Poznań is a beautiful city where you can easily spend up to a week. It is also an important railway hub, which makes it possible to plan day trips from Poznań by train around Greater Poland and neighboring regions.
Below, I have published suggestions for day trips from Poznań by train to destinations that regional trains can reach in under two hours. For various reasons, it may be better to travel to some cities by fastr train, which is more expensive but significantly faster and less crowded than regional trains.
Main railway station in Poznań is located in the city centre, close to many hotels and hostels. It is difficult to find the right platform and navigating the station. Queues often form at the ticket counters.
Day trips from Poznań by train – Bydgoszcz and Gniezno
One of the most popular routes for a best day trip by train from Poznań. It is recommended to stop in Gniezno or continue the journey to Toruń and Bydgoszcz. There is a plenty of interesting places along the way.
Pobiedziska (optional) – there are several interesting tourist attractions for everyone not far from the renovated railway station. The most important attraction is the Miniature Park in Pobiedziska, featuring miniature replicas of characteristic buildings from Greater Poland. Families with children enjoy spending time in the wooden settlement, where you can visit an exhibition of full-scale medieval siege machines, an armory, and a shooting range, and enjoy outdoor games.
From the stations Kocanowo and Fałkowo, located between Pobiedziska and Gniezno, you can walk or cycle to the open-air museum in Dziekanowice and Lake Lednica.
Gniezno – the first capital of Poland, with numerous religious monuments, the most important of which is the cathedral with a viewing tower open to the public. It’s also worth visiting the Museum of the Origins of the Polish State. A recently established “rabbit trail” guides visitors between main attractions in the city centre. Railway enthusiasts should visit the local roundhouse, and during summer season, on weekends, you can take a ride on the short route that remains from the once-thriving Gniezno Narrow-Gauge Railway. The city center and major attractions are within walking distance from the train station.
Inowrocław (optional) – a spa town, not particularly remarkable in terms of city center architecture. If you decide to visit Inowrocław, you should take advantage of the two saline parks and the local thermal baths. The distance from the train station to the parks is quite considerable. It’s also worth noting the walls of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary (built between 1180 and the early 13th century), where mysterious masks and images of beasts can be painted or carved.
Bydgoszcz – a nice large city with many historical buildings. From the main train station, you can walk to the most interesting places in the city center in 15-20 minutes, or you can take a tram. The best route is undoubtedly a walk along the banks of the Brda River. Following the boulevard, you will reach Mill Island, which I consider the most beautiful spot in Bydgoszcz. Mill Island underwent revitalization, and the results are spectacular. In the summer season, the area comes to life, offering several interesting and affordable museums, as well as the famous Bydgoszcz Venice.
The rest of downtown is also appealing. The most important place is the Old Market Square, where the western frontage was demolished during the occupation, exposing the Jesuit College building. The most significant historical site is the Cathedral of St. Martin and St. Nicholas, built between 1466 and 1502. The city’s past is remembered with a model showcasing, among other things, the now-vanished Bydgoszcz Castle.
Bydgoszcz is a city of museums. The Museum of Soap and History of Dirt is often highlighted in guides, but it’s worth visiting at least a few branches of the District Museum, such as the European Money Center in the former mint building with an exhibition showcasing the unique “Bydgoszcz Treasure”, the Granaries on the Brda (exhibitions about the history and life in interwar Bydgoszcz), and the archaeological collections. Art lovers should visit the Leon Wyczółkowski House. Outside the District Museum, you’ll also find the Waterworks Museum (one branch located in the renovated water tower) and the Museum of the Polish Army. Recently, the Swan Pharmacy Museum and the Bydgoszcz Canal Museum have been added to the city’s museum scene. Bydgoszcz offers many other attractions (including the Exploseum and Myślęcinek Park), but one day is definitely not enough.
Toruń – one of the most beautiful cities in Poland known for well-preserved Old Town located 1,5 km from the main train station. The Toruń Miasto station is closer. Beautiful buildings, picturesque alleys, and interesting spots – you can spend hours wandering through the center of Toruń. The heart of the city is the Old Town Square with its impressive town hall (featuring an observation tower). The most important monuments include the Church of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, the Gothic Parish Church of St. James, the former Franciscan Monastery, and the Leaning Tower – a medieval defensive tower tilted 1.4 meters from vertical, one of nine remaining towers. When it comes to museums, don’t miss the Nicolaus Copernicus House, the Tony Halik Museum of Explorers, the Toruń Gingerbread Museum, and the Living Museum of Gingerbread. In the former Chełmno Gate Barracks building, near the bus station, you’ll find the Toruń Fortress Museum. During the summer season, you can take boat trips on the Vistula River.
