Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Szczecin, Poland

In West Pomerania, the city of Szczecin serves as a significant seaport that prospered through trade on the Baltic during the Middle Ages. Formerly known as Stettin in German, this city has shifted sovereignty among various powers over the centuries, transitioning from the Dukes of Pomerania to the Swedes and, subsequently, to the Prussian Empire.

Szczecin enchants visitors with its Haussmann-style boulevards and the splendid embankment constructed along the Oder River at the dawn of the 20th century. Attractions worth noting include subterranean tunnels that served as a Cold War bunker, diverse museums covering technological advancements and contemporary history, and a cutting-edge concert hall that presents an otherworldly appearance.

Let us delve into the top activities to experience in Szczecin:

1. Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle

Established in the 14th century, the castle for the Dukes of Pomerania showcases magnificent Late Renaissance architecture that emerged in the 1570s.

After the Peace of Westphalia, it became the residence of Szczecin’s Swedish governor, subsequently housing the Queen of Poland at the outset of the 18th century.

Though many Renaissance features were forfeited during Prussian dominion in the 1800s, restoration efforts have revived these elements post-World War II, guided by a 1653 engraving of the property. The interior now houses a museum offering tours of the loggia, restored state rooms, and apartments, showcasing artifacts unearthed during reconstruction efforts.

Each year, approximately 40 temporary exhibitions are hosted in the “Big Gallery,” unveiling different facets of the castle’s tumultuous history and notable former proprietors.

2. Szczecin Philharmonic

No prior expertise in classical music is necessary to appreciate this concert hall, which received the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture in 2015. Designed by the Barcelona firm Barozzi Veiga, the hall boasts a unique design that distinguishes it from other cultural venues worldwide.

This translucent structure, encased in white glass, features an array of jagged peaks reminiscent of townhouse gables.

At night, the building emits an ethereal glow, rapidly becoming a contemporary emblem of Szczecin.

The main hall accommodates 1,000 attendees and hosts a vibrant schedule of performances by the Szczecin Philharmonic Orchestra, which was established in 1948.

3. Wały Chrobrego (Chrobry Embankment)

Elevated nearly 20 meters over the Oder River, this remarkable embankment stretches more than half a kilometer in length.

The promenade, established just prior to World War I, follows the riverside traces of Szczecin’s Medieval fortifications, which were dismantled in the 18th century.

Imposing buildings rise majestically above the river, accessed by grand stairways and terraces.

Among the noteworthy structures is the Szczecin Voivodeship Office, constructed in the Neo-Renaissance style for the former Stettin Regency in 1911. Evening strolls by the Oder are particularly captivating when the city illuminated, and a plethora of dining establishments beckon.

4. Stare Miasto (Old Town)

The most ancient quarter of Szczecin, located beneath the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle, was entirely destroyed during World War II.

In contrast to cities such as Warsaw, Poznań, and Gdańsk, reconstruction was postponed until 1994, resulting in only a few monuments being rebuilt thus far, primarily around the Rynek (Old Market Square) in accordance with their original designs.

Although these structures are not original, the cobblestone square merits a visit for its vibrant Baroque gabled townhouses and the reconstructed town hall, which houses a museum detailing Szczecin’s tumultuous history.

5. Szczecin Cathedral

As the largest house of worship in Szczecin, the cathedral was established in the 1100s and accommodates up to 10,000 individuals.

The structure we observe today originates from the late 19th century, following devastation inflicted by a storm in 1456 and the Scanian War in 1677, which obliterated previous edifices.

This modern iteration also suffered severe damage during World War II, with restoration efforts still underway.

Furthermore, a significant shift in denomination occurred, as Szczecin’s cathedral had been Lutheran since the Reformation and transitioned to Catholicism after the war.

On the eastern side of the chancel lies a triptych crafted in 1981, created from fragments of destroyed altarpieces dating back to the 1400s.

The cathedral’s 15 chapels reflect notable artwork, altarpieces, sculptures, and architectural elements from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.

6. Szczecin Underground

During World War II, Szczecin’s German populace sought refuge from aerial bombardments within this subterranean network adapted from existing 19th-century catacombs.

The tunnels encompass five levels, descending 17 meters underground, covering a total area of 2,500 square meters.

Post-war, the shelter transitioned into a nuclear bunker, which remained operational until its decommissioning in 1990. Visitors can explore two distinct themed routes within this captivating and enigmatic tunnel network.

The first route focuses on World War II and features reconstructed living quarters alongside photographs and artifacts from that period.

A second Cold War route elaborates on the shelter’s fortifications against potential nuclear threats, displaying Polish Civil Defence equipment. Each tour lasts approximately one hour.

7. Park Kasprowicza

Located to the north of the City Council Building, Szczecin’s principal urban park sprawls over 27 hectares and connects to adjacent Rose and Botanical Gardens.

Home to an array of rare and exotic trees, the park is set in a picturesque valley descending toward Rusalka Lake.

This waterbody was formed over 300 years ago when the Osówka Stream was dammed.

The park features an amphitheater that accommodates 4,500 spectators and hosts concerts during the summer months. Additionally, the park is crowned by a prominent monument that stands over 22 meters tall, featuring three eagles to commemorate Szczecin’s rehabilitation following World War II.

Visiting in early spring is particularly rewarding when the lawns are adorned with vibrant crocus blooms.

8. National Museum

Boasting six locations throughout Szczecin, this museum was established in 1945, inheriting collections from defunct German institutions prior to the war.

The main building, situated at Ulica Wały Chrobrego 3, features a Historicist design dating from the 1910s.

