The best MTB trails around Żerków

It may look more interesting from a bird's eye view (filming/photographing with a drone).

The Opaliński Palace in Radlin was one of the most impressive residences in 16th-century Greater Poland and the first palace and garden complex in the region with such a modern layout. It consisted of a quadrangular building with a cloistered courtyard, a gate tower and an Italian garden with a chapel – today serving as a cemetery. After centuries of neglect and changes of owners, the palace was demolished in the 19th century by Władysław Radoliński, who used its bricks to build a residence in Jarocin. Today, only fragments of its former glory have survived in Radlin, but for cyclists interested in history, it is an interesting point on the map of Greater Poland – it is worth stopping here for a while.

Szwajcaria Żerkowska is an exceptionally picturesque part of Wielkopolska, which delights with its slightly undulating landscape, rich nature and views reaching several dozen kilometers. It is especially worth visiting the viewpoint above Brzóstków, located on the slopes of Łysa Góra - the highest elevation of the region. From the platform there is a panorama of forests, villages, palaces and churches, including the impressive palace in Śmiełów and the abbey in Ląd. This is a great place to rest during a bicycle trip around the Żerkowsko-Czeszewski Landscape Park - it is best to plan the journey by MTB or gravel bike due to the terrain with a large difference in height.

An impressive two-story palace with a complicated shape, built at the end of the 19th century, probably for the Jewish-German Cohn family. The varied shape of the windows - rectangular, closed with a semicircular arch, or narrow, connected in pairs - a rusticated base, varied cornices, and an impressive porch with four pillars supporting the terrace, all this gives this residence its grandeur. (dipp.info.pl)

Initially, the palace served as apartments for the so-called allotment owners, but later it was bought by the Jarocin machine tool factory, where a recreation center for employees was to be built. Renovation work even began, the roof was torn off... and work on the building was completed. The palace was transferred to a farm and fell into ruin until 1990. That year, an investor was found who wanted to rebuild and restore the palace. As is common knowledge, all buildings that are on the register of monuments require the supervision of a conservator. When the new owner bought the palace, he was supposed to have 4 years to renovate it, and he could not sell it for 5 years. It seems, however, that the costs exceeded the investor's capabilities and he sold the palace after less than a year. However, the next owner allowed the palace to fall into ruin. The next owner, a construction company from Przeźmierowo near Poznań, bought the palace and wanted to renovate it, even bring it back to its former glory. The owners also asked local media to provide archival photos of the building. However, as you can see, although the building was secured, it fell into further ruin until the next change of owner. The building currently functions as a secured ruin and there is no indication that the situation of the palace will change in the near future. It is subject to further devastation, although due to its size it could even be an interesting country villa or a cozy hotel in a reserve on the Warta River. The regularly destroyed fence allows for throwing garbage into the park, painting on the palace walls and demolishing its interior. The former splendor of the pre-war estate has long since passed into oblivion.

Google says that there are often SOK officers waiting under the bridge. Pay attention before you start crossing. The grates are securely attached, for sure. You can even ride :) Also watch out for trains, in case of "in" you can hide in the alleys.

No entry - destroyed trees!

Elevation gain 61m. The maximum slope at 500m from Śmiełów is 9.1%. Maximum slope per 100m 11.5%.