Trail of Wooden Churches around Zielonka Forest

The Trail of Wooden Churches around Zielonka Forest (Szlak kościołów drewnianych wokół Puszczy Zielonka) is a signposted driving route that links 12 wooden village churches just northeast of Poznań in western Poland. Built between the 16th and 19th centuries, they hide Rococo ceiling paintings, Gothic crucifixes and one of the finest Romantic-era tombs in the country. If you are wondering what to do around Poznań beyond the Old Town, this is one of the most rewarding day trips.

Where it is and how to get there

The churches are scattered across six rural municipalities around Puszcza Zielonka (say "POOSH-cha zhe-LON-ka"), a protected forest that begins about 10 km (6 miles) from central Poznań. The closest churches, Kicin and Wierzenica, are a 20-minute drive from the city; the northernmost ones lie around Skoki. Poznań is about 2.5–3 hours from Warsaw or Berlin by train and has an international airport, Poznań–Ławica. A car is by far the easiest way to do the route; public transport reaches the villages only sporadically, so cyclists should plan on a long ride or split the loop over two days.

The story behind the trail

The route was created by the Puszcza Zielonka inter-municipal association. The project agreement was signed in 2005, it was funded with EU regional development money and opened in 2008. Most parishes date back to the Middle Ages, though today's buildings are newer: the oldest is Wierzenica (nave and chancel from 1560–1561), the youngest Węglewo (1818). Wood was the natural material here, cut from the surrounding forest, and the trail celebrates that link.

Highlights along the route

• Wierzenica – the tomb of philosopher August Cieszkowski, with bronze doors cast in Florence that won an award at the 1873 Vienna World's Fair.
• Kicin – a 1749–1751 church on an medieval stronghold mound, with restored Rococo wall and ceiling paintings.
• Uzarzewo – a rare timber-frame church with an 18th-century painted crimson canopy.
• Długa Goślina – a 17th-century Man of Sorrows sculpture linked to Poznań's Benedictine nuns.
• Węglewo – the trail's oldest crucifix, Gothic, from about 1380–1390.
• Rejowiec – a former Calvinist church with thirteen 17th-century coffin plates bearing noble coats of arms.
• Skoki – the tombstone of Zofia Reyowa; her husband Andrzej Rey, grandson of Renaissance poet Mikołaj Rej, is buried here too.

The other stops are Kiszkowo, Łagiewniki Kościelne, Sławno (a cemetery chapel), Jabłkowo and Raczkowo.

Visiting tips

These are working Catholic parish churches, not museums. The local association says the most reliable time to see an interior is Sunday Mass, just before or after the service; on other days, phone the parish in advance (numbers are listed on the Puszcza Zielonka tourism site, mostly Polish-speaking). Entry is free (as of October 2026), though a small donation is appreciated. Dress modestly and do not walk around during services.

Is it worth it?

Yes, especially for architecture and photography lovers. Allow a full day for the whole route by car, or pick the four southern churches near Swarzędz for a half-day trip. May to October is the best season. Any purchases on the way are in Polish złoty (PLN).