Olsztyn - PKS - Buses and buses - Monuments and restaurants

Olsztyn is the capital of the Warmian-Masurian province and a city of over 175,000 people. The name Olsztyn comes from the German word "Allenstein," meaning a settlement, a castle on the Lyna River. Poles spelled it as "Holstin," which over time led to the formulation of the city's current name. Olsztyn can boast over 600 years of history and a multitude of interesting sights and attractions. Over the years, the city has changed its nationality many times - until World War II it was still within the borders of Germany.

Olsztyn is extremely picturesquely located. Within its borders there are 11 lakes. The city is surrounded by forests of the Napiwodzko-Ramucka Forest. You can also stroll through one of the largest forested city parks in Europe - it occupies almost 15% of the city's area. Interestingly, there is even a unique opportunity to walk through the entire Olsztyn without leaving the forest.

Olsztyn - sights and attractions of the city

What is worth seeing while in Olsztyn? Here are some hints.

See below.

The Warmia Chapter Castle

The castle was built in the mid-14th century in the Gothic style for the Warmian Chapter, which exercised secular authority over parts of Warmia as well as Frombork, Pieniężno and Olsztyn. For several years Nicolaus Copernicus himself lived here. The castle now houses the Museum of Warmia and Mazury. The tower offers a picturesque panorama of the city, and in the courtyard of the castle you can see Prussian babies, which are medieval stone statues of unknown function that, contrary to their name, depict male figures.

Market Square in Olsztyn

There are many historical buildings, churches and places of interest in Olsztyn's Old Town. The focal point here is the Old Town Hall, dating back to the 1500s and now housing a library.

High Gate

This is the only remaining of the three city gates that once existed in Olsztyn, sometimes called the Upper Gate. It was built in the 14th century. The gate measures 23 meters in height and stands out significantly among the other buildings of the old city.

St. James Basilica in Olsztyn

This temple was built in the second half of the 14th century. Its interiors, especially the vaulted ceiling and massive brick columns are quite impressive. Worth seeing here are, among others, the main altar, the ornate pulpit and the late Gothic triptych.

The church's interior is also worth seeing.

Planetarium in Olsztyn

This planetarium was established in 1973. It is a monument built to honor Nicolaus Copernicus, who spent several years in Olsztyn, administering the surrounding properties of the Warmia Chapter. It was then that he is said to have begun writing his greatest work, "On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres." The planetarium has modern projection equipment and holds many shows and lectures on astronomy, earth science or physics. Right next door in the former water tower is the observatory, where you can watch the heavenly bodies live, and enjoy the panorama of the area from the viewing platform during the day.

Warmia Zoo

This is a mini zoo with a variety of livestock and farm animals. Here you can see chickens, goats, but also alpacas, buffaloes, kangaroos or even a camel.

Warmiński Zoo

It is a mini zoo with various farm and livestock animals.

Olsztyn - restaurants, pubs and cafes

While in Olsztyn, it is worth visiting the "Casablanca" restaurant offering dishes of modern European cuisine or the "Marina", famous for good fish. Local dishes are served in "Cudne Manowce", and gourmets of Czech cuisine are sure to find their way to "Česka Republika". For something sweet you can go to the "House Cafe" in the Old Town. In turn, at the "Moja" cafe you can take part in the excellently conducted workshops of marzipan making.