Choszczno

Choszczno
St. Mary's church in Choszczno
Flag Coat of arms
Choszczno
Coordinates: 53°10′N 15°24′E / 53.167°N 15.400°E / 53.167; 15.400
Country	Poland
Voivodeship	West Pomeranian
County	Choszczno County
Gmina	Gmina Choszczno
Town rights	1284
Government
• Mayor	Robert Adamczyk
Area
• Total	9.58 km2 (3.70 sq mi)
Population (2006)
• Total	15,753
• Density	1,600/km2 (4,300/sq mi)
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
• Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code	73-200, 73-201
Area code(s)	+48 95
Car plates	ZCH
Website	http://www.choszczno.pl/

Choszczno [ˈxɔʂt͡ʂnɔ] (German: Arnswalde) is a town (population around 16,173) in West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland. The town is located in a marshy district between the river Stobnica and Klukom lake, 32 kilometres (20 mi) southwest of Stargard Szczeciński and on the main railway line between Szczecin and Poznań. Besides the Gothic church, there are a number of historical buildings from the 19th century industrial period namely, a gasification plant and a water pressure tower which dominates the town's skyline.

Choszczno is the administrative centre of Choszczno County.

The town was badly affected by the Second World War: 80% of its buildings were damaged or destroyed. The town was rebuilt and is now a center for local government of the Choszczno commune (Polish: gmina). Due to its microclimate the town has become a rehabilitation center for convalescing patients. The close proximity of the lakes has made it a tourist destination for water sports. It has also become a popular destination for golf, as it is home to Modry Las, a top ranked European golf course. Other tourist attractions are 'Wodny Raj' aqua park and Drawieński National Park, located 20 km (12 mi) to the east near the town of Drawno.

Choszczno has a strong military tradition and is the home base for the 2nd Artillery Regiment which is part of the 12th Mechanised Division headquartered in Szczecin.