Olsztyn attractions and monuments. The capital of Warmia on Lake Ukiel

Olsztyn is the proud capital of Warmia and the entire voivodeship. Picturesquely located on the Łyna River, it can surprise. Why? Because you will find a lot of fascinating places here. It is one of the greenest cities in Poland, but there is also a lot of blue here, as there are several lakes within the city limits! The heart is dominated by the red brick, because it is the brick that builds the most important buildings in Olsztyn - the castle, the cathedral or the High Gate. And if you add delicious, colorful eateries to it, we have a huge wealth waiting only for your discovery!

Olsztyn is a tourist-friendly city, with a cool atmosphere of small pubs in the Old Town and life bustling here until late in the evening. Olsztyn is an important transport hub of the region and a great starting point for trips to Warmia and the nearby Masuria. In addition to monuments, it invites you to visit the beautifully landscaped Ukiel Lake.

Experiences in Olsztyn

Olsztyn is one of the most beautifully located cities in Poland, surrounded by numerous lakes and forests. There are several lakes within the city limits, and a lot of unique architectural monuments await you in the center, testifying to the long and rich history of this resort, founded around 1353. The attractions are enough for a weekend of quick sightseeing, and if you really want to enjoy this place, it is worth planning a holiday here. Discover the best attractions of Olsztyn and let them tempt you. Below you will find a short description,for detailed descriptions with practical information, I invite you to experience descriptions by clicking on the blue, linked names.

Castle of the Chapter in Olsztyn

The castle of the chapter in Olsztyn is the most valuable and most famous monument of the city. This Gothic stronghold, which has been quite well preserved to our times, today houses the Museum of Warmia and Mazury, which, apart from the art gallery, shows valuable souvenirs of the past of Olsztyn and its most famous inhabitant - Nicolaus Copernicus. The castle is located on the Trail of Gothic Castles.

The most famous exhibit in the castle and a souvenir of Copernicus is an astronomical plaque used to present the apparent movement of the sun on days close to the spring and autumn equinoxes. The astronomer made it during his stay at the castle, in the first half of the 16th century. The plaque has dimensions of 705x140 cm and a cloister of the northern wing was plotted on the wall, above the entrance to the chamber in which he lived. It is the only surviving tool in the world that Copernicus made. In Cracow, several tools that he used survived.
 

Monument to Nicolaus Copernicus in Olsztyn

Nicolaus Copernicus lived in Olsztyn in the 16th century, and his home was the castle of Olsztyn. It was a significant apartment, covered with a wonderful crystal vault. To commemorate Copernicus' residence in the city, his monuments were erected here today. The most famous one is the one in the form of a "bench" under the castle. Everyone likes to sit on it and take pictures. You will find out about it by standing at the monument, because you often have to line up for a photo, and Santa's thigh is already shiny, golden and glossy.
 

High Gate in Olsztyn

The High Gate is the colloquial name of the Upper Gate Tower preserved in the city. It dates back to the 14th century and is the gateway to the Old Town. The tower is a showcase of the city, which everyone is eager to admire and photograph, and in addition, you can even spend the night inside it if someone likes such historic, dark atmospheres.
 

Old Town Hall Square in Olsztyn

The heart of Olsztyn is the Market Square surrounded by historic, modest tenement houses from the 17th-19th centuries. Some of them have interesting decorations made in the sgraffito technique and arcaded arcades. Noteworthy is the oldest building on the market square, from the fourteenth century, the so-called Mayor's House (No. 11). In the middle of the square there is a brick, quite charming Old Town Hall built in 1623-24, partly on the foundations of the medieval town hall, which burned down in 1620. The town hall is beautifully renovated, while some tenement houses would need a little refreshing. Nevertheless, the market is a very pleasant place where you want to sit under umbrellas and experience a moment of relaxation, whether with coffee, dessert or ice cream.
 

Cathedral of St. James the Apostle in Olsztyn

The cathedral standing near the market square is a beautiful Gothic temple, in which the preserved vaults deserve attention - network vaults in the main aisle and crystal vaults in the side aisles. Construction of the church of St. James began in 1315 and continued in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Here you will find valuable organs where famous concerts take place. The building is extremely impressive, with a tall, square tower.
 

Lake Ukiel in Olsztyn

In the western part of Olsztyn, on the route leading to Ostróda, there is a picturesque lake Ukiel, otherwise Krzywe, quite large, with an area of over 400 ha and a very varied coastline. In recent years, pleasant summer holiday destinations for residents and tourists have been developed on the shores. There is a city bathing area, pier, marina, equipment rental, and even a cruise ship moored here. Be sure to visit Olsztyn

House of the Olsztyn Newspaper

It is a small but interesting museum, which is located in a reconstructed building from 1920-39. The editorial office and printing house of "Gazeta Olsztyńska" were located here. It was a newspaper significant for the Polish history of the region, the only Polish newspaper in Warmia. It has been published since 1886. The exhibits talk about the history of the region and printing.

