Radisson Blu Szczecin
Szczecin - Plac Rodła 10
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Szczecin is a fascinating city located in north-western Poland, not far from the German border. With a rich history dating back to the 7th century, this port city offers a unique mix of culture, architecture and nature, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking an authentic experience off the beaten track.
The Oder is Szczecin’s river and the city’s vital artery, defining its geography, feeding its important port, sustaining the economy, shaping the urban landscape, enriching tourism and contributing to the local ecology.
Its location at the mouth of the Oder River, close to the Baltic Sea, makes it an important sea and river port, connecting central and southern Poland with international shipping routes. Szczecin has been an important trading centre for centuries, influenced by different cultures that have left their mark on the city’s architecture and traditions. Today, with more than 400,000 inhabitants, Szczecin is the seventh largest city in Poland and an important cultural and economic centre in the region.
Szczecin surprises visitors with its rich history, eclectic architecture and green spaces. From medieval fortresses and elegant river terraces to lush parks and Gothic churches, the city offers a variety of attractions for all tastes.
The historical centre of Szczecin, rebuilt after World War II, offers a fascinating mix of architecture and history. The beating heart is the Hay Square (Rynek Sienny), surrounded by colourful reconstructed buildings.
The Castle of the Dukes of Pomerania is the undisputed symbol of Szczecin. This imposing 14th century Renaissance building dominates the cityscape with its majestic red brick façade. Inside, visitors can explore numerous rooms rich in history, each with a unique story to tell. The Crypt of the Pomeranian Dukes is particularly remarkable, with its elaborate sarcophagi and funerary decorations bearing witness to the region’s glorious past.
Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the castle tower for a breathtaking view of the city and the Oder River. From this privileged position, you can admire Szczecin’s panorama in all its glory, with the river meandering through the city and the red roofs of the houses stretching to the horizon. The castle regularly hosts cultural events in its courtyard, from summer concerts to Christmas markets in winter, offering a unique experience in a historical setting.
Be sure to visit the Castle Museum, which offers a comprehensive overview of the history of Szczecin and the Pomeranian region. A magical moment not to be missed is the daily concert of bells at midday, a ritual that fills the air with historical melodies and reminds visitors of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
St. James’s Cathedral is the largest religious building in Szczecin and one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture in Poland. Its imposing 110 metre high tower dominates the city skyline and is visible from almost every corner of Szczecin. Upon entering the cathedral, you will immediately be struck by the width and height of the nave, with its high Gothic vaults supported by mighty columns.
One of the most remarkable features of the cathedral is its monumental organ, one of the largest in Poland. This majestic instrument, with its 66 registers and over 4000 pipes, is not only a masterpiece of musical engineering, but also a visual work of art. If possible, try to attend one of the regular organ concerts, an extraordinary acoustic experience in this historic setting.
In the cathedral crypt you can visit the tombs of the Pomeranian Dukes, an important testimony to the history of the region. For a breathtaking view of the city, don’t miss the opportunity to climb the cathedral tower. After tackling the many steps, you will be rewarded with a 360-degree panorama of Szczecin and its surroundings. St. Jacob’s Cathedral is not only a historical monument, but also a living centre of the Szczecin community, hosting numerous cultural events such as art exhibitions and historical lectures.
The Royal Gate, or Brama Królewska in Polish, is a magnificent 18th century Baroque monument and one of the best preserved historical gates in Szczecin. Once an integral part of the city fortifications, today it stands as an iconic landmark in the historical centre. Its imposing structure, with elaborate decorations and elegant forms, offers a fascinating sight both by day and night.
Passing through this historical arch, visitors feel transported back in time to the time when Szczecin was an important commercial and political centre of the region. Inside the gate, a small but interesting exhibition tells the story of Szczecin’s fortifications, offering visitors the opportunity to understand the evolution of the city’s defence system over the centuries.
For a truly magical experience, visit the Royal Gate at night. Artistic lighting transforms this monument into a breathtaking night-time spectacle, with lights accentuating the architectural details and creating a romantic and evocative atmosphere.
The Wały Chrobrego, also known as Chrobry Terrace, is a spectacular viewing terrace stretching 500 metres along the Oder River. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, this impressive structure is considered one of the most beautiful and characteristic sights in Szczecin. The complex consists of a series of elegant art nouveau buildings overlooking the river, creating a unique and fascinating cityscape.
