On the Pomeranian coast of northern Poland, where medieval pilgrims once traveled toward Santiago de Compostela, the Gothic Church of St. James the Apostle in Lębork preserves a connection to Christianity's great pilgrimage traditions. This brick-built sanctuary, rising above a town that has changed hands between Teutonic Knights, Prussians, and Poles, bears witness to a faith that transcended political boundaries.
The dedication to St. James was no accident. Medieval Lębork lay on the Camino Polaco—the Polish branch of the Way of St. James that connected the Baltic lands to the famous shrine in Spanish Galicia. Pilgrims bound for Compostela would stop here to pray, receive hospitality, and gain strength for the journey ahead. Those returning home would give thanks for their safe passage.
Today, as the Camino pilgrimage experiences worldwide revival, Lębork reclaims its heritage as a station on the ancient route. The Gothic church stands ready to welcome a new generation of pilgrims walking in the footsteps of their medieval ancestors.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
Lębork received its municipal charter in 1341 under the Teutonic Knights, who controlled Pomerania. The church of St. James dates from this period, its Gothic brick architecture typical of the Teutonic state's building style. The dedication to St. James marked the town's place on pilgrimage routes connecting the Baltic to Rome and Compostela.
The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century brought religious change to Pomerania. For centuries, the church served Lutheran congregations. Following World War II and the redrawing of Polish borders, the German population was expelled, and Polish Catholics, themselves often displaced from the eastern Kresy, resettled the region.
The church was restored to Catholic worship and reconsecrated. In recent years, the revival of Camino pilgrimage has renewed interest in historic Jacobean stations like Lębork. The Polish Camino network now marks routes through the town, connecting it once again to the international pilgrimage community.
The Gothic interior preserves elements from various periods—medieval stonework, Baroque additions, and modern devotional installations—creating a layered testament to the church's long history.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Lębork
Church of St. James the Apostle
Gothic Jacobean sanctuary on the Polish Camino
The 14th-century brick church preserves its medieval dedication to the patron of pilgrims. The Gothic interior features carved stone elements and accumulated devotional objects. Modern pilgrims receive Camino credentials (paszport pielgrzyma) here, continuing the ancient tradition of pilgrim documentation.
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Main parish church of Lębork
The town's principal Catholic parish church complements the historic St. James church, serving the local Catholic community.
Old Town
Lębork's medieval street grid and remaining Gothic-Renaissance architecture create an atmosphere conducive to pilgrimage reflection.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of St. James — July 25
The patronal feast draws pilgrims interested in Camino traditions. Special observances honor pilgrims who have walked the Way.
Assumption of Mary — August 15
Major feast at the Marian parish church.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Hotel Narie ⭐⭐⭐ — In Lębork. Reserve this hotel
Hotels in Łeba (25 km northeast) — The Baltic resort town offers extensive accommodation, especially in summer.
Hotels in Gdańsk (80 km east) — Full range of accommodations in the Tri-City area.
🚗 Getting There
By Air: Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN) is 80 km east.
By Train: Lębork railway station has connections to Gdańsk, Gdynia, and the Baltic coast.
By Car: From Gdańsk, take Route 6 west (approximately 80 km). From Szczecin, take Route 6 east (approximately 250 km).
🥾 Pilgrim Routes
Camino Polaco (Polish Camino) — The route passes through Lębork, connecting to the European Camino network. Pilgrims can obtain credentials and stamps at the St. James church.
Pomeranian Camino — Regional variant of the Camino passing through Lębork toward Gdańsk.
📚 Further Reading
John Brierley. A Pilgrim's Guide to the Camino de Santiago — Classic guidebook to the Way of St. James.
Konfraternität St. Jakobus. Der Jakobsweg in Polen — Guide to Camino routes in Poland (in German).
🔗 Useful Links
Camino Polaco — Polish Camino routes and resources.
Diocese of Pelplin — Diocesan information.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Święta Lipka (150 km east) — Famous Baroque pilgrimage church, the "Pearl of Masuria."
Oliwa Cathedral, Gdańsk (70 km east) — Gothic cathedral with celebrated organ.
Pelplin (90 km south) — Cistercian cathedral with Gutenberg Bible.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"I am the way, and the truth, and the life." — John 14:6 (NABRE)
