The squirrel sculptures, designed by Gabriela Michalak, a student at the Kalisz School of Fine Arts and winner of the "City Squirrels" contest, are placed in locations that are significant or symbolic to Kalisz. Their presence highlights the city's special relationship with these rodents, particularly evident in the City Park, considered one of the oldest public parks in Poland. It is there, in the green heart of the city, that squirrels truly feel at home. 

At each location, there is a stamp that can be marked on special maps available at partner institutions along the trail or downloadable from the attached file. Collecting all eight stamps not only brings the joy of discovering the city but also serves as a ticket to a small gift, which can be collected at City Hall during promotional campaigns. Updates on these activities are regularly posted on our city’s social media channels. 

The entire route takes around 10,000 steps to complete, which experts consider the perfect daily distance for health and well-being. The Kalisz Squirrel Trail offers an active way to spend time while discovering the city and its history.

The trail includes eight points located in various parts of the city. The first figurine is located at the city's Main Square, hidden in the central flowerbed, right in front of the town hall. Next, the route leads along Zamkowa Street towards the city green belt (Planty). There, on a bench with a view of the Adam Asnyk monument, the second squirrel has been placed. The third point is the City Park. A short walk in the direction of the Wojciech Bogusławski Theatre leads to the Theatre Bridge, where a figurine looks out from the railing toward the historic building. The next part of the route leads again through the park. After crossing the bridge over the Bernardyński Canal, another squirrel can be found - placed on a flowerbed in front of the Kalisz aquapark. To reach the sixth point, one should follow Szlak Bursztynowy (the Amber Trail) to Park Przyjaźni (the Friendship Park). There, right next to the brine graduation tower, one of the squirrels has its home. Another has been placed on the windowsill of the iconic “Marysieńka” ice cream parlor. The easiest way to get there is via Polna and Górnośląska Streets. The seventh figurine is located at Eligiusz Kor-Walczak Garden. The squirrel sits on a low wall by the District Museum of the Kalisz Region - the walk leads through Górnośląska, Harcerska, and Kopernika Streets. The last figurine completes the trail loop and is once again located at the Main Square - hidden under a linden tree, on the left side of the square.

How to find them all? Below we present photos of the figurines and information on where at each point the stamp for the map is available.

1. Main Square – the Amber Map

The first squirrel sits among flowers on a round bench in the heart of the Main Square. In front of it is Kalisz City Hall - the historic seat of local government built over a century ago. Behind it is a map of Europe, where after dusk, a golden thread lights up the Amber Trail, once used by ancient merchants to transport amber from the Baltic Sea through Kalisz to the Roman Empire. You can learn more about this story by visiting the multimedia exhibition inside the City Hall.

Stamp location: Tourist Information Center in the City Hall, 20 Main Square.

2. City's green belt (Planty Miejskie)

Sitting on a nearby bench, the squirrel listens intently to the stories of the city's green belt, told by the monument of Kalisz poet Adam Asnyk. In his time, the Babinka Canal flowed here. During WWII, Polish and Jewish books were buried here – commemorated by a monument. Before, this park served as a natural moat outside the city walls, the remains of which can still seen. Today, we can sit in the shade and listen to the quiet story of a place that, although changed over the centuries, still buzzes with history.

Stamp location: Center for Non-Governmental Organizations (Centrum Organizacji Pozarządowych), 1 Babina Street.

3. City Park

One of the oldest public parks in Poland - established in 1798. A city oasis of greenery, peace, and quiet. Home to hundreds of squirrels who playfully approach visitors near the Kogutek pond, the Spoczywająca sculpture, or the Asnyk Oak. Our squirrel watches over the Wojciech Bogusławski Theatre from the Theatre Bridge, right next to the Prosna boulevards, making sure art, music, and sports always have a place in the green heart of Kalisz.

Stamp location: KTW Park Restaurant, 1 City Park.

4. Aquapark

Even squirrels need to unwind. This one has found its spot near the Kalisz Aquapark - a hub of recreation, sports, and wellness. From relaxing baths to intense workouts, everyone can find their way to relax here. Watching children at play and focused athletes training hard, the squirrel seems to understand this place is a haven for anyone seeking a moment of peace.

Stamp location: Aquapark Kalisz, 10 Sportowa Street.

5. The Friendship Park - Park Przyjaźni

A bit further away from the city center, another squirrel takes a healthy breath near the brine graduation tower in the Friendship Park. Here, concerts, festivals, and cultural events are held in the amphitheater. Modern playgrounds, outdoor gyms, tennis courts, and relaxation zones make the park a favorite spot for families and active residents. It also features a fenced dog park. With wide paths, open meadows, and ponds home to duck and swan families, Kalisz’s answer to Central Park is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic.

Stamp location: The wooden box near the brine graduation tower.

6. „Marysieńka” Ice Cream Parlor

A wave of positive reviews from both locals and tourists has lured one of the squirrels to the windowsill of the iconic "Marysieńka" ice cream parlor on Górnośląska Street. This legendary spot has been serving sweet moments to generations of Kalisz residents for over 40 years. It's the warm, family atmosphere, homemade recipes, and consistent quality that make “Marysieńka” a symbol of summer memories cherished by Kalisz residents.

Stamp location: “Marysieńka” Ice Cream Parlor, 32 Górnośląska Street.

7. Eligiusz Kor-Walczak Garden

One squirrel has found its home on the green square at the intersection of Kopernika and Kościuszki Streets. It's a perfect place to get to know the city better. The mini-park is surrounded by knowledge centers: on one side, a high school where students uncover the mysteries of the world; on the other, the District Museum of the Kalisz Region, where history and art tell the region’s story. Opposite, there is the workshop where the famous Kalisz andruty are made. And as we all know: the best way to get to know a place is through taste.

Stamp location: District Museum of the Kalisz Region, 12 Kościuszki Street.

8. Main Square – Under the Linden Tree

Next to City Hall, at the foot of a tall linden tree, one of the squirrels scurries through the greenery. Hearing the melody of the Kalisz bugle call, it dreams of viewing the Main Square from the top of the city hall tower. We can climb the floors of the tower, each showcasing the city’s history, and discovering the heart of the century-old clock mechanism. From the viewing terrace, we can admire not only the red rooftops of the Old Town but the entire city – a mosaic of greenery, rivers, tenement houses, and modern neighbourhoods stretching almost to the horizon.

Stamp location: Tourist Information Center in the City Hall, 20 Main Square.