Attractions in Western Pomerania - 34 places worth seeing | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Międzyzdroje's Promenade of Stars features handprints of famous Polish actors, directors and musicians
• Mielno and Mielenek together form one of the largest holiday resorts in Poland
• The Crooked Forest near Gryfino contains around 50 bent pine trees planted in the 1930s
• Five of seven lighthouses on the Western Pomerania trail are open to visitors
• Direct PKP Intercity trains run from Warsaw and Gdańsk to Świnoujście, stopping at Międzyzdroje
• Woliński National Park entrance is within walking distance of Międzyzdroje railway station

Zachodniopomorskie - what is worth seeing? This region located by the sea should also be visited in terms of beaches and the prettiest seaside towns. Perhaps the best known of these is Międzyzdroje. When visiting this town, you must not forget the Promenade of Stars, where you can find handprints of famous actors, directors and singers. What's more, the pier here is one of the longest in Europe. Near the water, you will also find many restaurants and cafés where you can try seaside specialities and have a pleasant time. Also worth a visit is the town's beach, where not only Poles, but also numerous tourists from abroad, for whom Międzyzdroje is an interesting destination.

A very well-known seaside resort is Mielno together with Mielenek. In summer, there is no shortage of crowds here eager to have a good time. You will easily find the right hotel, flat or cottage for you. Together with the beaches on Jamno Lake, this is one of the largest holiday resorts in Poland.

Ustronie Morskie certainly deserves the title of the cleanest beach in Western Pomerania. The beach here is slightly narrower and at the same time less crowded. In addition, the local authorities regularly take care of its cleanliness, making the space seem really neat and pleasant for visitors.

Koszalin is another place worth considering when visiting. It is one of the most interesting cities in the region. Although it does not abound in historical monuments, it is regarded as the centre of the cultural life of Central Pomerania. There is always something going on here, and the variety of events means that there is something for everyone. The "Burning Birds" sculpture by Władysław Hasior is regarded as the city's symbol. This exhibit attracts the attention of locals and tourists alike.

Krzywy Las near Gryfino is one of the most unique and interesting places in West Pomerania. The name of this natural monument comes from a group of about 50 deformed pine trees. Their mysterious, bent shapes are unique and arouse much curiosity. The trees were planted in the 1930s, but the reason for their unusual appearance still remains a mystery. The most popular theory is that the pines were deliberately shaped to produce naturally curved wood that could be used in boatbuilding. Today, the Crooked Forest can be visited thanks to a marked hiking trail. The area is being systematically revitalised and looks better and better every year.

Turquoise Lake, located on Wolin Island, undoubtedly has a name that works on the imagination. It is one of the most unusual attractions in the West Pomeranian region. The reservoir covers an area of just over 6 hectares, and its maximum depth exceeds 20 metres. It was not formed naturally - it is the result of flooding a former chalk pit. However, the characteristic, beautiful colour of the water is due to the phenomenon of light splitting. A hiking trail runs by the lake, and a short distance away is the Piaskowa Góra lookout point, from which you can admire the surroundings.

The Hortulus Theme Gardens in Dobrzyca are a must-see on the list of attractions. Several thousand different plant species have been gathered on the vast grounds and divided thematically into smaller gardens. A walk through this place is a real pleasure! Thanks to the mild climate of the region, excellent conditions have been created here for the cultivation of rare and exotic plants that cannot be found in other parks of this kind. This place will be perfect for a moment of relaxation - with numerous bridges, gazebos and benches. There is also a hornbeam maze nearby, inviting visitors to explore.

In Poland, too, you can find places reminiscent of nature's most famous corners. In the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, this will be the Lower Oder Valley, dubbed the Polish Amazon. This is the most fascinating location in the voivodeship, covering a vast area - as much as 95 kilometres of the Oder's course. The microclimate created here is indeed reminiscent of that in South America - you will find numerous swampy areas, mangrove-like forests and an unusually rich fauna, including a multitude of bird species and other animals.

The Lower Oder Valley is still a wilderness area, untouched by mass tourism, which makes it a great place to relax in nature. As many as 10 nature reserves have been established in the area. The region can be explored not only on foot, but also from the water - by canoe, sailing boat or other means of water transport. There are also numerous footbridges and bridges to make it easier to navigate the marshland and admire the natural wealth of this unique place.

The West Pomeranian Voivodeship is an excellent place for a short trip, full of attractions for everyone. One of the most interesting ideas is to travel along the trail of lighthouses, which are located in this region. Here are the most important ones:

Świnoujście Lighthouse

located at the mouth of the Świna River, is the tallest lighthouse in Poland on the Baltic Sea and one of the tallest in the world, measuring 65 metres. It is open to visitors and has a maritime exhibition inside.