At the time this article was written, it was possible to reach Toruń and Bydgoszcz from Poznań by regional train, with a transfer in Inowrocław. This may change with future schedule updates, so this is just mentioned for the record. As for Bydgoszcz, there are so many museums in the city that one day is definitely not enough to see the main attractions. Toruń, on the other hand, is a beautiful city, and it’s worth staying there longer.
Day trips from Poznań Train by train – Leszno and Wrocław
This is a popular option for a one-day train trip from Poznań. While there are many interesting towns along the way, regional trains are often overcrowded and have many stops. If your goal is to reach Wrocław directly, it’s better to take an fast train. The route has been renovated, and with a bit of creativity, you can plan interesting trips, such as Poznań – Wolsztyn – Leszno – Poznań.
Puszczykowo (optional) – a town located within the buffer zone of the Wielkopolski National Park. Formerly a popular summer destination for the elite from Poznań, its golden age began in the early 20th century. There are two historic train stations from that period: Puszczykowo (built in 1901) and Puszczykówko (1911). The town is known as a sports and recreational center, especially for tennis. The main attraction is the Arkady Fiedler Literary Museum, situated in a park close to the Puszczykówko station, showcasing items related to the famous writer and traveler.
Seven kilometers from Puszczykowo, reachable by bus, bike, or on foot, is located the Rogalin Palace, built between 1770-1776 as the ancestral home of the Raczyński family. It is considered one of the most beautiful examples of residential architecture in Poland. The palace houses a branch of the National Museum of Poznań. The nearby oak reserve is also worth visiting in good weather. Along the way from Puszczykowo to Rogalin, you can stop at the wooden church of St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Perpetual Help (1682-1712) in Rogalinek.
Kościan (optional) – a small town on the Obra River. The center isn’t particularly noteworthy compared to other Polish towns – there’s a small market square, a few sacred buildings, and the Planty park along the river (you can rent kayaks at the local sports center). Kościan’s main attraction is its 1908 water tower, which has been renovated and converted into an 18-meter climbing wall, an observatory, and a viewing point. Throughout the town, you’ll find stylish, historic villas and houses.
Leszno and Rydzyna – a former capital of the Leszno voivodeship, Leszno has over 60,000 residents. Most attractions are located in the city center, within walking distance of the train station. The most notable building is the grand town hall, built between 1637-1639 and considered one of the most beautiful in Poland. It was destroyed in 1656, rebuilt, and renovated many times, most recently in 2020. The town hall now serves ceremonial functions.
While the city center is quite charming, it feels like its full potential hasn’t been realized. The small District Museum is located in a townhouse at 17 Jan Metziga Square. Nearby stands the Holy Cross Church, with a lapidarium containing gravestones from old Evangelical cemeteries in the area. Outside the city center, you can visit the Speedway Stars Avenue or explore the mural trail.
The surrounding region is dotted with many wooden or half-timbered churches and windmills, and a trail called “The Hidden Beauty in Wood” has been created for tourists to explore these structures. However, not all are open daily.
A notable site near Leszno is Rydzyna, accessible by train (the station is 3 km from the main attractions) or a suburban bus from Leszno. The town has preserved its baroque urban layout from 1738-1762 and features a windmill (formerly a museum of milling and agriculture), as well as two churches – St. Stanislaus Church and a red-brick former Evangelical church, now a concert hall. The main attraction in Rydzyna is the Rydzyna Castle, a former magnate residence. Part of the castle is open for tours, while the rest functions as a hotel.
From Leszno, you can also take a train to Wschowa (if runs; trains are often cancelled), a town in the Lubusz Voivodeship with a castle-turned-hotel, several sacred buildings, and remnants of defensive walls. In Wschowa, the former Evangelical cemetery houses the Lapidarium of Tombstone Sculptures, dating back to 1609, and the Museum of the Wschowa Land is also worth a visit.
Rawicz – another small town with a beautiful train station located about 15 minutes from the market square. The town’s urban layout is unique – a rectangular market square with streets intersecting at right angles, giving the center a chessboard-like appearance. The Rawicz Regional Museum is housed in the town hall in the middle of the square. Two notable churches stand out – the neo-Gothic Church of Christ the King and the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built between 1902-1903, featuring a 50-meter-high spire, and the former Evangelical Church of St. Andrew Bobola, known for its unusual interior design.
Five kilometers from Rawicz lies Sarnowa, once a separate town, incorporated into Rawicz in 1973. Sarnowa has its own market square and a town hall dating back to 1837.
