This calm northeastern Polish city has a medieval old town center and serves as a gateway to the Masurian Lake District, with its dense forests and interconnected waterways.
Olsztyn, a city in northern Poland, has a 14th-century Gothic castle where Nicolaus Copernicus calculated his astronomical tables. Walk through the brick-lined streets to see the Gothic St. James Pro-cathedral, or take a swim in one of the 15 lakes within the city. The 1,050-hectare municipal forest has hiking trails connecting different neighborhoods, while the astronomical observatory continues the city's connection to space exploration.
Exploring the Medieval Castle
The Gothic Castle of Warmian Chapter sits on a hill in Olsztyn's Old Town. Nicolaus Copernicus lived here from 1516 to 1521, making astronomical observations and defending the castle during a Teutonic Knights siege. Today, the Museum of Warmia and Mazury displays Copernicus's original astronomical table and rotating art exhibitions. Climb the castle tower for views of the Old Town and Łyna River.
Walking Through the Old Town
The market square centers around the Gothic Old Town Hall, which now houses a public library. The rebuilt High Gate marks the northern entrance to the historic district. Walk the narrow streets to see restored 14th-century merchant houses, and stop at local cafes serving regional Warmian dishes.
Swimming and Relaxing at Urban Lakes
The 15 lakes make up 8.25% of Olsztyn's area. Lake Ukiel, the largest, has sandy beaches, paved walking paths, and rental stations for kayaks and paddleboards. Lake Długie, a 10-minute walk from the Old Town, has a 2-kilometer trail around its shores where you can watch sunsets.
Following Copernicus's Legacy
Visit the Astronomical Observatory to see replicas of Copernicus's instruments and view the city from the observation deck. The Planetarium, Poland's second-largest, runs daily shows about space exploration and astronomy. You can see actual astronomical calculations made by Copernicus on the castle wall.
Getting Around and Transportation
Take a train from Olsztyn Główny station to reach Warsaw in 2.5 hours, with direct connections to Gdańsk and Kraków. Olsztyn-Mazury Airport is 58 km south. The city's tram and bus network runs between all main districts and lakes.
The Municipal Forest
The 1,050-hectare forest within Olsztyn has marked trails connecting residential areas. You can walk or cycle these paths year-round. In winter, the forest trails become cross-country skiing routes, with several designated paths for beginners and experienced skiers.
