Attractions in Chojnice and a wealth of information and trivia about the city in Poland.
Chojnice is a city in Poland known for its rich history and serves as a gateway to many interesting places. It’s also the perfect place to continue exploring this part of paradise. Nearby historical regions like Kaszuby or Pomorze will provide you with excellent entertainment, both travel-wise and culturally.
In the article below, I will tell you about Chojnice to all those who plan to visit and stay longer. I’ll write about what is worth seeing and what Chojnice has to offer to visiting tourists.
Chojnice on the yellowed pages of history
Through the dense forest, a creature of massive build made its way, breaking branches with a crackling sound. With its sharp horns protruding from a massive skull, it cleared its path, slowly heading towards the watering hole. Suddenly, it paused for a moment, as a strange sound reached its ears, one it had never heard before. The bison twitched its ears, and then it saw them.
Unassuming bipedal intruders had invaded its territory, who, as it would turn out in the future, would bring about its downfall. However, the memory of it would not fade, as these people would place it in the emblem of their city, which they would name Chojnice.
Chojnice under the rule of the Teutonic Knights
The evidence of human presence near present-day Chojnice is abundant, with numerous excavations and traces left behind by them. However, I won’t delve into such ancient times. Instead, let’s journey to the first written mention of Chojnice, which appeared in 1275 when a certain Mestwin II issued a municipal document to the Augustinian Order from the nearby village of Swornegacie.
Shortly after that, in 1309, the Teutonic Knights took over the city and deemed it ideal for a defensive stronghold, guarding the access to the territories of the Teutonic State, lying to the west. The idea proved successful, as confirmed, among others, by Casimir Jagiellon, but you’ll read about that in the further part of the article.
The construction works of the fortified city began in full swing, and one cannot deny the zeal and diligence of the Teutonic Knights. Eventually, between two lakes, stood a beautiful city with high walls and a vast moat, whose conquest seemed impossible. The fortified Chojnice was tasked with guarding one of the most important medieval trade routes leading from Brandenburg to Königsberg.
By the year 1360, Chojnice had developed sufficiently, prompting the Teutonic authorities to issue a new founding charter guaranteeing a range of privileges and obligations for the city, which, thanks to the trade route, was thriving and prospering.
Battle of Chojnice 1454
In the historical narrative of that time, apart from the episode when Chojnice briefly fell under Polish rule in 1410, Konitz (the German name for Chojnice) remained unconquered under the governance of the Teutonic Order. Polish kings made numerous attempts to seize the valuable city, which provided access to the rich Pomerania. There were many skirmishes and smaller or larger attempts to capture the city, but despite several victories, Chojnice remained under the control of the Order’s knights for a long time.
However, eventually, the King of Poland gathered the flower of knighthood and arrived at the small village of Duża Cerkiew near Chojnice, where he set up a military camp. Before the battle took place, however, the Polish nobility decided to seize the opportunity and initiated negotiations with the king to expand their already significant privileges. Disputes and wrangling lasted for almost two weeks, but eventually both sides reached an agreement and began to prepare for the battle for Chojnice.
The Battle of Chojnice ended with such a defeat for the Poles that King Casimir remembered it for a long time. Over 3000 knights and soldiers perished on the Polish side, some from swords and arrows, and some drowning in the surrounding marshes. The Teutonic Knights, on the other hand, lost only about 100 men.
However, what is postponed will not escape, and eventually Chojnice fell into the hands of the crown. It was precisely on September 28, 1466. From that moment on, one could say it followed a pattern. Fire, Swedes, fire again, another fire, partitions, draining of the lakes, Germans, war, Russians, and ruins.
Attractions in Chojnice coat of arms, flag, and bugle call
The city of Chojnice, whose roots date back to the early Middle Ages, has its coat of arms and anthem. Additionally, it is assumed that in the past, it also had a municipal flag, or banner. Unfortunately, no source materials regarding the appearance of the Chojnice banner have survived. Currently, a flag in three colours is used: black, yellow, and white. The decision to establish a municipal flag was made by the City Council in 1995.
The coat of arms of the city of Chojnice features the head of a bull adorned with a flower. This emblem has been accompanying the city since its inception. The earliest symbol of the city was found on a municipal seal dating back to the mid-14th century. Of course, over the centuries, the depiction of the bull’s head underwent many transformations, but its general form remains unchanged.
Chojnice also have their anthem. It is a composition by Józef Morawiec, the bandmaster of the 1st Battalion of Riflemen. In the old, good times, the city employed a full-time trumpeter who played the anthem from the tower of the Holy Trinity Church every day. Unfortunately, no information has been preserved about the piece that accompanied the residents of Chojnice in the very beginning, but the current one can be listened to on the Chojnice city website.
