The Kepice commune is located on the Polanowska Upland, which is among the top in the entire Pomorskie in terms of landscape values. Its axis is the Wieprza River, into which the Bystrzenica and Studnica flow rapidly. Over 60% of the area is covered by forests – a long-standing treasure of this land, which in autumn tempt with a wealth of mushrooms. Here we will encounter villages with manors and palaces, which were former estates of junkers – large landowners.
On the wave of the industrial revolution
The small town of Kepice was founded as a workers’ settlement around a paper mill built on the initiative of Otto von Bismarck himself. Few people know that the creators of photocopy paper and contemporary large American paper companies came from the local administrators. Today, there is a tannery here. The extensive facilities of the “Sobotka” recreation center encourage spending time at Obleskie Lake near Kepice. There is a water ski lift here, and staying in the cottages, you can combine a stay in the sauna with winter lake swimming.
Kępice area, photo by P. Kowalewski
At the Bismarck residence
It is worth staying in Warcino for a longer while. There is a palace and park complex here. The impressive building, expanded since the XVIIIth century, was the favourite residence of the German Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck. The facility is looked after by the Forestry Technical School in Warcino. Thanks to this, the forest park, which is also a botanical garden today, has been well preserved. Here we can find, among others, a cemetery of hunting dogs and the Bismarck mausoleum. Nearby stands a half-timbered, over 200-year-old post-evangelical church, moved from nearby Ciecholubie.
Manor and park complex in Warcino, photo: Pomorskie.Travel
Cycling around the area
In the municipality, many kilometers of cycling trails have been marked, leading to palaces, manors, and other attractions in nearby towns. Bicycles can be rented at the rental service located at the Public Library in Kępice.
Drezyna rides
The disused railway line from Korzybie to Bytów is now used by drezyna (rail handcar) services. In Barcin, the Słupsk County Drezyna Railway stop has been operating for many years. Visitors can enjoy handcar or motorized drezyna rides through picturesque landscapes. During the season, cyclical rides are organized.
