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The trail of castles and ruins around Górzno is one of those trip ideas that combines history, the beautiful landscapes of the Brodnica Lake District and a calm, local atmosphere. In 2026 many people are looking for less obvious routes — this guide will help you plan your own expedition to the castles around Górzno, with Agroturystyka Hajduczek as a convenient base.

Below you will find a brief history of the region, suggested routes (walking, cycling and driving), descriptions of the most interesting sites, practical information and photography tips.

1. Historical introduction: a short chronology of the region's castles

The areas around Górzno, Brodnica and Radziki Duże were for centuries a borderland of influence between the Teutonic Order, the Masovian dukes and the Polish nobility. It was from this tension that numerous fortresses, knight towers and castles sprang.

  • 13th–14th century – the first wooden-earth fortifications arise, followed by brick Teutonic strongholds. Brodnica becomes an important strategic point on the trade route.
  • Early 15th century – construction of the castle in Radziki Duże, a typical knight's castle belonging to powerful noble families. It has a defensive-residential character.
  • 14th–15th century – development of the castle in Brodnica, one of the more important Teutonic strongholds in the region. The castle serves administrative and military functions.
  • 15th–16th century – the knight's tower in Strzygi is erected, smaller but a very interesting form of a defensive noble residence.
  • 17th–18th century – wars, fires and border changes cause the gradual degradation of many sites. Some castles are abandoned and fall into ruin.
  • 19th–20th century – ruins are dismantled for building materials or left to themselves. Only in the 20th century does protection begin and the first conservation works take place.

Today the castles around Górzno are mainly picturesque ruins and partially reconstructed sites, ideal for calm historical excursions.

2. Map of the trail and suggested routes

The starting point in this guide is Agroturystyka Hajduczek in Górzno (ul. 3 Maja 1, 87-320 Górzno), which works great as a base for day trips and weekend excursions.

2.1. Suggested driving route (1 day)

Length: approx. 90–110 km (depending on the variant)

Order of sightseeing: 1. Górzno → Brodnica (Castle in Brodnica) – approx. 20 km 2. Brodnica → Strzygi (knight's tower) – approx. 25–30 km 3. Strzygi → Radziki Duże (castle ruins) – approx. 20–25 km 4. Radziki Duże → Świnków castle ruins – approx. 15–20 km (depending on the chosen access road) 5. Return to Górzno – approx. 20–25 km

This is an intensive but feasible plan for a full day, with a break for lunch in Brodnica or on the way.

2.2. Cycling route (weekend)

For more persistent cyclists a 2-day variant is recommended:

Day 1: - Górzno → Brodnica (visit the castle and the town) → return to Górzno or stay overnight in Brodnica. - One-way distance: approx. 20 km, mainly on local roads.

Day 2: - Górzno → Radziki Duże → Strzygi → return to Górzno. - Total approx. 60–70 km, route for people with good fitness.

It's worth using local cycling maps of the Brodnica Lake District and offline navigation (e.g. apps with tourist maps), because some sections run on unpaved roads.

2.3. Short walking routes

Although the distances between castles are too large for a single walking trail, you can plan short walks:

  • Brodnica – a walk around the old town and the castle (1.5–2 hours).
  • Radziki Duże – approach from the parking area to the ruins and walk around the castle hill (approx. 45–60 minutes).
  • Świnków – a short walk to the ruins surrounded by fields and meadows (approx. 30–45 minutes).

3. Description of places: the most interesting castles around Górzno

3.1. Castle in Brodnica – the heart of the region

Character: a fortified Teutonic castle from the 14th century, with a well-preserved tower and fragments of walls.

Why it's worth visiting: - Possibility to climb the viewing tower (check current information about opening hours and tickets before your trip by searching for “castle in Brodnica sightseeing 2026”). - Interesting museum exhibitions (archaeology, regional history, temporary exhibitions). - Connection with the atmospheric old town of Brodnica – an ideal place for a lunch break.

What to pay attention to: - The castle courtyard and remnants of defensive walls. - The tower – panorama of the town and surrounding lakes. - The cellars and museum exhibitions (if available in the given season).

3.2. Ruins of the castle in Radziki Duże – an open ruin with character

Character: a knight's castle from the early 15th century, today an open ruin.

Why it's worth visiting: - Free access to the ruins – lack of typical “museum” infrastructure gives a sense of authenticity. - Visible fragments of walls, the outline of the courtyard and the layout of the former stronghold. - Quiet rural surroundings – ideal for a moment of silence and photos without crowds.

Practical tips: - Wear sturdy shoes – the terrain can be uneven, especially after rain. - Lack of developed tourist infrastructure (a plus for those seeking “wild” spots, but a minus if you count on a café by the castle).

3.3. Ruins of the Świnków castle – for archaeology enthusiasts

Character: an archaeological site with relics of the former stronghold, less known than Brodnica or Radziki Duże.

Why it's worth visiting: - A place off the main tourist trail – you will often be alone here. - A chance to see ruins not transformed by intensive tourism. - A good spot for a short stop during a driving tour.