Present times in Chojnice
After the Second World War, the reconstruction of Chojnice took place. Many destroyed buildings were loaded onto trucks and transported to the area near today’s Millennium Park. The debris served as reinforcement for the marshy areas, allowing for the expansion of new districts of the city.
New post-war socialist-era buildings arose. Gray concrete structures, concrete squares, and ubiquitous asphalt endured in Chojnice for years, until the late 1990s, when the city acquired funds for the revitalization of the market square. Thanks to this, the concrete facades, like chameleons, adapted to the tenements of the era, recreating the unique atmosphere of the old town. Concrete walkways were transformed into beautiful promenades, and the former gray fountain was replaced by a new one adorned with sculptures of beautiful girls.
Attractions in Chojnice, monuments and what is worth seeing in the town
Chojnice is an ancient town, which means that over the centuries it has gathered many monuments and places with history. Below I will list places that you should not miss while walking around the city.
Attractions in Chojnice and the old market square in the city
The old market square in Chojnice is the most representative place the city has to offer and, basically, aside from the Człuchów Gate, the most recognizable. While sitting in a beer garden or enjoying ice cream with refined flavours during the summer, it’s worth looking around and admiring the facades of the tenement houses.
As you sit there in the Chojnice market square, remember how the city looked decades ago during the gray and gloomy era of communism, when half of the tenement houses were hideous concrete monstrosities.
Significant investments and substantial funds have brought Chojnice back to life, and the city’s residents no longer have to be ashamed of it. Additionally, the greenery that has appeared along with the new look, stylish flowerbeds, numerous benches, and cobblestone pavement add a unique charm to the city.
It’s a pity, however, that it wasn’t possible to develop the underground of the Holy Trinity Church, discovered during excavations in the Chojnice market square. Such a project was too costly, and the underground chambers were filled in. Perhaps in the future, someone will rediscover them, and then the city will have another historical attraction.
Let’s return to the colourful, stylish tenement houses standing in Chojnice. Those on the market square are not the only beautiful buildings in the city. For me, one of the more attractive streets in terms of architecture is Dworcowa Street. Although most of the houses require major renovations, you can still see today that it used to be the representative part of the town, welcoming travellers who arrived by train.
So, if you have the opportunity to arrive in Chojnice by train, take a stroll towards the city centre, and along the way, admire the beautiful, slender tenement houses that have witnessed many extraordinary events.
Attractions in Chojnice and the town hall
Somewhere I read that the town hall in Chojnice is the neo-Gothic heart of the city, and I think this sentence best captures its essence. The building is unique, and I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it anywhere else during my travels. It was built between 1901-1904 based on a design from one of the best Berlin studios, and it must be admitted that they did an excellent job with this project.
The red brick is adorned with reliefs depicting emblems of craftsmanship and trade, as well as recurring motifs of bees and owls, symbolizing industriousness and wisdom. It’s also worth looking at the balcony with its decorative balustrade supported by sculpted human heads.
And finally, the central point where the coat of arms of the city of Chojnice is immortalized, namely the head of a bull adorned with flowers. As an interesting fact, I must add that it was here, where the last Prussian Mayor of the city of Konitz handed over power to Polish hands, precisely on January 31, 1920.
Attractions in Chojnice and the Basilica of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist
A significant part of the city’s history is connected precisely with this building. The construction of the Basilica in Chojnice began in 1340 and continued for the next 20 years. It was a massive undertaking for those times. Fortunately, the temple has survived to our times in almost unchanged condition. Although it has been repeatedly destroyed by fires over the centuries, the residents of Chojnice always diligently rebuilt it.
In 1555, the Lutherans came to Chojnice for a visit and decided they wouldn’t leave, furthermore, they would reform the local Catholic churches. They began implementing their plans by killing the pastor and monks who disagreed with their plans. After years, the Basilica returned to the hands of Catholics, and this happened in 1612 when the royal court issued an order to return the building to its rightful owners. After this incident, the church was enlarged by adding three more chapels, of which only one has survived to our times.
Today, the church can be visited, just remember not to disturb during masses. However, don’t expect fireworks; it’s just a tour for a few dozen minutes, unless you take advantage of the services of a reliable guide who will passionately tell you about the mysteries of this mighty church.
Unfortunately, there is no possibility to climb the church tower. Most likely, it’s not profitable to open it to tourists, and it’s better to rent it as a station for antennas. Well, too bad, economics won.
Attractions in Chojnice and the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a junior high school church
In 1610, the Primate of Poland, Baranowski, agreed to bring Jesuits to Chojnice, who eventually arrived in 1619 and immediately began their activities and commenced the construction of a church.
