Warmia is often mistaken for the Masuria region, which often leaves it in their shadow. And although the Great Masurian Lakes Trail does not run here, Warmia has its reasons to be proud. Warmia can boast a diversity of monuments, beautiful nature, and fantastic conditions for relaxation, providing numerous possibilities to spend time for history enthusiasts, activity lovers, as well as families with children. Check out what is worth seeing in Warmia and how to spend time in this charming, yet still undiscovered corner of the country.
What to visit in Warmia? Attractions of Olsztyn
Olsztyn is the largest city and the capital of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, where modernity forms a harmonious duet with a rich history. Walking along the streets of the Old Town, you can feel the atmosphere of past centuries while enjoying the advantages of a big city. Olsztyn lies on the Łyna River, among lakes and forests, and on the European Brick Gothic Trail, Gothic Castle Trail, Grunwald Trail, and Copernicus Trail. The most interesting attractions of the city include the Warmian Chapter Castle, fragments of city walls, the co-cathedral of St. James, the urban layout of the old town, the Old Town Hall built in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 17th century, as well as numerous churches.
Visiting the Warmian Chapter Castle is a proposition for anyone who wants to get to know the city’s history closer. The Warmian Chapter Castle, built in the mid-14th century in the Gothic style, served defensive functions and was the seat of the administrator of the chapter's estates. The building witnessed great historical events, playing a significant role, among others, during the Polish-Teutonic wars. Currently, the castle houses the Museum of Warmia and Masuria, which includes a permanent Copernican exhibition. Nicholas Copernicus was the most famous resident of the Olsztyn castle, where he served as the administrator of the chapter's nearby estates. In the museum, you can see, among other things, Copernicus' astronomical experimental board and a Copernican medical incunabulum, which is the most valuable exhibit of the local library.
Another attraction of Olsztyn commemorating the stay of Nicholas Copernicus in the city is the Olsztyn Planetarium and Astronomical Observatory. In the Planetarium, everyone – regardless of age and weather – can admire the starry sky and discover astronomical objects and phenomena. The Astronomical Observatory is located in a 19th-century water tower, standing on the highest hill of old Olsztyn. And if you want to relax in nature, in Olsztyn there are more than 1,800 hectares of forests, of which over half is the City Forest, serving recreational, leisure, tourist, and sightseeing purposes. Additionally, the city has many parks, green areas, and small squares with numerous walking paths offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of civilization.
What to do in Warmia? Attractions in Lidzbark Warmiński
When planning to visit the most famous cities of Warmia, you should also consider Lidzbark Warmiński, often referred to as the Pearl of Warmia. Lidzbark Warmiński was the capital of Warmia from 1350 until the 19th century, and earlier its largest city as well as a center of faith and culture in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The city is rich in monuments considered among Warmia's greatest attractions. These include the Warmian Bishops' Castle with its forecastle, bastion, and tower, the Collegiate Church of St. Peter and St. Paul with the monastery and vicarage, the former evangelical church, the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross, the Foregate of the High Gate, defensive walls and the urban layout, the 19th-century neo-Gothic town hall, and historic houses.
How to spend time in Warmia? Attractions of Frombork
Frombork, whose history dates back to the second half of the 13th century, is another city in Warmia where the most famous Polish astronomer left his mark. Nicholas Copernicus stayed in Frombork from 1510 until his death in May 1543. It was here that Copernicus developed the work De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres), which changed humanity’s understanding of the universe. The biggest attraction of Frombork is the Cathedral Hill, which is classified as a monument of the highest rank. The cathedral complex consists of the cathedral and the cathedral fortifications surrounded by buildings of former canons' residences. The complex includes:
- The Archcathedral Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Andrew – the largest church in Warmia;
- Radziejowski Tower (former bell tower), where the Foucault pendulum is located;
- Copernicus Tower, which was believed to be his former observatory but actually served as his residence within the defensive walls of the cathedral complex in case of war;
- The Nicholas Copernicus Museum, whose main building is located in the former bishop's palace;
- 6 external canons' houses built in the 17th and 18th centuries.
While in Frombork, you can also plan a cruise on the Vistula Lagoon, which can take you to Krynica Morska; additionally, you can see remnants of World War II fortifications or visit the most picturesque viewpoints.
What to see in Warmia? Attractions of Braniewo
Visiting the attractions of Warmia would not be complete without a visit to Braniewo – the oldest city and former first capital of Warmia. In Braniewo, it is worth visiting St. Catherine's Basilica, built between 1343 and 1442, the gate tower of the former Bishop's Castle, which is the only surviving part of the castle, the Kierat Mill Tower, remains of the city fortifications, and the 19th-century Mariacki Granary. Braniewo also has a sailing marina on the Pasłęka River.
The best base for exploring Warmia
When looking for the perfect place to relax in Warmia and Masuria, it is best to choose a location that offers numerous possibilities for spending time and at the same time serves as a good base for day trips. This definition perfectly fits Klekotki SPA & Resort, located on the border of Warmia and Masuria, about 60 kilometers from Olsztyn and Lidzbark Warmiński, and less than 50 kilometers from Frombork. Klekotki is a former mill settlement, whose history is recalled by restored historic buildings. On an area of over 100 hectares, not only interesting attractions await but above all peace, quiet, plenty of greenery, and beautiful views.
Guests have at their disposal comfortable rooms, spacious apartments, and modern cottages. The facility also houses Sento SPA, inspired by Japanese aesthetics and a conscious combination of traditional therapeutic practices with a modern approach to wellness. Klekotki Sento SPA is an absolutely unique place – the original building form is a reconstruction of a traditional Warmian barn, which encloses a space created for harmony and relaxation. Moreover, Klekotki includes a restaurant, conference room, tennis court, bicycle, kayak, boat and pedal boat rental, as well as extensive green areas for rest and recreation.