Start our tour of Wejherowo from its historic center - the Market Square. This charming square, surrounded by colorful townhouses, is the beating heart of the town and a testament to its rich past. Wejherowo's Market Square is not only a meeting place for residents, but also the point where the town's history is most tangible. In the central part of the square stands a monument to the town's founder, Jakub Wejher, who in 1643 was granted the privilege of location for the settlement originally named Wejheropolis. This fascinating figure, a colonel of the royal army and castellan, played a key role in the development of the region.

The market is surrounded by historic townhouses that remember the town's heyday. Particularly noteworthy is the town hall, whose architecture combines classicist elements with modern touches. During the summer season, the Market Square is bustling with activity - concerts, festivals and fairs are held here, during which you can learn about local culture and crafts. In winter, on the other hand, the square turns into a magical setting with Christmas decorations and a Christmas market.

Not far from the Market Square is one of the region's most important religious monuments - the Calvary of Wejherowo, often called 'Kashubian Jerusalem.' This unique complex of 26 chapels scattered on picturesque hills was established in the 17th century by Jakub Wejher as a votive offering of thanks for being saved in battle. Wejher's Calvary is not only a monument of great religious significance, but also a fascinating example of Baroque sacred architecture.

The Calvary's chapels, located on the hills surrounding the town, form the route of the Way of the Cross with a length of about 4.6 km. Each of the chapels has a unique character and rich symbolism. The most impressive is the Chapel of the Crucifixion, located on a hill called Mount Calvary. From this place there is a beautiful view of the whole town and the surrounding woods. The Calvary of Wejherowo is a place of numerous pilgrimages, especially during Holy Week, when the mysteries of the Passion of Christ are held here, attracting thousands of believers from all over the region.

Inseparably connected with the Calvary is St. Anne's Church, a pearl of Baroque sacred architecture. This temple, built in the 17th century, impresses with its rich interior design, including valuable altars, pulpit and paintings. According to local legend, a miracle occurred during the construction of the church - the statue of St. Anne, the temple's patron saint, was said to have spontaneously turned toward the altar, which was interpreted as a sign of divine approval for the construction.

Wejherowska Calvary is not only a place of religious worship, but also a space where history is intertwined with local culture and tradition. While wandering along the trail of chapels, one can hear stories about the miracles that took place here and the extraordinary fate of the founder, Jakub Wejher. One legend says that during a serious illness he made a vow that if he recovered, he would build a monastery and a church. When he recovered, he kept his promise, giving rise not only to the Calvary, but also to the entire town.

One of Wejherowo's most valuable cultural treasures is undoubtedly the Museum of Kashubian-Pomeranian Writing and Music, located in the historic palace, the former seat of the Keyserlingk family. This impressive cultural institution is a true center of Kashubian heritage, gathering priceless collections related to the history, literature and music of the region. The palace that houses the museum is an architectural gem in its own right - its neo-Baroque facade and surrounding park create a picturesque setting for the exhibits on display inside.

The museum offers a fascinating journey through the history and culture of Kashubia. Its collections include manuscripts of works by Kashubian writers, old prints, musical instruments, traditional costumes and works of folk art. Particularly valuable is the collection related to the works of Aleksander Majkowski, an outstanding Kashubian writer and social activist, author of the epic 'Life and Adventures of Remus'. The museum makes use of modern technology, offering multimedia presentations and interactive installations that introduce visitors to the richness of Kashubian culture in an accessible way.

It is worth noting the cultural events organized by the museum - concerts of Kashubian music, literary evenings, workshops of handicrafts and Kashubian language. History and literature lovers will find fascinating the tales of Kashubian legends, such as the story of the stolemen - mythical giants who once inhabited these lands, or the king of the Baltic Sea. The museum also holds collections on local traditions, including unique Kashubian embroidery, characterized by rich colors and floral motifs.

After a busy museum tour, take a stroll to the Aleksander Majkowski City Park. This sprawling 15-hectare park is a true oasis of greenery in the heart of the city. Established in the 19th century in the English style, it delights with picturesque alleys, old tree stands and charming bridges over the Cedron River flowing through the park. The park is named after the aforementioned Aleksander Majkowski, which underscores its importance to Kashubian cultural identity.

