. The wellness zone includes an indoor pool and jacuzzis – indoor and year-round outdoor. For those seeking to strengthen the body, a health zone with a vitality pool (approx. 12 degrees Celsius), and a Finnish sauna is prepared. A distinctive element of the offer is Vine SPA, specializing in vinotherapy. Guests can enjoy treatments and rituals for the face and body.

Culinary matters are handled by the Morellino restaurant. Chef Marian Frankowski composes an authorial menu based on seasonality and products from local suppliers. Thanks to this, Brodnicki Landscape Park can also be explored through taste, trying dishes that change with the calendar. The facility is family-friendly, offering animations and space where children can spend time actively while adults enjoy the sauna zone, including a flower bath and tepidarium.

The resort has access to its own beach and offers water sports equipment rental!

Brodnicki Landscape Park – Kayaking

This is one of the strongest points on the region's tourism map. The lake district's water system is practically made for paddling. The queen of these waters is the Skarlanka River. It connects several lakes, meandering through forests and reed beds. Its flow is usually calm, making it accessible even to less experienced kayakers, although there are sections requiring maneuvering between fallen trees.

The second important water artery is the Drwęca River – a river of supraregional importance, being a nature reserve along its entire length (due to the protection of salmonid fish). A Drwęca River trip is a contact with wild nature.

Kayaking in this region is not limited to summer months only. Autumn and winter trips are becoming increasingly popular (provided the rivers do not freeze). They require better equipment and clothing preparation but in return offer absolute silence and visibility.

Brodnicki Landscape Park – Trails

For hiking lovers, the park has prepared a network of trails allowing access to the most interesting spots. Trails mostly run through forest areas, often right next to lakes. The terrain is varied – ascents on moraine ridges can speed up the heartbeat, making the walk a good form of physical activity.
A classic is the yellow trail around Lake Bachotek. It is a loop trail that can be completed in a few hours. It passes through picturesque forest fragments, revealing views of the water surface every now and then. These trails are excellently adapted for Nordic walking. The soft ground cushions steps, and the varied terrain inclination allows effective training with poles.

It's also worth noting educational paths such as "Bobrowiska" on the Skarlanka River. Wooden footbridges and observation points allow watching the beaver habitat without disturbing their peace. In autumn, these trails attract mushroom pickers since the forests here are known for their abundance of the forest floor. Regardless of the chosen route, navigation is relatively simple, and the markings are regularly renewed.

Summary

Brodnickie Lake District is a destination for those who value authenticity and the absence of commercial bustle. Regardless of the season, it is worth checking availability of accommodation and planning a visit to feel the rhythm of nature yourself, which is still clearly audible here.

FAQ

1. Is Brodnicki Landscape Park suitable for a one-day trip?
Yes, the proximity of large cities (Toruń, Bydgoszcz) means that even a one-day trip for kayaking or walking along an educational trail makes sense and allows for relaxation.

2. When is the best time for kayaking?
The season lasts from spring to autumn. July and August are the warmest water months, but May and September offer more tranquility on the trail. Experienced kayakers also paddle in winter.

3. Are hiking trails accessible to cyclists?
Most hiking trails are passable for bikes (mountain, trekking, or gravel bikes work best), but caution and respect for pedestrians are required.

4. What animals can be seen in the park?
Water and predatory birds (white-tailed eagle, grebe) are the easiest to observe. Forests are home to roe deer, deer, wild boars, and beavers, whose activity can be seen on the water banks.

5. Is there an entrance fee to the park?
Entrance to Brodnicki Landscape Park is free. Fees may only apply to some forest car parks, equipment rentals, or admission to museums in the area.