What to do in Olsztyn?

Olsztyn is a city located in Poland’s northeast Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. This former Hanseatic town is known for its historical architecture, beautiful lakes, and lush green landscape. People travel to Olsztyn to experience its unique culture and to enjoy the wide range of outdoor activities, making it a popular tourist destination.

For visitors looking to explore the city and its surroundings, Olsztyn presents a wealth of possibilities. From sightseeing to kayaking to skiing, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s our guide on what to do in Olsztyn.

Explore the City’s Historic Centres

Olsztyn is one of Poland’s oldest towns and still carries traces of its Hanseatic League past. A good place to start your exploration is the old town centre, which is encircled by a wall dating back to the 13th century. The wall and its two surviving towers were part of Britain’s Prussian fortifications, built in 1609. If you have time, you can also explore the medieval castle park, a unique part of the city’s history that still stands today.

Once you’ve seen the town’s medieval walls, be sure to check out its other historical landmarks. These include St. Jacob’s Church, one of the city’s oldest churches; the neo-baroque Town Hall; and the Brick Gothic St. James Church. The city also boasts a variety of museums and galleries, including the Museum of Technology and Industry which showcases the history of Polish printing and papermaking.

Take In the Natural Beauty of Olsztyn

The main attraction of Olsztyn is its natural beauty. The city is located on the shores of Łyna River, so visitors can look forward to spectacular views of the lake from various spots around town. The gorgeous Łyna Landscape Park with its lush meadows and forests is also a popular spot. Here visitors can go for a hike or take a paddleboat ride to explore nearby islands.

Olsztyn is also home to two beautiful lakes – Sudwaldsee and Stobrawa Lake – which are surrounded by forests and meadows and offer plenty of recreational opportunities such as swimming, kayaking, boating, sailing, and fishing.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities & Sports

Olsztyn is known for its many outdoor activities and sports. The city is a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts as it has a number of ski resorts and trails where you can ski, snowboard, and even enjoy snowmobiling. It also has a large water park with waterslides, pools and other water attractions.

If you are an outdoorsy type, you will find plenty of hiking trails in the Świętajno Maze Natural Archaeological Park. It features a 1500-hectare park home to many rare species of plants and animals. You can also visit the nearby Świętajno Castle Ruins or cycle along one of the scenic trails along Świętajno Lake.

Sample Traditional Cuisine & Craft Beer

The food scene in Olsztyn is one not to be missed. The city boasts a variety of traditional Polish restaurants offering dishes such as pierogi, bigos and golonka – stewed pork knuckle served with horseradish and mustard. There are also several beer pubs where you can sample local craft beers like Wilk in Gąszcz. If you’re looking for something more traditional, you can find krupniok – a smoked pork sausage – in almost every market.

Shop for Handmade Goods at Local Markets

Olsztyn boasts a range of markets selling everything from local handmade goods and crafts to handmade jewellery and antiques. The most popular market is Olsztyn Market Square which has been around since 1426. Here you’ll find everything from pottery and wooden toys to leather goods and local produce. Other popular markets include Ukiel Market Square where you can find antiques and collectibles, as well as Stobrawa Market Square which offers up a range of handmade jewellery made by local artisans.

Visit One of Olsztyn’s Many Museums

If you’re looking for an educational experience, there are plenty of museums in Olsztyn where you can learn about the city’s history and culture. One of the most interesting museums is the Olsztyn Town Museum housed in a 13th century castle. Here you can discover more about the city’s rich history, including its ties to te German Hanseatic League. Other top picks include the Neviodunum Museum which offers exhibits about the city’s prehistoric past, and the Museum of Warmia Culture where you can learn about the area’s vibrant culture.

No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, Olsztyn offers something for everyone – from sightseeing to skiing, or simply sampling traditional Polish cuisine. Whether you’re planning an action-packed holiday or a peaceful getaway, Olsztyn has something to offer everyone who wants to experience Polish culture and hospitality at its best! To find out more about what Olsztyn has to offer, check out visitolsztyn, an informative website that is filled with useful information on activities, sights, shopping opportunities and more in Poland’s gem in the northeast – Olsztyn!