Międzychód is the largest town in the Wielkopolska Region known as the Land of 100 Lakes. For some, it is lake relaxation or Warta River cruises; for others, it is iconic, century-old ketchup and stuffed cabbage rolls; and for still others… a pear.
A glance at the map reveals Międzychód is not only surrounded by lakes – it is built around Miejskie Lake. The town is an excellent base for cycling and walking excursions. It also marks the end of the 100 Lakes Bicycle Route and the Warta River Bicycle Trail. Poland’s longest marked water trail, the Great Waterway Loop of Wielkopolska, passes through the town – visitors can stop at the Old Port marina.
Międzychód once aspired to become a spa town. The town’s symbol is the Laufpompa: a richly decorated cast-iron pump by the artesian well, operating since 1912. Its water contains hydrogen sulphide and microelements like magnesium, iodine, and sulphur.
Take a stroll the old town’s narrow gaski lanes to the town centre’s unique Market Square, nestled between Miejskie Lake and the Warta River. Key monuments include the Church of the Martyrdom of St John the Baptist and the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which houses the 17th-century tombstone of Krzysztof Unruh.
And the pear? It is the town’s symbol, depicted on its coat of arms. Legend has it that a massive pear tree once stood in today’s Market Square, where fishermen dried their nets. One day, they resolved to build their town right there. It should be noted that the German name for Międzychód is Birnbaum, which literally means ‘pear tree’.