This facility houses nautical exhibits, as well as Poland’s most prominent ethnographic displays.

If one branch is to be emphasized, it would be the Old Art Gallery at Ulica Staromłyńska 27, which showcases works by artists such as Max Slevogt, Lucas Cranach the Younger, and Lovis Corinth, alongside liturgical art comprising column capitals and altarpieces.

A highlight includes the 15th-century St John’s Polyptych, adorned with sculpted and painted elements depicting scenes from the Life of Christ.

9. “Upheavals” Dialogue Centre

Another venue within the National Museum is this exhibition that highlights the contemporary history of Szczecin and Western Pomerania.

Opened to the public in early 2016, “Upheavals” captures critical moments from the past 70 years that have significantly altered the region and Poland’s trajectory.

This includes Szczecin’s incorporation into the Polish state following the Potsdam agreement in 1945, as well as social unrest incidents in 1970, 1981, and 1989 which ultimately contributed to Poland’s resurgence of sovereignty.

The museum, partially situated underground on Solidarity Square, features numerous interactive displays and multimedia presentations from that era or offering recollections from eyewitnesses.

The significance of this location is underscored by its history, as it was here that the first shots were fired against protestors during anti-communist revolts in 1970, resulting in the deaths of 45 individuals.

10. Museum of Technology and Transport

Established in 2006 within an old tram depot, the Museum of Technology and Transport ranks among the largest institutions of its kind in the nation.

It provides insights into transportation methods used in the post-war period, featuring an extensive collection of Polish-manufactured cars, motorcycles, trams, and buses.

As Szczecin historically functioned as a center for bicycle and automobile manufacturing throughout much of the 20th century, the automotive exhibits are particularly noteworthy.

Among the showcased vehicles are models such as the FDO Warszawa, FSC Żuk, ZSD Nysa, Star 25, Syrena, Mikrus, and prominent brands like the Polski Fiat 125p and 126p, produced during the communist era under a licensing agreement with the Italian manufacturer.

The museum also features a tram driving simulator that offers visitors an immersive experience in operating a Konstal 105Na, the most widely used tram model in Poland.

11. Puszcza Bukowa

For a respite from the urban environment, a brief 10-minute drive southeast across the West Oder leads to this expansive beech forest located in the Bukowe Hills.

Prepare to capture remarkable photos, as these woods exude an enchanting atmosphere with their tall, slender beeches and moss-covered forest floor radiating an ethereal green light.

The center of the forest hosts the aptly named Jezioro Szmaragdowe (Emerald Lake), renowned for its strikingly vivid water.

This lake originated from a flooded chalk mine tracing back to the 1860s, and a café has now emerged along its shores.

Nearby the lake are remnants of German bunkers from World War II and an artificial grotto created in 1880, designed to lend a natural aesthetic to the entrance of the chalk mine.

12. Kamienica Loitzów

This Late Gothic merchant residence at Kurowa 1 stands out clearly between the Old Town and the Dukes’ Castle.

Exhibiting an eye-catching bright orange hue, this grand townhouse was erected in the 1540s as a residence for the Loitz banking family.

Upon their bankruptcy, it came under the ownership of the Pomeranian dukes, and after the Peace of Westphalia, it served as the seat for Szczecin’s Swedish councillor.

The structure suffered extensive damage during a bombing raid in 1944, although its external decor remains intact.

It features a bas-relief depicting the Conversion of St Paul, sculpted in the mid-16th century, along with intricate tracery above the windows and beautifully angled windows gracing the staircase in the tower.

13. Różanka Rose Garden

Recently revitalized, the rose garden in the western corner of Park Kasprowica was restored after a period of neglect.

Originally planted in 1928 for the World Gardening Exhibition, it survived World War II unscathed.

However, funding shortfalls following the end of the Communist era led to its decline.

Restoration efforts in the latter half of the 2000s, guided by 1930s photographs, helped landscape architect Małgorzata Haas-Nogal reclaim the garden’s former splendor.

Home to 9,000 roses of 99 varieties, the garden also retains trees such as apple, hornbeam, maple, chestnut, and Serbian spruce, which were planted when the garden was first established 90 years ago.

Visit the tourist office to learn about summer classical concerts held in the garden.

14. Central Cemetery

Szczecin hosts the largest cemetery in Poland and the third largest in Europe.

While this may not seem a jubilant distinction, the site provides a serene and captivating environment, expanding like a park amid the urban landscape.

The Central Cemetery is recognized as a Polish national monument, established 116 years ago, spanning nearly 170 hectares.

Its landscaping, along with numerous stone monuments, attracts casual visitors who seek a tranquil experience along its leafy pathways, admiring fountains, colonnades, yew hedges, and meticulously designed flowerbeds.

Among its striking features is the Pomnik Braterstwa Broni (Monument of Brothers in Arms), a military memorial erected in 1967 that includes two elements resembling the wings previously worn by Polish hussars.

15. Tram Line 0

If you lack plans on a Sunday during the summer, consider a ride through the heart of Szczecin on a vintage tram.

This tram departs at 14:35 and 15:59 from the Dworzec Główny stop located at the main train station, with tickets priced at 3.5zł for adults and 2.5zł for children.

The tram’s route weaves past notable landmarks you might otherwise overlook, including the Harbour Gate, Anchor Monument, Diet’s Palace, Żeromski Park, Grunwaldzki Square, and Pomorzany (housing developments from the 1970s and 80s). After completing a loop, the tour concludes on Ulica by the Oder, just a short walk from the station.