HER WAY.POLAND.
Olsztyn
Olsztyn
Poland. Your way. Three destinations, three different adventures.
THE CITY
Olsztyn. Her Way.
Olsztyn is the kind of place that reminds you why you started travelling in the first place. The capital of the Warmia-Masuria region in north-eastern Poland, it sits at the gateway to the Masurian Lake District, a landscape of 2,000 lakes, ancient forests and some of the cleanest air in the country. Within the city limits alone, there are fifteen lakes.
It’s a compact, walkable city with a beautifully preserved medieval Old Town, a 14th-century castle that was home to the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, and a pace of life that feels genuinely unhurried. From the city centre, you can walk to a lakeside beach, cycle through forest trails, or kayak on the Łyna River, all without needing to plan extensively or hire a car.
For solo travellers seeking something restorative, Olsztyn is an excellent choice. It has strong enough infrastructure to feel comfortable and safe, a warm local community, and access to outdoor activities that can be enjoyed entirely independently or through the many small local operators running guided experiences. Getting here from Warsaw takes around two to two-and-a-half hours by direct train
This is your guide to Poland. Her Way.
EXPERIENCES
What to do in Olsztyn
Culture & History
Warmian Bishops’ Castles
A beautifully preserved 14th-century Gothic castle that was once home to Nicolaus Copernicus. Today it houses the Museum of Warmia and Mazury, with exhibits spanning medieval history, regional folk art and artefacts connected to Copernicus himself. The views from the upper levels over the Old Town are worth the visit alone.
Outdoors & Wellness
By Bike Around Lake Ukiel
Discover Olsztyn at your own pace on a scenic cycling route around beautiful Lake Ukiel. Combining lakeside views, forest trails and charming local neighbourhoods, this route is perfect for travellers looking to balance outdoor activity with moments of relaxation..
Culture & History
Marzipan-Making Workshop at Kawiarnia Moja
Indulge your sweet tooth and discover one of Warmia and Masuria’s most delicious traditions during a hands-on marzipan workshop in the heart of Olsztyn’s charming Old Town.
Culture & History
Museum of Folk Architecture in Olsztynek
One of the largest open-air museums in Poland, showcasing traditional Warmian and Masurian wooden architecture surrounded by nature. The visit includes the historic town of Olsztynek and its charming market square and Historic Water Tower.
Outdoors & Wellness
Łynostrada: Olsztyn’s Scenic Riverside Trail
One of the best ways to discover Olsztyn is by following Łynostrada – a picturesque walking and cycling trail that winds alongside the Łyna River, connecting the city’s vibrant centre with its peaceful northern outskirts.
Outdoors & Wellness
A Kayak Adventure Through the Heart of Olsztyn
See Olsztyn from a completely different perspective as you glide along the tranquil waters of the Łyna River. This scenic kayaking route combines the charm of the city with the beauty of unspoilt nature, creating an unforgettable outdoor experience.
SEEN THROUGH HER EYES
Hannah’s Olsztyn
Hannah doesn’t just travel solo; she’s built a life and a business around it. Since going full-time in 2021, she’s become one of the most credible voices in solo female travel, someone who has turned her own first steps into a movement that has helped thousands of women take theirs. Olsztyn is the kind of destination she was made to explore: unhurried, genuine, and a little off the radar. The kind of place that changes how you think about travel,
and about yourself.
Travelling Olsztyn solo, everything you need to know.
Getting Around
- Olsztyn is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours from Warsaw by direct InterCity or Intercity train. Trains run several times daily and are comfortable and affordable. Book in advance at intercity.pl [link] for the best prices.
- Olsztyn-Mazury Airport (SZY) in Szymany, 58km south of the city, has direct flights from London and other European cities.
- The city centre is compact and walkable. Buses and trams cover wider areas. Many of the best outdoor activities are accessible on foot or by bicycle directly from the centre.
- Local taxis are reliable for convenient evening transport.
Staying Safe
- Olsztyn is a calm, low-density city with a strong sense of local community. Solo female travellers consistently report feeling safe and comfortable here, both during the day and in the evenings.
- The Old Town and central areas are well-lit and regularly frequented by locals throughout the evening.
- Standard travel precautions apply: keep an eye on belongings, use licensed taxis or Bolt, and avoid poorly lit areas late at night.
- The outdoor trail network is well-marked and well-used. For solo hiking or cycling in more remote areas, let someone know your route and expected return time.
Where to Stay
- The best base for exploring Olsztyn is the Old Town or the area close to Lake Ukiel, both of which give easy access to the main attractions on foot.
- Olsztyn has a good range of accommodation including hotels, guesthouses and apartment rentals. The city is notably more affordable than Warsaw or Kraków.
- For accommodation recommendations: visitolsztyn.eu/en.
Eating & Drinking Solo
- Olsztyn has a pleasant and unhurried café and restaurant scene, centred around the Old Town and the areas close to the castle.
- Try regional Warmian specialities alongside classic Polish dishes, the cuisine reflects the area’s mixed cultural heritage, with German and Russian influences alongside traditional Polish cooking.
- The city’s student population keeps the food and drinks scene lively and good value. Eating alone is entirely comfortable here; the pace is slower and more relaxed than in the larger cities.
- For restaurant and dining recommendations during your visit, head to: visit.olsztyn.eu/en
Good to Know
- The summer months (June to August) are the best time to visit for lake activities, long evenings and outdoor dining.
- The region’s natural beauty in autumn, when the forests turn, is also spectacular.
- Olsztyn is also a gateway to the wider Warmia-Masuria region. If time allows, a day trip to the Wolf’s Lair (Hitler’s former Eastern Front headquarters near Kętrzyn) is a sobering but historically significant excursion, approximately 80km from the city.
- For more on what to see, do and explore during your visit, the Olsztyn tourist office is your go-to resource: Visit.olsztyn.eu/en for up-to-date guides, maps and recommendations.
