The Innkeeper of Waliszewo

The Innkeeper of Waliszewo | tripto.pl

The Innkeeper of Waliszewo is a stop on the County of Gniezno Myths and Legends Trail, commemorating the story of the former Red Inn. Before 1840, an inn called Waliszewek is said to have stood at a crossroads near Waliszewo. Today the site is a small outdoor curiosity whose value lies mainly in local history and the tale preserved by the themed trail.

The Red Inn legend

According to the story, the innkeeper welcomed wealthy travellers and later killed and robbed them. He was said to bury the bodies nearby, giving the inn a sinister reputation. Human bones were found in the area, but trail accounts connect them with a much older cemetery rather than the legendary crimes. It is a useful example of folklore becoming intertwined with archaeology.

Trail and sculpture

The story forms part of the County of Gniezno Myths and Legends Trail, which links other places associated with local traditions. A sculpture of the innkeeper and simple resting facilities were installed along the route; because outdoor features can change, check the current trail information before travelling. Do not expect a preserved inn: the historic building burned down around 1840.

A practical stop

The site is near the crossroads of the Gniezno–Kłecko road and the Waliszewo–Dziećmiarki road. It is best visited on a driving or cycling trip around Lake Lednica. Combine it with St Rosalia’s wooden chapel in Sławno, Waliszewo and Ostrów Lednicki. Take care near the road, do not enter private land and remember that this is a legendary site, not a confirmed crime scene.

52.5678, 17.4021Official website

Practical information

Visit duration: 10–15 min
Price: Free entry
Family-friendly
Dog-friendly
Parking

What to see

ukryta siekiera
legenda Czerwonej Karczmy
dawny gościniec Waliszewek
wiata piknikowa
punkt Szlaku Mitów i Legend

Place map

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Places to stay nearby

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Sources and further reading

Tu powstała Polska — Szlak Mitów i Legend: https://tupowstalapolska.pl/dla-dzieci-i-calej-rodziny-szlak-mitow-i-legend.html; Powiat Gnieźnieński: https://www.powiat-gniezno.pl/files/file_add/download/355_raport_prl_2012.pdf

Verified12 September 2026 · source: Tu powstała Polska — Szlak Mitów i Legend: https://tupowstalapolska.pl/dla-dzieci-i-calej-rodziny-szlak-mitow-i-legend.html; Powiat Gnieźnieński: https://www.powiat-gniezno.pl/files/file_add/download/355_raport_prl_2012.pdf

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The Innkeeper of Waliszewo

About this place

The Red Inn legend

Trail and sculpture

A practical stop

Practical information

What to see

Place map

Places to stay nearby

Sources and further reading

Nearby attractions