Places

Chełmska Hill (Góra Chełmska) has been an important landmark of Central Pomerania for centuries. The best view of the hill can be found on the other side of Lake Jamno. The highest point of the hill, Krzyżanka (136.2 metres above mean sea level) is crowned with a 31.5 m-high observation tower built in 1888 which offers a magnificent vista of the entire region, including the nearby towns and villages, Lake Jamno and the Baltic shore. Some even claim that if the weather is good, you can spot the Danish island of Bornholm through binoculars. On the Chełmska Hill, there is a Sanctuary of Mother of God Thrice Admirable. A pilgrim centre is also under construction. On June 1, 1991, Chełmska Hill was visited by Pope John Paul II who consecrated the chapel with the painting of Mother of God Thrice Admirable. But there are also traces of much older worship. At the turn of the 12th and 13th century, there used to be Cistercian nuns’ chapel on the hill. As the chapel had authority to grant indulgence, it became a popular destination for pilgrims from all over Europe in the 14th century. According to one of the sources, the chapel had a steeple which served as a lighthouse, helping sailors navigate the local waters safely. Chełmska Hill also used to be a popular sports venue with a luge course and improvised ski slopes. Before World War II, it also had a football pitch. Today, Chełmska Hill offers a single track and running trails (it is the venue of a regular running event called “The Forest Five”), and is also the favourite training spot for road cyclists. A bike path to Sianowo runs through the entire Chełmska Hill, serving as the starting point for the “Road Thursdays” cycling event.