Szczecin between Oder panoramas, culture and parks

City views by the Oder

The Wały Chrobrego, formerly known as Hakenterrasse, is a distinctive place for architecture and views. The site lies on the Oder, is 500 metres long and stands 19 metres above the level of the riverbank. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of the river and harbour. The National Museum building at Wały Chrobrego 3 forms the architectural centrepiece of the complex. The museum houses and displays one of the largest collections of non-European cultural artefacts in Poland.

The Renaissance castle of the Pomeranian Dukes is also one of the important historical monuments of Western Pomerania. It stands on a hill near the Oder. The Ducal Terrace on the roof of the north wing offers views across Szczecin. The castle complex also includes its own exhibition galleries, the Kino Zamek cinema, the Piwnica przy Krypcie theatre and the Centrum Informacji Kulturalnej i Turystycznej. This brings historic architecture and a range of cultural institutions together in one place.

Experience history and science

The Centrum Dialogu Przełomy is an underground pavilion beneath Plac Solidarności in central Szczecin. Its interactive permanent exhibition covers the history of 1939–1989 and includes films, photographs and recorded accounts from eyewitnesses and participants. The entire visitor exhibition is wheelchair accessible and can be used without architectural barriers. This is useful information when choosing cultural activities if accessibility matters to you.

The Morskie Centrum Nauki on Łasztownia offers a different way to explore knowledge. Its permanent exhibition features numerous interactive exhibits on science and technology, with a focus on the sea and sailing. If these topics particularly interest you, you can add the centre to your itinerary. A guided tour of the Philharmonic named after Mieczysław Karłowicz takes you through the foyer, the chamber music hall, the Poziom 4 and Galeria przy Cerkwi galleries, the symphony hall and the museum shop.

Green spaces and active routes

There are other options for a quieter or more active time in the city. Jasne Błonia im. Papieża Jana Pawła II is a place for recreation and leisure where you can walk and cycle. With 213 London plane trees, Jasne Błonia is home to the largest collection of this tree species in Poland. Kasprowicza Park is Szczecin’s largest park. Together, these green spaces complement the city’s historical and cultural sights with a different way to spend time outdoors.

If you would like to extend your outing beyond the parks, consider the Złoty Szlak: this combined hiking and cycling route starts at the castle of the Pomeranian Dukes and passes through city parks and forests before reaching the heart of the Puszcza Wkrzańska. Unlike the 7-kilometre tourist trail, this route continues into a forest area and combines walking with cycling.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Szczecin, you might first consider whether your trip is mainly about the city centre’s history, exhibitions, views or time in green spaces. This prioritisation is especially helpful when family members have different interests, making it easier to choose experiences that suit your stay without trying to fit every destination into the same schedule.

Discover more places

If you would like to explore more places, you can also find Dziki, Nowe Gonne, Malechowo, Gwda Wielka and Pogodno here.

For the main travel overview: Szczecin.