Day Trip to Szczecin: A Very Polish Day Out

See the historic Polish city, walk through the old town, the vast parks, and along the city harbour; eat local food and dine at the City Hall; check out local monuments, palaces, and famous architecture, and spend time with a community of curious, local, and like-minded hikers, led by local travel author Dan Cole.

WHY GO?

Experience layers of European history without the crowds, from the rebuilt Old Town to the Castle of the Dukes of Pomerania; Szczecin tells its Polish, German, and Scandinavian stories in a way that feels calm and approachable. Walk along Wały Chrobrego, with its grand terraces and open views over the Oder. The striking Szczecin Philharmonic isn’t just a landmark; it shows how the city reinvents itself. The route naturally blends bold contemporary architecture with historic streets and leafy parks.

Szczecin remains under-visited, which means the experience feels personal. This trip isn’t about rushing between attractions; it’s about spending a day moving through a city that reveals itself gradually, through water, architecture, and calm neighborhoods.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?

• Wały Chrobrego: This monumental riverside terrace offers sweeping views over the Oder River, passing ships, and the port. It’s the perfect introduction to the city’s maritime character and a great place to pause, walk, or take photos.
  
• The Castle of the Dukes of Pomerania: Set just above the river, the castle is both a historic anchor and a viewpoint. Its courtyards and towers tell the story of Szczecin’s shifting borders while offering some of the best views across the city.
  
• Old Town Stare Miasto: Compact, walkable, and lively, Szczecin’s reconstructed Old Town mixes colourful façades with cafés and bars. The Cathedral Basilica of St. James stands out for its scale and rooftop views.
  
• Szczecin Philharmonic: One of Poland’s most striking modern buildings. Even if you don’t attend a concert, seeing the translucent, ice-like façade in daylight (and at dusk) is a highlight and a symbol of Szczecin’s contemporary cultural life.

The hike is guided by Dan Cole, an experienced tour guide and hiker, and author of several books, including Beer Hiking Berlin. Dan is also a journalist for Lonely Planet and Easyjet Magazine and offers varying tours across the country for various levels of hikers. Alongside tour guiding Dan also runs a music podcast, and writes for different music magazines.