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Travel Guides

Szczecin Travel Guide

Travel to Szczecin - From Palaces and Cathedrals to Lakes and Forest

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Szczecin is a maritime port city in Western Pomerania and the capital of West Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland. It is teeming with cultural and historical attractions including palaces, cathedrals and museums but it also has natural wonders allowing you to get off the beaten track and explore another side to Szczecin.

Throughout history the city was exchanged between numerous European powers until around 1945 when Poland gained control of the city. The city was also one of the birthplaces of Solidarity movement and nowadays it is said that Szczecin is one of the most liberal cities in Poland.

Attractions in Szczecin

For cultural attractions check out the museums at the Pomeranian Dukes Castle and the Old Town Hall. Or perhaps visit the churches and palaces of the city. There’s the gothic St James’ Cathedral and the Palace under the Globe/Palace of Grumbkov where two rulers of Russia were born. However, for a more sobering insight into Szczecin then why not visit the S-1 blast and fallout shelter; the biggest in Poland where you can take a number of different tours or Cmentarz Centralny; Europe’s third biggest cemetery.

Activities in Szczecin

For leisurely and relaxing activities catch a performance at one of the theatres or at the Pionier Cinema; the oldest cinema in the world that is still in operation and dates back to 1909. Or you could take a boat trip down the waterways and through the port. However, for more thrilling activities in the great outdoors walk through parks such as Park Kasprowicza or hike and bike at Emerald Lake and Puszcza Bukowa where you’ll find lakes, artificial caves and dense forests.

Relaxing

Szczecin has a real café culture feel to it and so you’ll never be short of places in which to relax. Pomeranian Dukes Castle houses a café and restaurant; there are numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars in the Old Town as well as many cafes with fantastic views over the Oder River and port at Waly Chrobrego. Then when you’ve exhausted all the café options head to Park Żeromskiego to chill out and while away the hours.

Getting Around

Buses and trams are readily available and trains are available if you wish to head out of the city centre. In the main part of the city it is possible to get around by foot or by bike due to the extensive cycle routes. Driving is easy in Szczecin; however, you may struggle to find sufficient parking.