Polczyn Switzerland (Szwajcaria Połczyńska)
In northern Poland, in West Pomerania, lies a unique natural gem - the Valley of Five Lakes (Dolina Pięciu Jezior), also known as Polczyn Switzerland. This nickname is owed to its picturesque surroundings and relatively high (over 200 meters) moraine hills covered with forests and meadows.
Polczyn Switzerland is a unique microregion in terms of nature, stretching across the municipalities of Połczyn-Zdrój, Złocieniec, Barwice, Czaplinek, and the rural municipality of Świdwin. The contours of the borders of this microregion resemble the shape of the Gryf - the symbol of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship.
The Valley of Five Lakes (Dolina Pięciu Jezior) is surrounded by steep hills covered with old-growth forests, creating a mysterious place untouched by human hands. Every day, with the morning mists, it reveals its beauty to the fortunate inhabitants of these lands and those who decide to visit. The uniqueness of the region is evident in its rare plants, habitats of protected species, and charming landscape with marshes, peat bogs, and rushing streams.
Polczyn Switzerland is not only a wilderness oasis but also a fountain of youth. The local salt brines and peat have been used for centuries in the nearby spa town of Połczyn-Zdrój. The region is rich in the sources of four rivers, including the Drawa, down which Pope John Paul II rafted in his youth. The crystal-clear water, rich in minerals, is considered the "Element of Longevity," contributing to the number of people living past one hundred years in the area.
Why visit Polczyn Switzerland? It's not just about the breathtaking landscape but also the multicultural heritage, resemblance to Switzerland with its lakes and hills, and the surprising history of the Salt Route (Szlak Solny) trade path. Discover the charm of the Valley of Five Lakes, where glaciers shaped the lakes and forests conceal many mysteries.
