The areas around Łódź, although not fully appreciated by tourists, have a lot of interesting places to offer. These include both picturesque natural landscapes and fascinating historical sites. Many of them serve as ideal destinations for day trips from the city. Are you looking for ideas for a trip in this part of Poland? Here’s what is worth seeing around Łódź.
Located an hour's drive from Łódź, Tum near Łęczyca is one of the most interesting villages in the area. A few years ago, the main attraction was the 12th-century Romanesque archcathedral of Łęczyca. In 2022, the long-awaited Grodzisko in Tum was added to the list of attractions for history enthusiasts. Reconstructed according to the realities of the 13th century, the settlement reflects the most important elements of medieval architecture. Among its features are a wooden gate with an entrance bridge, a tower, a guardhouse with a viewing point, and an outbuilding.
Just a few kilometers outside Tum, you can travel back in time from the Middle Ages to the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. In the small village of Kwiatkówku, you can find the Łęczyca Peasant Homestead, showcasing rural architecture from this region in the second half of the 19th century. Tourism has attractions such as: a clay cottage, a well with a crane, a barn, an underground cellar, a windmill, a forge, and a chapel. Crossing the threshold of facilities equipped typically for the era will transport you to a reality from decades ago.
Heading to the Łódź region, what else is worth seeing? The historical sites of Łowicz! The central point of the city is a unique market designed in the shape of a triangle, surrounded by architectural gems. You will see the historic town hall and a museum with a breathtaking Baroque chapel dedicated to St. Charles Borromeo.
Among the sacred buildings, it is definitely worth visiting the cathedral basilica, which is also maintained in Baroque style. Here, you can see rich interiors filled with gold and ornaments. In one of the towers, a Diocesan Museum has been organized to showcase exhibits from the cathedral treasury, including chalices, monstrances, sculptures, and works of art. From a viewpoint located at a height of 35 meters, you can enjoy a panorama of the city.
Nature lovers will not be disappointed with what to see around Łódź either. Did you know that this area houses the largest arboretum in Poland? The SGGW Arboretum in Rogów is one of the most valuable in Europe. It is home to 2,500 trees and shrubs covering a substantial area of 53 hectares. You can take a leisurely stroll here to relax and unwind among both common and rarer plant species.
As an additional attraction, we recommend embarking on a short yet exciting journey on a narrow-gauge train. Trains run between April and October from Rogów through Strzelna to Jeżów and back.
What if you choose to go for a mountain hike around Łódź? What is there to see? Although this region is not associated with mountains, there are a few elevations to conquer. Among them, Mount Kamieńsk stands out — a peak with an elevation of 386 meters above sea level, artificially created as a result of the Bełchatów Brown Coal Mine's activities.
Today, it is primarily the most popular ski resort near Łódź. However, it is also worth coming here on warmer days to walk or ride a bike. Three bike trails with a total length of 42 km have been marked out on the Mount Kamieńsk area.
If you are interested in water attractions in Łódź and the surrounding areas, what should you see? Be sure to visit the Jeziorsko Reservoir. It is a large dam reservoir created on the Warta River. Part of it serves as a protected nature reserve — a sanctuary for waterfowl. The remaining area is used for recreation.
You will find full infrastructure for relaxation and… few tourists even during the peak summer season. Besides sunbathing and swimming, water sports are also popular here. Water bikes, yachts, sailboats — there is enough space for everyone at Jeziorsko. It is the largest artificial reservoir in the Łódź Voivodeship and one of the four largest in Poland.
Another idea for what to see around Łódź is the Łagiewnicki Forest within the Łódź Hills Landscape Park. This remnant of the Łódź Primeval Forest delights with its natural, wild nature, hilly landscapes, and tranquil conditions for walking and biking tours. The area is intersected by numerous hiking trails, such as the yellow trail, the Cycling Loop through the Łagiewnicki Forest, or the route around the Łagiewnicki Forest Reserve.
After your walk, it’s worth planning lunch or dessert at Hotel 500 Stryków. The hotel restaurant menu features well-known and loved dishes from Polish and European cuisine. This hotel near Łódź is located next to highways A2 and A1, making it a great place for a short stop on the way back from a trip, as well as a suggestion for where to stay for a weekend in Łódź Voivodeship. The facility offers elegant, comfortable, fully equipped rooms and apartments of various sizes. You will set off from here for several day trips in the vicinity of Łódź.
