The arboretum was founded by Adam hrabia Kwilecki in 1810 as an experimental plantation for exotic tree species.
It holds one of the most significant collections of Douglas firs in Poland, some of which exceed 40 meters in height.
The location on the shores of Lake Borzechowskie creates a unique microclimate that allows non-native species like the tulip tree and various magnolias to thrive.
During the interwar period, it served as a research site for the Faculty of Forestry at the Poznań University of Life Sciences.
The arboretum occupies a varied terrain with a difference in elevation of nearly 30 meters between the lake shore and the highest points.
It currently serves as a genetic bank, preserving rare tree specimens for the Polish State Forests.
Established in 1810, Wirty Arboretum is the oldest forest arboretum in Poland and serves as a significant center for dendrological research. It occupies 33 hectares of land located on the shore of Lake Borzechowskie Wielkie in the Tuchola Forest buffer zone. The garden features over 800 species and varieties of trees and shrubs, including a substantial collection of exotic conifers from North America and Asia. The terrain is characterized by a high degree of elevation variation, which facilitates the growth of diverse plant communities. The facility is managed by the Kaliska Forest District (Nadleśnictwo Kaliska) under the State Forests administration. The collection highlights include massive Douglas firs, which are among the tallest in Poland, and a historic collection of rhododendrons. Educational pathways are marked throughout the area to explain the ecological history of the forest.
The viewpoint overlooking the expanse of Lake Borzechowskie Wielkie.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the paths include significant elevation changes and can be uneven.
Carry mosquito repellent, especially during humid summer days, due to the proximity to Lake Borzechowskie.
Follow the designated educational paths to ensure you see the marked specimen collections.
Attempting to walk the entire perimeter of the surrounding forest without a map, as trail markers are specific to the arboretum core.
Open year-round, though some pathways may be inaccessible during heavy winter snow or icy conditions.
Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile soil and plant root systems; do not pick flowers or collect plant samples.
