Only 20 kilometers south of Poznań, there is a place where the dense urban sprawl gives way to nature. The wide Warta valley is full of oxbow lakes and meadows. It’s here that you can find the largest cluster of monumental oak trees in Poland, some dating back almost 800 years. At the heart of this landscape rises the magnificent Rogalin Palace, once the residence of the Raczyński family, nowadays a branch of the National Museum.
The extraordinary landscape of the Rogalin Warta Valley is a remembrance of old times when rivers flowed untamed, winding amidst meadows and periodically flooded forests, leaving behind relics such as oxbow lakes.
The park is a place of intensive activity of beavers, which find the undisturbed habitat hospitable in terms of building their lodges in the wetlands. It’s much easier to spot the numerous birds found here, though. Particular attention should be given to middle spotted woodpecker, green woodpecker, wryneck, hoopoe, black stork, and tern. Birds of prey, such as the white-tailed eagle, can also be seen here
Rogalin Oaks
Research conducted by scientists has revealed that over 1,500 monumental oaks grow in the park. Many of them are several hundred years old, with the oldest ones reaching nearly eight hundred years. The most famous oaks can be seen in the park near Rogalin Palace, that is, Lech, Czech, and Rus, named in honor of three legendary Slavic brothers. There is also one more oak worth mentioning. It is called Edward, which commemorates Count Edward Raczyński, the old-time owner of the palace.
The oaks look phenomenally early in the morning, just after sunrise, when fog gathers in the Warta Valley and oxbow lakes. It’s almost a mystical experience, regularly attracting the multitudes of photographers.
Rogalin Palace
Rogalin Palace is not only about phenomenal architecture but also incredible history of the Raczyński family, who contributed greatly to Poland’s and Poznań’s legacy. It’s also an opportunity to enjoy splendorous nature and marvel at the finest works of art. Visiting the palace includes exploring the beautifully reconstructed interiors, filled with period furniture, paintings, sculptures and everyday objects. Its library is also really impressive. It looks as if it was taken straight from the Harry Potter movies.
Kayaking on the Warta River
The section of the Varta River from Jaszków or Radzwice to Puszczykowo is a very busy kayaking route. The park looks phenomenal from the paddler’s perspective. Surprise surprise, despite the proximity to the city and the rapidly expanding suburban residential areas, this route is exceptionally peaceful and quiet, intersecting a road only once.
On your way you’ll pass the Krajkowo Nature Reserve and the part of the Warta Valley where the density of primeval oaks is the highest.
