West Pomerania

Stettin (Szczecin) is situated on the Oder River, just before it flows into the Szczecin Lagoon, and with almost 390,000 inhabitants, it is Poland's seventh-largest city and the capital of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. Since 1278, the city has been part of the Hanseatic League, and its port remains one of the largest on the Baltic Sea. North of the center, the Oder widens into Lake Dąbie (Jezioro Dąbie). The Old Town, with the Ducal Castle and St. James' Cathedral, is located on the west bank, above which is the Hakenterrasse with views of the river. Opposite, between the arms of the Oder, are the islands of Lastadie (Łasztownia) and Silberwiese. Adjacent is the New Town, whose wide avenues, modeled on Parisian designs, converge on star-shaped squares like Plac Grunwaldzki. From Berlin, Stettin is easily accessible by train and is perfect for a long weekend. If you have more time, combine your visit with the coast around Swinemünde or Kolberg.

Kolberg (Kołobrzeg), situated at the mouth of the Persante (Parsęta) into the Baltic Sea, is a brine and spa resort with over 43,000 inhabitants and a long tradition: first guests arrived around 1800, and by 1904, the town already welcomed over 13,000 spa visitors. Weak brine springs once laid the foundation for the settlement and the town's wealth; it belonged to the Hanseatic League from before 1361 to 1610. In the year 1000, it briefly hosted a bishopric with Bishop Reinbern. In the Old Town are the five-aisled 14th-century cathedral and the city hall designed by Schinkel. In March 1945, the city was about 90 percent destroyed. Towards the sea lie the Spa Quarter and the promenade; at the harbour stand the lighthouse and the 220-meter-long pier. Kolberg is ideal for beach holidays and spa stays. At the harbour, the fishing cooperative sells the fresh and smoked catch from its cutters directly to customers.

Swinemünde (Świnoujście) is situated on the eastern part of Usedom Island, the western tip of Wollin, and the small island of Kaseburg (Karsibór). The Swine River separates Usedom and Wollin. Approximately 39,000 people live here. Swinemünde has been a seaside resort since its first bathing season in July 1824. On the Usedom side are the city center and the spa district with the Lenné spa park, the beach, and the promenade, which stretches about twelve kilometers across the border to Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, and Bansin. On the Wollin side, you'll find the tallest lighthouse on the Baltic coast, Fort Gerhard, and the port facilities with the LNG terminal. Its location directly on the German border makes Swinemünde an easy day trip from Usedom, and several days are also worthwhile for a beach holiday.

Bansin, Heringsdorf, and Ahlbeck have formed the municipality of Ostseebad Heringsdorf, known as the Kaiserbäder (Imperial Spas), since 2006. Villas, hotels, and guesthouses in distinctive spa architecture characterize these resorts. The oldest preserved building is the Weiße Schloss (White Castle), dating from 1825 and built to plans by Karl Friedrich Schinkel.A twelve-kilometer promenade connects the three resorts with Swinemünde, backed by an average 40-meter-wide sandy beach. Three piers extend into the sea: Heringsdorf boasts Germany's longest at 508 meters, while Ahlbeck features the oldest.

Poznań (Posen), located on the Warta River approximately halfway between Berlin and Warsaw, is Poland's fifth-largest city with around 534,000 inhabitants. On Cathedral Island, Poland's first bishopric was established in 968; opposite, a city was founded from 1253 under Magdeburg Law. A university, trade fair, and vibrant restaurant scene characterize daily life today.The city's heart is the Old Market Square (Stary Rynek) with its Renaissance Town Hall and narrow merchant houses. East of this, beyond the Warta, are Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski) and its cathedral, plus the small Śródka district, linked to the island by a footbridge over the Cybina. West of the Old Town, the Imperial Quarter encircles the Imperial Castle, with the Jeżyce residential district (cafés, restaurants) beyond it.Poznań can be easily explored on foot in two to three days. Those with more time can combine the city with excursions into the Greater Poland region, for example, to Gniezno (Gnesen) or Kórnik Castle.