Widuchowa

Widuchowa is a rural municipality located in the western part of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, within the Gryfino County, with its administrative seat in the village of the same name. The municipality ranks 48th in terms of area and 68th in terms of population in the region, covering 11.2% of the county's total area. It borders the municipalities of Banie, Chojna, and Gryfino, and also shares a border with Germany, highlighting its strategic location. The area is characterized by rich natural landscapes, situated in the Lower Odra Valley and the Myślibórz Lake District. The Odra River, which splits into the Western and Eastern Odra, forms the picturesque Międzyodrze area, part of the Lower Odra Valley Landscape Park. The municipality is a hub for tourist activity, offering diverse outdoor recreational opportunities, including sailing and kayaking. High forest coverage, accounting for 30% of the area, and agricultural land at 46% underscore its natural assets. The transportation infrastructure is well-developed, with national road 31 and provincial roads, as well as railway connections featuring three active stations. Demographically, according to 2004 data, the municipality accounted for 6.8% of the county's population, with an unemployment rate of 15.9% in 2006. In 2016, the municipality's budget expenditures amounted to PLN 20.1 million, with revenues of PLN 20.9 million, indicating financial stability. The area includes numerous villages and settlements, as well as one of its partner towns—Gehrde and Penkun in Germany. It is also worth noting the historical significance of the region, which was part of the Szczecin Voivodeship until 1998. The presence of numerous tourist attractions and natural beauty makes Widuchowa an interesting destination for both residents and visitors.