What stories do places hide? How can we discover the lesser-known spots? In the second part of our conversation with Tomasz Tkaczyk, a treasure hunter and traveler known as Wloczykij Boruta, we delve deeper into these questions.
Editor: I noticed from your social media that you visit quite a few abandoned buildings. What is it about them that draws you in? What makes these places so special?
Tomasz Tkaczyk: Abandoned places usually hold some kind of mystery (read the first part of the interview). It’s fascinating because you’re not just exploring a place, but also uncovering its history. Mystery is the element that captivates people the most. For example, the Officer’s House, which I mentioned earlier, was built in the 1930s by the Germans. Then, the Russians took over, and later it passed into Polish hands (find more Hot Spots using the Findia app). The building changed owners multiple times and witnessed various events. We can only imagine all the things that happened there… Many of these places are accessible to the public.
‘We pass by them every day, not knowing that such treasures are right next to us.’
The Officer’s House is quite well-known, but the Soviet nuclear weapons storage base is not. People walk around the area, unaware that something like this is nearby. Not much is said about this place, which makes it unknown to many and, therefore, unique. When there isn’t much information online and even your friends haven’t heard about it, discovering such places becomes difficult. Sometimes, locals would mention that such structures used to exist in the area, but over time, the knowledge disappears.
You’ve touched on this subject, so what Spots can be found in the Findia app?
Tomasz Tkaczyk: Certainly, the Officer’s House, which I’ve already mentioned. It’s a fascinating place, and I recommend visiting it while it’s still safe to do so. There’s also the previously mentioned secret Soviet military base. I made a video about it, and I included a little bonus at the end (watch the video on YouTube). I’ve also added several nature-related spots. One of them is a unique scout cabin located deep in the forest, surrounded by beautiful nature. I plan to add more of these kinds of Spots soon. Nearby, there used to be the Złotów-Wałcz railway line, which the Germans destroyed while retreating from our country at the end of World War II. There are still many remnants of this line. Not far from where I live, there’s a hanging bridge that was blown up but didn’t fully collapse, leaving it suspended over the river. This bridge is located right next to a busy road that hundreds of cars pass by every day. Many people drive by, unaware of the significant piece of history just nearby. It’s a similar story with a site in the village of Podgaje, where a crime was committed — a lesser-known place, but you can find it on Findia (start your search now).
It’s amazing that thanks to people like you, others can learn about lesser-known places through social media. What does content creation mean to you?
More of a hobby than work, something I do for fun. What I show on social media isn’t everything I do in my life. It’s a pleasure—I’ve always liked filming and editing videos, visiting new places. I started with a few videos, and then I got hooked (check out my TikTok profile).
Working a regular job from eight to four, you really only have Saturday and half of Sunday for these kinds of activities. I try to make the most of that time. Beforehand, I decide which place I want to visit. I plan the trip, do my research, then film, edit, and possibly make some adjustments. Overall, I wish I had more time for all these activities…
You also mentioned that you spend your free time pursuing another passion – fishing. What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
Recently, I’ve been carp fishing. My personal best is 8.5 kilos. I know it’s not huge for a carp, but it’s the heaviest fish I’ve caught. I also enjoy trout fishing a lot. These fish are tricky – you need to know how to approach and outsmart them.
Recently, while kayaking, I discovered a fantastic fishing spot. It’s a section of the Gwda River in the so-called Trout and Grayling Region. I found this shallow part of the river, and it’s a true natural gem. I fell in love with the place and can’t wait for good weather to return.
While fishing for trout and other species that live there, I often come across charming little streams. Sometimes people see a picture and ask where such a beautiful place is. They have no idea they’ve just driven past it. Sometimes, all it takes is to stop and take a few steps.
Do you often stop like that?
Quite often, but it’s rarely accidental for me. I usually go to a specific place that I want to explore or see. I once discovered a stream near a frequently traveled road. Now, every time I pass by, even without my fishing rod, I stop just to be there and recharge.
Do you have plans for upcoming trips?
I have tons of plans. For example, I soon want to see the railway viaducts over rivers along the old railway line I mentioned earlier. There are many historical sites I still want to visit. Around here, there are lots of medieval fortifications. Practically every few kilometers, you find some remnants of the Middle Ages. I once did a little exploration of the area, and visiting all the fortifications took me the entire day. It’s a fascinating subject, and sometimes you can accidentally discover such remnants on your own land—it’s a bit of a lottery. The closest fortification to me is just five kilometers away. Unfortunately, many people still don’t know about it…