September 24, 2025, 4:59 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Just stay where you like, spend the night in the middle of nature, and always have your home with you: Camping has quite a few advantages and is the most beautiful way to travel for many people. The good news is, you often don’t have to travel far to reach unique areas. One of the most beautiful camping regions that Germany’s neighbouring country, Poland, has to offer is the Kashubian Switzerland. At yesterday’s TRAVELBOOK Awards ceremony in Berlin, it was nominated as the best camping region in Europe. Find out what makes it so special here.
Where Is Kashubian Switzerland Located?
Kashubian Switzerland is located in the Kashubia region. The landscape was formed by Ice Age glaciers. There are around 250 lakes connected by canals. The region is considered one of the largest contiguous forest areas in Poland—it’s about 40 kilometers from Gdansk.
The highest elevation is the Wieżyca mountain at 329 meters, which also represents the center of Kashubian Switzerland. According to the Polish Tourist Office, the name Kashubian Switzerland was coined by German tourists in the 19th century. The reason is the landscape, which reminded vacationers of Switzerland. For example, one of the largest lakes in the region, Lake Ostrzyckie, was compared to Lake Lucerne in Switzerland.
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What to See in Kashubian Switzerland
Nature lovers will find this region of Poland truly rewarding. There are numerous designated routes for cyclists, and the terrain has few inclines, making it perfect for an extensive bike tour.
In Kashubian Switzerland, numerous lakes are connected by the Radunia River and its tributaries. This allows for long stretches of kayaking. According to the Polish Tourist Office, the popular route from the village of Stężyca to Lake Lubowisko passes through the most beautiful part of Kashubia. The route is about 40 kilometers long, and you can stop along the way to camp or simply enjoy nature.
The highest mountain in Kashubia is Wieżyca and is definitely worth a visit. On the summit, there is a 35-meter-high observation tower. From there, you have a picturesque view over the forests and lakes that wind through the landscape.
If you want to get acquainted with Kashubian culture, you should visit the open-air museum in Wdzydze Kiszewskie. There are more than 50 historical buildings, such as farms, noble mansions, old schools, windmills, and inns, that can be visited.
Especially for families, the Center for Education and Promotion CEPR in Szymbark is worth a visit. It is a mix of museum, cultural, national, and amusement park, and offers numerous activities for young and old. For example, there is an old bunker to visit, which houses an exhibition. Additionally, there is the Kashubian Fairy Tale World, where you can learn all about Kashubian legends and stories. Also popular with visitors is the Upside Down House—a house that stands on its head, with everything inside turned upside down.
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A True Hidden Gem for Campers
For camping enthusiasts, Kashubian Switzerland is still a true hidden gem. There are several campsites that are particularly idyllic, located right in nature and directly by the lake. After spending the night practically in your own four walls, you can start directly in nature the next morning, with a kayak or bike tour or a short hike. The proximity to the sea is also a big advantage, allowing campers to quickly make a detour to the coast.
However, it’s important to know that in Poland, you generally cannot camp wild, but only at designated campsites. However, you can ask for permission from the forest owner or property owner—with a bit of luck, you might be able to set up camp. Additionally, there is an online map that shows where you are allowed to camp in the forest.
Methodology for the TRAVELBOOK Award
We say it every year: All nominated regions, countries, and more for the TRAVELBOOK Award are already winners. Even if they didn’t achieve overall victory. This also applies to Kashubian Switzerland in Poland. Because: Every country has already made it to the shortlist in advance, meaning it was selected from a large number of contenders in a category.
The TRAVELBOOK editorial team asked the community on Facebook and Instagram for help and consulted experts from the travel industry to create the shortlist. TRAVELBOOK readers then cast nearly 150,000 votes and crowned their top travel destinations for 2026.