Wrocław – the capital of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship and a very interesting city full of landmarks and museums. Wrocław is also home to many railway-related attractions. The visit starts at Wrocław Główny railway station, one of the most beautiful train stations in Poland. From the station, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the market square. A stroll through the center takes 2-3 hours, but visiting the museums and attractions takes much longer.
Wrocław’s market square is stunning, bustling with life in the summer and during Christmas markets. The centerpiece is the grand Town Hall, housing the Museum of Bourgeois Art, which exhibits documents, photos, and other items from Wrocław’s history. Dominating the skyline is the tower of the Church of St. Elizabeth, damaged by fire in the 1970s and restored in 1997. Its 84-meter-high viewing tower is open to visitors. Nearby, you’ll find the Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene, with its famous Bridge of Witches, a walkway connecting the two towers that serves as a viewpoint.
Near the market square, you can visit several museums:
– Museum of the University of Wrocław – Four beautifully decorated rooms are open for tours, including the Aula Leopoldina, and you can also climb the Mathematical Tower. There’s a display of sundials and a meridian line running through the building.
– Pharmacy Museum – the museum spans through four floors in a townhouse near the market square. There is no a guide or audio guide but features old medicine bottles, engravings, an alchemist’s room, and the history of pharmacy.
– Archaeological Museum – located in the old arsenal, the museum boasts a rich collection of archaeological findings related to the history and prehistory of Lower Silesia. The exhibits are spread over three floors, each dedicated to a different era.
– Military Museum – also housed in the old arsenal, features four permanent exhibits showcasing Polish military weaponry from the 18th to the 20th century, including a collection of sabers and helmets. It’s a must-see for military history enthusiasts.
– Museum of Bourgeois Art – Situated in the Old Town Hall. The museum displays items related to Wrocław’s craftsmen and artists from the oldest times to the present day.
Several interesting museums are located near Juliusz Słowacki Park:
– Postal and Telecommunications Museum – a less-known museum that’s at risk of being closed. Its exhibits include old landline phones, the first mobile phones, stagecoaches, mailboxes, phone booths, stamp collections, gramophones, postal uniforms, and radios and televisions – everything that will bring back memories for those who grew up before the internet age.
– The better-known Wrocław National Museum has a collection of sculptures, works by Silesian artists, and paintings by Matejko, Malczewski, Witkacy, and Wojtkiewicz. The famous Panorama of the Battle of Raclawice, painted between August 1893 and May 1894, is exhibited in a nearby rotunda. Entrance tickets are relatively expensive.
– Museum of Architecture – located in a former monastery, this small museum has two permanent exhibits. One showcases the stylistic changes in Wrocław’s architecture from the 12th to the 18th century, and the other features architectural craftsmanship, including historic stoves, stained glass windows, and items related to blacksmithing, locksmithing, and foundry work.
During a one-day train trip from Poznań to Wrocław, be sure to visit Ostrów Tumski. Close to the city’s main attractions, Ostrów Tumski was inhabited even in pagan times. In 1997, locals saved the island from flooding. Today, it’s one of the most fascinating spots in Wrocław. Crowds of tourists head to St. John the Baptist Cathedral, rebuilt in the 1950s after war damage. Nearby, you can visit the Botanical Garden of the University of Wrocław and the Natural History Museum, which has been operating since the early 19th century. The highlight is a 15-meter skeleton of a blue whale.
Train Poznań – Wolsztyn
A must-see destination for a day trip by train from Poznań is Wolsztyn. At various times throughout the year, steam locomotives appear on selected train routes (not always—sometimes due to lack of funds or issues with operational steam engines) with their characteristic olive-painted carriages. The route is very scenic, with several interesting spots, which I’ll describe in another article.
Szreniawa – a place worth visiting for the National Museum of Agriculture and Food Industry. In recent years, the museum has expanded its exhibits, with one of the most interesting being a display dedicated to the history of Tarpan cars (Polish car). The museum also includes a small palace (guided tours only).
Grodzisk Wielkopolski (optional) – a small, pleasant town. It has a renovated train station, a charming town center, the architecturally unique Church of St. Jadwiga of Silesia, and the Museum of the Grodzisk Region.
Rakoniewice – a small town. Here you’ll find one of the most unusual museums in Poland – the Greater Poland Firefighting Museum, housed in a former Evangelical church. The church itself is beautiful, built in a half-timbered style.
Wolsztyn – a town famous for the Steam Locomotive Parade and its steam locomotive depot. Besides the depot, it’s worth strolling through the town center and along the paths by the well-maintained lake. Visitors can also explore the Regional Museum and the highly-rated Open-Air Museum of Folk Architecture of Western Greater Poland.
