Things to do in Olsztyn
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Castle and Museum of Warmia & Masuria
The most important historic building in town is the massive, redbrick 14th-century castle. Despite its age, it’s in excellent shape and now houses an art gallery, restaurant and open-air theatre, along with the Museum of Warmia & Masuria. Two rooms on the 1st floor are dedicated to astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, who was the administrator of Warmia and lived in the castle for more than three years (1516–20). He made some of his astronomical observations here, and you can still see the diagram he drew on the cloister wall to record the equinox and thereby calculate the exact length of the year. Models of the instruments he used are on display in his former living quarter…
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Pttk Mazury
The travel agency PTTK Mazury runs 10-day kayaking tours along the Krutynia River route (known as Szlak Kajakowy Krutyni). The 103km trip begins at Stanica Wodna PTTK in Sorkwity, 50km east of Olsztyn, and goes down the Krutynia River and Lake Bełdany to Ruciane-Nida. It’s regarded as Poland’s top kayak trip and few come away disappointed. Tours depart daily from May to October, and the price (around 950zł) includes kayak, food, insurance, lodging in cabins and a Polish-, English- or German-speaking guide.
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Kayaking - Stanica Wodna PTTK
You can do the Krutynia River kayaking trip on your own, hiring a kayak from the Stanica Wodna PTTK in Sorkwity, but check availability in advance. You can use the same overnight bases as arranged tours but you can't always count on cabins, so be prepared to camp. It's easier to secure a kayak and shelter in June or September than in July and August.
Brochures in English and German, with a detailed description and maps of the Krutynia route, are available at the Mazury office. Information in German is also available online.
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Museum of Warmia & Masuria Main Annexe
The Museum of Warmia & Masuria main annexe is housed in the former Gazeta Olsztyńska newspaper building. The paper was famed for its outspoken politics under occupation, which swiftly led to the arrest and execution of its publisher in 1940 and the destruction of the offices. Reconstructed, the building now has exhibitions about the city’s and region’s past, and the political role of journalism.
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Klub Sarp
The riverside area around the southern end of the Old Town is a hotbed of pubs, clubs and restaurants, and SARP is a top contender. This split-level setup in a former granary is run by the local Association of Polish Architects and, with its blackened wooden beams and whitewashed walls, looks as though it’s been transplanted from Tudor times.
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Weranda Grill
Meat lovers will flock to this large restaurant for a menu packed with loin chops, grilled ribs and sausages; vegetarians will be disappointed with a small selection of salads. A compromise is easy to find though; grab a beer and kick back on the enormous summer terrace along the banks of the Łyna River.
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Różana Café
A well-translated trilingual menu, with just a dash of humour, introduces you to this refined selection of Polish dishes, while waiters in braces gently woo you with extras. The portions won’t blow you away, but it’s a good excuse to stick around for dessert or one last drink.
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Rynek
The Rynek (formally called ul Stare Miasto) was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt in a grandiose style only superficially referring to the past. It's best seen at night, when the town hall is lit up with dazzling spotlights and half the population turns out for an evening drink.
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Astronomical Observatory
Copernicus fans can get a bit more hands-on at the astronomical observatory, located in an old water tower out to the east of town. It was enjoying a much-needed renovation at the time of writing; check with the tourist office for observation hours and prices.
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Planetarium
For a dramatic look at the heavens, the planetarium has shows and occasional temporary exhibits. Soundtracks in English, German, French and Russian are generally offered during two shows a day, at noon and 2pm.
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Greenway
Another branch of the popular Polish chain. Pick up a large portion of the usual offerings, such as Mexican goulash, enchiladas and spinach quiche. Grab a real fruit shake and head for the quiet outdoor patio at the rear.
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Bohema Jazz Club
Sidling up to Różana Café is Bohema, Olsztyn’s best jazz club. It has a reputation for quality live jazz and well-mixed cocktails, and may also be the only basement club in Poland with a lift.
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Bar Dziupla
Dziupla takes on the milk-bar mantle to provide some of the best budget meals in the Old Town, including delicious pierogi (Polish dumplings) and chłodnik (cold beetroot soup).
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Supermarket Spożywczy
Self-caterers can head to Supermarket Spożywczy on the ground floor of the new Alfa Centrum shopping mall.
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High Gate
The High Gate, the historic gateway to the Old Town, is the only remainder of the 14th-century city walls.
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