Valruzia

[Aethan]

Touring Valruzia: Your local guide through Kampania for outsiders

This is part of a five-parts guide published by Valruzian author Aleksander Brzoza for tourists and those interested in the north-Seleyan nation

May 5692

From left to right, top to bottom: Kampanian vineyards, Kampania National Park, Szary Kamien and Drayory Beach 

---

For locals, the Kampanian Voivodeship is known for its heavy support for the Communist Party of Valruzia – or for more conservative people, the Workers' Vanguard, its deep maritime tradition and one of the main industrial heartlands of the nation. But outside politics, Kampania is much more than only that. In fact, according to official data report, tourism in the northwestern Voivodeship accounts for around 6.6% of its regional GDP, lower than in other Valruzian regions but still a significant portion of its economy. So, if you are planning a trip to Valruzia, and more especifically, you've been reading about the wonders of the Kampanian Voivodeship, let this be your what-to-do (and what not to do) once you set foot in this marvelous Valruzian region.

Stark contrast: cities v. countryside

Kampania is perhaps one of the most diverse Valruzian Voivodeships. While Chynberg is known for its countryside and Valusia for its vibrant cities, one can say that this Voivodeship has "the best of both worlds". Across its 223 thousand km2 one will be fascinated by the sharp difference in landscapes, from its massive forest landmasses – 60% of the Voivodeship is covered by forest area – ot its golden beaches onwards to the lively nightlife in the big cities such as the capital of Szary Kamien or Baltunowice. So, where do we start?

Kampania National Park, a designated biosphere reserve

Perhaps the most impressive natural feature of Kampania its the Kampania National Park, the crown jewel of the region and one of the most visited places in Valruzia as a whole. With millions of tourists roaming through its paths every year, local authorities hold an strict grip over what one can do and one cannot and shouldn't do in this wonder of mother nature. Located in the southeastern part of the Voivodeship, the Kampania National Park stretches across one third of Kampania's total land surface. 

This national park has one of the strictest protections over it, and industrial activities such as mining or logging are strictly forbidden. Even though some local business and administrations have long campaigned for using a small part of it for commercial activities, the regional government and individual citizens and associations have maintained a firm stance against it. 

Access to the park is permitted 24 hours a day, although overnight camping requires a special permit and registration, as well as acceptance of all regulations, which, if violated – such as the rule against lighting fires – would result in substantial financial penalties. The park allows – and recommends, given its large size – access by vehicle, although it has a bus system within the park to move between specific locations. In addition, there is an information point at the entrance where you can get for free maps of the different locations and routes in the park, as well as souvenirs or useful and necessary items for exploring it. It should be noted that the park is a wilderness area and, therefore, animals roam freely and are protected by law. Hunting, with some small exceptions for officials or scientists, is completely prohibited, and anyone caught in the act or afterwards would face fines in excess of four figures – in the official currency of the offender's nationality, so they would not be affected by currency exchange rates.

Given the immense size of the park, it is impossible to stop and explain everything that can be found there, but we will detail some of its largest or most important attractions.

• Dragon's Leap (Skok Smoka): Depicted in the picture on top of this article (top right), the Dragon's Leap is Valruzia's biggest waterfall in terms of water capacity – although there are taller waterfall in the mountains of Chynberg. This waterfall gets its name from the thunderous sound made by the falling water, which on sunny days creates a huge rainbow that fascinates all the tourists who visit it. The valley where it ends could not be called anything other than Dragon Valley, with the two mountains on either side being called "The Fangs". There are different routes of varying degrees of difficulty to reach it, but tourists and locals who take any of them agree that the experience is "undoubtedly worthwhile".
  
• Miewa Lake: The water that flows from the Dragon's Leap ends up in the Miewa Lake, one of Valruzia's largest lakes, whose water ends up in the Bay of Czechot, up north. The place is a popular destination to relax after hours' long walks through the park, and it's the only place in the entire park where fishing is permitted. Many animals from the park usually come here to drink, so it's also the perfect spot to watch nature at its finest.
  
