Discover Neustadt: Calvary, culture and history

A Calvary complex, a city trail with fragments of rhymes, and museums devoted to Kashubian culture and regional history shape the cultural side of Neustadt (Wejherowo). Each place offers a different focus: Kalwaria Wejherowska offers insight into the city’s history, while exhibitions present Kashubian language, history and remembrance in their own ways.

Kalwaria Wejherowska and its history

Kalwaria Wejherowska was the fourth Calvary complex established during the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Its history can also be traced to a specific date: after Bishop Mikołaj Albert Gniewosz of Aleksandrów approved the construction of the Calvary on 9 June 1649, work began on its chapels.

These two details offer different insights into the complex. Its designation as the fourth Calvary complex describes its place in a historical development; the date 1649 marks the start of construction of the chapels. Those interested in the history of religious architecture will find both a broader historical context and a specific stage in its development here.

Kashubian culture and history

The Muzeum Piśmiennictwa i Muzyki Kaszubsko-Pomorskiej in Wejherowo was founded in 1968. It is a treasure trove of regional artefacts and a centre of Kashubian culture, particularly the Kashubian language. This means that language and cultural life are central alongside the collection items. The museum is therefore a fitting stop for travellers interested not only in buildings, but also in the region’s forms of cultural expression.

The Książnica prof. Gerarda Labudy offers a different perspective: its permanent exhibition explores the history of the Kashubians. Taken together, these are two different approaches to a related subject. The museum combines regional artefacts with a focus on culture and language; the Książnica presents the history of the Kashubians in a permanent exhibition. This lets you shape the cultural focus of your visit around collections, language or historical connections.

City trail and town hall

The Szlak Nut Kaszubskich is a tourist attraction in Wejherowo. Fifteen pedestals featuring fragments of a traditional counting-out rhyme stand in different parts of the city; the route passes the main sights. In this way, the trail’s theme is linked to exploring the sights, rather than being confined to a single exhibition venue.

Models of the city and Kalwaria Wejherowska are on display in the historic town hall. They bring together two of the defining motifs in one place: the cityscape as a whole and the Calvary as a significant complex. While the city trail connects the sights along a route, the models offer a miniature view of the city and the Calvary. Both approaches add a different perspective to your visit, each serving a distinct purpose.

Remembering Piaśnica

The Muzeum Piaśnickie offers a more serious focus. Its permanent exhibition spans two floors and commemorates the victims of the Pomeranian crimes through the example of the crime of Piaśnica. Relics of the crime of Piaśnica are located in the basement. The two-level layout and the relics on display are specific elements of this exhibition.

The subjects of these visits are distinctly different: Kashubian language and culture, the history of a Calvary complex, and remembrance of the victims of the Pomeranian crimes each call for a different kind of attention. When planning your stay, consider which of these themes you would like to focus on most. This can help you arrange the cultural sights according to your interests and choose a hotel to suit the kind of trip you are taking.

Discover more destinations: Reda, Gniewino, Donimierz, Łężyce, Ciekocinko, Kłosówko, Zamostne, Lubiatowo, Zakrzewo, Bieszkowice, Rumia, Kopalino, Osetnik, Gościcino, Bychowo, Barłomino, Choczewo, Sasino, Szemud, Kamien, Nowy Dwor Wejherowski, Rozlazino, Strzebielino Morskie, Nadole, Salino, Gowino, Dobrzewino, Bolszewo, Bojano, Linia, Smazyno, Luzino, Wejherowo, Sychowo, Lewinko, Słajkowo, Jeleńska Huta, Zbychowo.

For the overview of the wider region: Pomerania.