Walk the St. James Way from Unisław to Zamek Bierzgłowski. Discover the region’s cultural heritage, the history of Camino, and places that have connected people and traditions for centuries.(c. 20 km)
We invite you to join a unique walk along the Kujawsko-Pomorskie section of the St. James Way, organized by the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Brotherhood of St. James the Apostle as part of the European Heritage Days. This event is designed for enthusiasts of cultural tourism, history, nature, and anyone interested in discovering the phenomenon of the Camino de Santiago, one of Europe’s most important cultural routes.
The route will lead participants from Unisław to Zamek Bierzgłowski through the picturesque landscapes of the historic Chełmno Land. The walk follows a section of the Chełmno St. James Way, connecting Świecie, Chełmno, and Toruń to the wider European network of routes leading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This route was established by the Brotherhood of St. James the Apostle in Toruń as an important link between the Pomeranian St. James routes and the Camino Polaco, which crosses the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region.
Known worldwide as the Camino de Santiago, the St. James Way has guided pilgrims, travelers, and adventurers to the tomb of St. James the Apostle in Santiago de Compostela for more than a thousand years. It is recognized as one of the most significant symbols of Europe’s shared cultural heritage, with a value that extends far beyond its religious origins. The Camino is a place where people, cultures, traditions, and histories meet. For centuries, routes such as this have fostered connections between nations, encouraged the exchange of ideas, and strengthened a sense of European identity.
The Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region occupies a special place on Poland’s Camino map. Approximately 250 kilometers of the Camino Polaco pass through the region, linking Brodnica, Golub-Dobrzyń, Toruń, Inowrocław, Kruszwica, Strzelno, and Mogilno. The region is also developing several other St. James routes, including the Bydgoszcz St. James Way, the Dobrzyń-Kuyavia St. James Way, the Vistula St. James Way, and the newest Chełmno St. James Way. Together, these routes make Kujawsko-Pomorskie an important destination on Europe’s Camino network.
During our walk, participants will have the opportunity to discover the region’s heritage in a way that has always been natural for pilgrims: through travel, conversation, and direct experience. The route passes through landscapes shaped by history, tradition, and the work of generations of local communities. Every kilometer tells a story about the people who traveled these lands, built towns and villages, erected churches, and contributed to the region’s cultural heritage.
A highlight of the journey will be Zamek Bierzgłowski, one of the best-preserved Teutonic castles in Poland. This medieval stronghold has been an important part of the region’s cultural landscape for centuries and perfectly reflects the spirit of the European Heritage Days, whose purpose is to promote places of historical and cultural significance. Reaching the castle via the St. James Way allows visitors to appreciate it not only as a monument, but also as part of a wider story about the routes that have connected people and places for generations.
The walk will also provide an opportunity to explore the idea of modern pilgrimage. Today, an increasing number of people choose the Camino not only for religious reasons, but also for personal reflection, contact with nature, physical activity, and inspiration. The St. James Way attracts people of all ages and backgrounds, bringing together those seeking adventure and those wishing to slow down and view the world from a different perspective.
The event is also an excellent opportunity to learn about the work of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Brotherhood of St. James the Apostle, which has been actively involved in the development and promotion of St. James routes in the region for many years. The Brotherhood cooperates with local governments, cultural institutions, parishes, community organizations, and tourism stakeholders, serving as the coordinator of activities related to the development of the St. James Way in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region and supporting the growth of the local Camino community.
European Heritage Days provide the perfect opportunity to rediscover the Camino. It is a celebration of people, places, and history, showing that heritage is not merely a reminder of the past, but a living value that helps shape contemporary identity. This shared walk from Unisław to Zamek Bierzgłowski offers a chance to experience that idea firsthand, step by step, along a route that has guided people toward encounter, discovery, and reflection for centuries.
We warmly invite everyone to join us: experienced pilgrims, tourists, local residents, history enthusiasts, and those just beginning their Camino journey. Whatever your motivation, you are sure to find something meaningful along the way.
Buen Camino! See you on the St. James Way.
St. James Way, Camino de Santiago, European Heritage Days, cultural heritage, pilgrimage route, Unisław, Zamek Bierzgłowski, cultural tourism
