The Noteć Forest is the largest compact complex of pine forests in Poland. Pines, lakes, inland dunes. Slow travel through the forest.
Why it's worth it
The Noteć Forest is the largest compact complex of pine forests in Poland — about 1,300 km², stretching between the Warta and Noteć rivers, in western Poland. This is a forest that grew on post-glacial sands — hence the pines, which like dry, sandy soils. The landscape is unique: pines, inland dunes, lakes, and peat bogs. The Noteć Forest is also a refuge for game: red deer, roe deer, wild boar, foxes, badgers live here, and among birds — white-tailed eagles, lesser spotted eagles, cranes.
Slow travel through the Noteć Forest is a journey through a landscape that requires patience. There are no mountains, no spectacular attractions — there are pines, dunes, lakes, and silence. It is worth spending 2–3 days here to truly feel this landscape. The best way to explore the forest is by bike or on foot — there are about 500 km of cycling trails and 300 km of hiking trails. Public transport from Poznań and Gorzów is good (trains, buses).
What to see
The Noteć Forest is divided into three main parts: the western part (around Sieraków), the central part (around Wronki), and the eastern part (around Wronki and Oborniki). Exploring the forest takes 2–3 days.
Western part
- Sieraków — a small town with a castle and lakes, starting point for trails. Worth it as a base.
- Lake Lutomskie — a lake in the Noteć Forest, with crystal-clear water. Worth it for swimming.
- “Forest” trail — a nature trail through the forest. Worth it for nature.
Central part
- Wronki — a small town with a market square and church, starting point for trails. Worth it as a base.
- Inland dunes — a unique landscape, dunes up to 30 m high. Worth it for views.
- “Dunes” trail — a nature trail through the dunes. Worth it for nature.
Eastern part
- Oborniki — a small town with a market square and church, starting point for trails. Worth it as a base.
- Lake Rożnowskie — a lake in the forest, with numerous bays. Worth it for kayaking.
- “Pine forest” trail — a nature trail through the pine forest. Worth it for nature.
When to go
- May and June — the best time for slow travel. Warm, green, few tourists.
- July–August — lake and beach season. Worth it for swimming, but crowded at the lakes.
- September–October — second best. Autumn colours, fewer people, mushroom picking in the forests.
- November–March — the forest is sleepy in winter, many attractions closed. Worth it for those seeking silence.
Getting there
- By car: ~1 hour from Poznań (DK11), ~1 hour from Gorzów (DK22), ~2.5 hours from Berlin (A12).
- By train: Wronki, Sieraków, Oborniki have railway stations, with connections from Poznań.
- By bus: PKS serves most towns and villages.
The Noteć Forest is best explored by bike or car — the forest is vast, and public transport between villages can be sparse. Leave the car at the car park in Sieraków or Wronki.
How much time you need
A weekend (2 days) is the minimum — Sieraków, inland dunes.
Three days is realistic for a first visit. Sieraków, inland dunes, Wronki, Oborniki.
A week lets you explore the whole forest — from Sieraków to Oborniki, with numerous stops.
What to eat and where to sleep
- Pyry z gzikiem — potatoes with curd cheese, a Greater Poland classic.
- Duck with apples — from local farms, available at inns.
- Trout from the Warta — from local farms, available at inns.
- Forest mushrooms — from local harvests, available in season.
Accommodation: Poznań (city, more options), Sieraków (small town, guesthouses), Wronki (small town, guesthouses), Oborniki (small town, guesthouses), villages (agritourism).
Practical tips
- Guided tours — the forest has rich nature, take a guide.
- Mushroom picking — the Noteć Forest is a paradise for mushroom pickers. Bring a basket and a knife.
- Shopping — buy honey, cheese, and cold cuts directly from farmers.
- Kayaks — the Warta is a kayak route of European class. Rentals in Sieraków and Wronki.
- Weather — weather can be changeable, even in July bring a jacket.
- Signal — good in towns, weaker deep in the forest. Have an offline map.