Szczecin, the largest and capital city of West Pomerania, is a fascinating destination with a fascinating past to discover. The significant seaport, which is frequently missed by tourists, offers plenty of beautiful green areas, picturesque streets, and eye-catching buildings to see.
The important Baltic port has been ruled by several countries since the Middle Ages, including the Dukes of Pomerania, the Swedes, and the Prussians. Despite the tragic destruction of much of its old town during World War II, the town's numerous museums and historical sites shed light on its fascinating past.
In addition to soaking in the sights while strolling along the riverbank promenade, there are several performances and concerts at the Ducal Castle or Philharmonic Hall. Szczecin provides an ideal blend of art, nature, and history, making it an excellent destination for a weekend escape.
Fun Things to Do in Szczecin
1. Waly Chrobrego Promenade
But for the majority of visitors, taking a leisurely stroll along the famous Waly Chrobrego Promenade must be the highlight of their stay. Its elevated embankment, which overlooks the Oder River, provides breathtaking views of both the water and all of the nearby architectural wonders. You can also embark on a sightseeing tour or observe boats leaving and arriving at the port.
The charming, serene promenade, which stretches over 500 meters in total, was planned and built between 1902 and 1921. Currently honoring Poland's first king, Boleslaw I the Brave, it passes by the magnificent National Museum and the equally striking Szczecin Voivodeship Office. Many cafes are scattered among its expansive gardens and terraces, where you may have a drink and watch the vibrant sunsets.
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2. Museum of Technology and Transport
The Museum of Technology and Transport is unquestionably one of the best sites to see in Szczecin, together with its castle and cathedral. Numerous vintage and classic cars may be found at the old tram depot, which is located along the north side of Park Kasprowicza. All the information about the collection, which was primarily created in Central and Eastern Europe, is explained by educational plaques.
Established in 2006, this museum is one of the biggest of its kind in the nation. Its enormous exhibition hall is presently adorned with hundreds of vintage automobiles, motorcycles, and trams. You can find fire trucks, buses, and ambulances that date back to the Communist era as you stroll about. Young and old will enjoy the thrilling simulators available for testing at the museum.
3. Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle
The enormous Pomeranian Dukes' Castle in the Old Town also takes up a significant amount of space. The rulers of the city and surrounding area called it home for many years; today, a movie theater, museum, and concert hall are scattered around the complex. Throughout the year, a variety of performances, markets, and cultural activities take place in its shaded courtyards.
Although the castle's history dates back to the thirteenth century, the majority of its enormous walls and wings were rebuilt following World War II. It presently features a unique blend of architectural styles, and its robust tower offers breathtaking vistas. You can visit its museum to discover more about the notable people who have called this place home, as well as its history, before attending one of its events.
4. Park Kasprowicza
Beautiful Park Kasprowicza, which spans a large portion of Szczecin, is a must-see for those who enjoy the outdoors. The City Hall, Jasne Blonia Square, and all of its lawns, lakes, and gardens stretch out in front of you in an infinite loop. In addition to strolling and riding, you can enjoy a picnic or attend events at the summertime outdoor amphitheater.
Its picturesque woodlands and glittering waterways were transformed into a park in 1900 and are now named after the well-known playwright and poet. Numerous sculptures and statues are dispersed throughout, and there are also charming cafes and restaurants to be found. In addition to an enjoyable water park and a fragrant rose garden, the vast lake features a play area and a tiny beach for guests to enjoy.
5. Stare Miasto
Stare Miasto, dubbed the "Brand New Old Town" by locals, was largely destroyed during World War II and was only partially restored in the 1990s. Located near the Oder River and beneath the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle, it continues to function as the bustling center of the city.
Its cobblestone squares are now dotted with a few jolly townhouses in the Hanseatic style, however, the majority of its structures are modern. The best pictures are shot at Hay Market Square, where Japanese, Thai, and Brazilian eateries are surrounded by Polish taverns. In addition to taking in the atmosphere, don't miss a visit to the Szczecin History Museum in its lovely Old Town Hall.
