Wiezyca and the Kashubian Switzerland

Wiezyca is the highest point in the Kashubian Switzerland, a hilly, lake-studded landscape in Poland's Pomeranian region, about 60 km south-west of Gdansk near the village of Szymbark. The area is best reached by car, taking about 1 hour from Gdansk via Koscierzyna and Szymbark, and the drive can stretch to 1.5 hours with traffic. Public transport is limited: a train to Koscierzyna or a nearby station must be followed by a bus or taxi, and no direct service reaches the summit, so parking near the top is the practical choice. Organised Kashubian day tours from the Tricity are another option. At the summit an observation tower offers wide views over forests and lakes; the reported price in June 2026 was 12 PLN normal and 10 PLN reduced for visitors from outside the Stezyca commune, and opening hours vary by season, so they should be checked locally. Around Szymbark, visitors can explore Kashubian culture, including the area's woodland trails and small museums and farm-style attractions that present regional crafts and history. A suggested day begins with a morning drive to Szymbark, followed by a walk to the summit and tower in the late morning when visibility is best, then a lunch of Kashubian dishes such as potato-based specialities and smoked meats at a local inn. The afternoon suits lakeside walks or a visit to nearby villages before returning to Gdansk by early evening. Allow from half a day to a full day depending on how many stops are included. The best season is May to October, when paths are dry and the forest and lakes are most attractive, and autumn colour is a particular draw. Winter visits are possible but tower hours and trail conditions are less predictable. Sturdy shoes, a rain jacket and a downloaded map help on forest paths with limited phone signal.