Kiełpino: Local History and Nature Along the Radunia

Kiełpino is considered a small village in the centre of Kashubia. Its architectural history and landscape offer contrasting points of interest: the parish church of St Michael the Archangel provides a glimpse into local history, while the Radunia and two glacial lakes draw attention to water and nature. The former inn on Długa Street adds another chapter, reflecting a past use that differs from its present-day residential function.

Church and Local History

The parish church of St Michael the Archangel in Kiełpino was built in 1647. In 1926, it was given a transept, a polygonal chancel, a chapel and a sacristy. The dates mark two distinct phases of construction: its original building in the 17th century and its expansion in the 20th century.

An organ was installed in the church in 1879 and continues to serve the congregation today. If you would like to visit the church interior, check access for visitors in advance.

The former inn on Długa Street tells another chapter of local history. It was established in the late 19th century, served as an inn until 1944 and is now used for residential purposes. Its former layout included a ballroom and a dining room, as well as a kitchen and pantry; there were also rooms for the owners and guest rooms. The rooms help trace the building’s former use while keeping its current residential function in view.

The Radunia and the Lakes

The Ostrzyce–Kiełpino kayaking route ends in Kiełpino at a landing stage with a place to rest after an adventure on the water. The approximately 15 km stretch of the Radunia from Ostrzyce to Kiełpino is considered particularly picturesque and is suitable for people who appreciate nature and tranquillity. This provides both a specific endpoint for the kayaking route and a description of the river’s scenery to help with travel planning.

KAJACZKOWO offers a kayaking experience in nature in Kiełpino, among trees and on the water. If you plan to take part, check the provider’s current information before booking.

Małe Jezioro and Duże Kiełpino, two glacial lakes, lie north of Kiełpino. Their names and location provide another reference point in the landscape alongside the Radunia. Together, they identify distinctive natural features of the area without presuming any particular activity on the water.

Culture in the Wider Destination of Karthaus

For an additional regional cultural connection, head to Kartuzy, within the wider destination of Karthaus. The Gothic collegiate church there dates from the 14th century, is considered one of Pomerania’s most valuable architectural monuments and is unique on a national scale. Its distinctive Baroque roof, shaped like a coffin lid, symbolises the Carthusian monks’ monastic ideal of life through “memento mori” (“remember death”).

The Franciszek Treder Kashubian Museum in Kartuzy presents Kashubian cultural heritage, including literature, material culture, language, regional history and traditions. Its exhibits are displayed in eight exhibition rooms in the main building. These include Bazyli’s smithy, the exhibition “Kaszubska współczesność z korzeni wyrasta” and temporary exhibitions.

Discover more destinations: Ręboszewo, Prokowo, Kaliska, Leźno, Łączyno, Goreczyno, Kartuzy, Egiertowo.

Return to the wider travel overview: Karthaus.