The City Park is an ideal place for relaxation and active recreation. Nature lovers can admire a variety of tree and shrub species, including centuries-old oaks, beeches and lime trees. The park also features carefully designed flower beds, which look especially beautiful in spring and summer. For the active, there are bicycle and jogging paths, as well as places for outdoor exercise. Children are sure to enjoy the playground and the opportunity to feed the ducks in the park's ponds.

One of the park's lesser-known but extremely charming attractions is the Aviaries - a complex of birdhouses where you can admire a variety of bird species. This is a place especially loved by families with children, who can observe pheasants, peacocks, ornamental ducks and other fowl up close. The aviaries are a kind of mini-zoo, being an attraction not only for the youngest, but also for nature lovers of all ages. According to local accounts, the tradition of breeding ornamental fowl in Wejherowo dates back to the times when the palace was the seat of aristocratic families.

The park also hides many historical curiosities. One of them is the so-called 'Grotto of Mary,' a mysterious grotto with a statue of the Virgin Mary, which, according to legend, was supposed to protect the town from misfortunes. Another interesting feature is the historic 'Mary's Spring' fountain, with which is connected the story of a miraculous spring with healing properties. Walking through the park's alleys, one can come across monuments and plaques commemorating important events in the history of the city and the region.

Wejherowo, though small, hides many lesser-known but equally fascinating places that are worth discovering during a longer stay. One such hidden treasure is the Trail of Kashubian Notes, a unique tourist route that leads through the city in the footsteps of Kashubian music. The route features a dozen sculptures depicting the notes of the Kashubian musical alphabet, created by Jan Trepczyk. Each note has its own unique shape and sound, and the whole creates a fascinating story of Kashubian musical culture. The trail is particularly attractive for families with children, who can learn the secrets of Kashubian music in an interactive way.

Another place worth visiting is the Kashubian Philharmonic Hall - the Wejherowo Cultural Center. This modern facility, opened in 2013, is the center of the city's cultural life. The philharmonic hosts concerts of classical and contemporary music, theater performances, film screenings and art exhibitions. The building itself is an architectural work of art, combining modernity with elements that relate to Kashubian tradition. It is worth checking the repertoire during your stay in Wejherowo - you may be able to catch a concert of Kashubian music or another interesting cultural event.

History buffs will find the Wejherowo Tourist Route, which leads through the town's most important monuments, extremely interesting. The route includes St. Anne's Church, the Calvary of Wejherowo, the Przebendowski and Keyserlingk Palace and the town hall. During the walk, you can learn fascinating stories related to these places, including the legend of the 'White Lady' - the ghost of Countess Keyserlingk, who is said to haunt the palace chambers to this day. According to the story, the countess died under mysterious circumstances, and her restless spirit appears in the palace during the full moon.

Also worth noting are the less obvious elements of the city's landscape, such as the historic townhouses on Walowa and Sobieski Streets, which have retained their original 19th-century character. On the facades of some of them you can see elaborate architectural details and symbols related to the city's history. One of the townhouses on Market Square, known as the 'House Under the Eagle,' is decorated with a bas-relief depicting an eagle - a symbol that, according to local tradition, was supposed to bring luck and prosperity to the residents.

For those who want a deeper understanding of Kashubian culture, I recommend a visit to local craft studios, where you can see how traditional Kashubian products - embroidery, pottery or sculpture - are made. Some of these ateliers offer workshops where you can make your own souvenir from Wejherowo. Particularly valuable is the opportunity to learn the secrets of Kashubian embroidery, which is characterized by rich symbolism - each color and pattern has its own meaning related to Kashubian tradition and beliefs.

If you're planning a longer stay in Wejherowo, consider a day trip to nearby attractions. Not far from the city is the Darjlubska Forest, a vast forest complex that offers excellent conditions for hiking and biking. In the primeval forest one can come across traces of ancient settlements and cemeteries, as well as learn about legends of hidden treasures and ghosts guarding the forest backwoods. According to one such tale, deep in the forest there is a mysterious lake that appears only during a full moon, and whoever finds it and hums an old Kashubian song can count on the fulfillment of the most secret dreams.

Although small in size, Wejherowo offers an unusually rich cultural and historical experience. The town impresses with its harmonious combination of Kashubian tradition and modernity, sacred heritage and natural landscapes. Whether you are a lover of history, culture, nature or just looking for a place for a quiet rest, you are sure to find something for you in Wejherowo. This is a city that not only allows you to learn about the fascinating history and culture of Kashubia, but also invites you to explore your own personal paths and experiences.