Kikut Lighthouse

is located near Wisełka, in a forest on the island of Wolin. It is much lower than the lighthouse in Świnoujście, but its location on a high cliff makes it appear higher. The operation of the lighthouse is fully automated, making it impossible to visit.

The lighthouse in Niechorze

has a beautiful observation deck from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the area. Like the Kikut lighthouse, this one is also located on a cliff.

The lighthouse in Kołobrzeg

is one of the symbols of the city, distinguished by its brick construction. It was built right next to the breakwater and is open for tourists to visit every day during designated hours.

The lighthouse in Gaski

is a structure built in 1878, on the flat coast. The entire structure is made of red brick, which gives it an interesting character. It is a popular point on the tourist map of the region available for sightseeing.

The lighthouse in Darłowo

is characterised by its angular shape and is unfortunately not open to the public. It is located at the very eastern breakwater, in a place exposed to strong storms, which often flood its interior. For this reason, it can only be admired from the outside.

The lighthouse in Jarosławec

is the last lighthouse on the coast of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. It is slender, tall and accessible to tourists, which makes it the perfect end to a journey along the trail of West Pomeranian lighthouses.

The Museum of Polish Arms in Kołobrzeg is one of the most important attractions in the West Pomeranian region. Established in 1963, it consists of several branches. The main office is located in the Braunschweig Palace, where you can see an exhibition on the history of the city and the meteorological collections. In turn, the tenement house on Emilia Gierczak Street houses the exhibition 'History of the Polish Arms', presenting weapons, uniforms and other military artefacts. The museum also includes the small Kolobrzeg Maritime Open-Air Museum and the Cold War Museum in Podborsk.

The westernmost point of Poland is also located in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, near Osinowo Dolne. Here you will find a car park, a commemorative stone, a shelter, the flag of Poland and a map of the Cedynia Landscape Park with marked attractions and information about the Oder Bend.

In the vicinity of Cedynia it is worth visiting Góra Czcibor, to which stairs lead. At the top is a monument commemorating the Polish victory in the medieval battle of Cedynia. Czcibor, brother of Mieszko I, commanded one part of the Polish forces. Nearby you can also admire Cedynia's heathland - it looks most beautiful in late summer and autumn, when thousands of heather trees are in bloom.

Although not impressive in height,Krajoznawców Mountain is the highest elevation in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship and is part of the Crown of Polish Mountains - a collection of the 16 highest peaks in each voivodeship. It measures 245 metres above sea level and is located near Biały Bór. No marked trail leads to the summit, but climbing it is possible and relatively easy.

Are you looking for tourist attractions in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship? This region hides many places that may surprise you. One of the most interesting is the Underground Town in Świnoujście. More and more places offer the opportunity to explore them from an unusual perspective, and in this case you can discover the remains of shelters and artillery fortifications dating back to before World War II. Modernisation work was carried out in 1965, during which the underground structures were connected by a system of tunnels. The result was an extensive, coherent complex of corridors, allowing easy movement between the different parts of the site. As a result, visitors can now explore the underground labyrinth in the company of a guide. The tour of the facility lasts about two hours.

In Przelewice, the dendrological garden of about 45 hectares is worth a visit. It is located on the site of the former manor farm and manor park. More than 1,200 species of trees, shrubs and other plants can be admired here. Admission tickets are reasonably priced and a visit to the garden provides excellent relaxation. Concerts and other events are also often organised here, which adds to your stay.

Other ideas for a weekend in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship? Don't leave here without visiting the Wolin National Park! It is an interesting natural place located on Wolin Island, between the Pomeranian Bay and Szczecin Lagoon. It is Poland's first marine park, as its area encompasses not only land, but also sea waters and coastal islands. The area of this national park is very diverse, mainly due to the presence of moraines and cliffs. Part of its area is the Swina River delta, with marshy islets that are constantly changing. In addition, there is a diverse fauna and flora, with bison, the white-tailed eagle and the seaside myotis at the forefront. If you want to observe nature, be sure to take advantage of the five lookout points available. Take a walk along one of the many trails to get an even better feel for the area. You can also visit the Natural History Museum of the Wolin National Park, located in the centre of Międzyzdroje.

Wolin National Park is not the only national park in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. Within its area there is also a part of the Drawa National Park, whose symbol is the otter. The park covers the area of the Drawa Forest, as well as lakes and rivers. It is inhabited by 30 species of fish, almost 120 species of breeding birds and about 50 species of mammals. Strictly protected areas include: Drawa Gorge, Runica, Głodne Jeziorka, Sicienko, Pustelnik, Wydrowe Łęgi and Płociczna Valley. When visiting this place, it is worth taking advantage of the didactic paths, known as cognitive paths, which allow you to get to know the park better.

