Krajna is a distinctive ethnographic region at the crossroads of Wielkopolska, Kuyavia, and Pomerania. It is known for its unique folklore, local culture, dialect, and handicrafts – particularly its unique blue embroidery. To truly experience Krajna, a visit to Złotów, the region’s most important town, is essential.
Town in Krajna
Złotów is a typical borderland town, where different traditions, languages, and religions have met. On a large square in the town centre stands the former Evangelical church, designed by the renowned Karl Friedrich Schinkel, a master of neoclassical architecture. Just a short walk away is the Baroque Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. From the beginning, it served the Catholic community, so that every Sunday the two congregations worshipped less than 150 metres apart.
The culture of the Krajna people can be experienced up close in two places. The first is the Krajna Farmstead, located right on the shore of the Town Lake. The second is the Złotów Land Museum, housed in a typical local black-and-white half-timbered building. Here, you can discover what the so-called black kitchen was and why Krajna brides traditionally wore black wedding dresses. Perhaps the most fascinating element is Krajna embroidery, with its traditional blue-and-white patterns. Visitors can even take part in embroidery workshops, which are easier than they might seem. Interestingly, the traditional motif has been creatively reinterpreted and now appears on mugs, porcelain, bags, and bookmarks.
Town with the deer
Everywhere you go in Złotów, the deer – the town’s symbol – is impossible to miss. This comes from a legend about a magnificent stag that supposedly led a group of knights to a forest hideout of bandits who had long terrorised the local population. The treasures recovered from the bandits were then used to establish the town.
The first deer can be seen as a statue along the lakeside promenade. From there, head towards the town centre, passing both of Złotów’s churches. Before reaching the market square, turn around to spot another deer – a mural painted on the wall of a building. Continuing on, you will reach the impressive Town Hall. Nearby, on the roundabout, stands yet another deer – this one truly special: by sending an SMS to a designated number, the statue moves and bellows across the town.
Town by the lakes
Złotów is situated by no fewer than five lakes. Although Baba Lake is now almost completely overgrown, there are still several lakes accessible to visitors. The most important is Miejskie Lake, on whose shores the centre of Złotów lis located, with a promenade running around it. The promenade allows visitors to walk or cycle all the way around the lake (bicycles can be rented at the Krajna Farmstead). By Zaleskie Lake, there is a sports complex, a hotel, and one of the town’s beaches. The Głomia River also flows through the town, offering an interesting, though somewhat challenging, canoe route.
