Lędyczek

Lędyczek, once a town, is now a village located in the Greater Poland Voivodeship, in the Złotów County. It boasts a rich history and interesting architecture. It was granted town rights in 1809 but was demoted to a village in 1973. The settlement has its roots in the 13th century when a defensive stronghold was built here to guard the crossing over the Gwda River. Lędyczek came under Teutonic rule in 1308, which contributed to its development, including the construction of a castle, which, however, fell into ruin by the 18th century. In 1466, it became part of the Kingdom of Poland, and for the next three centuries, the population was predominantly German-speaking. Lędyczek gained town rights in 1809 but did not become a significant urban center due to competition and lack of railway connections, which led to its eventual demotion. After World War II, the settlement was transferred to Poland, and its former inhabitants were displaced. In 1972, the residents of Lędyczek established cooperation with Warsaw; the town was one of the smallest in Poland before losing its town rights. Today, Lędyczek features a Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque church dedicated to St. Peter and Paul, as well as remnants of 19th-century architecture. The village has a tourist character, with routes for kayaking and forest educational trails, surrounded by the forests of the Puszcza nad Gwdą. Lędyczek, lacking larger industrial plants, focuses on transit tourism and recreation.