Szkwa: Kurpie Culture, History and River Landscape

Szkwa can be explored through specific themes: historic sites, Kurpie architecture and the Szkwa as part of the landscape of the Lelis municipality. If you are looking for a hotel in Szkwa, these highlights can help you organise your interests for your stay. The village’s features range from a military cemetery to a route that passes through Szkwa.

History and Kurpie Architecture

Szkwa is home to a First World War military cemetery established in 1915 for German soldiers. It is 15 metres long and 12 metres wide. Farmhouse No. 59 offers a different perspective on the village’s history: the wooden building is designed in the Kurpie folk style and is listed in the register of historic monuments. A cross dating from the early 20th century is another historic landmark in Szkwa.

These sites represent different aspects of the region’s cultural heritage: the cemetery recalls the First World War, the farmhouse reflects Kurpie building traditions, and the cross is another historic trace in the village. In the 17th century, Szkwa appears as an agricultural village on the Szkwa River. The village’s history therefore encompasses both an early picture of the village and specific buildings and memorial sites from later periods.

Kurpie architecture is also a feature of the wider Lelis municipality. Traditional wooden Kurpie folk architecture, including Kurpie farmhouses, has been preserved in the municipality’s north-eastern part. House No. 59 in Szkwa is a specific place where the Kurpie folk style can be seen.

River Landscape and Routes

The Ostrołęka–Szkwa–Dąbrówka–Lelis route passes through Szkwa. There is a shelter along the route where you can take a short break. When finding your way around, it is useful to distinguish between the route and the rest stop: the route connects the places mentioned, while the shelter in Szkwa provides a place to pause.

The Szkwa River itself also shapes the landscape of the Lelis municipality. Within its territory, the river is one of the municipality’s five rivers. It is also the only one of the last Kurpie rivers that has not yet been regulated. This description applies to the municipal area and complements Szkwa’s specific historic sites with a perspective on the landscape.

Across the Lelis municipality, extensive forests and the Narew, Szkwa and Rozoga rivers are considered suitable areas for fishing and mushroom picking. When planning your visit, you can weigh up the village’s history, its riverside setting and activities in the wider municipality.

Activities and Choosing a Hotel

Guests at Przystań Zdrowia can go Nordic walking along the Szkwa. Nordic walking poles can be borrowed from the host. This offer is available to guests staying there; the route and its shelter are a separate option for taking a break along the way.

When looking for a hotel in Szkwa, you can first consider which aspects of the village matter most for your stay: its historic landmarks, Kurpie architecture, river landscape or the activities mentioned.

For the wider travel overview: Lelis.