Area

Szwajcaria Połczyńska or Bieszczady Północy are the names of our Guesthouse area which you can find in guidebooks. Why such comparisons are offered? The first one is a result of undulating relief. In some places it is easy to see with the naked eye that the prominence is different between valley bottom and steep slope comes even to 80 m. In reality the scene is by far not similar to the real Alpine Switzerland, however low-lying landscape polish Pomerania makes an impression. ‘Bieszczady Północy’ term refers to the lay of the land and also to extents of beech forests which overgrow hills and hillocks.

The next distinguished is connected with glacier activity and relief. In the heart of a region is situated a watershed that is the line separating neighbouring drainage basins (catchments). It concerns Drawa and Dębnica rivers. These two rivers run in different directions: Drawa has its source in the Valley of Five Lakes and flowing into the South to Noteć River (therefore it belongs to Warta/Odra catchment basin). Whereas Dębnica River flows to the North and is a part of Parsęta River catchment basin which flows directly into the Baltic Sea. There is a few places in Post-glacial Land where it is easy to see the headstreams being both rivers tributaries. What is more, they are situated only several hundred meters from each other!

Above mentioned beech forests are not the only example of nature’s world variety. Ecosystems diversity brings about that rare species of plants and animals have found suitable living conditions. In flora dominate plant species typical for Atlantic, Arctic, boreal, mountain and South vegetation. About 40 species in it are protected, for example: blood red orchid, daphne mezereum, great horsetail. There is also an impressive variety of rare animals which deserve special attention, among others: protected bird species (cranes, herons, sea eagles), mammals (beavers), reptiles and amphibians. Another forms of protection confirm the undoubted value of natural scenic Post-glacial Land. There are two reserves and several dozen natural monuments besides Drawski Park Krajobrazowy (scenic park) and European Ecological Network NATURE 2000.

Values of Połczyn, Barwice and Czaplinek complex are emphasized by historical and culture layers. For years the region was a borderland between three countries (Poland, Brandenburg and Pomeranian Principalities). Salt Trail - one of the most important commercial track, ran through the middle of the land. It is easy to guess that land’s history is same cruel and bloody as colorful and fascinating. Due to many wars, material heritage is not as spectacular as it could be, however set of objects like Drahim 's castle ruin, parts of Salt Trail surface discovered under pavement in Połczyn-Zdrój, border stones, houses with half-timbered walls and also historic churches will excite historical enthusiasts imagination.

Photos of Żurawiec area