Kruszwica is a town in Kujawsko-Pomorskie region on shore of Lake Gopło. It was important prehistoric and early Polish Piast dynasty centre, being first capital of Kuyavia.

Understand

Castle in Kruszwica, imagined portrayal as it was destroyed shortly before this image was created, Note Mouse Tower on the left.

First settlements in the are were near Kruszwica even before Pyramids were a thing as far away as 4th millenium before Christ. First larger settlement was formed in 500 BC on island.

Before being captured by Piasts around 9th century, area belonged to Goplans who profited off fertile lands and Amber Road, however Kruszwica was lesser of two towns on Goplo Lake with the more important being fortified Mietlica. After becoming part of Polan state town became quite important with princely residences located here. In 1096 town was burned due to protecting rebelious prince from Polish king.

Since late 12th century town experienced another period of intense growth becoming centre of castellan (local governor) and bishopric with newly built Church of St. Peter and Paul. After 1271 town greatly declined. In 1350 castle was built by Casimir the Great to protect area from Teutonic Order which briefly took possession of the town. City grew later with exception of the Deluge in 17th century which destroyed castle and damaged the town. However Kruszwica waned in importance as other settlements grew faster.

Get in

By car

Town is hour ride away from Toruń by road and Bydgoszcz by road . After passing Inowrocław you have to ride southeast to reach town. From Gniezno and Poznań town can be reached by road and is a long 1-2 hours ride.

By bus

Bus arrives daily every two hours from 8:00 to 20:00 from Toruń and takes 1.5 hours to reach town. It is best to buy tickets on https://www.e-podroznik.pl as local site is not very foreigner-friendly.

By train

You can reach Inowrocław by train from many larger cities in Poland. After that you can use local bus service which takes half hour to reach Kruszwica and runs between 8:00-20:00 every two hours.

Get around

Town is small enough to navigate entirely on foot. Distance from church to tower is less than 1 km.

See

• 1 Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (Kolegiata św. Piotra i Pawła), Kolegiacka 26 (north of city centre by the lake), ☏ +48 57 190 91 60. Romanesque church built in early 12th century, preserved in nearly untouched form since construction except for western face. Rare example of stone architecture in brick dominated medieval Poland. (updated Sep 2024)
• 2 Mouse Tower (Mysia Wieża), Podzamcze, ☏ +48 52 35 15 303. open May-Sep, look at page for specific hours. Last remnant of castle built by Casimir the Great in 14th century. A octagon brick tower and local landmark with beautiful panorama from the top. Name of the tower is related to several legends about evil king eaten by mouses, usually legendary king Popiel who was expelled by Piast Siemowit. Its similarity to legend about tower in Bingen helped it survive Prussian occupation which king felt affectionate toward this tower. 20 zł. (updated Sep 2024)

Do

• 1 Gopło Water Rescue Service (Nadgoplańskie Wodne Pogotowie Ratunkowe), Popiela 2 (turn left before Mouse Tower), ☏ +48 607 638 309. Outside of water rescue services you can also rent kayaks and water bikes at this place. Gopło Lake is really large and provides ample space for water sports. (updated Sep 2024)

Eat

• 1 Pod Malwami, Rynek 11, ☏ +48 730 739 920, kawiarniapodmalwami@interia.pl. M-Sa 11:00-20:00 Su 13:00-19:00. Typical Polish fare with elements of local (Greater Poland, Kuyavia) cuisine. (updated Sep 2024)

Go next

• Toruń
• Gniezno
• Biskupin
• Ciechocinek