Things To Do
in Chodzież

Chodzież is a small Polish town in the Greater Poland Voivodeship known for its calm atmosphere and scenic lakes. It blends a riverine setting with a rich industrial history, especially in ceramics and pottery. The town center features a charming market square with colorful facades and historic architecture.

Visitors can explore nearby forests and lakes for a relaxed, culturally rich getaway.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Countryside Hike & Local Heritage
morning
:

Wake up early to the symphony of birds singing near the gentle slopes of the Chodzież landscape. After a light breakfast of fresh bread and local cheese from a family-run bakery, you begin a guided hike along winding forest trails. The crisp morning air and panoramic views set the tone for an adventurous day.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit a small rural museum where local historians share tales of the Pomeranian Voivodeship and traditional building techniques. You wander among old farming tools and admire archival photos of village life. A sampling of homemade jam and herbal tea offers a sweet interlude under a shady oak tree.

evening
:

As the sun dips low, enjoy a rustic dinner at a countryside inn featuring pierogi stuffed with seasonal vegetables. Soft lantern light illuminates wooden beams as you swap stories with fellow travelers. Finally, stroll back under the stars, listening to the distant call of owls.

day 2
Kayaking on Lake Strzeleckie
morning
:

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel overlooking the lake, you head to the boathouse to collect paddles and safety gear. A local guide briefs you on kayaking techniques and lake navigation. Then you gently push your kayak into the calm water and slide off along the shore.

afternoon
:

Midday sun warms your back as you paddle toward hidden coves framed by tall reeds and wildflowers. You pause on a secluded sandbar to relax, take photos, and sample a picnic of smoked trout and fresh fruit. The gentle waves create a soothing rhythm as you continue exploring open water.

evening
:

Returning to shore, you rinse off and change clothes in a cozy lakeside cabin. Dinner features freshly caught fish grilled over an open fire, complemented by local potato salad. Afterward, sit by a bonfire, toast marshmallows, and share travel tales beneath the twilight sky.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
🥖Loaf of bread$1-2
🚆One-way local transport ticket$0.75-1.50
🏠1-bedroom apartment (city center)$350-520 per month
💊Doctor visit$25-50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, friendly small-town atmosphere
  • Affordable cost of living and easy access to nature
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
  • Smaller international flight options nearby
  • "Dzień dobry" - Good morning / Hello
  • "Proszę" - Please
  • "Dziękuję" - Thank you
  • "Przepraszam" - Sorry / Excuse me
  • "Ile to kosztuje?" - How much is this?
  • "Gdzie jest toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Czy mówi Pan/Pani po angielsku?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Czy akceptują Państwo karty kredytowe?" - Do you accept credit cards?

Places to Visit in Chodzież

Visit one of these nice places.

Chodzież Market Square (Rynek)

Colorful townhouses and the historic Town Hall provide classic Polish market photography backdrops.

Ratusz – the Town Hall façade

Neoclassical façade and clock tower; best light during early morning or late afternoon.

Lakeside Walks

Waterfront paths around the town’s lakes offer reflections and birdlife for photography.

Notecka Forest Trails Entrance

Forest edge views and long pines for moody landscape shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Chodzież

Chodzież offers hearty Polish and Greater Poland regional fare with approachable, home-style dishes. Expect comforting soups, dumplings, smoked sausages, and pastries, with friendly cafes and family-run eateries around the Market Square.

Chodzież Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pierogi Ruskie

Potato and cheese-filled dumplings served with sour cream; a Polish staple found at most local eateries.

Must-Try!

Kiełbasa Wielkopolska

Smoked sausage representative of the Greater Poland region, great with mustard and bread.

Żurek

A sour rye soup with sausage and egg; hearty and comforting in cooler weather.

Rogale Świętomarcińskie

Traditional croissant-like pastry from the region, popular around autumn and winter fairs.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Rynek Market

Weekly market on the town square offering fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and seasonal treats.

Street Food Corners

Casual stalls around the market area serving grilled meats, pierogi, and local pastries.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is temperate with four distinct seasons: cold winters with occasional snow, warm summers, and mild springs and autumns. Precipitation is spread year-round with wetter periods in late spring and early summer.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Polite greetings with Dzień dobry (Good day) when entering shops.

Queueing

Poles typically queue in an orderly fashion; avoid cutting in.

Polite conversation

Use formal address Pan/Pani for strangers; travel with a smile and patience.

Safety Guide

Safety

Poland is generally safe for travelers. Keep an eye on valuables in crowded areas, especially near markets. In case of emergencies dial 112. Healthcare facilities include local clinics and pharmacies; for specialized care go to larger regional centers.

Tipping in Chodzież

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants and cafes, a 5-10% tip is common if service is good; many places round up the bill.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; ATMs are common; smaller vendors may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with budding trees; good for city strolls and parks.

Summer

Warm days; lakes become popular for swimming and picnics.

Autumn

Colorful foliage and harvest markets; great for golden-hour photography.

Winter

Cool to cold with possible frost; cozy indoor venues and light snow.

Nightlife Guide

Chodzież at Night

Chodzież’s nightlife is low-key, centered on cozy pubs, local cafes with evening live music, and seasonal summer events; expect a relaxed atmosphere rather than a party scene.

Hiking in Chodzież

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Puszcza Notecka Forest Trail

A network of forest paths offering shaded hikes, wildlife viewing, and scenic viewpoints.

Lakeside Loop Walk

Gentle trails around the town’s surrounding lakes with water and birds as subjects for photography.

Countryside Villages Walk

Rural roads and village trails showcasing traditional Polish countryside and rural architecture.

Airports

How to reach Chodzież by plane.

Poznań-Ławica Henryk Wieniawski Airport (POZ)

The closest major airport, about 60-75 minutes by road; frequent domestic and some international flights.

Bydgoszcz Ignacy Jan Paderewski Airport (BYD)

A regional airport serving northern Wielkopolska; accessible by road from Chodzież with a longer drive.

Getting Around

Walkability

Chodzież has a compact town center where most attractions are within walking distance of the Market Square. Streets are pedestrian-friendly in the core, and amenities are reachable on foot. Outside the center, public transport helps-link to larger towns when needed.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Polish residents

Predominantly Polish population with a mix of ages and a shrinking rural-to-urban migration trend.

Students and local workers

Young people from local schools and nearby towns; diverse local workforce in services and industry.

Families and retirees

A substantial portion of residents are families and older adults.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport in Poland; local teams train and play in regional facilities.

Cycling

Active community with cycling routes and events; great for road and scenic rides.

Other water sports

Kayaking and fishing on nearby lakes when weather allows.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Chodzież is generally light. The town center is walkable; regional trains and buses connect to Poznań, Piła, and Bydgoszcz. Car travel is straightforward on local roads with occasional congestion around market days. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available in town.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Chodzież.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many pierogi varieties, mushroom dishes, and seasonal salads are available; ask for cheese or mushroom fillings.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public healthcare in Poland is provided through the NFZ; residents can access clinics in Chodzież and nearby towns. For emergencies call 112. Bring government-issued IDs and insurance information; private clinics and pharmacies are available for faster service.

Discover Poland

Read more in our Poland 2025 Travel Guide.

Poland Travel Guide