• The Old Watcher (Stary Obserwator): One of Valruzia's – and Terra's – oldest and tallest trees, it is a sequoia spanning 78m tall, a diameter of 6m and an estimated age of 2000 years, located within the Sequoia forest in the Park. Known for centuries in the local tales, visitors here can listen to a wide range of stories featuring the tree and can also visit the interpretation building. 
  

Animales you can see in the park range from bears, wild horses, Valruzian eagles and wolfs to the indigenous species of Valruzian bisons, Valruzian mooses and deers. Visitors are aware to respect the local fauna and to take the necessary measures in case of encountering any of these animals, as the park is not responsible for guaranteeing safety in such a large area.

Parlina Forest, the north gem often overlooked

To the northeast part of the Voivodeship lies the Parlina Forest, a smaller and often overlooked national gem that features Kampania's tallest mountain, Mount Tronbogów (Throne of the Gods). Just by its name, one can feel the power it had in local legends in ancient times, although now is more known among climbing enthusiasts for its steep slopes and the challenge of ascending to its summit. Much smaller in size than the Kampania National Park, it is easy to visit in one day, and the Kampanian government has an all-national parks-included ticket that can be acquired at the entrance of any of them and lasts for a whole year, which also includes the three smaller parks located west and southwest of the region.

Kampanian vineyards

However, the Kampanian Voivodeship is also known for its extensive vineyards (top left picture), and many tourists come to the region just for the pleasure of enjoying an expensive Kampanian wine in one of the hundreds of wine estates located in the interior of the region, where sometimes you even have to book years in advance. Brands such as Markiz Proczy and Tollunder (white wine), or Rzeka Sanczwy and Pumarcgó (red wine), known throughout Terra, are produced here. Many tourists are also attracted by the opportunity to see the production processes during the season, and many local vineyards offer wine tastings to those who wish to try them. They are also a popular destination for older couples who wish for a quiet and warm spot to spend their summer holidays abroad.

Kampanian beaches

Another important and popular destination in Kampania that attracts millions of tourists each year are the golden sand beaches spread through the west part of the Voivodeship, with Drayory Beach being the most representative of them. 

• Drayory Beach (bottom right picture), located in Lilin County, its a unique destination as it features multiple important spots, that local authorities fight fiercely to preserve despite the huge influx of visitors. At its eastern end are some natural pools that can only be reached on foot, while next to the beach are the ruins of the ancient Deltarian city of Kranja, which are in excellent condition and date back to when the Deltarian empire ruled the centre and north of what is now Valruzia.
  

At the time, Kranja was very important as a seaport as it was the link with the south of Likatonia and the open sea, although it was the tuna trap that provided the city with its main economic activity. Nowadays, a visitor centre and museum have been built, which can be visited alongside the site every day (except Mondays) free of charge. In the western part of the beach is the Drayory dune, declared natural monument and of great ecological importance. The Drayory dune system is extremely mobile and naturally prevents the establishment of plant species except for the Ammophila arenaria or marram grass, a species adapted to burial that helps maintain the dune. The innermost parts of the dunes are populated by stone pines, originating from reforestation, with an undergrowth of juniper, mastic and maritime juniper. The continuous advance of the sand causes the death of the pines by burial; however, this advance is natural and current conservation measures advise that it should not be prevented.

But despite it being the most well-known and most touristic beach in Kampania, there are plenty of other beautiful beaches located across the western portion of the Voivodeship, including the photogenic Bawlós Beach, formed in the opposite side of the Czechot Bay.

Major cities and other cities and towns to visit

But if you are looking for more activity or you are simply not into rural visits, perhaps Kampanian cities are more your cup of tea (or coffee, depending on who you side with in the ongoing debate). From the busy coastal and capital city of Szary Kamien to the smaller towns inland, here you have a set to choose fom: 

• Szary Kamien, the Voivodeship's capital city: As it happens with many big cities, here you can feel as if it never sleeps. Wherever you go in the city, you can feel the mix between its industrial origin and its modern architecture and population – for some, the city is even more alternative than Valruzia's capital, Nowogard. Home to more than 19% of the region's total population, the city is a vibrant mix of maritime tradition and the most vanguardist Valruzian movements.
  

