Family Adventures in Kruszwica: from the Mysia Tower to the Gople Cruise

Family Adventures in Kruszwica: from the Mysia Tower to the Gople Cruise

June 11, 2025

Kruszwica, a small city located picturesquely on the shores of Lake Goplo, is a true gem on the map of Poland, combining a fascinating history dating back to the 6th century with attractions ideal for the whole family. It was here that, according to legends, lived the last ruler of the Popielid dynasty, Prince Popiel, who was eaten by mice in the famous tower. The city, which played a key role in the formation of the Polish state, today offers unforgettable experiences - from climbing the 32-meter-high Mice Tower, to cruising on the picturesque Lake Gopło, to strolling among the greenery of the Nadgoplański Tysiąclecia Park. Kruszwica is a place where every member of the family will find something for themselves, and legends and history come to life at every turn.

Ad

The legendary Mysia Tower and the charming Rzepepowskie Peninsula

The centerpiece of any family trip to Kruszwica is undoubtedly the legendary Mysia Wieża, which rises majestically on the Rzępowski Peninsula. Erected during the reign of Casimir the Great in the 14th century, this 32-meter-high structure is not only an architectural gem, but above all a living testimony to one of Poland's most fascinating legends.

The story of Prince Popiel, the last ruler of the Popielid dynasty, who, according to legends, was eaten alive by mice in this very tower, sparks the imagination of children and adults alike. Legend has it that the cruel ruler poisoned his uncles during a feast, and threw their bodies into Lake Goplo. Mice were born from their bodies, which later caught up with and devoured Popiel in the tower. This dark but fascinating tale provides an excellent excuse to talk to children about history and morality, and the climb to the top of the tower itself is quite an adventure.

From the observation deck at the top of the Mysia Wieża there is a breathtaking view of Lake Gopło, the Rzepowski Peninsula and the panorama of Kruszwica. Children are especially delighted to be able to observe the area from such a high point, and parents appreciate the educational value of the site. It is worth planning a visit in the morning, when the light is best for photography and the crowds of tourists have not yet arrived.

The Rzepowski Peninsula, where the Mysia Tower is located, is a place of exceptional natural and historical value. This picturesque patch of land jutting into the waters of Lake Goplo was once the site of a castle, and today is an ideal place for a family stroll. The paths leading around the peninsula allow close contact with nature and admiring the diversity of flora and fauna characteristic of the Nadgoplańskie region.

It is worth noting the remains of an ancient castle, which can be spotted during a walk around the peninsula. It was here, in the 9th century, that the transformation of tribal organizations into a society with strong princely power took place, making this place one of the cradles of Polish statehood. Children may find the stories about the daily life of the former inhabitants of the castle, their customs and activities particularly interesting.

The Rzepowski peninsula also offers excellent conditions for bird watching, especially in spring and autumn, when many species stop here during migration. It's worth taking along binoculars and a bird identification guide - a great opportunity to combine a pleasant walk with nature education for the youngest.

Both the Mice Tower and the Rzepowski Peninsula are accessible all year round, although the best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is favorable for longer walks and admiring the views. The cost of admission to the Mouse Tower is affordable, making this attraction accessible to families of all budgets. The peninsula itself is available free of charge, an added benefit for those planning an economical trip.

The historic Market Square and water attractions of Kruszwica

After an exciting visit to the Mice Tower, it's worth directing your steps toward the Historic Market Square in Kruszwica, which is the heart of this historic city. This charming square, surrounded by colorful townhouses, captures the atmosphere of a small Polish town with a rich history. The market in Kruszwica, although small compared to those in larger cities, impresses with its authenticity and tranquility, so different from the hustle and bustle of large metropolises.

In the central part of the market, attention is drawn to the characteristic buildings of the 19th and early 20th centuries, which have survived the turbulence of history. Walking through the cobbled streets, you can feel the atmosphere of the old times and imagine what life was like for the residents of Kruszwica centuries ago. Children may find particularly interesting the stories about the old fairs and markets that took place in the market, gathering merchants and craftsmen from all over the area.

Near the market square is the Romanesque Church of St. Peter and St. Paul from the 12th century, which is one of the most valuable monuments of sacred architecture in Poland. This monumental temple, built of distinctive red brick, impresses with its austere beauty and perfect proportions. The interior of the church conceals many valuable works of sacred art, including Baroque altars and medieval sculptures. Even the youngest tourists will appreciate the majesty of this building and its unique acoustics.

After exploring the historic center, it's time to relax by the water. The Beach on the Headland is the perfect place for the whole family to relax and have fun. Located on Lake Goplo, this intimate beach offers a sandy shoreline, a gentle descent into the water and recreational infrastructure suitable for families with children. During the summer season, the beach is bustling with activity - children build sand castles, parents relax on blankets, and the more active can rent water equipment.

The beach on the promontory is distinguished by the cleanliness of the water and its picturesque location overlooking Lake Gopło and the panorama of Kruszwica. On hot days, it is the perfect place to cool off and have some water fun. It is worth remembering that during the summer season the beach can be quite crowded, especially on weekends, so it is best to plan a visit on weekdays or in the early morning hours.

