The sugar factory in Znin is a historic site and one of many interesting attractions in the Paluki region, located in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship. This unique industrial facility fulfilled its purpose until 2004, when the machines were shut down for the last time and the gates were firmly closed. Fortunately, the old factory was not forgotten—someone recognized that the aged walls could still be useful and serve people, albeit in an entirely different way.
Today, I’ll share the history of the Znin Sugar Factory and talk about our visit to the renovated and thriving leisure and recreation centre. I’ll tell you what impression the Znin Sugar Factory made on us and how much fun we had during our visit.
Sugar factory in Znin – practical information
If you plan to stay in Paluki for a few days and want to spend them in a nice and luxurious place, then Sugar factory in Znin is a good idea, although it is not cheap. A big plus is that the offer is divided into many packages, so it is easier to decide on the one that suits you. The offer is expansive, and you can choose a basic stay of a few days with meals or a luxurious relaxation in the spa belonging to the facility.
The Sugar Factory in Żnin has special vouchers for additional attractions or occasional stays, which can be a great gift. These are, for example, dinners in the dark or a short stay for two people with selected attractions. As I wrote, it is not cheap, so before you decide to buy, check out other attractions in Pałuki.
Address Sugar Factory in Znin: ul. Klemensa Janickiego 1, 88-400 Znin. In the facility you will find a large car park and many signposts and directions to help you get there.
A big plus is the possibility of staying in the facility with your pet. Of course, the pet must be well-behaved and well-mannered, I do not recommend taking dogs, which can be unruly and unpredictable because there are always children running around inside the buildings, and often other animals as well. If you decide that your pet is suitable for staying with others, then staying with him in the sugar factory will be pure pleasure. There are many green areas around the facility, perfect for walking with a dog.
The sugar factory often hosts concerts, festivals and various cultural events, so it is worth visiting their website to check what attractions you can expect during your stay.
Sugar factory in Znin, the history of the industrial plant in Paluki
The history of the Sugar factory in Znin begins in mid-1893, when local landowners came up with the idea that instead of sending the widely cultivated sugar beets to distant industrial plants, they should build one of their own. The idea turned out to be promising, and soon a company was established, made up of both German and Polish investors. Over time, other beet producers joined the venture, and within a few months, they had raised 100 million marks in capital—enough to build a modern sugar processing plant.
Work got underway at full speed, and as soon as construction of the factory building was completed, the necessary sugar production machines and equipment were brought in from Sangerhausen in Saxony. The construction proceeded smoothly and on schedule, and by the end of 1894, the Znin Sugar Factory produced its first batch of sugar. Initially, only raw sugar was produced in Znin—a product somewhere between white sugar and molasses. However, production was eventually expanded, and the necessary machinery for producing pure white sugar was purchased. During the interwar period, the Znin Sugar Factory came under Polish ownership and developed dynamically until the outbreak of World War II, when the plant was taken over by the Germans. During the communist era in Poland (PRL), the factory once again flourished and became one of the largest in the Pałuki region.
Despite protests and numerous petitions, the Znin Sugar Factory was shut down in 2004 and put up for sale. In 2015, the factory buildings and surrounding land were purchased by a company associated with the hospitality industry. The plan was to transform the site of the old factory into a large hotel and recreational complex. Today, we know that this vision has been realized, and the old, time-worn walls and factory machinery have been given a new lease on life.
Sugar factory in Znin a great attraction in Paluki
During our visit to the sugar factory, what impressed me the most was its industrial character. The architects managed to preserve the atmosphere of cold, austere factory walls while filling the interiors with warmth and modern comforts. The clever incorporation of old sugar-making machines and mechanical devices into the design of the contemporary spaces is also very interesting. The guest rooms, as well as the restaurants and bars, share this same industrial yet cosy character. It’s a really creative idea and was executed beautifully.
The outdoor areas around the buildings also feature many elements of the factory’s original equipment, which look intriguing and help visitors imagine what the place was like in its heyday—when the whole plant was alive with activity, and the now-silent machines buzzed and turned with the clatter of gears and the hum of steel chains. From what I observed, children feel great here, and the machines and old devices make for perfect play areas.
Today, the Znin Sugar Factory is one of the major attractions of the Paluki region, drawing thousands of visitors from both Poland and abroad. Residents also enjoy the attractions available here. We ended up visiting the place after hearing glowing reviews from friends, and I can honestly say that every moment we spent there was a success. Below, you’ll find information about the attractions that stood out to me the most.
Large playroom for children
This is a real treat for kids. They can run wild all year round on a 300-meter-long jungle gym with numerous bridges, ropes and imaginative obstacles. While playing, kids can be watched by their parents, who are calmly drinking coffee in a nearby café. The facility is open all year round, so bad weather won’t be an obstacle to having fun.
