Things To Do
in Chełmża

Dumplings with fillings such as potato and cheese (ruskie), meat, or seasonal berries; widely available at restaurants and home-style eateries.

Must-Try!

Sour rye soup often served with sausage and egg — a classic Polish comfort soup you'll find in traditional restaurants.

Freshwater fish from nearby lakes and rivers (perch, pike) prepared smoked or pan-fried; try at lakeside eateries and fish stalls.

Potato-based regional specialties — pancakes, dumplings and hearty sides common in local menus.

Small market in the main square or nearby streets selling fresh bread, cheeses, cured meats, vegetables and honey from local producers — great for picnic supplies.

Seasonal vendors by the lake offering grilled fish, cold drinks and snacks during warm months — perfect for casual lakeside dining.

Use formal greetings (Dzień dobry — good day) when entering shops or addressing older people; a brief handshake is common when meeting someone new.

The town’s churches are active places of worship — dress modestly and keep quiet during services; ask permission before taking photos inside.

Poles generally value punctuality for appointments; for social gatherings a few minutes' tolerance is normal, but be on time for tours or transport.

Topics like family and local history are good; avoid making assumptions about politics or history unless you know someone well — approach sensitive historical topics with care.

In restaurants a tip of around 10% is appreciated for good service; many locals round up the bill or leave small cash tips. Tipping in cafés is optional (rounding up or leaving small change), and taxi drivers expect rounding up or a small extra for help with luggage.

Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in restaurants, larger shops and hotels, but small vendors, market stalls and seasonal lakeside stalls may be cash-only. The local currency is the Polish złoty (PLN); ATMs are available in town and in nearby Toruń.

Spring brings blooming trees and cool, often changeable weather; good for birdwatching and seeing the countryside green up. Pack a light waterproof jacket and layers; some outdoor businesses start reopening.

Warmest and busiest season with opportunities for swimming, sailing and lakeside dining. Expect long daylight hours and local festivals; bring sun protection, insect repellent for evening lakeside time, and book accommodation in advance for weekends.

Crisp air and colorful foliage make hiking and photography especially rewarding. Temperatures fall quickly in evenings; bring warm layers and waterproof shoes for muddy trails.

Cold with regular frost and snow; the town is quieter and scenic under snow but some outdoor amenities may close. Prepare for icy sidewalks and short daylight hours — good for cozy meals and Christmas-time markets if visiting in December.

An easy, scenic loop around parts of the lake suitable for walking, jogging and short nature outings.

Riverside footpaths that follow the Drwęca, offering peaceful nature walks, birdwatching and picnic spots.

A short drive away, this park has varied forest and lake trails with longer routes for day hikes and wildlife observation.

For a larger wilderness experience, parts of the Tuchola Forest region (Bory Tucholskie) provide extended trails and more remote hiking options — best visited by car from Chełmża.

Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in large cities — pierogi with cheese/potato, soups, salads and vegetable sides. Friendly small restaurants will usually adapt dishes; learn the words for dietary needs (e.g., 'jestem wegetarianinem' = I'm a vegetarian) or point to ingredients.

Vegan choices are less common; supermarkets carry plant-based products but eating out may require asking chefs to modify dishes. Bring snacks if you have strict needs and check Toruń for broader vegan options.

Gluten-free options are available in packaged form at stores, but cross-contamination in small kitchens is possible — communicate the restriction clearly ('bez glutenu') and consider self-catering when necessary.

Specialised Halal or Kosher venues are rare locally; larger cities like Toruń or Bydgoszcz have more options. Supermarkets may stock some Halal-certified products, and restaurants can often offer plain grilled fish or vegetables.