One of Lubuskie's most quaint and picturesque areas, Łagów is located in the very heart of Lubuskie midway between Gorzów Wielkopolski and Zielona Góra. From a macro perspective it represents the 5,438.5 hectare Łagowsko-Sulęciński Landscape Park - a protected area of clean, clear lakes and ancient beech-forested hills, crisscrossed with well-marked hiking and cycling trails. The tourist focal point of this beautiful area, however, is the 13th century village of Łagów itself, and its castle - pristinely situated inside the landscape park on an isthmus between the scenic Trześniowskie and Łagowskie lakes. Surrounded by defensive walls with two gothic gates, the castle was built as a stronghold and commandery of the Knights of the Order of St. John (also known as the Knights Hospitaller) in Gothic style in the 14th century, then later expanded in the 16th and 18th centuries. Today the castle is privately owned and worth a visit for the gorgeous panoramic views of the surrounding hills and lakes offered from its characteristic 35m-high tower. It also houses a very good (though pricey) restaurant and a hotel that makes a great base for exploring the region.
Łagów Castle and Lake Ciecz (Trześniowskie)
Adjacent to the castle is the neoclassical Church of St. John the Baptist, built in 1725. The charmingly quaint lakeside village of Łagów also maintains its medieval character and is home to some lovely historical buildings - including a 25m-high railway viaduct from 1909, plus numerous restaurants, cafes and accommodation options. Poland's oldest film festival - the Lubuskie Film Summer - was first organised in Łagów in 1969, and continues to screen films outdoors in the amphitheatre on Lake Trześniowskie at the foot of the castle each year. A tourist information point can also be found near the castle, as can a seasonal beach, ropes park and other family attractions, plus numerous water equipment and bicycle rentals for further exploring this area, known as the 'pearl of the Lubusz lands.'
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