Rzucewo Castle

This neo-Gothic residence on the Bay of Puck looks like a medieval fortress, though it was built in 1840–1845 – locals have long called it a castle, and tourist guides call it the John III Sobieski Palace. An old linden avenue leads up to the building, and from the garden you step straight down to a narrow sandy beach on water so calm it feels like a lake. Today it houses a hotel and restaurant, but the story of the site goes back to the Wejher and Sobieski families.

Wejhers, Sobieskis and Przebendowskis

The first residence in Rzucewo is traditionally linked to Jan Wejher, who owned the estate from 1597 to 1626. His manor was timber-framed with brick infill and a tiled roof. Later the estate passed to King John III Sobieski – according to tradition, his sister, the widow of Michał Radziwiłł, gave it to him. The king came here several times, but his wife Marysieńka (Marie Casimire) stayed in Rzucewo more often. After 1685 the Sobieskis built a new Baroque palace, and in 1769–1772 Ignacy Przebendowski demolished both buildings and erected a Rococo residence.

Stüler's palace

The present palace and farm complex was built in 1840–1845 for Gustav von Below to a design by Friedrich August Stüler, a leading Berlin architect of his day. Above the entrance, look for the arch with the coats of arms of Gustav Friedrich von Below and his wife, Friederike Caroline von Keyserlingk. The complex also includes a park with the "Sobieski Avenue" of lindens from around 1700, a burial chapel from 1860, a 19th-century garden house and farm buildings – a granary, a stable and a piggery from 1890. Legend says the king himself planted the lindens.

From ruin to hotel

The von Below family lived here until the end of the Second World War. Afterwards the owners changed frequently and the palace fell into decay – its fortunes turned only in 1994. After restoration it now houses a hotel with a restaurant and café, also open to non-residents. In good weather breakfast is served on a terrace overlooking the bay, and the park has many trees protected as natural monuments.

What to look for

• The linden avenue leading to the palace – best walked or cycled.
• The von Below coats of arms above the entrance.
• The beach below the garden, about 100 m from the palace, where trees lean right over the water.
• The burial chapel of 1860 and the old farm buildings.

Tripto tip

Rzucewo lies in the municipality of Puck, less than 7 km from the town of Puck, on the EuroVelo 10/13 cycle route along the Bay of Puck. You can see the park, the avenue and the palace exterior on a walk; an hour is enough, longer with coffee on the terrace. If you want to eat at the restaurant at the weekend, it is wise to book a table, as the palace also hosts weddings. Nearby, visit the "Seal Hunters' Settlement" Cultural Park with its small museum – Rzucewo is an important archaeological site for the southern Baltic – and the Beka nature reserve.