The Teutonic Castle in Malbork, Sopot’s Monciak, and the Long Market in Gdańsk – these attractions are familiar to everyone. But what if you explored the Pomeranian Voivodeship from a different angle and set off in search of lesser-known spots? Visit the Volkswagen Museum, Slawutowo Settlement, the Puck Earth Museum, the Mechowska Grotto, the old Polish-German border in Dębki, and the sunken forest near Czołpin.
For those curious about the world and Poland, here’s a short guide to places you might not have heard of but are worth visiting while in the Pomeranian Voivodeship. Surprise your friends with stories and photos from lesser-known spots. If you want to see more than just the popular attractions of Gdańsk or Sopot, step off the beaten path and discover the lesser-known gems of Pomerania.
Volkswagen Museum in Pępowo
The Volkswagen Museum in Pępowo is a unique place on the map of the Pomeranian Voivodeship that will certainly captivate all car enthusiasts. The private collection, passionately built over the years by Mr. Andrzej Chmielewski, is a real treat for fans of the brand. Among the exhibits, you’ll find not only the legendary Beetles and popular “buses” – the iconic Transporter models – but also other rare cars and Volkswagen-related accessories. Visitors can join guided tours where the guide enthusiastically shares fascinating facts about each car.
Slawutowo Settlement
Slawutowo Settlement offers a chance to travel back in time to an early medieval Slavic village, located near the Tri-City at the edge of the Darżlubie Forest. After passing through the gates, visitors can explore eight reconstructed craft huts that depict the daily lives of the ancient Slavs. In each hut, someone is waiting to introduce you to traditional crafts – you’ll meet a potter, weaver, blacksmith, baker, or herbalist. They not only talk about their trades but also demonstrate how to make clay pots, weave materials, bake bread, or use herbs in medicine, using ancient methods.
The settlement also offers numerous workshops where you can try your hand at pottery, weaving, blacksmithing, or felting. Additionally, medieval cooking shows are held here, where you can learn about and taste dishes from a thousand years ago. Children will especially enjoy learning archery and discovering old-time games.
Puck Earth Museum – “Szpitalik” Branch
The Puck Earth Museum, “Szpitalik” Branch, brings the history and culture of Northern Kashubia to life. It is housed in the oldest building in Puck, a former hospital located at 11 Wałowa Street, which once served as an isolation ward for the sick and later as a shelter for the poor, elderly, and disabled.
A walk through the museum’s halls is a fascinating journey through the region’s past, enriched with temporary exhibitions and numerous archaeological and ethnographic artifacts. In the 18th century, Starost Ignacy Przebendowski initiated a thorough renovation of the building, and in 1970, “Szpitalik” became the seat of the Puck Earth Museum, which has been promoting the region’s traditions for years.
The exhibits feature old craft workshops, such as a blacksmith’s shop, weaving and shoemaking workshops, and a tailor’s studio, as well as traditional sea fishing. Part of the exhibition is dedicated to the history of medicine, both conventional and folk, with intriguing collections, including a 1970s dental office.
Mechowska Grotto
Mechowska Grotto, located in the village of Mechowo, just 10 km from Puck, is a unique karst formation – the only one of its kind in northern Poland. Discovered in 1818, though small (the tourist route is only 65 meters long), it impresses with its uniqueness. Stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations create an extraordinary atmosphere in this small cave, attracting those in search of less obvious attractions.
An interesting legend is associated with Mechowska Grotto, which says the cave was part of a tunnel connecting Mechowo with Żarnowiec, several kilometers away. This tunnel was allegedly used by the nuns from the Żarnowiec Monastery and the monks from a supposed monastery in Mechowo, who secretly met. While there is indeed a Benedictine Monastery in Żarnowiec, there was never a men’s monastery in Mechowo, suggesting this story is merely a fascinating legend.
Dębki – Piaśnica: Post No. 1 of the Polish-German Border 1920-1939
The Piaśnica River, flowing into the Baltic Sea through the Hel Peninsula, played a crucial role in the interwar period when, under the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, it marked the border between Poland and Germany. The most famous border point, Post No. 1, placed on a dune 200 meters from the river’s mouth, became an important place for Poles. Adorned with the inscription “Versailles” and the date June 28, 1919, it symbolized Poland’s regained access to the sea after World War I.
Between 1920 and 1939, the river witnessed political tensions between Poland and Germany, with many incidents occurring in the area. Although the border posts were destroyed after German forces invaded in 1939, Post No. 1 was reconstructed and is now part of the Northern Kashubian Military History Trail. The site, with an information board recalling the former border, attracts both history enthusiasts and kayakers, who can enjoy picturesque landscapes while reflecting on the region’s past.
Northern Kashubian Manor and Palace Route
The Northern Kashubian Manor and Palace Route is a scenic path leading through places rich in history and architectural gems. The route features around 30 manors and palaces that once belonged to Kashubian noble families. Many have been meticulously restored and now serve as hotels, museums, or restaurants. This is a real treat for history lovers who want to learn about the life of Kashubian nobility while enjoying walks through beautiful landscaped parks. The palace in Kłanino and the manors in Mechowo and Wejherowo are just a few examples of buildings that stand out with their unique architecture and interiors.
Be sure to visit Krokowa Castle, the seat of the von Krockow family, and the baroque Palace in Rzucewo, one of the most important points on the route. The Northern Kashubian Manor and Palace Route is not only a journey through history but also an opportunity to experience regional hospitality, admire scenic landscapes, and taste local specialties.
Sunken Forest Near Czołpin
The sunken forest near Czołpin is one of the most mysterious and fascinating places on the Polish coast, attracting tourists with its extraordinary history. Discovered after storms in 2016, when the sea uncovered tree trunks, it is a unique relic from over 3,000 years ago. Located on a beach in the Słowiński National Park near Czołpin, this prehistoric forest is a remnant from a time when the sea level was much lower, and the coastline lay hundreds of meters further inland. Back then, dense beech and oak forests covered the area, the remains of which we can admire today.
A walk along this beach is like a journey through time – the wooden stumps emerging from the sand create an incredible, almost mystical landscape. It’s a place that amazes with its raw beauty and offers a moment of reflection on the power of nature, which first submerged these forests and now temporarily reveals their remains. It’s unclear what caused the forest’s destruction – some speculate about fire, others about human activity, but this only adds to the site’s mystery.
The sunken forest is also a treasure for photographers – the sight of black, weathered trunks against golden beaches and the blue Baltic Sea creates an incredibly photogenic scene that stays in memory for a long time. This is an ideal place for those seeking a quiet corner away from the tourist crowds, where you can enjoy the silence of nature and its fascinating phenomena.
Summary: lesser-known tourist attractions in pomerania
If you’re in the mood to explore the Pomeranian Voivodeship from a less obvious perspective, these places will be perfect for you. Each has its own unique story, and visiting them is a great opportunity to see more than just the typical tourist attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just looking to spend some time away from the crowds, Pomerania has plenty of undiscovered gems to offer.
