Train to Olsztyn - connections, tickets and itinerary

• Second station: Olsztyn Zachodni (ul. Marii Konopnickiej 10) serves mainly regional trains and is located on the western outskirts of the city.

• Local transport: trams and MZK Olsztyn buses. A single ticket costs a few zlotys and a daily ticket a dozen or so. You get around the centre on foot — the main attractions lie within a dozen minutes' walk from the station.

• Main attractions: The Warmia Chapter Castle, the Olsztyn Planetarium, the Olsztyn Parrot House and Lake Ukiel with its beaches and water equipment rentals.

• Best time to go: May–September. In June, July and August, the daytime temperature is 21–26°C and you can plan to swim in the lake. May and September mean less tourist traffic with still pleasant weather.

• How long to stay: a weekend (Friday evening – Sunday) is enough for the main attractions. Visiting the castle, the Old Town, the planetarium and Lake Ukiel takes 2 days.

• Practical tip: The Warmia Chapter Castle and the Old Town are close to each other. Plan them for one morning block, and in the afternoon head to Lake Ukiel.

The best time to visit is from May to September — the daytime temperature is 19–26°C and you can plan swimming and water sports at Lake Ukiel.

Spring (April–May)

• In April, the temperature reaches 15°C and Lake Ukiel turns green — a good time for walks along the shore.

• In May, the days are long, the crowds are fewer than in summer and the temperature reaches 21°C.

• In spring, the Fantasy Festival takes place — check the Olsztyn City Hall website for dates.

Summer (June–August)

• In June, July and August, the daytime temperature is 21–26°C, and there are kayak, pedal boat and SUP board rentals on Lake Ukiel.

• In August there is the Dominican Fair with crafts and regional cuisine — check the city website for dates.

• July is peak season, so accommodation is worth booking in advance.

Autumn (September–October)

• In September, the daytime temperature is 19°C, autumn colours can be seen around the lakes and there is less tourist traffic than in summer.

• The Anima Christi Festival of sacred music takes place in autumn — the date is worth checking before you go.

• October with temperatures of 13°C is ideal for visiting the castle and museums without crowds.

Winter (November–February)

• From November to February, the daytime temperature is 0–7°C, the days are short and it can snow.

• In December there are illuminations and a Christmas market in the Old Town.

• During the low season, accommodation prices are lower than in summer.

You can reach Olsztyn by direct train from Warsaw, Gdańsk, Wrocław, Kraków and Katowice.

Warsaw – Olsztyn

• You take a direct IC train for about 2.5 hours.

• There are several connections per day.

• On the route you pass through Mazovia and Warmia.

Gdańsk – Olsztyn

• You travel by direct IC or regional train for about 2.5 hours.

• There are several connections per day.

• On the route you pass through forests and lakes of the Lake District.

Wrocław – Olsztyn

• You travel by direct IC train for about 5 hours.

• The route passes through Łódź and Warsaw.

• You reach Olsztyn without changing trains.

Kraków – Olsztyn

• From Kraków to Olsztyn you take a direct IC train for about 6 hours.

• There are several connections per day.

• The route passes through Warsaw.

Katowice – Olsztyn

• From Katowice to Olsztyn you take a direct IC train for about 6 hours.

• You can also board the same train from Kraków.

• Before departure, check the current timetable, as the number of connections changes with the timetable.

You can buy your ticket on Europodróże without registering — you receive it by e-mail and SMS. An SMS reminder with a link to your ticket arrives 30 minutes before departure, so you don't have to search for it in your inbox. The earlier you buy, the greater the choice of seats and the better the price. At PKP Intercity, ticket refunds are possible up to 20 minutes before departure and exchanges up to 30 minutes before departure. See the refund and exchange policy for details.

If you are travelling with family, check the discounts available: the Large Family Card gives an additional 30% discount, the Family Ticket covers groups of 2–5 people with a child up to 16 years old, and the Cheaper with Loved Ones offer applies to groups of 2–6 people.

Check current connections on Europodróże — just enter your route.

The centre of Olsztyn is best explored on foot, while Lake Ukiel can be reached by public transport, taxi or bicycle.

