Szczecin: Oder views, culture and expansive green spaces

Culture, architecture and maritime themes

The Renaissance castle of the Pomeranian dukes stands on a hill near the Oder. It houses galleries, a cinema and a theatre, as well as cultural and educational activities. Another striking building is the Mieczysław Karłowicz Philharmonic, whose new building is considered a contemporary architectural icon. A guided tour lasts about 60 minutes and takes visitors through the foyer, the chamber and symphony halls, the gallery on the fourth floor and the souvenir shop. Tours are offered regularly on selected Fridays; as the schedule may change, check the current date before your visit.

The National Museum in Szczecin has more than 150,000 objects covering art, archaeology, nautical history, ethnography and numismatics. Pomeranian and Baltic themes are especially prominent. Those interested in technology and transport will find a different perspective at the Museum of Technology and Communication, housed in a historic 1912 tram depot and one of Poland’s largest technical museums. Exhibits include trams, buses, cars, motorcycles and bicycles.

Maritime science is also part of Szczecin’s cultural offering. The Maritime Science Centre on Łasztownia has a permanent exhibition with interactive science and technology exhibits. The Opera na Zamku presents opera, operetta, ballet, musicals and concerts, as well as open-air events, performances for children and guided tours. The range therefore extends from collections and architecture to performing arts and science.

Views of the Oder and green spaces

The Wały Chrobrego are 500 metres long and stand 19 metres above the level of the Oder riverbank. From there, visitors can enjoy views of the Oder and the port. The Central Cemetery is on a completely different scale: at 172.33 hectares, it is Poland’s largest cemetery and Europe’s third largest. A historical walking tour passes through its oldest section. Check the local conditions for this route before your visit.

There are several different places to choose from for outdoor activity. You can walk or cycle on Jasne Błonia; Kasprowicza Park is the largest park in Szczecin. In the northwest of the city lies Głębokie Forest Park, which covers about 350 hectares and includes Lake Głębokie. A path for walking and cycling runs around the lake. The Golden Route offers something different: it starts at the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle and passes through city parks and forests to the heart of the forest.

Routes and active days

The Szczecin city walking route is seven kilometres long and connects 42 attractions and places of interest. It starts and ends in front of the main railway station. Another option is the proposed 16-kilometre “Lake Głębokie – Oder” cycling route. The two routes offer different options for planning a stay on foot or by bicycle. Before setting off on your ride, check the condition of the route and its signage.

The “Szczecin – Port City on the Oder” route also provides a clear point of reference: its starting point is near the Chamber of Fiscal Administration; it can be reached by public transport via the Celna stop. As route and public transport information may change, check these details before travelling. This makes it easy to plan days focused on the city’s history and culture, as well as time for walks and parks.

Another water-themed attraction

Fabryka Wody adds a distinct theme to the cultural and green offerings: the complex includes an educational centre about water, connected to a laboratory.

Discover more destinations: Szczecin, Nowe Gonne, Pogodno, Dziki, Malechowo, Gwda Wielka.

Back to the main travel overview: West Pomerania.