Lobez

Łobez is an urban-rural municipality in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, located in the central part of the Łobez District on the Łobez Upland. Its seat is the town of Łobez, which gained a railway connection as early as 1859, and today it is accessible via provincial roads, facilitating transport. The municipality covers 21.4% of the district's area and has a population of 14,276. The region is captivating for its nature, with the Rega River featuring a typical "V"-shaped valley and numerous forested areas covering 32% of the land. The architecture of the municipality is rich in numerous monuments, including many churches, palaces, and parks. Notable examples include the 17th-century Renaissance furnishings of the Holy Trinity Church in Wysiedle and the neo-Gothic St. Peter and Paul Church in Bełczna, which preserves valuable stained glass windows. The municipality also boasts a 19th-century palace and park complex, along with historic oak trees and other natural monuments. An interesting cultural element is the presence of former German cemeteries and traditions that have shaped the local community. A noteworthy fact is that Łobez and its surroundings were part of the Szczecin Voivodeship until 1999 and then belonged to the Stargard District until 2002. The municipality actively engages in international cooperation, with several partner cities such as Affing, Kėdainiai, and Svalöv. The rich tourist landscape is also worth mentioning, including kayaking opportunities on the rivers, as well as attractions related to forests and lakes, which encourage water sports and hiking in picturesque surroundings.