6. Szczecin Cathedral
The magnificent Szczecin Cathedral is one of the city's most gorgeous structures and should not be missed. Among Poland's tallest cathedrals, its magnificent steeple is visible for kilometers. Not only does the tower offer breathtaking views of the Old Town, but inside are wonderful altarpieces, paintings, and stained-glass windows to behold.
The current design of the Archcathedral Basilica of Saint James the Apostle, as it is officially called, was created in the nineteenth century, although it was initially constructed in 1187. This is because, over time, it has been damaged or destroyed by fires, storms, and different wars. Once admiring its expansive exterior and towering 110 meters, explore the spacious interior filled with exquisite arches, organs, and antique antiques.
7. Galaxy Shopping Center
The massive Galaxy shopping mall is an excellent place to go if you want to get some new clothes, gifts, or souvenirs. Conveniently located near the Waly Chrobrego Promenade, the mall boasts a spacious food court, a movie theater, and a bowling alley for your enjoyment. Looking through its shops and entertainment alternatives is a pleasant change of pace after days spent sightseeing.
Its expansive three-story building, which now has about 200 stores, eateries, and cafes, first opened its doors in 2003. With more local companies mixed with major labels like Calzedonia, H&M, and Puma, it still looks like new thanks to recent renovations. You can also see a tall, sparkling fountain in the mall's center atrium.
8. Be Happy Museum
Even while Szczecin is bound to produce some beautiful photos, the vibrant, whimsical settings of the Be Happy Museum offer even more noteworthy opportunities for pictures. Its themed chambers, which feature everything from huge doughnuts and ice cream cones to magical unicorns and banana swings for you to strike poses with, are sure to provide entertainment for the whole family.
The museum, which is close to Galeria Kaskada and the Royal Gate, features a few dozen vividly colored photo and selfie stations. Some include odd optical illusions or fascinating light projects, while others have foam pools and ball pits. The Be Happy Museum is a great place for friends, couples, and Instagrammers. It truly lives up to its name!
9. Szczecin Philharmonic
The Szczecin Philharmonic is well worth a visit even if you are unable to attend one of its world-class performances because of its remarkable architectural design. Its strikingly white, angular facade is intended to resemble all the historic Hanseatic homes in the neighborhood. Its glass front is wonderfully illuminated in the evenings, making a delightful contrast with the night sky.
The performance hall has garnered multiple accolades for its outstanding acoustics and creative architecture since its 2015 unveiling. Its main auditorium is decorated in sparkling black and gold, while the majority of its interior is designed with sharp angles, seductive curves, and various colors of white. In addition to taking in an orchestral concert or an electronic music presentation, you may explore the building and discover all of its unique architectural details through excursions.
10. Jasne Blonia Square
The stunning Jasne Blonia Square is located next to the enormous Kasprowicz Park. A well-liked area for leisure and repose, its verdant lawns and uplifting flowerbeds are overseen by Szczecin's vibrant City Hall, which is also coated in a unique shade of dark green. In addition to exploring the area and soaking in the scenery, architecture, and ambiance, you can study the numerous statues scattered around.
Frequently referred to as the "Bright Meadows," the spotless lawns are flanked on both sides by lengthy tree lanes. Designed in 1925, the square currently boasts a magnificent fountain and the amazing John Paul II Monument for guests to enjoy. Additionally, you will see the magnificent Memorial of the Poles' Feat, which pays tribute to three generations of city dwellers, just prior to arriving in the nearby park.
11. Underground City Trails
The Underground City Trails in Szczecin, which are located beneath the Stettin railroad station, are a must-see for history buffs. The enormous bunker, which is now filled with innumerable artifacts and exhibitions, was originally intended to protect civilians from air raids. There are three different ways through its excellent museum, which focuses on WWII, the Cold War, or Poland's Communist era.