Industrial port of Szary Kamien (left) and Szary Kamien during its local holiday (right)

With a climate strongly influenced by its proximity to the sea and its location on Czechot Bay, its inhabitants do not let the humidity sour their disposition. The city is famous for its techno and alternative rock nightclubs, jazz concerts, and numerous bars, which are filled with students during the week and the rest of the city's population on weekends. Life in the city is frenetic, intense and lively, and the city has been a regional centre for the performing arts for many years, especially its opera and orchestra. The city also boasts lauded summer and winter chamber music festivals organised by the Szary Kamien Chamber Music Society. In addition, in the first week of June, the city celebrates its annual poetry competition and, in the first week of July, its Sports Games, which attract participants from across the region.

The city is home to the Museum of History and Industry and the Museum of Natural History and Culture. Industry collections are at the Boats Musem and the Museum of Flight. The Szary Kamien Public Library, one of the largest in Valruzia, is also open to tourists and is located next to the Szary Kamien National Art Museum.

Among its various festivities, the city celebrates one of the largest Gay Pride festivals in Valruzia alongside the capital, as well as the Kurzy! arts festival, which programmes music as well as other art and entertainment over the Labour Day weekend.

One of the most distinct and well-known features of the city is its location: part of it in the mainland and part of it in the nearby southern portion of the Czechot Island. Hundreds of hips and boats make the trip daily, and the local service is free of charge for both locals and tourists, and departs from the Szary Kamien central station. In the Czechot part of the city, tourists can find the SzaKa skyscrapper, a popular tourist attraction from which one can see the full city landscape from its rooftop while enjoying state-of-the-art meals (building featured in the picture bottom left displayed at the top of the article).

The local festivity, held every 14th of August and which is also Kampania's regional day, celebrates when local fishermen and sailors, enraged by the abusive power of the local landowner centuries ago, took up arms and threw him into Czechot Bay, under the slogan "Now go and get your fish directly!". Although a governing council made up of local guilds was established, the revolt was quickly suppressed by the central authorities in Kampania, but it constituted the first attempt at building a "people's government" in the region, and is partly credited with the origin of the long quasi-communist tradition in Kampania. Tourists will be able to watch as the main event of the celebration – known as Fisherman's Day – takes place, with a mannequin representing the person who has received the most votes throughout the year as deserving of being thrown into the sea being paraded through the main streets of the city. After the parade, the mannequin is thrown into Czechot Bay. Once this is done, the Official Town Crier proclaims from the Town Hall Tower, "Now go and get your fish directly!" while the Szary Kamien Orchestra begins to play, officially kicking off the festivities, which last for a whole week and include numerous social and cultural activities in the streets and venues, as well as food markets and traditional products.

• Baltunowice and Sztolniaty, the two opposing major cities: Much smaller in population (Baltunowice accounts for 9% and Sztolniaty for 8% of the Kampanian population, in contrast to the 19% of Szary Kamien), both cities have cultures and personalities on their own, shaped by their locations, as Baltunowice borders the sea and Sztolniaty is located deep in the east inland part of Kampania.
  

Baltunowice, perched along the windswept shores of southwestern Kampania, is often referred to as the Gateway to the South Ocean. The city’s maritime essence is present everywhere, from its bustling fish markets to the rows of pastel-coloured houses overlooking the port. Visitors who prefer a calmer alternative to Szary Kamien’s frenetic rhythm often choose Baltunowice as their home base: the city is known for its coastal promenades, sea-to-table restaurants and locally-owned ateliers specialising in maritime crafts. Particularly famous is the Baltunowice Marine Centre, where tourists can learn about the bay’s unique ecosystem and even participate in seasonal dolphin and whale-tracking excursions, which are supervised by environmental authorities to avoid harming local wildlife, as well as scuba-diving enthusiasts.

Culturally, the city is deeply proud of its historical shipyards, which play an important role in Kampania’s naval expansion and industrialisation. While many of them have been converted into cultural spaces, the Lemanski Shipyard Museum preserves the original machinery and tools used by Kampanian workers for over a century.

