Międzyrzecz County

Międzyrzecz County, located in the Lubusz Voivodeship, was established on August 10, 1998, and officially began functioning on January 1, 1999. Its seat is the town of Międzyrzecz, known for its architectural and historical attractions, including the Międzyrzecz Fortified Region – a unique military structure from World War II. The county consists of three urban-rural municipalities: Międzyrzecz, Skwierzyna, and Trzciel, as well as the rural municipalities of Bledzew, Przytoczna, and Pszczew. It is worth noting that the region is characterized by a high forest cover of 53%, which promotes tourism and recreation. Within the county lies the Pszczew Landscape Park and the Notecka Forest, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers. Międzyrzecz County is rich in mineral resources such as gravel, chalk, clay, as well as crude oil and natural gas. Historically, these lands held significant administrative importance as early as the Middle Ages, with the first mention of the Międzyrzecz castellany dating back to 1230. The county repeatedly changed national affiliations – from medieval Greater Poland, through the Prussian era, to the period after 1945, when it was reintegrated into Poland. An interesting fact is that certain attempts at administrative reform took place as early as the 18th century, but they did not come to fruition due to the partitions of Poland. After World War II, Międzyrzecz County was administratively restored, and over the following years, its municipal structure gradually evolved. Today, the county is well-connected by national and regional roads, as well as railways, which enhances accessibility for tourists and residents. In recent years, the local government has focused on developing infrastructure and promoting culture and history, attracting visitors and fostering regional development.