Discover Colmar: Lakes and the history of ceramics

Colmar is one of the historical names recorded for Chodzież. The town lies in the Chodzież Lake District; lakes, forests, viewpoints and the history of ceramics shape the destination in different ways. A stay can therefore be tailored to a wide range of interests, from the bathing area and routes through the town and surrounding landscape to discoveries connected with the local heritage.

Lakes, forests and viewpoints

Jezioro Miejskie, also known as Jezioro Chodzieskie, is the largest of the three lakes within the town limits. It is a few hundred metres from the market square. Jezioro Strzeleckie is the smallest of the Chodzież lakes: it covers 18 hectares and is completely surrounded by forest. The two lakes therefore offer contrasting settings—one close to the town centre, the other enclosed by woodland.

Chodzież’s largest beach is on Lake Karczewnik. It is 60 metres long and has a supervised bathing area. Beach and bathing facilities may be seasonal; check local conditions before your visit. A beach volleyball court adjoins the bathing area. A car park is only a few dozen metres away; parking arrangements may also change.

There are two distinct viewpoints for taking in the landscape. On the 192-metre-high Gontyniec moraine hill, old, impressive beech trees grow amid abundant vegetation; there is an observation tower at the summit. It is better to tackle the final ascent on foot rather than by bicycle, and the summit offers a view. By contrast, the viewpoint on the ski-lift grounds looks out over Chodzież and Lake Miejskie, as well as a section of the Noteć ice-marginal valley, bounded to the north by a chain of moraine hills.

A notable natural site also lies along the red hiking trail: in the Papiernia settlement, 150-year-old beech trees are designated natural monuments. The wider Chodzież County lies in the Noteć valley and is surrounded by lakes and forests.

Routes and active outings

The R-1 “Dolina Noteci” cycle route is about 20 kilometres long. From Chodzież, it runs via Studzieniec, Milczek, Nietuszkowo, Trojanka and Oleśnica before returning to town. Near Oleśnica, fishponds lie along the route; many bird species, including swans, can be found in the area. Check the current surface conditions and signage before setting off.

The approximately 15-kilometre Tadeusz Siejak Trail passes through the town centre, walking and recreation areas, forests and the surrounding hills in Chodzież and the nearby area. A separate literary and tourist trail follows in the footsteps of writer Tadeusz Siejak: six panels display excerpts from his works, while three additional points are marked on the map but have no panels on site. Together, the routes showcase different sides of the area—from a longer cycling loop to town, forest and cultural experiences.

Near the ski slope on Talerz Hill is a mountain biking trail built by cycling champions Czesław Lang and Lech Piasecki. The ski slope itself is at an elevation of 132 metres, is 300 metres long and is considered the longest facility of its kind in northern Poland. It operates seasonally, so bear this in mind when planning a winter stay.

The history of ceramics and family activities

The beginnings of the ceramics industry in Chodzież date back to the mid-19th century and are associated with the German entrepreneur Herman Heim, owner of a faience factory in Chodzież. Records state that the porcelain factory employed about 600 people when it first opened and was among the most modern and largest porcelain manufactories in the German state at the time. The porcelain factory invites visitors to tour its manufactory; confirm current visiting arrangements with the operator in advance.

A more recent addition is the Szlak Chodzieskich Karzełków Płomienistych, which opened on 8 September 2026. This tourist and educational attraction combines history, local heritage and play. It invites visitors to enjoy a family adventure, active recreation and an unusual way to discover the town.

Trip planning and holiday apartments

Chodzież is on National Road 11, and the railway station is in the town centre. Direct train connections are listed to Poznań, Wrocław, Kraków and Kołobrzeg. Check current connections and timetables before travelling. When choosing a holiday apartment in Colmar, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: the lakes and bathing area, the routes and hills, or the town’s history and culture. This helps you tailor your search to the mix of water, activity and discoveries you want.

Discover more destinations: Szamocin, Margonin, Dziewoklucz, Chodzież, Laskowo, Budzyń, Podanin, Pleschen.

For the wider travel overview: Greater Poland.