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Introducing Olsztyn
After so many bruised and battered Polish towns, Olsztyn (ol-shtin) comes as a pleasant surprise. Its reconstructed Old Town, complete with gabled houses, cobblestone streets, and a refined, café-style culture (with plenty of bars thrown in – this is Poland after all), is as attractive as any in the country, and it’s worth lingering for at least a day, exploring its historical sites. Nature is also close at hand; there are 11 lakes within the city borders.
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The town was founded in the 14th century as the southernmost outpost of Warmia, and only came under Polish control following the Treaty of Toruń in 1466. With the First Partition of Poland in 1772, Olsztyn became Prussian (renamed Allenstein) and remained so until the end of WWII.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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