Last year, Kalisz added a charming new attraction that encourages residents and visitors to explore the city's streets, parks and historic landmarks in a fun and interactive way. The Kaliski Szlak Wiewiórek, or Kalisz Squirrel Trail, combines sightseeing, outdoor activity and local heritage through a collection of bronze squirrel sculptures placed at key locations across the city.
Officially opened on 24 July 2025, the trail has quickly become one of Kalisz's most distinctive family attractions, inviting people of all ages to experience the city from a different perspective.
Eight Squirrels, One City Adventure
The trail consists of eight bronze squirrel sculptures located along a walking route of around 10,000 steps, taking visitors through some of Kalisz's best-known parks, public spaces and cultural attractions.
Designed as both a sightseeing route and a treasure hunt, each squirrel has its own character and setting, encouraging participants to explore the city and places they may otherwise have overlooked.
The sculptures can be found at:
Główny Rynek, near the Town Hall flower bed
Planty Miejskie, overlooking the Adam Asnyk monument
Park Miejski at the Theatre Bridge
Aquapark Kalisz
Park Przyjaźni near the graduation tower
Lodziarnia Marysieńka
Skwer Eligiusza Kor-Walczaka, close to the District Museum
Główny Rynek beneath the historic lime tree, completing the route
Whether completed in one day or explored over several visits, the trail offers an enjoyable way to experience both well-known attractions and quieter corners of the city.
Inspired by One of Kalisz's Favourite Residents
The squirrel was chosen as the trail's symbol because of its close association with Park Miejski, where generations of residents have become accustomed to seeing the animals among the trees.
Rather than focusing on historical figures or fictional characters, the project celebrates an animal that has become part of everyday life in Kalisz, giving the city a playful mascot that appeals to both children and adults.
The sculptures were designed by Gabriela Michalak, whose winning concept was selected through the city's Wiewiórki Miasta competition.
An Interactive Trail for Families
The Kaliski Szlak Wiewiórek offers more than simply finding the sculptures.
Visitors can collect a printed trail map and gather stamps at each location as they complete the route. During selected promotional campaigns organised by the City of Kalisz, those who complete the full collection may also receive a souvenir.
The stamp collection encourages participants to spend more time exploring the city while visiting local attractions, cafés and cultural venues along the way.
Promoting Active Lifestyles and Local Tourism
The trail has been created with several aims in mind. Alongside promoting Kalisz as a visitor destination, it encourages walking, outdoor recreation and family activities while introducing local history in an accessible and engaging format.
The project also supports local businesses and institutions that participate as stamp locations, helping visitors discover places beyond the city's main tourist hotspots.
Local race walker Paulina Tomaszewska serves as the trail's ambassador, reinforcing its message of healthy, active living.
A Growing Addition to Kalisz
The first squirrel sculptures appeared during 2024 before the completed eight-stop trail officially opened in July 2025.
Since then, the route has begun to feature in school activities, educational walks and community events, adding another attraction to one of Poland's oldest cities.
For visitors looking to experience Kalisz beyond its historic streets and monuments, the Kaliski Szlak Wiewiórek offers an enjoyable way to discover the city at a relaxed pace while celebrating the places and communities that make it unique.
Source and image credit: kalisz.pl