The first attempt was in vain, as it was burned down by the Protestants who disagreed with the idea and expressed their opposition by destroying the newly built structure. The next attempt took place in 1640 when a wooden church was erected, which served for several decades.
However, in 1712, it burned down once again. Yet, the Jesuits were a determined order and did not give up easily. They secured funds in the form of a donation from the General Sejmik of Royal Prussia and began the construction of the church once again. This time, however, having learned from experience, they decided to build a masonry structure, which was completed on the main square of the town in 1755.
The building stands to this day and, just like in ancient times, serves a religious function, although throughout its long history, it has served as a warehouse and even as military barracks. The times of World War II were also not easy for the church; its interior was devastated, paintings were painted over, and the organs were removed, replaced by those from the demolished Holy Trinity Church. Additionally, one of the tower domes was hit by artillery and burned. After the war, the church was rebuilt, and today you can admire it in its full glory.
As an interesting fact, it should be noted that concerts and art exhibitions are organized in the underground of the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Attractions in Chojnice and the Człuchowska Gate, the Historical and Ethnographic Museum and the town walls
Another highlight of the city of Chojnice, impossible to overlook, is the Człuchów Gate and the city walls. Once practically impregnable, today they are charming ruins. The city walls and fortification system, led by the mighty Człuchów Gate guarding the entrance to the city, are a must-see on every tour.
During its heyday, the city was protected by 23 towers and 3 entry gates, supported by a moat, a fragment of which remains near the Człuchów Gate. Additionally, two lakes surrounded Chojnice, further complicating access to the city: Lake Zakonne and Lake Zielony.
Unfortunately, a large part of Chojnice’s defensive system did not survive to our times and shared the fate of many similar structures, serving as an unlimited and free source of building materials used for the city’s expansion. Residents extracted medieval bricks and stones until finally, only a vague memory of the ring of fortifications surrounding Chojnice remained.
However, it’s not as tragic as it may seem. The simpletons didn’t manage to dismantle everything, and today you can see several original towers, such as the Crow Tower, Shoemaker’s Tower, and Prison Tower, as well as reconstructions like the one near the Chojniczanka stadium. So, adding the aforementioned Człuchów Gate, a stroll in the shadow of the old fortifications gives you an idea of how it actually might have looked before.
Attractions in Chojnice and the Historical and Ethnographic Museum practical information
Opening hours of the Museum in Chojnice;
- September – June:
- Tuesday, Thursday – 10:00 – 17:00
- Wednesday, Friday – 10:00 – 15:00
- Saturday, Sunday – 10:00 – 15:00
- Monday – Closed
- July – August:
- Tuesday – Friday – 10:00 – 17:00
- Saturday, Sunday – 11:00 – 16:00
- Monday – Closed
The tour takes place with a guide who will tell you the history of the museum and what is collected in it in a pleasant and competent way.
Attractions in Chojnice and historic towers in the town
- Człuchów Gate – houses the Ethnographic Museum, about which we have already written on our blog.
- Crow Tower – currently houses administrative offices and a computer graphics studio.
- Prison Tower – now houses the Museum Gallery of Janusz Jutrzenka Trzebiatowski’s Work.
- Shoemaker Tower – Currently houses the museum library with a valuable collection of books dedicated to Pomerania along with a reading room.
Unfortunately, when it comes to the towers in Chojnice, not everything looks as good as it should. Recently, another tower was added, meaning a building was erected to resemble an additional tower, but it turned out to be rather grotesque. The NEW Tower doesn’t fit well with the other landmarks, so I didn’t include it in the list above. It was built in 2011 for a considerable amount of money, over a million zloty. I believe that with such investments, it would be worth consulting historians and architects with experience in building medieval structures.
The New Tower houses tourist information inside. It’s worth stopping by, as besides a lot of interesting information about the city, you’ll find the latest news and learn about what’s happening in Chojnice and the surrounding area.
Experimentarium a place of science and knowledge in Chojnice
The place is relatively unknown and probably only visited on school trips, which is a shame. It was established in 2015 at the initiative and with funding from the Chojnice County. The Chojnice Experimentarium aims to show visitors everything that Chojnice and its surroundings have to offer.
Inside the building, there are several rooms where you can learn about the local flora, listen to the sounds of nature, or come face to face with an extinct aurochs. Additionally, you’ll find plenty of facts and information related to Chojnice from ancient times to the present.
Is it worth visiting this facility? Probably yes, especially when the weather outside isn’t favourable. You can try your hand at virtual sailing or play with large blocks to build an aqueduct, just like kids would.
