CITY OF SZCZECIN
Szczecin is the capital of the Westpomeranian voivodeship and the biggest city in the north-west part of Poland. The city is located on both sides of the Odra River, just 130km from Berlin and only 80km from the Baltic Sea and just 12km to the border with Germany. It is a part of the Szczecin-Swinoujscie sea harbour complex. Its location in the top left corner of Poland’s map, together with its strong cultural and economic links with Germany, makes it an important commercial and transit centre.
Although the mediaeval centre of Szczecin was severely destroyed during wartime, there are still some remaining magnificent monuments of architecture, reminiscent of the times when Szczecin, as part of Prussia, was considered the “Paris of the North”. It is because the city architecture, as the heart of the city is a star-shaped square, with diverging avenues. There is another reason for making the comparison with Paris – Baron G.E. Haussmann, who created a town-planning project for the French capital, also designed Szczecin. Szczecin is a city where the historical and cultural achievements are shared by more than one nationality.
While Szczecin attracts mostly business travellers, it can also form an interesting tourist destination. Several enchanting sights, the many parks, and the impressive number of bars are Szczecin’s main attractions. Apart from the forests surrounding the city, there are other attractive areas in the vicinity – the seaside resorts of Miedzyzdroje and Rewal, the picturesque Wolin Island, and Swinoujscie with its ferries to Sweden and Denmark.
Szczecin is called the green city, but this is not restricted to the city itself as some local areas are very attractive, especially three vast local forests. These consist of Beech Forest (Puszcza Bukowa) with the Emerald Lake, Wkrzanska Forest and Goleniowska Forest. Lake Dabie, one of the biggest lakes in Poland, is also a great local recreational resource.
Szczecin is an energetic city. An influential focal point, it has managed to preserve its unique character and charm since recent reform, reflect on its past splendour and future potential. Szczecin is now awakening to its full potential at an ever increasing pace, feel inspired as you explore this enthralling city.
FACTS
Population | 410,000 |
Currency | 1 zloty = 100 groszy (1 zloty = about 4,3 euro) |
Opening hours | Banks: Mon-Fri: 08.00-18.00, Shops: Mon-Sat 07:00-19:00 (supermarkets open on Sundays) |
Website | |
Emergency numbers | Police: 997 |
Climate | Information on the Szczecin climate is available here |
Telephone | +48 91 |
Tourist information | Tourist Information |
MAP
Pokaż Location of Szczecin na większej mapie
Other useful websites with the city plan:
TRAVEL GUIDE
Travel guide useful in planning your travel, accommodation and stay can be downloaded here.
OTHER INFORMATION