Along the terrace, you can admire some of the city’s most important buildings, including the National Museum, the Maritime Academy and the Contemporary Theatre. The real magic of the Wały Chrobrego is revealed when you step out onto the balustrade to enjoy the panoramic view of the Oder River and the port of Szczecin. From here you can watch the comings and goings of ships, large and small, plying the waters of the river, offering an ever-changing and fascinating spectacle.
During the summer, especially during the Days of the Sea in June, the terrace comes alive with events, concerts, fairs and fireworks displays that attract visitors from all over Poland and beyond. For a unique perspective of the city, consider taking one of the river cruises that depart from the base of the Chrobry Terrace, offering a spectacular view of the terrace itself and Szczecin’s city skyline from the river.
The Szczecin Philharmonic, opened in 2014, is an architectural masterpiece that has redefined the city’s skyline. Designed by Barcelona-based studio Barozzi Veiga, the building is distinguished by its crystal white façade reminiscent of icebergs or ships’ sails, paying homage to Szczecin’s maritime tradition.
The building, winner of the prestigious Mies van der Rohe Prize in 2015, houses two concert halls: the 1000-seat Symphony Hall and the 200-seat Chamber Hall. The exceptional acoustics and breathtaking aesthetics attract world-class musicians and architecture enthusiasts. At night, the lighting transforms the Philharmonic into a sparkling cultural beacon, symbolising Szczecin’s artistic and urban renaissance in the 21st century.
Kasprowicz Park is a 27-hectare green oasis in the heart of Szczecin, offering visitors and residents a perfect space to relax, play sports or simply enjoy the beauty of nature. At the centre of the park is the picturesque Rusałka Lake, which is the beating heart of this green oasis. During the summer months, the lake comes alive with activity: you can rent a rowing boat and explore its calm waters, while in winter, if temperatures permit, it transforms into a natural skating rink.
The park is criss-crossed by numerous walking and jogging paths, perfect for those looking for some physical activity or just a relaxing stroll. For the little ones, there are several equipped play areas, while the large green spaces are ideal for picnics and relaxing in the sun. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Summer Theatre, an open-air amphitheatre that hosts concerts, plays and film screenings during the summer.
Don’t miss a visit to the Rosarium, an enchanting rose garden that is home to numerous varieties of these flowers. During the flowering period, usually between June and September, the Rosarium is transformed into a riot of colours and scents, offering a spectacle that will delight all the senses.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
Szczecin offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets:
The Old Town is the ideal area for tourists who want to be in the heart of the action. It offers easy access to major attractions, restaurants and nightlife. Luxury and boutique hotels with views of the Oder River can be found here. The historical atmosphere with period buildings and cobbled streets adds charm to your stay.
For those seeking a quieter atmosphere, the Pogodno district offers elegant period villas converted into cosy bed and breakfasts and flats for rent for longer stays. The residential atmosphere is quiet but well connected to the city centre.
Travellers on a tighter budget may consider the Niebuszewo district. Here you will find cheaper hostels and hotels that are well connected to the centre thanks to Szczecin’s efficient public transport system. The district is also close to parks and green areas.
Although Szczecin has an international airport, traffic at Szczecin-Goleniów ‘Solidarność’ Airport is minimal and there are few flights. It is therefore not easy to find a direct solution, unless you live in Oslo or London. There are therefore two solutions: land at Poznań airport or fly toBerlin airport.
To get to Szczecin from Poznań airport, you must first reach the city centre. Then take bus 59, which connects the airport with Poznań Central Station (Poznań Główny) in approximately 20 minutes. From here the train to Szczecin takes about 2½ hours. Alternatively, there are direct buses from the airport, but they make many stops and take about 4 hours.
If you land instead at Berlin airport, you can take one of the many direct buses. The journey takes about 3 hours and is the most comfortable and cheapest option. Otherwise, you will first have to travel to Berlin Central Station and then take a regional train. However, there are no direct trains so you will have to change trains a couple of times and the journey will take at least 4 hours in total.
A good alternative is to rent a car at Berlin airport and drive to Szczecin (about 2 hours): it offers more flexibility to explore the region.
What's the weather at Szczecin? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Szczecin for the next few days.
Szczecin is located in north-western Poland, in a strategic position close to the German border. The city is located only 14 km from the German border and about 130 km north-east of Berlin, making it one of Poland's westernmost cities.
Szczecin is located about 300 km north-west of Warsaw, the capital, and 450 km north-west of Krakow. It is closer to Poznań, some 230 km to the south-east, and Gdansk, which lies 300 km to the east along the Baltic coast.
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