Olsztyn is the capital of the Warmia and Mazur provinces and its largest city. It is located in north-eastern Poland, with a population of approx. 175 000 people. Since its foundation in 1353, the history of Olsztyn spans more than 650 years. The city’s greatest allure lies in its unique location, as it is surrounded by forests and lakes. The borders of Olsztyn hold several lakes and one of the largest parks in Europe – the Town Forest. To emphasize these assets, Olsztyn’s promotional strategy emphasizes its “garden city” facet.
Wandering through the streets of the Old Town, they can admire the remains of the medieval town walls, the massive castle, and the dome of the cathedral, towering over the skyline. Anyone standing in front of the astronomical table drawn on the walls by Nicolaus Copernicus (with 2017 marking the 500th anniversary of its creation) will feel the presence of history, while its contemporary face can be explored at Olsztyn’s Planetarium. The Planetarium itself – the second largest facility of this kind in Poland – has full-dome screenings and other attractions to offer.