One of Kruszwica's biggest attractions is the opportunity to cruise on Lake Goplo aboard the cruise ship 'Rusalka'. This distinctive ship takes tourists on an unforgettable journey on the second longest lake in Poland, sometimes referred to as the 'Kuyavian Sea'. During the 45-minute cruise, you can admire the panorama of Kruszwica from the perspective of the water, the picturesque shores of the lake and the abundance of local flora and fauna.

The 'Rusalka' cruise is not only a visual attraction, but also an educational one - the ship's captain often shares with passengers interesting facts about the history of the region, legends related to the lake and information about the local ecosystem. Children are delighted to travel by boat, and the view of the Mysia Tower from the perspective of the water remains in the memory for a long time. Cruises are held in season from May to September, and their frequency depends on the weather and tourist interest.

Ticket prices for 'Rusalka' are moderate, making this attraction accessible to families of all budgets. However, it's worth checking the current cruise schedule before visiting, as advance reservations may be necessary during peak season, especially for larger groups. A cruise on Lake Goplo is the perfect culmination of a day spent in Kruszwica, allowing you to see the city and its surroundings from a completely different perspective.

The Millennium Park - a natural treasure of Kruszwica. Kruszwica's natural treasure

To complete a family trip to Kruszwica, a visit to the Nadgoplańskie Park Tysiąclecia is undoubtedly a true oasis of greenery and tranquility in the immediate vicinity of the city. This vast landscape park, created to commemorate the millennium of the Polish state, delights with its abundance of flora and fauna and perfectly prepared infrastructure for tourists of all ages.

Nadgoplański Park Tysiąclecia is a place where nature meets history. Stretching along the shores of Lake Gopło, the park offers several kilometers of scenic walking and bicycle paths that lead through a variety of ecosystems - from wet meadows, through reed beds, to fragments of forests. Particularly attractive for families with children are specially marked educational routes, equipped with information boards that bring the richness of local nature closer in a way that is accessible even to the youngest.

The park is home to more than 200 species of birds, making it a paradise for ornithology enthusiasts. In spring and autumn, numerous species can be observed here during migration, and specially prepared vantage points and observation towers make this task easier. Children are delighted to observe wild birds in their natural habitat - from majestic swans to colorful kingfishers. It's worth taking along binoculars and a bird identification guide to turn your walk into a fascinating nature lesson.

One of the most charming places in the park is the path leading along the reed beds of Lake Goplo. The reeds rustling in the wind create a unique landscape, and wooden piers extending into the lake allow for closer contact with the aquatic ecosystem. It's the perfect place for a family picnic or just a moment of respite surrounded by nature. Here children can observe frogs, dragonflies and other small animals living at the interface between water and land.

Nadgoplański Park Tysiąclecia is also a place of great historical significance. It was in the vicinity of Goplo, according to legend, that the history of the Piast dynasty was to begin, when Piast Kolodziej replaced the cruel Popiel. In the park you can find numerous references to this legend and other events in the history of the region, which also makes the walk a journey through time.

The park is accessible all year round, although each season offers different attractions - in spring you can admire nature awakening to life and the first flowers, summer is a time of lush vegetation and bird activity, autumn delights with the colors of the leaves reflected in the surface of the lake, and winter, if it is cold, turns the shores of Gopel into a fairyland. Admission to the park is free, making it an ideal choice for families looking for economical forms of spending time.

For more active families, the park offers the opportunity to rent bicycles and explore longer routes. By bicycle, you can go around much of Lake Goplo, enjoying the changing landscapes and discovering lesser-known corners of the region. The bicycle routes are well marked and suitable for different levels of expertise, so even families with young children can safely enjoy this form of recreation.

Nadgoplański Tysiąclecia Park is a place where everyone will find something for themselves - nature lovers will be delighted by the abundance of flora and fauna, history enthusiasts will discover traces of ancient history, and families with children will appreciate the space for safe outdoor play and education. The park is an excellent complement to Kruszwica's other attractions, offering respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and the opportunity for close contact with nature.

All in all, Kruszwica is a place that combines everything you need for a successful family trip - fascinating history and legends, beautiful nature, water attractions and an infrastructure tailored to the needs of families with children. Whether you are planning a day trip or a longer stay, this small city on the Gopło River is sure to provide unforgettable experiences and become an inspiration for exploring other corners of Poland.

Similar articles

9

Ad

We use cookies

Hopsa uses cookies and other technologies to ensure the security of our website, analyze its performance, personalize content to your preferences, improve our services, and display more relevant ads. To achieve this, we and our trusted partners collect information about your activity, purchases, and device.

By clicking 'I Agree,' you accept the use of these technologies, allow us to remember your settings across different devices, and consent to sharing certain data with our marketing partners. If you choose 'Only essential technologies,' the basic functionality will remain available, but some elements may not work as effectively.

You can change your preferences at any time with effect for the future on all devices. You can find more details in our Privacy Policy