Experimentarium in Chojnice practical information
Opening hours;
- Monday – Friday 08.00 – 16.00
- Saturday/Sunday – closed
Attractions in Chojnice and Millennium Park in an entirely new version
Residents of Chojnice or anyone who was in Chojnice many years ago knows what the popular plant looked like in the past. Neglected alleys, overgrown bushes everywhere, green water in the pond, and plenty of discarded bottles from unrefined drinks.
Fortunately, the picture of misery and despair has disappeared irreversibly when the decision-makers finally decided to clean up the park. It was in 2008 when the titanic work began, and believe me, it required great effort and a fortune to bring this area to its current state.
Fortunately, it worked out, and now Chojnice in Poland can boast a park that has delighted not only residents but also tourists visiting our city to the extent that in 2014 it was named the most beautiful park in Poland.
On 17 hectares, we find three interconnected water reservoirs, between which winds an over five-kilometre-long path open to pedestrians and cyclists. As if that weren’t enough, there are many attractions for both children and adults. There are benches where you can sit and relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are playgrounds for children where our little ones play like crazy.
There’s a skate park where you can risk breaking all your limbs trying to perform daring stunts, as well as a large sundial, an outdoor gym, a pétanque court that turns into an ice rink in winter, and a big hill that works great as a toboggan run when covered with snow.
In one word, it’s fantastic.
Attractions in Chojnice and the Town Forest just outside the town
The Municipal Forest is the green lungs of Chojnice. It’s a beech forest beloved by the residents of Chojnice and the surrounding villages and towns. There are plenty of paths and forest trails here that are perfect for afternoon strolls. In the heart of the forest, there is a playground and a tavern where they serve coffee, beer, and snacks.
Not far from the Municipal Forest in Chojnice, on the other side of the Jarcewska stream, lies the Valley of Death, a witness to the tragic history of the city, where the Nazis killed over 2000 residents of the city and its surroundings.
Attractions in Chojnice and the historic Water Tower
Unfortunately, Chojnice in Poland hasn’t been fortunate when it comes to its towers. The Water Tower is the second-tallest point in the city after the church tower and could be a fantastic tourist attraction, but unfortunately, it’s inaccessible. There are true legends circulating around the city about its owners, although few people actually know who owns the place.
The water tower, built in 1900, towers over Chojnice from the southern side, enticing visitors, but it was sold once for absurdly low money, and its private owner, instead of doing anything with it, just closed it off. It’s a pity, sadness, and despair. One can only imagine the view of the Chojnice panorama that can be observed from the top. But, well, maybe someday.
Attractions of Chojnice and our impressions
In Chojnice, there are very intriguing places, beautiful surroundings that tempt with nature and tranquillity. There are also monuments and many other attractions, and most importantly, Chojnice can be an ideal starting point for exploring the nearby area and Kashubia.
I am sure that everyone who comes to Chojnice will find something for themselves here. What’s more, Chojnice are constantly changing, with new investments and attractions appearing, promising that you won’t get bored.
We recommend and invite you to Chojnice in Poland!
Practical tips for visitors to Chojnice
- Tourist Information Center “Gate of the Kashubian Ring“; Podmurna Street 13a, 89-600 Chojnice, phone: +48 52 335 50 30
- One of the toilets can be found at the car park on Mickiewicza Street, right next to the Chojniczanka stadium.
- Parking lots in Chojnice are basically everywhere, but on weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00 they are paid and usually occupied. On Saturdays and Sundays, no payment is required.
Interesting facts related to Chojnice
- Witch trials were held in Chojnice.
- The origins of Chojnice date back to the early Middle Ages.
- A gruesome murder and a mysterious, still unsolved crime that occurred during the reign of Emperor Wilhelm. A murder that shook the entire community and remains unresolved to this day.
- Vampire burial – during archaeological excavations in 2016 on 31 stycznia Street, a burial was discovered that differed from the others. A sickle was placed around the neck of the deceased, with the blade facing downwards, clearly indicating that the people who buried him feared that the man would rise from the dead.
- National Road No. 22, also known as the Berlinka – until recently, the road from Chojnice to Malbork and to Königsberg was paved with concrete slabs. It was a remnant of Hitler’s engineers, who planned to build a motorway here.
- Execution Hill – behind the County Office, there is a place known as Execution Hill, where executions were carried out.
- The cost of modernizing Millennium Park amounted to a whopping 30 million zloty.
- In 1986, Chojnice underwent renovations, all thanks to public television and its city tournament. Chojnice won against Dzierżoniów.
- The oldest sailing club in Poland is ChKŻ, which stands for Chojnice Sailing Club. It was founded in 1922.
- Chojnice Days – take place on June 22-24, and you are cordially invited to attend. Besides exploring the city, there is also an opportunity to listen to good music for free.
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