Note: - No infrastructure – bring water, something to eat and respect the archaeological site (do not climb the embankments, do not dig the ground, do not leave litter).

3.4. Knight's tower in Strzygi – small but unique

Character: a medieval knight's tower, a remnant of a small defensive residence.

Why it's worth visiting: - An uncommon type of monument – not a castle, not a manor, but a residential-defensive tower. - Picturesque location among fields and small hills. - A good break on the route between Radziki Duże and Brodnica.

Tip: - Before you set off, check current information (e.g. on zamki.pl, search for “Strzygi”) whether it is possible to enter the interior or only view it from the outside.

4. Practical information: opening hours, admission, accessibility, safety

4.1. Opening hours and tickets

  • Castle in Brodnica – the only one of the described sites to have regular opening hours and entrance tickets. In 2026 these may change seasonally, so before you go search for “castle in Brodnica sightseeing 2026” or check the municipal / museum website.
  • Radziki Duże, Świnków, Strzygi – these are in practice open ruins or sites viewed from the outside. Usually no tickets and no fixed hours, but always respect information boards and any entry bans.

4.2. Accessibility and getting there

  • By car:

    • You can reach all sites via local roads. The last sections may be unpaved – especially near the ruins of the Świnków castle.
    • Park only in designated places or so as not to block access for residents and services.

  • By bike:

    • Routes can be ridden on a trekking or gravel bike. A road bike may have problems on unpaved sections.
    • Bring a water supply – shops in small villages are not always open.

  • People with limited mobility:

    • The easiest to access is the castle in Brodnica (paved approaches, municipal infrastructure).
    • The ruins in Radziki Duże and Świnków have uneven terrain and no paved paths – access may be difficult.

4.3. Safety

  • Ruins are not playgrounds – do not climb on walls, do not scale unstable fragments.
  • After rain stones and grass are slippery – good trekking shoes are essential.
  • In the summer season remember anti-tick measures (high grass around the ruins).
  • Always have a charged phone with you and inform someone about your planned route if you are heading to less frequented places.

5. Photography tips and the most picturesque spots

5.1. Best times of day

  • Morning (golden hour) – soft light, mists over fields and lakes. Ideal for photos of the ruins in Radziki Duże and Świnków.
  • Afternoon / sunset – great light for the panorama from the Brodnica castle tower and for the tower in Strzygi.

5.2. Specifically: where to stand with your camera?

  • Castle in Brodnica:

    • Climb the tower – panorama of the town, the river and the surrounding lakes.
    • The courtyard – shots with arches, walls and architectural details.
    • External view from the moat side – the castle reflected in the water (in favorable conditions).

  • Radziki Duże:

    • At the foot of the castle hill – a wide frame including the whole ruins.
    • From the side of the walls – photos showing the thickness of the walls and the brick structure.

  • Świnków:

    • Low-angle shots with fragments of walls against the sky.
    • Frames incorporating vegetation – trees, shrubs, wildflowers.

  • Strzygi:

    • View of the tower against fields and sky – best at sunset.
    • Close-ups of wall details and windows.

5.3. Equipment and settings

  • A phone camera is enough, but if you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera bring:
    • Wide-angle lens (16–24 mm) – for shots of whole ruins.
    • Standard lens (35–50 mm) – for details and portraits against the walls.
  • Turn on HDR on your phone for high-contrast scenes (dark walls, bright sky).
  • A tripod is useful at dawn and dusk when light is low.

6. How to plan a day or weekend trail (based at Hajduczek)

6.1. One-day plan from Górzno

Base: Agroturystyka Hajduczek, Górzno

Suggestion:

  • 8:00–9:00 – breakfast at Hajduczek, prepare provisions.
  • 9:30–12:00 – drive to Brodnica, visit the castle and the old town.
  • 12:00–13:00 – lunch in Brodnica.
  • 13:00–15:00 – drive to Radziki Duże, walk around the ruins.
  • 15:00–16:00 – drive to Strzygi, short stop at the knight's tower.
  • 16:00–17:00 – Świnków castle ruins.
  • 17:00–18:00 – return to Górzno.
  • Evening – dinner and rest at Hajduczek, select photos, plan the next day.

6.2. Weekend plan for bike and history enthusiasts

Day 1 – Brodnica and the lakes: - Morning bike ride from Górzno to Brodnica. - Visit the castle, stroll around the town, time by the lake. - Return to Górzno for an overnight stay at Hajduczek.

Day 2 – ruins and towers: - Cycling or driving circuit: Radziki Duże → Strzygi → Świnków. - Return to Górzno, evening walk by Lake Górzno or relax in Hajduczek's garden.

6.3. Why choose Agroturystyka Hajduczek as your base?

If you dream of a weekend that combines history, nature and tranquility, plan your own trail of castles and ruins around Górzno for 2026. Book accommodation at Hajduczek, prepare comfortable shoes, charge your camera and set off to discover Brodnica, Radziki Duże, Świnków and Strzygi — before they become truly popular.

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