Chełmska Hill

Chełmska Hill is an end-moraine ridge within the boundaries of Koszalin, whose highest hill is Krzyżanka (136.2 m above sea level). From the 12th to the 16th century it was a place of Christian worship and pilgrimage; today it holds a sanctuary and, at the top, an observation tower open to visitors.

The hills and their location

The moraine ridge covers the eastern part of Koszalin and lies 8 km in a straight line from the Baltic. It has several hills: Krzyżanka measures 136.2 m, Krzywogóra 133.0 m and Leśnica 118.5 m above sea level. The hill is first mentioned in 1214, when the location of the village of Koszalin was described as “near Chełm”. The former German name is Gollenberg.

History of worship

At the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries a chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built on Krzyżanka; until about 1530 it was a place of pilgrimage, and pilgrims were buried in the cemetery beside it. Archaeological research in 1959-1962 and 1986-1987 uncovered remains of the chapel walls from the 13th century, of a church from the 15th century and an early medieval burial ground. The buildings on the hill were destroyed during the Reformation.

Sanctuary of Our Lady Thrice Wonderful

A new chapel was built in 1990 and 1991 beside the old foundations, and it was consecrated on 1 June 1991 by John Paul II, who made a pilgrimage to Chełmska Hill that day during his visit to Koszalin. More about the chapel: Sanctuary of Our Lady Thrice Wonderful. A monument commemorating the Pope's visit stands at the gate to the hill, and next to the chapel is a plaque with his words about the Decalogue.

Observation tower and trails

The observation tower, built in 1888, is 31.5 m high. It is open to visitors and offers a panorama of Koszalin and the surrounding area as far as the Baltic. A station broadcasting a radio signal is also mounted on the tower. In 2011-2013 the tower's façade was renovated, the windows were replaced and the viewing terrace was restored.

Several marked trails meet at the summit: the red Józef Chrząszczyński trail, the blue Abducted Duke Trail, the yellow Tatra Loop, the John Paul II Pilgrimage Trail to Polanów and the Pomeranian Way of St James.

Nearby

In Koszalin you will find the Museum in Koszalin.

Not far away is also the Park of the Pomeranian Dukes.

Practical information

• On foot: about 40 minutes from the Gwardia stadium in the Przylesie district.
• Bus: seasonal line no. 23 from the centre of Koszalin.
• By car: there are many free car parks around the hill.
• On site: a rope park and a stadium at the northern foot. Check the tower's opening hours before your visit.