On the opposite end of the spectrum lies Sztolniaty, a landlocked city located amid the hills and fertile plains of eastern Kampania. Known as the granary of the Voivodeship, Sztolniaty’s surroundings are plenty with farming estates, barley fields and cultivable plants that constitute the backbone of the regional food sector. Although big enough, many travellers praise Sztolniaty for its calm, orderly atmosphere in contrast to the other two biggest cities, and its well-preserved historical district. Entire streets lined with centuries-old brick houses remain untouched, giving the city a distinctive charm that many tourists perfectly capture in their social media pictures. But the city is also considered to be the "cultural capital" of more rural Kampania. Its Folk Arts Institute hosts music and craft festivals throughout the year, and its annual Harvest Week in late September attracts tens of thousands. During this event, visitors can enjoy traditional dances, open-air markets, and the much-anticipated “Golden Grain Parade”, where dozens of floats made entirely of dried plants and cereals march through the main boulevard. For those wanting to delve deeper, the city’s Museum of Kampanian Rural Life offers guided tours explaining all these agricultural traditions in the city and its surroundings.

• Other cities and towns worth the detour
  

Lilin, located just south of Drayory Beach, is famous for its seaside architecture and colourful old quarter. During summer, its streets are filled with musicians and singers playing music and songs, which the city council not only does not ban but encourages to do. Lilin’s Sea Lantern Festival, where hundreds of lanterns are released into the night sky, is one of the most photographed events in the region.

Further inland stands you will find the town of Wszawogród, a medieval town built around the ruins of a hilltop fortress. Perfect for history lovers, the town maintains cobbled streets, restored guard towers and its emblematic Hall of Banners, where the insignias of ancient Kampanian clans are displayed. Wszawogród is also popular among hikers due to the scenic trails that run down the surrounding cliffs into the lowland forests.

To the north, near the Parlina Forest, lies Tronbogów-Dolny, a quiet alpine community often overshadowed by its majestic neighbour, Mount Tronbogów. The town is known for its artisanal cheese production, particularly the sharp, smoky Tronbogów Skała.

The islands in Czechot Bay are well worth a visit if you are already in Szary Kamien. Only one of them, Inwert, is not open to the general public as it features a big military complex. But Czechot – the part that does not belong to Szary Kamien proper –, Bralin, Trelin, Tamas, Tracz and Gracz islands are a wonder to the eye, and ferries from Szary Kamien and back are scheduled every half an hour in a 24-hours schedule, so you will never miss them. Just remember to respect the environment, as they are protected areas and you could be fined if found to be disrespecting the area.

Finally, no mention of Kampania would be complete without Proczyce, the unofficial wine capital of the region. Located in the heart of the vineyard belt, this picturesque settlement is surrounded by endless rolling hills covered in grapevines. Its Grand Wine Promenade in early October is considered a must-visit event, and dozens of estates open their doors to tourists for tastings, workshops and guided visits through their underground cellars.

Kampanian Gastronomy: A mix of flavours, from the sea and the land 

Kampania, like the rest of Valruzia, shares a strong culinary heritage rooted in Delic traditions, but adding its unique maritime and forest influences specific to the region. Divided between three distinct and particular landscapes – coastline, woodlands, and open plains –, Kampanian cuisine is remarkably diverse and rich in fresh ingredients.

Seafood dishes are, naturally, the star of the western coastal strip. Drayory herring tartare, prepared with red onion, dill, and a touch of mustard, is a classic that local restaurants serve year-round. Another unmissable specialty is Miewa smoked trout, considered one of the finest in the nation. Soups are also prominent, such as zupa z Czechotu, made from bay seaweed and local shellfish, highly recommended by locals as a remedy for the damp winter cold.

In the wooded inland areas, the cuisine embraces more robust flavours. Visitors frequently seek out bison stew, a thick dish made with Valruzian bison – when legally sourced from certified farms – or more commonly, with venison or fallow deer. The region is also famous for its mushrooms, as every autumn the streets of Sztolniaty fill with stalls selling boletus, saffron milk caps and fir mushrooms, later transformed and put into soups, stuffings, or the traditional pieróg kampañski, a local pierogi variant with rustic fillings.

And, of course, no discussion of Kampania would be complete without a mention to its wines. The region’s winemaking tradition is centuries old, but its international reputation is recent. White varieties produced in Proczyce, such as Tollunder, are known for floral and delicate notes, while the reds from Sanczwy are intense and spicy. Many local restaurants design entire menus specifically to pair with these varieties, making Kampania a rapidly rising gastronomic destination.