Podzamcze Park in Olsztyn

Podzamcze Park, also known as the Castle Park, is the largest park in Olsztyn. You will find it in the Old Town, next to the castle itself, on the Łyna River. Beautifully revitalized invites you to pleasant walks. In front of the castle, in the park, you will sit and taste beers in the brewery, in the picturesque scenery and with the noise of water on which kayaks swim. In the back of the park you will also see the famous railway viaducts in Olsztyn
 

Warmia Brewery in Olsztyn

The Warmia Brewery is located in a very picturesque place, on the Łyna River, in the Podzamcze Park, in a modern building built on the foundations of a former mill. Here you can enjoy the taste of beer brewed on site. And what flavors will you find here? Warmia Pils, Warmia Pszeniczne, Warmia Porter Bałtycki or Warmia Ipa. Believe it or not, but under these circumstances beer tastes even better 😉
 

Railway bridges over the Łyna River in Olsztyn

Historic bridges allow for a railway crossing over the Łyna valley. These monumental buildings made of red brick permanently fit into the landscape of the city, more specifically the Podzamcze Park. Residents used to call these bridges viaducts. The first one was built in 1871-72, together with the Toruń-Królewiec railway line. The second, southern bridge, was built 20 years later. Both viaducts have 3 spans, over 68 m long and over 21 m high. They are usually admired from below, but a short ride between Olsztyn Zachodni and Główny is enough to see the viaducts from above, and at the same time admire the beautiful panorama of the city.
 

The Łyna River and rafting on its passes

The Łyna River in Olsztyn, together with the Wadąg tributary, creates picturesque breakthroughs. In summer, Łyna is eagerly used here by canoeing enthusiasts to organize various types of rafting. You will even see kayaks by this river in the Podzamcze Park, literally overlooking the castle

Hiking and cycling trails in Olsztyn

In Olsztyn, numerous hiking and cycling trails were led, running through the surrounding parks and forests. They allow you to get to know the beautiful surroundings and enjoy the charms of communing with nature.

Planetarium and Astronomical Observatory

The planetarium is about half a century old and is a well-known attraction of the city. For years, scientific and educational sessions have been held here for schools and individual tourists. The screenings and films presented at the Planetarium mainly concern space and refer to the tradition of the city, which was initiated here in the 16th century by Nicolaus Copernicus. Nearby there is also the Astronomical Observatory, which can be visited for a fee, and from the tower you can admire a nice panorama of the city.

Museum of Modernity - Centre of Technology and Regional Development

This unique museum is housed in a restored, historic sawmill. Among the exhibits you will find various models, such as the first Olsztyn tram or cross-sections of buildings and devices. The cabin of Olsztyn's oldest elevator is very popular. This is definitely a curiosity of this place.

Aquasphere in Olsztyn

Aquasfera Water Recreation and Sports Center is a modern resort in Osijek. What awaits you here? An artificial river and curly slides if you're looking for active pleasures, and Jacuzzis and water cascades if you want to relax. In the sports part, an Olympic-sized swimming pool was created.

Barracks in Olsztyn

At the end of the 19th century, Olsztyn gained the nickname "Kasernepolis", meaning "barracks city". This is because the size of the garrison grew and in 1912 every seventh inhabitant of the city wore a uniform. This is how the powerful barracks complex grew, and the Dragon Barracks are particularly unique here. The oldest of the surviving ones, dating from 1884-86. He was stationed in them 10. King Albert of Saxony's East Prussian Dragon Regiment - an elite cavalry formation. An interesting fact is that they had previously resided in Metz and Olsztyn about 700 soldiers and their horses were transported by as many as 5 trains.

Over the years, the Olsztyn barracks were destroyed until 2000, when they were protected and it was decided to revitalize them. Today, some of them look great. The Dragon Barracks have been revitalized as the Barracks of Art at Gietkowska Street, where cultural events take place from time to time. The barracks at Kotańskiego Street also gained a new image. The newly named Barracks Park  houses shopping arcades, lofts, offices and restaurants.

Experience map and walk suggestion

Below I am inserting a map of Olsztyn with marked attractions, the most important places listed in this article. In addition, I mark recommended restaurants and accommodation. It will definitely come in handy!

It's time for our offer of a walk. In the very center there is a paid parking zone, which is why we left the car in the Barracks area. At the beginning of the walk you can see beautiful, historic railway bridges. Passing under them along the banks of the Łyna river, we get to the beautiful Podzamcze park. From here, it is not far to the castle, which can be visited. In front of it is the famous Copernicus monument. You can visit the Fish Market and go through the High Gate to the Olsztyn cathedral. If you feel like it, of course, I recommend the Cudne Manowce restaurant - it is close to it. Going back to the car, we will go through the beautiful market once more (here you can stop for ice cream) and go back to the car through the park. The route is about 3 kilometers long and should take about 50 minutes.

Where to eat in Olsztyn?