The Old Town, the Warmia Chapter Castle, St James's Cathedral and the Olsztyn Parrot House are all close to each other — you walk from one attraction to another without needing public transport.

MZK Olsztyn serves the city with trams and buses. A single ticket costs a few zlotys and a daily ticket a dozen or so — check current prices on the MZK Olsztyn website. Public transport is mainly useful for getting to Lake Ukiel, which is a dozen or so minutes from the centre.

Taxis and Bolt are available at the station — a good option if you have heavy luggage or are returning late.

In summer it is worth hiring a bicycle. The route around Lake Ukiel has several kilometres of comfortable path, and you'll reach the water faster by bike.

Where to stay:

• Old Town — close to attractions, restaurants and the lively evening atmosphere of the city centre.

• Around the main station — convenient for a short stay and easy to get back on the train.

• Around Lake Ukiel — peace, nature and proximity to beaches; a better choice for a longer stay.

You can get around Olsztyn on foot and by public transport — no car needed.

Old Town and Old Town Square

Townhouses from the 16th-18th centuries, town hall and fountain. The tour takes 1-2 hours. Admission is free. It is quieter here in the morning and evening than in the middle of the day.

The Warmia Chapter Castle

A Gothic-Renaissance residence from the 13th-18th century with an exhibition on the history of Warmia. Nicolaus Copernicus lived here as a chapter administrator and conducted astronomical observations. The tour takes 1.5-2 hours. There is an entrance fee. The castle is located a dozen minutes' walk from the Old Town, close to the main railway station.

Olsztyn Planetarium

Planetarium projections, laser shows and star gazing in good weather. The visit takes 1.5-2 hours, depending on the programme. There is an entrance fee. Tickets are worth booking in advance, especially at weekends.

Olsztyn Parrot House

A collection of tropical parrots with interactive shows. The tour takes 1-1.5 hours. There is an entrance fee. A good choice for families with children.

Lake Ukiel

The largest lake within the city limits of Olsztyn. In summer you can plan for swimming, kayaking, pedal boats and SUP boards. You should plan to spend 2-4 hours at the lake and the beaches are free. The best time to visit is June-August.

Cathedral of St James the Apostle

Gothic church from the 14th century with stained glass windows and organ. The tour takes 30-60 minutes. Admission is free. Avoid mass times as tours are difficult then.

Plan for day 1

Start in the morning at the Old Town Square and the Warmia Chapter Castle - they are close to each other and take 2-3 hours to visit. For lunch, return to the Old Town Square or the surrounding area. In the afternoon, choose the Olsztyn Planetarium or the Olsztyn Parrot House. In the evening go to Lake Ukiel for a walk along the shore.

Plan for the weekend

Friday: arrival by evening train, dinner in the Old Town and a walk around the illuminated Market Square.

Saturday: in the morning the Warmia Chapter Castle and the Old Town. After lunch, Lake Ukiel: swim in summer, walk or cycle around the shore. In the evening, return to the centre for dinner.

Sunday: Olsztyn Planetarium or St James' Cathedral. Later, walk through Central Park, lunch and return by afternoon train.

What to eat

Warmian meat dumplings (Königsberger Klopse) — meatballs in a cream sauce with cranberries. This dish from the Prussian culinary heritage can be found in traditional restaurants in the centre.

Warmian-Masurian żurek — sour rye soup with pork and egg. A regional classic, available in traditional establishments in and around the Old Town.

Warmian uszka — small dumplings with meat or mushroom filling, served in broth. You will most often find them in autumn and winter.

Makowniki — yeast dough with a poppy seed and honey filling. You can buy them to go with your coffee in bakeries and cafés in the centre.

Smoked freshwater fish — pike and perch smoked on site. Look for them at markets, especially in summer, and from local vendors.

Restaurants and cafés can be found mainly on the Old Town Square and in the surrounding streets — there are plenty of places serving Polish and regional cuisine.

Souvenirs

• Warmian handicrafts — wooden figurines and ceramics available at markets and shops near the Old Town.

• Regional gingerbread — available at markets and shops near the Old Town.

These are approximate costs for 1 day including accommodation. In July and August, accommodation prices are higher than in other months, so it is worth booking in advance.

Add the cost of your train ticket separately — check the current price by entering your route on Europodróże.