For those with a sweet tooth, the iconic dessert in Kampania is Szarowiecka, a light cream and forest-berry cake originating from the outskirts of Szary Kamien. In summer, artisan Valruzian blueberry ice cream is ubiquitous and typically served with honey from the national park.



Practical Tips for Visitors

Although Valruzia is increasingly prepared for international tourism, Kampania still retains a more local, less internationalised atmosphere. Keeping a few tips in mind can make the experience much smoother:

1. Climate: Be prepared for sudden changes
Kampania’s climate is temperate continental with strong maritime influence along the coast. This means:
-Mild summers (20–25 °C), but humid, especially around Czechot Bay. Temperatures inland might be around 30-35 ºC in summer season.
-Cold winters, with snowfall even in coastal cities like Baltunowice.
-In highland areas such as Parlina, temperatures can drop lower than expected.
-It is recommended to carry a light jacket even in July and waterproof footwear if planning nature excursions.

2. Currency and Prices
The official currency is the Valruzian Peso (VPO), and card payments are widely accepted throughout the region. However, in rural towns and traditional markets it is best to carry some cash, as not all shops and street markets accept card payment below a certain amount. Kampania tends to be slightly cheaper than Valusia, the most tourist-oriented region, though prices may rise during peak season, although the regional government does its best to end speculation. It is important to know also that Kampania has a Tourist Tax of 5 VPO per person and day to be paid at your accommodation, which should provide you with a document where you can fill up where do you want that money to be spent in (conservation projects, cultural sites, etc).

3. Safety
Kampania is considered a very safe region with one of the lowest crime rates in the country, but basic precautions are still advisable in crowded areas, especially during festivals such as Fisherman’s Day. In parks and protected natural areas, regulations must be followed strictly, as fines are high and enforced without exceptions.

4. Language
Most young people and workers in the tourism sector and in big cities nowadays speak perfect Luthorian, but in inland villages Luthorian may be more limited. Learning a few simple Valruzian phrases, such as “dziękuję” (thank you) or “dzień dobry” (good morning), is always appreciated by locals, and could probably result in a better treatment and interaction. Always be polite, especially with older people!

5. Respect for Nature
Especially important in Kampania National Park and Parlina Forest:
-Do not leave marked trails.
-Do not feed animals.
-Do not pick plants.

These rules are taken very seriously by local authorities. Transport through the airport of local species is strictly forbidden, and you could find yourself in deep trouble if found to be breaching the law.

Transport: How to move around Kampania

The region has an efficient and affordable transport infrastructure. Visitors have multiple options depending on their budget and travel style.

1. Arriving in Kampania
Most tourists arrive through one of the three airports in the region (Szary Kamien International Airport, Baltunowice Airport, Sztolniaty Airport). However, some tourists travel to the Szary Kamien Central Station connected to Valusia, Ruzia and Chynberg via high-speed trains.

2. Travelling between cities
Kampania has a solid and comfortable railway network. The Szary Kamien – Baltunowice and Szary Kamien – Sztolniaty routes are fast and frequent, and for more remote villages, regional buses and trains are reliable, though less frequent on weekends.
Car rentals are common among tourists who want to explore freely, though some rural roads may be narrow or partially unpaved.

3. Urban Transport
Szary Kamien has modern trams and ferries and an efficient bus network, tickets can be purchased at vending machines or via mobile app, and payment at the spot is available with cash or card. Both Baltunowice and Sztolniaty use electric minibuses to navigate the historic centers, and most cities have bike lines. In general, public transport in the region is reliable and on schedule.

With this, we think you have a full insight into what touring Kampania feels like! Please, don't stop coming to visit, and stay tuned for our further guides into the rest of Valruzian regions!

• Touring Valruzia: Your local guide through Gryfit for outsiders
  
• Touring Valruzia: Your local guide through Chynberg for outsiders
  
• Touring Valruzia: Your local guide through Ruzia for outsiders
  
• Touring Valruzia: Your local guide through Valusia for outsiders