Olsztyn – Lakes, City Forest and Cultural History
Accommodation in Olsztyn
If you want to combine city history, astronomy and nature in one trip, Olsztyn offers a range of ways to do so. The city brings together historic buildings and exhibitions with lakes and a large city forest. When choosing what interests you about your trip, you can weigh up culture, walks and water activities rather than focusing your stay on just one theme.
Lakes and City Forest
There are eleven lakes and four smaller bodies of water within the city limits. Lake Ukiel is the city’s largest and deepest lake. Visitors can rent water sports equipment at its marinas, including the “Warmia” and “Breeze” marinas. If you are interested in water sports, you can therefore make the lake a focus of your trip. The city forest, in turn, encompasses the confluence of the Wadąg and Łyna rivers.
Olsztyn’s city forest is Europe’s largest forest complex within city limits. This offers a different kind of nature experience for planning your day than a visit to Lake Ukiel: in the forest, walks by the confluence or canoe trips on the Łyna take centre stage, while at the lake, the marinas and the option of renting water sports equipment are the main attractions.
Castle, Astronomy and City History
Olsztyn Castle was built in the 14th century in the Gothic style and houses the Museum of Warmia and Masuria. The castle also has a permanent exhibition about Nicolaus Copernicus. In the gallery is an astronomical table for equinoxes dating from 1517, made by Copernicus himself. A former refectory with a crystal vault dates from around 1520; it is the castle’s largest hall. The historic complex thus brings together a museum visit, a Copernicus exhibition and architectural history in one place.
The Astronomical Observatory also offers a distinct way to explore astronomy. It is housed in a 19th-century water tower on the highest point of historic Olsztyn. The observatory is open Monday to Sunday, from half an hour before the first guided tour or the first night-sky show. You can get there by bus or tram, getting off at the “Szpital wojewódzki” stop. Plan your visit around a guided tour or a show, and take its start time into account.
Other landmarks that bear witness to the city’s history include the High Gate and St James’s Church. The High Gate was built in the 14th century and is the only one of the city’s three former fortification gates to have survived. St James’s Church was built between 1315 and 1380. It has held the status of a cathedral since 1973; in 2003, Pope John Paul II elevated it to a minor basilica. The Olsztyn Planetarium is also dedicated to Nicolaus Copernicus.
Routes and Different Ways to Spend the Day
Olsztyn offers several different ways to get active. The blue walking trail is an easy 4.7-kilometre route, also suitable for children and older people. There is also a route to medieval fortifications. If you prefer cycling, you can choose a bike tour to manor houses and palaces. The right route depends on how you would like to spend the day.
Other destinations to consider include Stawiguda, Biesówko, Mierki, Unieszewo, Jaroty, Guzowy Piec, Biedowo and Wilimy.
For the broader travel overview: Olsztyn.