Have you heard of the town of Moryń? This town in Gryfino County on Lake Morzycko should definitely be on your list of attractions in West Pomerania. For example, you can visit the Romanesque church from the 13th century, the town walls built of granite or the residential buildings from the late 18th and early 19th century. It is an incredibly romantic town, and the castle ruins on the Zamczysko peninsula and the ivy forest add to its charm.

Would you like to go for a ride on the narrow-gauge railway? The coastal narrow-gauge railway carries tourists on the Gryfice - Pogorzelica and Pogorzelica - Trzęsacz routes. Although the rides are not long, they certainly provide picturesque views. It is an ideal attraction for children - both toddlers and slightly older kids will have a lot of fun. The railway runs only during the tourist season, so it is worth checking its timetable.

Attractions for children in the West Pomeranian region also include the town of Czaplinek and Lake Drawsko. The medieval urban layout has been preserved in the town, and near Lake Drawsko there is a reconstruction of the medieval fortress Sławogród. By the water itself, sightseeing cruises take place in season, for example to Bielawa Island, where a nature trail has been marked out. What's more, you can relax on the guarded beach and take advantage of the water equipment rental.

Popular Międzyzdroje is not only a place for a great rest on the beach. It is also home to the Baltic Miniature Park, where a model of the entire Baltic Sea has been prepared, along with the most important monuments of its coastline. So there is no shortage of lighthouses, castles and other landmarks from all nine countries that have access to this body of water. This is an excellent opportunity to show the youngest children the diversity of the world.

Did you know that the island of Wolin was linked to the Vikings in the past? You can find out all about this at the Slavic and Viking Open Air Museum. The open-air museum features replicas of buildings from early medieval Wolin. The 27 huts, 2 gates with ramparts and the harbour wharf are open to visitors. A themed festival, full of historical reconstructions, is held here every year.

Another interesting pastime? The Koszalin Narrow Gauge Railway, built in the late 19th century under Prussian rule. It now operates seasonally, offering tourist rides on the route Koszalin - Kretomino - Bonin - Manowo - Rosnowo. At the final stop, in Rosnowo, you can enjoy the beach or take a ride on a handcar.

The small town of Ińsko might not seem like the best attraction for children in the West Pomeranian region, if it were not for the beautiful lake and the high observation tower built on its shore. At the lake, there is also a nature and education trail with special boards, which is an excellent learning opportunity. In addition, you can use the bathing area on site and see the nature reserve with erratic boulders.

In the case of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, the monuments reflect the turbulent history of these lands. The frequent changes of owners can also be seen in the architecture, as many diverse buildings can be seen in this area. One of them is certainly the Templar Chapel, located in Chwarszczany. This is the region's most valuable attraction, built in the 13th century by the Templars and later taken over by the Joannite Order. The building was extended and in time became a fully-fledged church, now dedicated to St Stanislaus Kostka. The décor is minimalist, but the original medieval polychromes, among other things, attract attention.

Even if you have not yet been to Western Pomerania, you are certainly familiar with the ruins in Trzęsacz, which are being picked up centimetre by centimetre by the sea. The original church, built at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, was located two kilometres from the sea. With each passing year, the cliff became more and more waterlogged, which led to the church's current state. Only the southern wall has survived to the present day, protected from further undermining by a special band. The multimedia museum in Trzęsacz is one of the best attractions of the province. Here you will learn about the history of the ruins, local legends and how people coped with the element of water.

Not sure what to visit in West Pomerania? Be sure to visit the Collegiate Church of Our Lady Queen of the World in Stargard. The construction of the church was inaugurated in 1292. The brick basilica has two Gothic towers, one of which is open to the public. Its terrace offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area.

Szczecin, the provincial capital, is a city you definitely need to include in your sightseeing plan. For starters, visit the Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes, and head slightly out of the centre to climb up to the Waterfall viewpoint. In high season, the area around this tower, located in the forest, attracts many tourists, providing a great place for a walk surrounded by nature. Another attraction, ideal for the whole family, is the Jasne Błonia square and Kasprowicz Park - a spacious area where you can stroll, ride a scooter or relax on one of the benches. The Chrobry Boulevards, leading all the way to the Szczecin harbour (across the Długi Bridge), should not be missed either. This is a place with a unique view of the harbour panorama.

Have we convinced you how beautiful the West Pomeranian Voivodeship is? Interesting places are waiting for you at every step. All you need to do is open yourself up to discovering these nooks and crannies. Whether you go sightseeing with your family, friends or set off on your own - you won't complain about being bored!

Remember that you can also reach many attractions by train. You can purchase train tickets conveniently using the PolishTrains search engine. Plan your entire itinerary and don't forget to take advantage of discounted or promotional ticket options. You don't have to bring your car to have a good time!