Not many visitors venture this far east of northern Gdansk to realise the beauty of the undulating hills of Mazuria and Warmia. This is where the city of Olsztyn finds its home, perched neatly amidst the low-lying lakes and deep, verdant valleys of northern Poland. But, those who do decide to take the winding and untrodden paths to this medieval town will reap the rewards, because a lively old town and bustling centre await, pleasantly enjoying their undiscovered charm away from the clustering crowds of the country’s better-known destinations.
One of the great joys of this small city is exploring the web of cobbled streets and local cafés of its old centre, and first time visitors should ask their Olsztyn tourist guide for walking routes that encompass the high gate to the north, the great gothic cathedral in the east and the bubbling main square of cafés, pierogi joints and interesting little Polish beer houses.
Olsztyn is also a perfect base for those interested in seeing the great lakes in the east of the country. These can be reached in around an hour and offer unparalleled recreation opportunities in the summer; from yachting across the waters to sunbathing in the Baltic sun.