Central Market Square in Poznan, Poland (gekaskr (123RF))
Poznań is full of cultural events and delicious international fare, with a special dedication to historical storytelling, rendering it quite an exciting destination.
There are plenty of walkable green spaces in Poznań, but the Palm House is my favorite escape to a tropical bubble in the Woodrow Wilson Park, about a 15-minute walk from Camp Kościuszko. Nearby is City Park. The site of a former military barracks, it now has a dazzling 5-star hotel, a spa and 16 restaurants, so even if you don’t stay overnight, it’s an elegant area to stroll through.
An 11-minute rental scooter ride away from City Park, I instantly fell for a shopping mall called Stary Browar, not just for the shopping but the unique brick architecture from its origin as a brewery. The setting is as charming as the rest of the city in all its friendliness.
Inside the Town Hall is the Museum of Poznań, with a fascinating array of displays plunging you into political movements, conflicts and culture. The Greater Poland Museum of Independence oversees five branches throughout the city, such as the Museum of Martyrology of Greater Poland which was established in a previous concentration camp and the Museum of Armored Weapons in Poznań, which displays heavy tanks and weaponry used in World War II. The National Museum in Poznań houses an archeology department covering European and ancient histories. Also visit Ostrów Tumski, or “Cathedral Island” as its sometimes called, in the middle of the Warta River and home to the 1000-year-old Poznań Cathedral where the first monarch of Poland was baptized.
Whatever you do, take a moment to enjoy the large murals that dot the city like a free art gallery. Be sure to check out the 3D Mural Śródka on the east side of the Warta River. In the city center, the Imperial Castle is a cultural center that, despite its name, was only built in the early 20th century. Five blocks away, is the Royal Castle, a reconstruction of a 13th-century fortification that was gravely damaged in World War II. It now houses a fantastic Modern Art Museum.
Venture east of the city to Malta Lake any time of the year. Malta Ski has a two-person carriage rollercoaster and toboggan run beside lots of family-friendly attractions in the summer. In the winter, you can get a little skiing and snowboarding in using their slope before you head to the big ski resorts.
If you’re not afraid of heights, check out Pyrland Park in the nearby woods, which includes a rope park and team-building activities. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for morale day options or to hang out with friends.
If you miss catching a live game, Poznań’s football team, Lech Poznań, plays at Stadion Poznań. It may not be American football, but the fandom’s fervor will have you caught up in the excitement, nonetheless. You can buy tickets at www.lechpoznan.pl
