Manors and Palaces of Northern Kashubia: A Journey Through the History, Culture and Charms of the Region
- Damian Brzeski
- Jun 7
- 8 min read
Did you know that in northern Kashubia you can eat dinner in a palace where the nobility used to feast, and then fall asleep in a room from a hundred years ago?
This extraordinary region, known as Norda, houses dozens of manors and palaces – not only beautiful, but also vibrant. Intrigued? Check out which of these places you already know and which ones are worth discovering.
Northern Kashubia – the Land of Manors and Palaces
Northern Kashubia, known locally as "Norda", is a real treasure on the map of Poland. It is a place where time seems to move slower and every road leads to an extraordinary story.
Traveling through this corner of Pomerania, it is impossible not to notice the numerous manors and palaces that, like guardians of the past, tell stories of bygone times – of the nobility, magnates and their everyday lives.
We invite you on a journey along the trail of these historical gems. Walking from the Baltic shore to the moraine hills, you will discover places that have survived the storms of history, to now invite you to their thresholds and share many stories.
Where is Norda's heart?
Northern Kashubia is a region located in the northern part of the Pomeranian Voivodeship – it mainly includes the Puck, Wejherowo and Lębork counties.
You will find everything here: wild beaches, green forests, blue lakes and rolling hills. It is in this landscape that historic residences have been hidden, which have witnessed many stories over the centuries.
It is a space where nature and culture go hand in hand. Palaces and manor houses blend into their surroundings, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that begs to be explored.
Monuments that are still alive
We are not talking about dusty exhibits locked away in museum display cases. Norda's manors and palaces are places that are alive.
Once the residence of noble families, today they serve as hotels, restaurants, agritourism centers, and sometimes simply – family homes with a soul.
Their story was not easy.
Wars, changes of ownership, nationalization – all of these have left their mark on these buildings. But today many of them impress with their renewed splendor.
Thanks to local enthusiasts, private investors and foundations, they have regained life and can once again welcome guests.
That's why a stay here is more than just sightseeing. You can dine in an elegant ballroom, sleep in a room with original décor from a century ago, or attend an open-air concert.
Sounds magical? Because that's what Northern Kashubia is like.
Architecture and Heritage of Kashubian Residences
When you look at Kashubian manors and palaces, you see more than bricks and roofs. They are vivid illustrations of eras that have left their mark on the local landscape over the centuries. From simple wooden manors to richly decorated palaces, each of them tells its own story.
Until the end of the 18th century, modest, single-story buildings dominated here – often wooden, with high hipped or mansard roofs. They had a simple layout, modest decor, and charming porches, and sometimes arcades supported by wooden posts.
In some cases, there were also alcoves in the corners – an architectural curiosity of those times.
Over the years, brick residences began to appear, more impressive in appearance, often built on the foundations of earlier manors.
Classicism from the end of the 18th century brought with it columned porticoes and then came the neostyles: neo-Gothic, neo-Renaissance, neo-Baroque... The mixture of styles made each building from this period a slightly different story.
Some of these places once had a defensive function, others were urban villas in a rural style.
A real boom in palaces occurred in the second half of the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century – and it is they that still delight us with their scale.
Thanks to the work of conservators, local enthusiasts and private owners, many of these buildings have regained their former charm. It is a piece of history that can be touched today – and best experienced first-hand.
Pearls of Northern Kashubia – a guide to unique manors and palaces
If you dream of time travel – without a machine, but with tea in a porcelain cup and a view of the park's old trees – Northern Kashubia awaits you with open arms . Here are places where history has not only survived, but has settled in for good.
Each of the following sites is a story in itself – full of ups, downs and second chances. See which ones you’ve already visited and which ones are still waiting to be discovered!
Dwór Żarnowiec – an atmospheric place where Maria Konopnicka spent the last years of her life. A single-storey building from the 19th century, today it serves as a museum. Take a look if you want to feel the authentic atmosphere of old interiors and learn the personal history of one of the most important Polish writers.
Dwór w Gościęcinie – a historic manor surrounded by a stone wall, where guests can enjoy not only cozy accommodation, but also charming attractions: its own pond for fishing, mushroom picking, bonfire and real agritourism. Ideal for a family trip away from the hustle and bustle.
Rzucewo Palace (Pałac Jana III Sobieskiego) – a fabulous estate overlooking the Bay of Puck, offering accommodation, great cuisine and walks along Aleja Sobieskiego. Neo-Gothic style and Rococo accents create an amazing atmosphere together. Bonus? Massages and sauna on request.
The Manor in Bychów – a place that has undergone a real metamorphosis. From a 14th-century estate, through times of devastation, to a luxury hotel with a soul. You can not only spend the night here, but also visit the manor with a guide, also at night. A restaurant serving local meat? Finger-licking good!
Lisewski Dwór in Lisewo – a 19th-century manor converted into an elegant hotel with a restaurant. Stylish rooms, excellent cuisine and local attractions, such as a horse trail or the Żarnowiec Hydroelectric Power Plant. For those who value comfort and history in one.
Dwór "Sześć Dębów" in Prusewo - time moves slower here. Neo-Baroque manor with a beautiful park and an atmosphere conducive to personal development. A place for workshops, retreats and blissful relaxation. Pets are welcome, although not all.
