Discover Szczecin

This beautiful lake on the right side of Szczecin, besides the beautiful water in the colour of its name, can boast an interesting history. In the 1860s a chalk mine began operating here for the growing cement industry. 25% of Germany’s cement was produced here. Left over from those times are elements of a narrow-gauge railway and a cave built for demonstrations.

Spread over an area of 80 km2, The Bukowa Forest partly takes in the south-east districts of the city as well as neighbouring counties. On hilly terrain, it has various types of landscape and rarely seen plant and animal species. The network of deep valleys, ravines, streams and many lakes make the forest an ideal place for nature lovers.

Jasne Błonia is a large green area spreading from the City Hall building in the direction of Kasprowicz Park. It includes a fountain, an alley of plane trees and green spaces that fill up with residents on warm days. One of the city’s favourite places for walks, it is worth seeing in every type of weather. The majestic alleys have the biggest number of plane trees in Poland, and they are rivalled only by two monuments that are characteristic of the area.

The Głębokie Lake is situated in the north-east part of the city. Easy to get to, it is a popular place of relaxation for the city’s residents. In the summer the beach is full of sun-bathers, the area’s paths are perfect for jogging, and the many camping sites attract bonfire and grilling enthusiasts out on warm evenings.

The terrain along the Odra River and Wały Chrobrego is considered one of the most beautiful parts of the city. The lovely development on a slope above the port is the effect of the efforts of the former mayor Hermann Haken. The characteristic buildings were erected in place of the old Fort Leopold, which had protected the city from foreign armies. The imposing steps leading to the current National Museum were supposed to make an impression on steam-ship passengers arriving at the docks. These ships sailed between Szczecin and Saint Petersburg, among others.

The Rose Garden was established in 1932, with about 10 thousand rose bushes. It is a masterpiece of landscaping with a sculpture of birds setting to flight designed by Kurt Schwerdtfeger, linked with Bauhaus and a professor of the Artistic Crafts School [Szkoła Rzemiosła Artystycznego] in Szczecin.

Designed by Wilhelm Meyer-Schwartau and Georg Hannig and established at the beginning of the 20th century, the cemetery is one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe. The 166.5 ha. area is rich in 415 species and types of trees and bushes. The neo-Gothic architecture and wide, well-designed alleys give the cemetery its unique atmosphere.

23.8% of the city’s area is covered by water, of which 65 km2 is Lake Dąbie – the only one in the country where sea yachts can moor. Through the Floating Garden development strategy, the city emphasizes water and green areas, and water sports have become one of the strategic points of development. A tradition of training, along with the old and newly-built marinas ensure appropriate facilities and support.

Szczecin is a base of the races that are part of the World Cup in all-terrain rallies. Under communism, the Szczecin area and the current Western Pomeranian region were dotted with terrain belonging to the army, which left wide areas used for military exercises.

Szczecin is known as a city of swimmers who won Olympic medals. In this tradition, it was decided to build a modern Olympic-size (50 m) pool. Finished in 2010, the object has been chosen to host the European and Polish swimming championships.

Szczecin is the host of the oldest and most prestigious professional tennis tournament in the country: Pekao Szczecin Open. This event takes place on the courts of the Szczecin Tennis Centre on Aleja Wojska Polskiego and for years has been attracting spectators from Poland and abroad. The tennis centre is a large complex of covered and open-air courts with appropriate infrastructure and professional coaches.

In spite of its location near the sea and far from the mountains, you can also enjoy fun in the snow in Szczecin. In the winter season, Szczecińska Gubałówka opens two well-lit ski slopes with artificial snow, a skating rink and a snowpark built in 2012. In winter and summer there is a wooden hut open, and an open-air grill.

Finished in 2014, Szczecin’s Sports Hall was given the name of its main sponsor: Azoty Arena. This modern hall is the site of important sporting events, musical events and concerts (such as the Eska Music Awards).

Szczeciński stadion imienia Floriana Krygiera jest miejscem dla miłośników piłki nożnej. Jest to stadion grającej w sezonie 2014/2015 w ekstraklasie drużyny Pogoń Szczecin. Drużyna ta gra w polskiej lidze od 1948 roku, z tradycjami i osiągnięciami sięgającymi nawet wicemistrzostwa polski.