Its tangle of long, low passageways and gloomy, cramped apartments, which descend a remarkable five floors underground, was mostly constructed during World War II. With its reinforced concrete tubes that doubled as a nuclear bunker later on, this location was able to conceal almost 5,000 people. It's a remarkable location that offers a priceless glimpse into the history of the nation in the 20th century.
12. Central Cemetery
The city's Central Cemetery is another lovely and evocative place to explore. Scattered throughout are hundreds of graves with spectacular monuments and moving sculptures, making it one of the largest in all of Europe. The grounds are lush and verdant. Its roads lined with trees are delightful to stroll along, and it's only a ten-minute tram trip southwest of the center.
Founded in 1901, the enormous cemetery is continually growing and is now recognized as a national monument. It is mainly renowned for its enchanting neo-Romanesque church and lengthy entrance gate. It is said to contain around 300,000 burials. It also draws a lot of attention due to its striking Monument of Brother in Arms, which is fashioned like jagged hussar wings.
13. Puszcza Bukowa
Situated directly east of the Oder River, the magnificent Puszcza Bukowa (Beech Forest) spans a large area. You can bike and stroll along its woodland routes or search for mushrooms on the forest floor among all of its tall beech trees. Many little local creatures and birds can be seen living inside its picturesque boundaries, which are also very calm and serene.
The enormous forest, which is especially lovely in the spring and fall, is currently protected as one of Poland's Landscape Parks. In addition to trekking through all of its meandering paths, a lot of visitors go to view its emerald Emerald Lake. Known as Jezioro Szmaragdowe, its wooded coastlines and reflected waters provide for amazing photographic opportunities. Adjacent to it are several vistas and a fairly scary WWII subterranean bunker.
14. Galeria Kaskada
Galeria Kaskada is a nice spot to visit if you need a little shopping therapy after all the art, history, and architecture. Situated in the heart of the city, this vibrant, modern mall offers an abundance of stylish apparel stores and boutiques to explore. There are also a ton of quick food establishments, cafes, and restaurants scattered throughout the modern, chic complex.
It was first accessible to the public in 2011 and currently comprises five massive floors with about 140 establishments for guests to explore. The mall is quite contemporary, with three gleaming rotundas that are covered in domes. You may simply visit the Be Happy Museum or Royal Gate opposite it after you've shopped until you drop.
15. National Museum Main Building
There are six distinct locations to explore at the National Museum in Szczecin, the biggest cultural institution in West Pomerania. The enormous Main Building, which is located along the well-known Waly Chrobrego Promenade, is among the greatest. With a view of the Oder River, it is home to numerous amazing artifacts and works of art from Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
The massive enormous edifice in the Historicist style is one of the city's most recognizable features. It includes two expansive floors that are open for exploration. In addition to fascinating ethnographic displays, there are numerous works of art by Pomeranian sculptors and painters to view. Alternatively, some sections highlight Szczecin's connection to the Baltic Sea or religious art.
16. Royal Gate
The stately yet commanding Royal Gate, once a key component of the city's vast defenses, is now the location of a cozy chocolate café. Admire its two majestic historic arches, which overlook the Żołnierza Polskiego and Solidarity squares, while stopping for a coffee or piece of cake.
The massive stone walls of the grand gate, which was constructed between 1725 and 1727, are adorned with exquisite statues, carvings, and emblems that showcase exquisite Baroque architecture. The mythological characters Hercules and Mars are among them, along with a golden royal crown and a Prussian eagle.
You can always go to the nearby Philharmonic Hall or the National Museum after taking some pictures.
How to get there
Szczecin is a small city in northwest Poland that is located on the German border, inland from the Baltic Sea. Berlin's Brandenburg Airport has many more connections than Szczecin Goleniow, which is its airport. You can travel to the German capital in around 2.5 hours by regular busses and trains.
Landing at Warsaw or Poznan are alternative option. By train, the latter may be reached in around 2.5 hours, while the former takes about 5 hours. Additionally, Gdansk can be reached a little faster than the capital.
Nearly all of the city's attractions are accessible by foot from the center once you arrive. If not, it boasts a sophisticated bus and tram network that travels to most locations.
