Połczyn-Zdrój

Połczyn-Zdrój is an urban-rural municipality located in northwestern Poland, within the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, in the central part of the Świdwin County. The seat of the municipality is the town of Połczyn-Zdrój. Covering an area of 344.30 km², the municipality had a population of 15,531 in 2016, accounting for 32.5% of the county's total population. The terrain is diverse, featuring the highest hills in the county—Wiatraczna Góra and Wola Góra—as well as picturesque lakes and forests, which make up 36.51% of the municipality's area. Połczyn-Zdrój lies within the Drawskie Lake District, with its southeastern part falling within the boundaries of the Drawski Landscape Park, renowned for the Dolina Pięciu Jezior (Valley of Five Lakes) nature reserve. The Dębnica River, a tributary of the Parsęta, along with other rivers and lakes, forms a rich aquatic ecosystem in the region. The municipality is also home to the "Połczyn Zdrój" retention reservoir, which serves both flood control and recreational purposes. The climate is transitional, between maritime and continental, contributing to the diversity of flora and fauna. Architecturally, the area is rich in historical monuments, including numerous manor parks and palace complexes from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as churches with fascinating histories and architecture, such as former Evangelical churches converted to Roman Catholic use. An interesting fact is that the railway connection to Połczyn-Zdrój was operational from 1897, and the municipality has long been significant for tourism due to its natural attractions. Along the main regional roads passing through the area, visitors can enjoy beautiful landscapes, while numerous waterways attract anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. Despite its extensive forest cover, the municipality also features varied land use, with agricultural land comprising 53% of the total area. Located just 24 km from Świdwin, Połczyn-Zdrój combines rich history, culture, and scenic surroundings, making it an intriguing destination for both residents and tourists to explore.