Day trips from Poznań by train – direction Konin and Koło
A less obvious destination. The railway line passes through areas that might seem less tourist-friendly at first glance. However, there are several places worth visiting, and cyclists can plan trips from stations to attractions located a few kilometers away, which didn’t make the short list. For longer journeys, it’s worth using fast connections.
Swarzędz (optional) – a town known for furniture production, and for locals from Poznań and the surrounding areas, it’s also a popular summer getaway due to the local lake. In Swarzędz, it’s worth visiting the slightly neglected Bee-keeping Open-Air Museum with its rich collection of art, as well as the modern Swarzędz History and Art Center, which presents the town’s history in an accessible way.
Września – a railway junction. An interesting town and surroundings. In Września, you should see the town square, the small Regional Museum of the Września Children, and the Gothic Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. Stanislaus. Many tourists continue their trip to Pyzdry, known for its picturesque panorama over the Warta River. Pyzdry used to be the final station of the Września Narrow Gauge Railway. The town’s churches are noteworthy – the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary located on a hill, and the Church of the Beheading of John the Baptist, which is worth visiting for its interior.
On the way from Września to Pyzdry, it’s worth noting the wooden church in Nowa Wieś Królewska, as well as visiting the Municipal Cultural Center in Kołaczkowo, located in a historic 19th-century manor. The Kołaczkowo cultural center houses extensive collections related to Władysław Reymont.
Konin (optional) – the former capital of the province. The small Old Town is nearly 3 kilometers away from the train station. The most famous monument in Konin is the oldest milestone in Poland, dating back to 1151, located right next to the Church of St. Bartholomew. The local Regional Museum, consisting of several parts—including a former castle, a granary, and a small open-air museum—receives very good reviews.
Koło (optional) – the town center and most interesting sites are located some distance from the train station. The railway station in Koło is one of the stations built in the manor style during the interwar period. A very similar station once existed in Konin. In the center of Koło, you can visit the small Ceramic Technology Museum showcasing works by local artists, as well as religious landmarks such as the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and a neo-Gothic chapel from 1908 in the cemetery. The most famous monument in Koło is the ruins of a castle, located about 5 kilometers from the train station.
Day train trips from Poznań – Ostrów Wielkopolski and Kalisz
When traveling by train from Poznań towards Ostrów Wielkopolski and further towards Kalisz or Kluczbork, you pass through several towns and small cities tied to the history of railways. At first glance, these might seem like ordinary, sleepy, dull towns, but they are worth stopping at for at least a few hours. The list excludes Kórnik, as the train station is about 4 kilometers from the town, making it easier to reach by suburban bus from Poznań. If you plan to visit Kalisz, fast train is recommended.
Środa Wielkopolska – in the summer season, many tourists visit the town to ride steam trains the Środa Narrow-Gauge Railway from Środa Wielkopolska to Zaniemyśl (on weekends). In the town center, you’ll find historic townhouses and can visit the churches: the Collegiate Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. About 6 kilometers from Środa Wielkopolska, there is the fascinating Środa Land Museum – Koszuty Manor, an 18th-century manor rebuilt in the 20th century, showcasing the look of a landed estate from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Nature enthusiasts should visit the Środa Marshes, located 3 kilometers west of the town, reachable by bike on the Środa Wielkopolska – Kórnik route.
Jarocin – an interesting town with several religious landmarks. The main attraction is the renovated Radoliński Palace, now home to the Regional Museum. Jarocin is also known for the Polish Rock Museum, which pays tribute to the town’s music festival history, commemorated by the Glan Monument. This town is worth a stop.
From Jarocin, you can take a train to Krotoszyn (optional), a small but intriguing town that gets little promotion in the media. Some areas, like the train station, are neglected. In front of the station stands a train monument, commemorating the dismantled Krotoszyn Narrow-Gauge Railway. The walk to the town center takes 5-10 minutes. The main attractions include several churches (one of which is wooden) and the Regional Museum (it was closed on weekends at the time of writing). In the town park stands the Gałecki Palace.
Pleszew (optional) – a must-visit town for train enthusiasts. From Pleszew Wąskotorowy train station in Kowalew village (100 meters from Pleszew train station), trains depart on the Pleszew Local Railway to Pleszew Miasto. The 3-kilometer route is currently the shortest railway line in Poland with regular passenger service. The Pleszew Miasto station and its surroundings were recently renovated, with a cultural center and library located there. In Pleszew, you can also visit the Private Bread Museum and the Regional Museum.