Palace in Godętowo – a classicist residence whose history dates back to the 17th century. Today an elegant hotel with a restaurant, park and comfortable rooms. A perfect place for a wedding, conference or simply a weekend getaway with class.
Manor in Starbienino – Tuscan style in Kashubia? Why not! This 19th-century manor is today an educational and cultural center, offering workshops, exhibitions and a relaxing stay surrounded by nature.
The palace in Zwartowo – from a baron to a holiday resort. Today it offers full recreational facilities: tennis courts, pitches, horse riding and concerts. All surrounded by greenery and the atmosphere of old times.
Manor and park complex in Sasino – although currently unused, this charming corner still tempts with its architecture and potential. A great option for enthusiasts of forgotten places.
Palace in Runowo (Pod Bocianim Gniazdem) – a paradise for families and lovers of active recreation. Horse riding, survival, medieval stronghold and accommodation in cozy rooms. A place full of energy and adventure.
Palace in Grąbków – a 19th century residence with coral walls in the orangery. Today a hotel and restaurant with a soul, ideal for events and relaxation in a stylish setting.
Krokowa Castle – an example of successful restoration and Polish-German cooperation. Hotel, museum, exhibitions and a beautiful park surrounding the castle. History and modernity go hand in hand here.
Salin Manor – one of the oldest wooden manors in the region. Today, agritourism with a story about the White Lady, a fireplace and a rustic kitchen. An ideal place to relax with a unique atmosphere.
Ciekocinko Palace – luxury at the highest level. Catalogue-like interiors, horses, culinary workshops and world-class wellness. For those who like to relax in style.
Dwór w Mostach – former summer residence of the Oliwa abbots , today a hotel with access to the SPA zone. A quiet refuge with history and beautiful surroundings.
Jackowo Palace – agritourism in a rebuilt palace. Themed rooms, evening horseback riding to the beach and yoga workshops. Close to nature and close to each other.
Palace in Borkowo Lęborski – peaceful agritourism with soul. Spacious rooms, park, fireplace and rooms ideal for family gatherings.
Dworek Drzewiarza in Gościcino – a former brickyard transformed into a vibrant cultural center. Classes, workshops and full accessibility for everyone.
Below Palace in Sławutówek – currently under renovation, but with a history that deserves to be restored to its former glory. We look forward to its grand comeback.
Palace in Rekowo Górne (Hotel Wieniawa) – wellness, squash, golf, park – a place that combines relaxation with elegance. For a weekend, for a wedding, for regeneration.
The Palace in Wejherowo (Museum of Kashubian Literature and Music) – historic interiors and Pompeian paintings, and the world's largest institution dealing with Kashubian culture. Art and history under one roof.
Palace in Kłanina – eclectic style, preserved interiors, Delft tiles and the possibility of overnight stay. For those who like elegance with a touch of the past.
Manor in Krępkowice – a country manor with a soul. Terrace, fireplace, organic kitchen and old oak. Perfect for a reset.
Dworek pod Lipami in Rumia – a place full of history and education. Municipal Cultural Center with exhibitions and artifacts from the past. Open all year round.
Łebunia Palace – a hotel with a wide range of wellness and activities. A great choice for a conference, relaxation or weekend getaway.
The palace in Grapice – now ruined, but once full of splendor. It is worth seeing and imagining how it could look after renovation.
Palace in Cecenowo – closed, but with an interesting history and a beautiful tower. Maybe one day it will open its doors again.
The palace in Kończewo – a secured ruin with potential. For now, only to be admired from the outside, but who knows what time will bring?
Wytowno Manor – unfortunately burned down in 2020. Today it is a sad reminder of a beautiful past. A warning and history in one.
Dwór w Sulęczynie (Leśny Dwór) – a palace on the lake with a private beach, an elegant restaurant and a ballroom. The perfect place for a fairy-tale wedding or a romantic weekend.
Unforgettable Impressions from Northern Kashubia
Is it possible to fall in love with a place at first sight? Northern Kashubia definitely has a chance. It's not just idyllic landscapes and the sound of the sea - it's a space where the past meets the present in its most beautiful form.
Here, every residence has a soul, and the walls of manors and palaces whisper the stories of former owners, poets, artists and ordinary people who left their traces here.
Luxurious hotels in historic interiors , agritourism smelling of fresh bread, museum salons full of memories and cultural centers bustling with life - all this together creates an extraordinary mosaic of experiences that cannot be compared to any other region.
What is most impressive? The residences restored with reverence , which despite a difficult history, today shine with full splendor again.
This is proof of the enormous passion of local communities, their love of history and their constant desire for this beauty to survive for generations to come.
For you, as a visitor, it's not just a tour.
A trip to Norda is like a real journey back in time , the opportunity to sleep in a palace room, enjoy cuisine based on regional recipes, learn about crafts and traditions passed down from generation to generation.
And nature! Northern Kashubia is a perfect mix of nature and culture : wild beaches, bike trails winding through forests, lakes inviting for kayaking trips and hills with a view straight from a postcard.
Want to relax? Savor the region? Discover something new? Northern Kashubia has it all – and more. And most importantly: they stay in your heart long after you return.
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