A space for older children and youth
This place used to be a space where goods produced in the sugar factory were packed. Today it is a large room filled with attractions for older children and young people. There is sports and recreational equipment here. You will also find the beginning of a long slide that goes down several floors.
Water park and water attractions
The water park is one of the most popular attractions at the renovated Sugar factory in Znin. It features swimming lanes just like those in professional pools, relaxation areas with hydro-massage jets and water cascades, jacuzzis, and a paddling pool for the youngest visitors. Of course, both steam and dry (Finnish) saunas are also available.
It’s worth noting that the water park and pools are not reserved exclusively for hotel guests—they’re open to everyone. So, even if you’re staying somewhere else, you can still enjoy all the aquatic attractions at the Znin Sugar Factory.
For outside visitors, the water park is open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and the cost is a few dozen euros per hour of fun. For a detailed price list, I recommend checking the official website of the Sugar Factory. There, you’ll also find multi-day passes—some valid for up to several days—which, as you might expect, offer significant savings.
Bowling alley with bar and restaurant
A very popular attraction of the Znin sugar factory is the bowling alley with professional lanes. This room is also kept in the atmosphere of an old factory, which only adds to its charm. In addition to bowling, you can play billiards, darts or table football. Oh, and you can have fun at the bowling alley even if you are not a hotel guest. Opening hours: from 15:00 to 23:00.
I must mention here that near the bowling alley you will find a room with old gaming machines, which aroused nostalgic memories in me and reminded me how much pocket money I spent in such places before I bought my first computer and started my adventure with games at home.
Cinema hall in the Znin sugar factory
The Znin Sugar Factory also has a cinema hall, which can be great fun, especially when the weather is bad. The cinema is located in an old silo, which only adds to its charm. Although the hall is not large, it has a nice and friendly atmosphere.
The beach at the sugar factory and the bicycle route around Lake Żnińskie Duże
The beautiful industrial interiors of the renovated sugar factory are one thing, but please keep in mind that Paluki is, above all, a region of lush, diverse, and stunning nature. That’s why, when you’re there, you absolutely must take a trip to the shores of Lake Żnińskie Duże. I have to mention that one of the greatest advantages of the Znin Sugar Factory is its location—right on the edge of this very lake.
The body of water spans over 400 hectares, offering countless opportunities for water sports and plenty of spots perfect for relaxing. On the beach, you can rent a kayak, boat, pedal boat, or other water recreation equipment. There’s also a cosy beach bar, sun loungers, a beach volleyball court, and a playground for the little ones.
A cycling route stretches around the lake, covering several kilometres. It partially runs through the town of Znin, over a bridge across the Gąsawa River, and through the village of Wilczkowo, where you can stop by the Irena Vineyard. After circling the lake, you return to the Znin Sugar Factory. The whole trip takes about two hours—although it took us nearly four, as we made plenty of stops to explore local attractions and enjoy the views.
Of course, this is just a small glimpse of all the attractions that the Znin Sugar Factory has to offer. On-site, you’ll find bars, restaurants, and even a brewery—the beer there was particularly to my taste. In addition, the resort offers a wide range of rental options for various types of recreational equipment, such as quad bikes and bicycles.
I truly believe that anyone with even a hint of imagination will have a great time here and easily find something that suits their interests.
Sugar factory in Znin summary
We were quite lucky to visit the Znin Sugar Factory just before the peak tourist season, so there were no large crowds. Of course, I assume the resort is well-prepared to accommodate many guests, and the spacious grounds offer hope for a pleasant holiday even during the busiest times. However, if you have the option, I recommend visiting the Paluki region in late spring or early autumn—it’s not only more peaceful, but nature is at its most impressive, full of wild beauty and diversity.
In the end, I give the Znin Sugar Factory a high rating, especially for preserving its industrial character and offering such a wide variety of attractions. It’s also an excellent starting point for exploring the Paluki region—a truly unique and fascinating land.
Sugar factory in Znin information and interesting facts
- The sugar factory in Znin began operating in 1894.
- The construction cost was 100 million marks.
- The plant ceased operations in 2004 and was put up for sale for a price of over 7 million złoty, later reduced to below 5 million.
- The sugar factory in Znin found a new owner in 2015.
- In 2020, the renovation of the buildings and surrounding areas was completed and a hotel, catering and recreational complex called Sugar Factory in Znin Industrial Park was opened.
- The complex includes the Hotel Arche Sugar Factory, with a conference room and spa.
- The sugar factory also includes a beach with a marina for sailors and surfers.
- During strong winds in 2017, an over 80-meter factory chimney collapsed, which is a shame because the plans were to transform it into a viewing point.
- In 2021, the Sugar Factory in Znin was nominated for the prestigious European Mies van der Rohe Award.
- Along with the construction of the sugar factory at the end of the 19th century, a railway line was built, which unfortunately, was closed in 1972 because it lost the competition to cheaper road transport.
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