Lębork boasts some of the best-preserved fragments of medieval fortifications in northern Poland. Erected between 1341 and 1363, the city's defensive walls originally had an impressive length of 1,220 meters and included 32 towers and half towers, including the characteristic corner towers, two gates and two smaller passages. Although only fragments of this formidable defense system have survived to the present day, they are still a fascinating example of medieval fortification art.

One of the most interesting surviving elements of the ancient fortifications is Tower No. 27, located on Basztowa Street. This distinctive structure, built of red brick, was an important part of the city's defense system. Its massive structure and strategic location allowed for effective defense against potential invaders. Tower No. 27 is a testimony to the craftsmanship of medieval builders and reminds us of the times when Lębork was an important center in the Teutonic state.

Nearby, also on Basztowa Street, is a true gem of defensive architecture - the Ivy Tower. This corner tower, built around 1363, has survived in its original form and is an extremely valuable element of the city's medieval fortifications. The tower's name comes from the ivy that has overgrown its walls for centuries, adding to the structure's picturesque character. The Ivy Tower stands out from other surviving elements of the city walls due to its height and characteristic shape. Its interior hides an exhibition on the history of the city and the defense system.

The history of Lębork fortifications is inseparably connected with the history of the town itself. Lębork was granted city rights in 1341 by the Teutonic Knights, who made it an important strategic point in their state. The defensive walls and the Teutonic castle were intended to protect the city from the Order's enemies while demonstrating its power. During the Thirteen Years' War (1454-1466), Lębork was captured by the army of the Polish King Casimir Jagiellon, an important moment in the town's history.

It is worth mentioning that in addition to the preserved towers, Lębork also boasts fragments of defensive walls in various parts of the city. Walking along the traces of ancient fortifications, one can imagine what a medieval city surrounded by a powerful ring of walls looked like. For lovers of history and defensive architecture, Lębork's fortifications are a fascinating lesson in history written in brick and stone.

Lębork, although historically linked to the Teutonic state, lies on the border of Kashubia - a region with a rich and unique culture. The Kashubians, a West Slavic ethnic group, have cultivated their traditions, language and customs over the centuries, creating a fascinating cultural heritage that still accounts for the region's uniqueness. Although Lębork itself is not considered an indigenously Kashubian city, its geographical proximity and historical ties to the Kashubians mean that elements of this culture are clearly present in the local cultural landscape.

One of the most important centers for documenting and promoting Kashubian culture in the region is the Museum of Kashubian-Pomeranian Writing and Music in Wejherowo, located near Lębork. Housed in a historic palace, this unique institution is a veritable treasure trove of knowledge about Kashubian history and culture. The museum gathers an impressive collection of exhibits related to Kashubian writing, music, folk art and crafts.

Among the museum's most valuable holdings are manuscripts and first editions of works by Kashubian writers and poets, including Florian Ceynowa, considered the father of the Kashubian national revival, and Aleksander Majkowski, author of the epic 'Żëcé i przigòdë Remùs'. The museum also has a rich collection of musical instruments characteristic of the region, such as the devil's fiddle (bazuna) and burczybas, as well as recordings of traditional Kashubian music.

By visiting the museum, you can learn about the history of the Kashubian language, which was officially recognized as a regional language in Poland in 2005. Kashubian, with its distinctive sound and rich vocabulary, is an important part of the region's cultural identity. At the museum, visitors can hear recordings in the language and see examples of Kashubian literature and press.

Of particular interest is the exhibition devoted to Kashubian embroidery, which is famous for its distinctive patterns and colors. Traditional Kashubian embroidery, with dominant colors of blue, green, yellow, red and black, depicts stylized floral motifs and is considered one of the most beautiful folk crafts in Poland. The museum displays both historical and contemporary examples of this artful craft.

The museum also organizes numerous cultural events, Kashubian music concerts, handicraft workshops and Kashubian language lessons, actively contributing to the preservation and promotion of Kashubian heritage. For tourists visiting the region, it is the perfect place to understand the cultural diversity of Pomerania and appreciate the uniqueness of Kashubian traditions.

It is worth mentioning that in the vicinity of Lębork one can also come across examples of traditional Kashubian architecture, characterized by wooden construction and rich ornamentation. Although increasingly rare, these historic buildings are an important part of the region's cultural landscape and remind us of its rich past.

The cultural and historical richness of Lębork and its surroundings is complemented by the extraordinary beauty of nature, which can best be admired in the Kashubian Landscape Park. This picturesque protected area, located in the heart of Kashubia, is a true oasis for lovers of nature and active recreation. The park, established in 1983, covers an area of more than 33,000 hectares and protects the most valuable natural areas of the Kashubian Lake District.

The Kashubian Landscape Park is primarily famous for its captivating post-glacial landscape, which was formed some 12,000 years ago. The area is characterized by numerous trough lakes, moraine hills, deep river valleys and vast forest complexes. The most famous feature of the park's landscape is Wieżyca - the highest hill in the entire Central European Lowlands, reaching a height of 329 meters above sea level. The observation tower located at the top offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding forests, lakes and hills.

One of the park's most valuable natural areas is the 'Wieżyca Peak' reserve, which protects the natural beech forests growing on the highest parts of the hill. Walking along the reserve's paths, one can admire the majestic old beech trees, as well as the richness of the undergrowth, which contains numerous species of protected plants, such as wolfsbane and golden-headed lily.

The Kashubian Landscape Park is also a paradise for lake lovers. There are more than 60 lakes on its territory, many of which delight with their crystal clear water and picturesque location among the hills and forests. Among the most beautiful are the Radunskie, Ostrzyckie and Brodno Wielkie lakes, forming the so-called 'Radunskie Circle' - a string of interconnected bodies of water, ideal for water sports and fishing. Canoe enthusiasts can enjoy rafting on picturesque rivers flowing through the park, such as the Radunia and Slupia.

The park's natural wealth is also reflected in the diversity of its fauna. It is home to many animal species, including rare and protected ones, such as the white-tailed eagle, crane, otter and beaver. For birdwatching enthusiasts, the park is a real treasure trove, offering the opportunity to meet more than 150 species of birds, both sedentary and migratory.

The Kashubian Landscape Park is not only about nature, but also about living Kashubian culture. On its territory you can visit numerous villages where traditional crafts such as pottery, braiding and wood carving are still cultivated. Note the distinctive architecture of Kashubian villages, with traditional wooden houses and homesteads that blend harmoniously into the surrounding landscape.

The park offers an extensive network of tourist trails, both hiking and biking, which lead through the most beautiful corners of the region. Particularly recommended is the 'Szymbarskie Hills Trail', leading through the highest hills of the Kashubian Lake District and offering unforgettable views of the surrounding area. In winter, with favorable snow conditions, the park's hills become an excellent place for cross-country and downhill skiing.

Visiting Lębork and its surroundings, it is therefore worth setting aside time to explore the Kashubian Landscape Park, which perfectly complements the region's historical and cultural attractions. The combination of Lębork's medieval monuments, rich Kashubian culture and the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside creates a unique blend that will satisfy even the most demanding tourists.