You do not want to look for another pub in Olsztyn if you have visited Cudne Manowce once. Traditional dishes of Warmia and Masuria are served here, based on regional suppliers and often organic producers.The place is unbelievable, though, the fame is wide and you often have to wait for a table. However, it is worth it, because both the flavors, the way of serving and the decor of the restaurant are delightful. It cannot be otherwise, the restaurant belongs to the Culinary Heritage Network of Warmia and Mazury and was distinguished in the Yellow Guide of Gault & Millau in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, and in 2021 it won the Polish Culinary Treasures plebiscite in the Warmia and Mazury region.

Regional dishes

We really liked the regional dishes in Cudne Manowce. Podpłomyki is a bit like a local pizza, dzyndzałki are peculiar dumplings with different fillings, but in my opinion much better, because they remind me of Georgian chinkali quite strongly. And would you have thought that the soup grows to the best dish? The Warmian-Masurian food is memorable for a long time. This test soup is so dense and nutritious that it is actually more of a one-pot dish than a soup. Perfect for cold, aromatic, rich, with meat, beans and cabbage. The feeder made such an impression on us that it has already appeared on our table at home.

In the field of gastronomy, it is also worth recommending ice cream in the market square near the Old Town Hall. For coffee, be sure to visit the My Café, also on the market. A unique cobblestone awaits here - a traditional gingerbread product and the iconic Marzipan Krówiecki, formerly made in these areas, and in 2020 entered on the List of Traditional Products. It is also worth tasting the local beer from the Kormoran and Warmia Brewery.

Accommodation in Olsztyn

We visited Olsztyn twice and each time we lived in a different hotel. The first of them is located in Bajkowo - the four-star Przystań Hotel&Spa, on Lake Ukiel itself. By a complete accident, as part of our cooperation, we got an apartment here, which impressed us. The room itself was exquisite, but it also offered a wonderful terrace overlooking the lake. Sunsets from here are real magic. I couldn't see! In addition, the hotel offers a swimming pool with a hot tub, saunas and wellness, a gym, as well as a glazed restaurant with a lake panorama. In front of the hotel there is a private beach. I highly recommend this place, with delicious and rich breakfasts, where the chef makes you scrambled eggs in front of your eyes, from the products of your choice!

Earlier, when we were in Olsztyn, we slept in a chain store - a modern and spacious Hampton by Hilton Hotel, which is located next to the Planetarium. The rooms here aren't too big, but they're well-equipped. Breakfast satisfied us very much🙂 If you like to stay anonymous, get a comfortable night's sleep and eat well in the morning, this place will be a very good choice.

Here you will find a wide selection of accommodations. By booking your stay on Booking.com through our link, you support the development of our blog — and we thank you in advance! It helps us reach many interesting places that we later love to show you and share our experiences and information with you.

The legend of the beginnings of Łyna

The legend "How the sources of Łyna were created" was written down by Maria Zientara-Malewska. She says that the river began with Alna's tears. She was the wife of a Prussian chieftain named Dobrzyn. On one of his trips, Alna was spinning at home when the witch's son Dietrich saw her. He immediately fell in love with her. His cruel mother, at his request, decided to help him get a girl. With a poisoned arrow, Dobrzyn took her life, and the tears shed by Alna after the loss of her beloved husband formed the source - the beginning of the Alna River, later called by the surrounding people Łania, and finally Łyna.

The Copernicus Trail - interesting facts about Copernicus in Olsztyn

And what interesting facts did I find about Nicolaus Copernicus? What did he have in common with Olsztyn? Yes, a lot. For several years, the castle was his home and workplace. Did you know he's a polymath? That is, a person who has explored knowledge in many different fields. He was, of course, an astronomer, but also a doctor, lawyer, diplomat. He also wrote about the reform of money, for which he did not find support. It is the true soul of the Renaissance. 

In Olsztyn, he became famous for his famous astronomical plaque, but he aroused real admiration and gratitude after successfully defending Olsztyn during the expected attack of the Teutonic Knights. He prepared the city so well that a Teutonic assault on the city walls near the Mill Gate was repulsed. At that time, the attackers ran out of ladders.

Olsztyn is one of the most important, if not the most important place on the interesting Copernicus Route, which connects places related to the person of Nicolaus Copernicus in the region.

A film about the Copernicus Route and Olsztyn

We also invite you to watch our film about the Copernicus Route, in which, of course, the capital of the region appears.

Rent a car

Exploring becomes much easier when you have your own means of transport. You don’t have to worry about buses or taxis, and you can plan each day your way. The search box below will help you find the right car – right where your journey begins.

What's worth seeing in the area?

If you have already visited this attraction, it is also worth visiting several other interesting ones places nearby. Within a radius of 100 kilometers you will find many interesting places places that can diversify your stay in this part of Poland.

• Warmia, distance: 0  km
• Western Masuria, distance: 34.9  km
• Ostróda, distance: 34.9  km
• Iława, distance: 63.4  km
• Mikołajki, distance: 72.2  km
• Masuria, distance: 76.5  km
• Elbląg, distance: 82.3  km
• Frombork, distance: 82.8  km
• Malbork, distance: 99.1  km
• Malbork Castle, distance: 99.2  km