Green Velo

The excursion leads over a marked trail that runs along the path of the former Lidzbark Warmiński – Orneta railway track. Despite its sizeable length, the route is an easy one and is not at all tiring. Because it is located on the bed of a former railway line, the ascents are no greater than 0.1%. Attractions here are the church in Krosno and the architecture of the Old Town in Orneta.

The route runs through forests and fields, a long distance from any buildings, and, thanks to its shape and surface, the ride provides a great deal of satisfaction. You will spot wild animals and will be able to admire the landscape of the Ornecka Plain. Right before reaching the end of the route, you should take a detour off the main trail and head for Krosno, on the River Drwęca Warmińska, which is a few hundred metres away. Farther on is Orneta, a medieval town with a large number of historical monuments, which received its town rights in 1313. Between 1341–1351, it was the seat of the bishops of Warmia.

Route:

• Lidzbark Warmiński - 0 km
• Łaniewo -7 km
• Opin (former train station) - 22 km
• detour to Krosno -26 km
• Orneta suburbs (trail start) - 28 km
• Orneta Old Town - 30 km (return along the same route)

Route options:

Possible return along local roads from Orneta, through Opin, to Łaniewo and Lidzbark – this does not lengthen the route, but the state of the asphalt roads does not make cycling any easier.

Surface:

•     most of the route: asphalt and concrete paving block bike paths
•     gravel road: approx. 4 km

Marked route:

• Węgorzewo (to the city limits): separate bike path (partly Green Velo)
• farther to the cemetery and observation point: gravel local road
• next: separate pavement and estate road
• town beach – resort centre: promenade

Tourist attractions on the route:

• Krosno – located in the village is the Baroque indulgence Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the 18th century, one of the one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in the region.
• Orneta -  town hall – a 14th century building in the main square. Hanging in the bell tower is the oldest bell in Warmia, made in 1384;  the church of St John the Baptist – near the main square is a Gothic parish church, built in the 14th century and expanded in the 15th century, with an interesting attic wall and gargoyles. Around the church is a ceramic frieze presenting various figures. The church has a basilica construction seldom seen in Warmia, which means its main nave is twice the height of the side naves, and it also has its own lighting. Attached to the side naves is a ring of chapels. The interior is richly decorated, mostly in the Baroque style, but the south nave also contains medieval paintings. The tall, fine quality organs from 1935 were made by the Goebel organ manufacturers in Königsberg.