Happy TravellerWelcome to Kartuzy, a picturesque town located in the heart of Pomerania, Poland. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scene, Kartuzy is a must-visit destination for any traveler. Situated just 32 kilometers west of Gdańsk and 35 kilometers southeast of Lębork, Kartuzy is easily accessible and offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities.
One of the main attractions of Kartuzy is its stunning geographical location. The town is situated on a plateau at an altitude of approximately 200 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The plateau is divided by the Radaune lake, which comprises the highest parts of the Baltic Sea Plate. In the west of this lake are the highest points of the headwaters of rivers Łeba, Słupia, and Bukowina at an altitude of up to 271 meters. A hill in the south of the lake is 331 meters high.
Kartuzy has a rich history dating back to the 14th century when it was established as a monastery for Carthusian monks. The charterhouse was vested with large estates by the State of the Teutonic Order. According to the Second Peace of Thorn, the area returned to the Kingdom of Poland in 1466, within which it was administratively part of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in the provinces of Royal Prussia and Greater Poland. The Carthusian monks had the nearby woodlands cleared out, and peasants from the neighboring Duchy of Pomerania were encouraged to settle and farm in the newly cleared areas. During the course of the Protestant Reformation, Kartuzy and its surrounding area were incorporated into the possessions of Cistercian Oliwa Abbey in 1565. The area was annexed by Prussia in the First Partition of Poland in 1772. The Prussian government finally dissolved the monastery in 1826.
Today, Kartuzy is a vibrant cultural center of the Kashubians, a Slavic ethnic group native to the region. Since 1947, a Kashubian Museum has featured numerous exhibits connected to Kashubia and its inhabitants. The town has also set up a bust to honor Dr. Aleksander Majkowski, author of The Life and Adventures of Remus, who practiced medicine in Kartuzy for a time and is buried here.
Kartuzy is also a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is surrounded by beautiful forests, lakes, and rivers, offering endless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. The nearby Wdzydze Landscape Park is a popular destination for nature lovers, with its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and numerous hiking trails.
In addition to its natural beauty and rich history, Kartuzy also offers a vibrant cultural scene. The town hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Kashubian Unity Day, which celebrates the culture and traditions of the Kashubian people. The local football club, Cartusia Kartuzy, founded in 1923, is also a popular attraction for sports fans.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or culture, Kartuzy has something to offer everyone. So why not plan your next vacation to this charming town and discover the many treasures of Pomerania for yourself?