Ostrów Wielkopolski (optional) – a major railway hub. The nice town square is a 10-minute walk from the station, along a straight pedestrian path. The square is charming, with a town hall (home to the Regional Museum) in the center and several interesting religious landmarks like the Co-cathedral of St. Stanislaus and a Moorish-style synagogue (now culture centre). On the outskirts, you’ll find the Piaski-Szczygliczka Reservoir, a popular summer destination with a Bug Park. Part of the former park railway has been preserved.
You can continue your journey from Ostrów Wielkopolski to Kalisz through Lewków and Nowe Skalmierzyce
Lewków – a kilometer from Czekanów station is located the Lewków Palace and Park Complex. The palace’s renovation was completed in the second half of 2022, and the museum is open for visitors. The palace is surrounded by a well-maintained park, and in the village, you can also see the Church of St. Adalbert (1844-1846).
Nowe Skalmierzyce (optional) – a destination mainly for railway enthusiasts. It’s worth seeing the impressive train station, which used to be a border station between the Prussian and Russian empires.
Kalisz – a city to explore over a weekend, though you can see some attractions in a day. It’s better to take a bus from the train station to the center as the distance is considerable. The most famous attraction is the Kalisz-Zawodzie Archaeological Reserve. In the center, rebuilt after being destroyed during World War I, you can visit religious landmarks (such as Kalisz Cathedral and the Church of St. Stanislaus the Bishop and Martyr), Wojciech Bogusławski Theatre, a lovely city park, Dorotka Tower, and the Regional Museum of Kalisz Land.
A second option is travel by train from Ostrów Wielkopolski to Kępno or Byczyna, if time allows:
Antonin (optional) – Antonin’s gem is one of Poland’s most beautiful hunting palaces, built between 1822-1824. Renovated with grand interiors, it now serves as a hotel and restaurant. Each year, the “Chopin in the Colors of Autumn” Festival is held here.
Ostrzeszów (optional) – A small town, once a railway junction, where the Ostrzeszów-Namysłaki local railway line used to start. The town center is close to the station, with a pretty main square and a small Regional Museum in the town hall. The main attraction is the Kazimierz Tower, the remnant of a castle demolished in 1835. The renovated tower serves as a viewpoint, and visitors can learn about local legends on the way up. The town also has notable religious landmarks, including the Nazareth Sisters Monastery and the wooden church of St. Nicholas.
Kępno (optional) – another small town. One of the two double-story train stations in Poland. The walk from the station to the center takes about 15 minutes. In the small center, you can see a lovely square with a renovated town hall, the Regional Museum in a townhouse by the square, the Polish Post Office building, and the Church of St. Michael with a beautiful interior. Six kilometers from Kępno is located the Sanctuary in Bralin with a wooden church.
Byczyna – a remarkable town. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the station to the town center. Byczyna is a charming town whose center is almost entirely surrounded by medieval walls. A fragment of the moat has also been preserved. The town has an unique atmosphere, and despite some unsightly elements from the communist era, it’s definitely worth visiting.
Train Poznań – Piła
Trains from Poznań to Piła pass through some towns and cities, but only two of them are interesting for foreigners. The city of Piła was almost entirely destroyed during World War II. The modern architecture of the city consists almost entirely of prefabricated apartment blocks, with only a few surviving historic buildings. The train station Piła Główna is one of the most beautiful railway stations in Poland.
Golęczewo – an interesting village, originally built as a model Prussian settlement. The architecture reflects styles from various German regions, as Golęczewo was intended to function as a self-sufficient enclave for the German population within a Polish community. According to tourists, it’s a place worth visiting.
Chodzież (optional) – a charming town with a lovely market square and Weavers’ Houses. Some historic townhouses have been preserved, though it’s hard to believe that the local ceramics factories were allowed to decline, as they could have been a tourist attraction. At best, you can see some products in the Memorial Room at the Public Library. Chodzież is a popular summer destination for lakeside recreation. It’s an interesting place, but the accommodation prices are relatively high.
Train from Poznań to Zielona Góra
Zielona Góra – one of the two capitals of the Lubuskie Voivodeship and a hub for enotourism, or wine route travel. It’s more of a weekend destination, but in a single day, it’s worth strolling through the city center along the sculpture trail and visiting the Lubuskie Museum. If you’re visiting Zielona Góra with children, it’s a good idea to include the Wenus Planetarium and the Nature Center in your itinerary. Train enthusiasts should check out the installation that commemorates the old Szprotawa Railway in one of the parks. If you have enough time, consider a trip to the open-air museum in nearby Ochla.
Related articles:
Train travel in Poland – a comprehensive guide
Narrow-gauge railways in Poland
