Wielkopolskie Voivodship is a region abundant with valuable monuments, castles, and palaces, as well as attractions for enthusiasts of industrial tourism. It is home to Poland’s historic first capital, Gniezno, and features significant natural areas, including two national parks: Wielkopolska National Park and a section of the Drawa National Park. The region also offers excellent opportunities for active tourism, with the Great Waterway Loop of Wielkopolska being a prime example. The capital of this region is Poznań.
The Wielkopolskie Voivodship, situated in central-western Poland, spans approximately 29,800 square kilometres and has a population of over 3.5 million people. This region boasts a rich heritage of history, natural beauty, and cultural significance, providing a well-rounded experience for a variety of tourists. Greater Poland is a popular destination for those interested in history, culture, outdoor activities, and the natural world.
The region’s historical heritage is invaluable, as it is home to Gniezno, Poland’s first capital. This city served as the coronation site for the first Polish kings and is a significant stop along the Piast Route. This unique cultural trail comprises 25 sites, enabling visitors to explore the origins of the Polish state by visiting castles, palaces, and churches. The Piast Route is one of the oldest and best-developed trails in Poland, offering an educational and exciting journey through time.
The Wielkopolskie Voivodship is also a region where industry and technology play a significant role in its tourism appeal. In Leszno, unique wooden windmills and a multicultural architectural heritage have been preserved, while nearby Wolsztyn attracts railway enthusiasts from around the world thanks to the only operational steam locomotive depot in Europe. The annual Steam Locomotive Parade is an internationally renowned spectacle, and numerous narrow-gauge railway trails offer exciting opportunities to explore and experience the traditions of rail transport.
For active tourism enthusiasts, Greater Poland offers exceptional conditions. The longest water trail in Poland – the Great Waterway Loop of Wielkopolska, stretching 690 km – connects the Warta and Noteć rivers with the Konin lake system, allowing kayaking, motorboat and barge cruises, as well as water tram rides. The ‘Little Masuria’ region around Sieraków, Międzychód, and Chrzypsko entices visitors with its natural landscapes, numerous lakes, and forests, ideal for hiking, cycling, fishing, and mushroom picking. The Chalin Astronomical Observatory and several landscape parks, including Sierakowski, Przemęcki, and Nadwarciański, offer additional attractions for nature and astronomy enthusiasts.
The Wielkopolska National Park is a vital component of the region’s network of protected areas. It offers numerous hiking, cycling, and horseback riding trails, as well as educational attractions, including a Natural History Museum and a viewing tower on Osowa Góra. Its proximity to the regional capital, Poznań, makes it easily accessible, making it an ideal destination for weekend getaways or family excursions. Puszcza Zielonka, with its scenic trails and a viewing tower on Dziewicza Góra, further enriches the region’s nature tourism offer, while numerous wooden churches and historic religious architecture add another layer to its cultural heritage.
Greater Poland also boasts a wealth of aristocratic residences, with numerous palaces and castles highlighting the region’s historical significance. The Palace in Śmiełów, now the Adam Mickiewicz Museum, is an example of classicism and commemorates Poland’s national bard. The palaces in Antonin, Rydzyna, Rogalin, and Kórnik with its arboretum, attract not only history enthusiasts but also art and culture lovers. In Antonin, the International Festival “Chopin in the Colours of Autumn” takes place, placing Greater Poland on the map of Poland’s major musical events.
Greater Poland, as a region of strategic geographic and cultural significance, is not only a jewel of Polish tourism but also a place that inspires visitors to explore its rich history, diverse natural landscapes, and contemporary trends. This combination makes it an attractive and sustainable destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Regional capital
Poznań, the capital of the Wielkopolskie Voivodship, is a city of exceptional historical, cultural, and economic significance, which for centuries has been an important point on the map of Poland and Central Europe. Situated on the Warta River, Poznań is not only one of Poland’s oldest settlements but also a dynamic metropolis, blending rich heritage with modernity and innovation.
The city features a distinct architectural legacy, with the Renaissance Town Hall standing as its crown jewel. Each day at noon, the iconic Billy Goats atop the Town Hall butt heads, symbolising local identity and pride. Poznań also holds a special place on Poland’s culinary map – the famous St. Martin’s croissants, registered in the EU’s protected geographical indications, are not only a regional delicacy but also a carrier of tradition and history, which visitors can explore at the interactive Croissant Museum on the Old Market Square. Here, beneath the Renaissance ceilings, the life of the old city thrives, and the Greater Poland dialect – a unique blend influenced by Prussian heritage – evokes the spirit of bygone eras.
The historic Ostrów Tumski, home to Poland’s oldest cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, is the cradle of the Polish state, where the country’s first rulers – Mieszko I and Bolesław Chrobry – are laid to rest. This site is also enlivened by the modern and award-winning Interactive History Centre of Ostrów Tumski – Port Posnania, which combines tradition with modern technology, creating a space for education and reflection on Poland’s origins. Along the Royal-Imperial Route, which leads from Ostrów to the city centre, visitors can also admire the monumental Imperial Castle, one of the most important monuments from the early 20th century. Today, it serves as a centre for contemporary culture and art, as well as a place commemorating the events of the 1956 Poznań Uprising, a significant moment in the struggle for freedom and social dignity.
Poznań is also a city of activity and recreation. The unique Malta Lake and its picturesque surroundings offer excellent conditions for water sports, as well as access to one of the largest water parks in Poland – Termy Maltańskie. These facilities, along with a year-round ski slope and toboggan track, attract both residents and tourists, creating spaces for relaxation and socialising. Additionally, the Poznań Palm House, situated in the Art Nouveau district of Łazarz, is a unique destination for a journey through the world’s climates, featuring exotic plants and fish, combining nature education with the opportunity to experience nature in the heart of the city.
Poznań is also a centre of events and modern economy. The renowned Stary Browar, which combines retail with a contemporary art gallery, has gained international recognition for its innovative approach to urban space. The Jeżyce district, with its unique atmosphere and literary heritage, complements the city’s image as a diverse and inspiring destination.
Tourism in Poznań also offers a culinary experience based on traditional dishes such as “pyra z gzikiem” (potatoes with cottage cheese) or goose, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the flavours and aromas of the region, as well as numerous restaurants recognised by the Michelin Guide.
The city also boasts a wealth of museums, including the National Museum, home to the only Claude Monet painting in Poland, and the Museum of Applied Arts, which uses interactive exhibitions to present history and art in a modern and engaging way.
Poznań invites visitors to discover its multifaceted identity, savour local cuisine, and participate in cultural events. As the gateway to Greater Poland and a key transportation hub, Poznań reflects Poland’s image as a dynamic country that welcomes tourists seeking both heritage and modern experiences, offering unique opportunities and inspiration.
