Barlinek

Sister cities

• Prenzlau
• Schneverdingen
• Courrières

History

A gord settlement existed in present-day Barlinek in the Middle Ages. The area formed part of Poland after the creation of the Polish state in the 10th century. It was part of the province of Greater Poland, before being annexed by the Margraviate of Brandenburg in the late 13th century. but eventually the Luxembourgs sold it to the Teutonic Order. From the 18th century onwards the town prospered as a centre of brewing and cloth manufacturing. After the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, the town was transferred to the Republic of Poland and renamed Barlinek. The remaining German population was expelled in accordance with the Potsdam Agreement and the town was repopulated by Poles, many of whom were also expelled from former Eastern Poland annexed by the Soviet Union. Between 1975 and 1998, the town belonged to Gorzów Wielkopolski Voivodeship.

Geography

Barlinek is located in the northwestern part of the historical Greater Poland, later forming part of the historical New March region on the Płonia River, about north of Gorzów Wielkopolski.