Sieraków lays in the true heart of the Land of 100 Lakes in western Wielkopolska. In fact there are several lakes just within the town limits, and dozens of others in very close vicinity. You may spend a whole weekend there, but the best idea is to rent a bike or a kayak and make some nice trips around.

Sieraków lays in the westernmost part of Wielkopolska, at the banks of river Warta and south from the vast Puszcza Notecka forest. Those parts, known as the Land of 100 Lakes is one of the most picturesque in Wielkopolska and a perfect spot for some relax close to nature. You may choose from just laying on a beach or strolling lazily in the woods to some more active tourism like kayaking, biking or even wake boarding.

What to see?

The history of Sieraków dates back to the 13th century. One of the oldest monuments of those times is the medieval Sieraków Castle, initially built in the 14th century. The castle saw its golden era in the time of the noble Górka and Opaliński families. After several reconstructions it fell into ruin and was partially demolished in the 19th century. After many years of oblivion it has been reconstructed in 1991. The most interesting part of the exhibition are the lavishly decorated coffins of the Opaliński.

You shouldn’t also miss the baroque church of Blessed Virgin Mary Immaculate Conception, more commonly known as the pearl of Sieraków. Its towers can be seen from far away as well as the sound of the church bells reaches all parts of Sieraków. Make sure you have enough time to see the interior, and the six beautiful altars.

Also worth mentioning is the Sieraków Stud and the herd of stallions. Created in 1829 by the Prussian authority as the Poznań National Stud (Posensches Land – Gestüt) it continues this traditions to this day and is one of the most important studs in Poland.

What to do?

Apart from sightseeing there are many things to do in Sieraków. You may start from just taking a walk. A long walk, as there many great hiking trails around. Try the red trail, which goes along the Lutomskie lake or head north to the Puszcza Notecka forest.

For longer trips we recommend you a bicycle. Sieraków lays at the Trail of 100 Lakes, which starts in Poznań and ends in Międzychód – just a few kilometres to the west. Some great places to visit is Chalin, with a astronomical observatory, Mniszki, where you can visit the Nature Education Center or Łężeczki with an awesome lookout point.

The list would not be complete without kayaking. This is always a good idea in Wielkopolska, but the Land of 100 Lakes is just perfect for that. You may rent a kayak on one of the lakes, but the best part is to go kayaking on the Warta river. Warta is the third longest river in Poland and a part of the Great Waterway Loop of Wielkopolska.

Feeling like you could do some more extreme sports? Well, then you must try the Sieraków Wake Park at the Jaroszewskie lake. It offers lots of fun for both experienced wakeboarders and for complete rookies too. After that you may find some rest at the beach at lake Jaroszewskie, have some ice cream there and just chill out.

Text: Jacek Cieślewicz