Park Podzamcze

Podzamcze Park is the largest and perhaps most picturesque natural corner in the city of Olsztyn. Spanning about 12 hectares at the foot of an ancient castle, this park in Poland harmoniously combines history and natural beauty. Here, along the winding bed of the Łyna River, multi-level walking paths are laid out, surrounded by vibrant flower beds and centuries-old trees.

Podzamcze Park. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Strolling through the park, you will encounter many points of interest: from the remains of ancient defensive walls and a cylindrical tower to an elegant pedestrian bridge. The "Fish" ("Ryba") and "Crane" ("Żuraw") fountains, as well as a small but roaring waterfall affectionately nicknamed "Niagara" by locals, add a special charm to the place. In 2017, four majestic purple beeches here were officially granted the status of natural monuments.

This spot is perfect for those who want to escape the city bustle while staying right in the heart of the historic center. Its proximity to Olsztyn Castle and the amphitheater makes a walk through the park a mandatory part of any tourist itinerary, allowing visitors to enjoy a unique blend of Gothic architecture and the freshness of a parkland.

For your convenience, we have gathered the essential contact information for this beautiful location. Below are the address and the city's official tourism resource.

In Podzamcze Park, everyone will find something to enjoy. Lovers of quiet relaxation can take leisurely strolls along the banks of the Łyna River, relax on cozy benches with a book, or have small picnics on the green lawns. Be sure to find the commemorative bust of Nicolaus Copernicus and take a photo against the backdrop of the picturesque "Niagara" waterfall or the "Fish" and "Crane" fountains.

For active lifestyle enthusiasts, the park offers excellent conditions for jogging, cycling, or rollerblading on specially designated paths. Thanks to the multi-level landscape, a walk turns into a small adventure with constantly changing views of the castle and the old town. Children won't be left out either, as the park features modern playgrounds.

If you are lucky enough to be here in summer, you might catch one of the vibrant open-air fairs or cultural happenings. An amphitheater is located next to the park, where concerts and festivals regularly take place, filling the space with music. And if you crave more activity, skatepark and mini-golf zones are within walking distance.

Finding Podzamcze Park is easy, as it is located in the very heart of Olsztyn on Zamkowa Street. If you are already in the historical center, a walk from the Old Town Hall or the High Gate will take only 5–10 minutes at a leisurely pace.

For those traveling from other districts, public transport is a convenient option. The nearest bus and tram stops are called "Zamkowy" or "Stare Miasto". From there, the park entrance is just a couple of hundred meters away. If you arrive in the city by train, the journey by bicycle or scooter from the station is about 1–2 kilometers along dedicated paths.

For tourists arriving by car, parking zones are available on neighboring streets, such as Feliksa Nowowiejskiego Street. If you are traveling from Olsztyn-Mazury Airport, the taxi ride takes about 20–30 minutes, or you can take a shuttle bus to the central station.

The history of Podzamcze Park is inextricably linked to the majestic Olsztyn Castle, which was built in the mid-14th century as a residence for the Warmian bishops. The territory of the modern park once served as an important part of the city's fortification system: deep moats and outer defensive walls were located here, the remains of which still remind us of the Middle Ages today.

The most famous inhabitant of these parts was the great scientist Nicolaus Copernicus, who served as the castle's administrator in the early 16th century. It was he who directed the defense of the city and oversaw its development. Today, that era is commemorated not only by the castle walls but also by memorial signs installed in the park's shady alleys, including a bust of the great astronomer.

Until the end of the 18th century, these lands were owned by the Warmian Chapter. The park in its modern form was shaped on the site of former fortifications, preserving elements such as the cylindrical tower and the remains of a 17th-century salt warehouse. For a long time, the symbol of the castle courtyard was a 120-year-old lime tree; however, it was lost after a devastating storm in 2006. Now, the natural relay has been taken over by massive purple beeches, whose age and grandeur led to their official recognition as monuments of nature in 2017.

To leisurely walk through the main alleys of Podzamcze Park, admire the fountains, and take beautiful photos by the river, you will need 1 to 2 hours. This is quite enough time to soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the place and enjoy a bit of rest.

If you plan to combine your walk with a visit to the exhibitions at Olsztyn Castle or stay for a summer event at the amphitheater, we recommend setting aside about 3 hours. The park is very cozy, and time here flies by unnoticed.

One of the main advantages of Podzamcze Park is that it is open to visitors 24 hours a day. You can enjoy a walk both in the daylight and in the romantic evening atmosphere when the city lights come on.

The park is accessible daily, including weekends, without breaks. Nevertheless, before your visit, we recommend checking the official website for the amphitheater's event schedule, as this may affect access to certain areas.

A walk through Podzamcze Park pairs perfectly with exploring other attractions in old Olsztyn. Just a few steps from the park alleys, you will find architectural masterpieces and interesting cultural sites that will help you learn more about the region's history.

Exploring the surroundings will allow you to see the city from different perspectives: from solemn museum halls to modern entertainment centers. Below is a list of interesting sites located nearby: