The history of Wągrowiec is closely linked to the Cistercian order, which arrived in nearby Łekno as early as 1153. The first monastery began to sink into the marshy ground, so the monks decided to move their seat to a new site.
Walking through Wągrowiec, visitors can discover several traces of its monastic past. The silhouette of the former monastery church, with its two towers, immediately catches the eye. Unfortunately, few of its rich interior furnishings have survived to the present day. The interior of the Parish Church of St James the Apostle is even more impressive, featuring exquisite Renaissance altars, star-shaped vaults, and 16th-century polychromes.
One of Wągrowiec’s most intriguing curiosities is also linked to the Cistercians – the confluence of the Wełna and Nielba rivers. This unique confluence was created through river regulation and hydraulic works carried out by the Cistercians.
On the outskirts of Wągrowiec, it is worth stopping to see the unusual pyramid-shaped tomb erected by Franciszek Łakiński, an officer in the Napoleonic armies. During his wartime travels, he journeyed to Egypt with Napoleon’s troops, where he saw the pyramids for the first time. Inspired by the sight, he had a tomb built for himself in a similar shape.
Wągrowiec also appeals to visitors who enjoy waterside recreation. The well-developed beach on Durowskie Lake, together with neighbouring water bodies offering extensive facilities and equipment rentals, invites visitors to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities.