Olsztyn as a Partner of the 10th Tourism Promotion Forum

Olsztyn is an intimate town, which especially in the summer season is vibrant with life. The thought-provoking gothic atmosphere of the castle and basilica in the Old Town encourages strolls along the £yna River flowing through the parks of the city center. Perhaps this inspiring atmosphere was anticipated by the city’s most prominent resident – Nicolaus Copernicus, who began to write his fundamental work “On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres” in the Olsztyn castle. We will not find out, but we can show that the attractions of Olsztyn (new and renovated) have a common – natural – denominator.

UKIEL” RECREATION AND SPORTS CENTER

A great example of conscious use of the potential of a place is an investment at Ukiel (Krzywe) Lake. Several years ago, m. in. ments and piers, a promenade, bicycle and ski trails, sports equipment rentals, seasonal ice rink, skate park (snow park in winter), year-round water sports facilities, year-round beach volleyball and squash halls, volleyball courts and playgrounds, parking, and architectural improvements for the disabled. What is important, the applied solutions take into account the natural specificity of the place – the most valuable tree stand was preserved, and new plantings were made. Another advantage of the complex is its very good transport accessibility – the location near national road no. 16 and a short distance from the Western Railway Station and the city center.

CENTRAL PARK

In 2014. in the very “heart” of Olsztyn, along the bank of the Łyna River, in an area which for years had been forgotten and neglected, a unique place was created. The area is located between 22 Stycznia, Pieniężnego, Kościuszki, Niepodległości, Emilia Plater and Knosały Streets. The Central Park, the name given to this 13-hectare oasis of greenery, has changed the appearance of the city centre in a very impressive way.
There are m. in. a fountain with a covered stage, a semi-circular platform, a mini amphitheater, bicycle and walking paths, footbridges over the Łyna, gazebos, a lighting system, plenty of seating, sports facilities and – of course – lots of greenery. The Park is one of the most visited places in the city – both by Olsztyners and visitors. A picturesque walking and cycling path leads from the castle to the nearby Podzamcze Park.

PLANETARIUM

Olsztyn’s Astronomical Planetarium opened on February 19, 1973. – on the 500th anniversary of the birth of Nicolaus Copernicus. Its main activity is the presentation of astronomical programs, which are watched by tens of thousands of viewers every year. For 10 years, the facility has been inviting visitors for full dome shows. It is a modern digital projection system that allows the viewer to symbolically leave the Earth and go on a virtual space journey, during which, for example. the 500th anniversary of the birth of Nicolaus Copernicus, view the surface of the Moon up close, fly through the rings of Saturn or land on Titan. Among the planetarium’s modern educational tools there is also a specialized “astrobus”, which makes it possible to organize astronomy lessons in the field. The architectural gem of the city is the Astronomical Observatory, which was opened in 1979. in a converted water tower built in 1897. on the St. Andrew’s Hill at ul. Żołnierska.

ZAMEK

The oldest building in the city. It was erected in the second half of the 14th century. The most prominent resident of the castle was Nicolaus Copernicus, who resided there in the years 1516-1519 and 1520-1521, serving as administrator of the property of the Warmia Chapter. This is where he constructed his famous astronomical table used to determine the spring equinox. This unique exhibit, the only instrument in the world made by the hand that “stopped the Sun”, can still be admired in the castle cloister. The castle now houses the Museum of Warmia and Mazury.

For several years, tourists staying at Olsztyn’s accommodation facilities have been able to take advantage of discounts m. in. to CR-S “Ukiel” and the planetarium as well as to the “Aquasfera” swimming pool and numerous service and catering outlets. All this thanks to the city promotional campaign “Visit Olsztyn. You stay overnight – you gain!”, which involves more than 20 hotels and guesthouses and dozens of partners offering discounts.

The Forum will take place on April 6 at the Orientarium in Łódź.

The organizer is the editors of the WaszaTurystyka industry portal.en.

Co-organizers are: the Lodz Tourist Organization and the Orientarium at the Lodz Zoo.

Partners are: Marshal’s Office of the Mazowieckie Province, City of Olsztyn, Przedsiębiorstwo Państwowe “Porty Lotnicze”, Israel Government Tourist Office, Croatian Tourist Community, Polish Tourist Organization, Gromada
The patrons are: Agencja Informacyjna, Izba Gospodarcza Hotelarstwa Polskiego, Krakowska Izba Turystyki, Polska Izba Turystyki, Polska Izba Turystyki Oddział Łódzki. Museum of Polish Vodka, MerlinX

Honorary patrons are: Ministry of Sport and Tourism and Polish Tourist Organization