Traversed by the River Dzierżęcinka, Koszalin is a former provincial capital near Poland’s Baltic Sea coast. It was known as Cöslin when it was part of the Kingdom of Prussia and was occupied by French troops in 1807. In 1871, it became part of the German Empire before being taken by the Red Army and designated as part of Poland’s “Recovered Territories” at the end of World War II.
Things to do in Koszalin
For a cultural fix, head to the Koszalin Museum, which occupies an elegant villa on the northern edge of the Park of the Pomeranian Dukes. In addition to archaeological findings from across the region, it exhibits Polish paintings, historic coins and Art Deco furnishings. After your visit, you can stroll through the landscaped park to admire its seasonal floral displays and fountains.
Whether it’s sunny or raining, you can relax in the indoor and outdoor pools of Park Wodny Koszalin, a family-friendly aquatic centre in Koszalin’s north-east. Kids will love the water slides, while adults can take advantage of the spa and sauna facilities. Adjacent lie the obstacle ropes courses of the Na Linie Park Linowy Koszalin.
Sprawling north of Koszalin is Jamno, a 22-square-kilometre lake that provides a setting for fishing and sailing. It’s separated from the Baltic Sea by a thin spit where you’ll find the beach resorts of Mielno and Uniescie. A picturesque cycling and walking trail rings the lake and offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. Near the southern shore of Jamno is Zagroda Jamnenska, an open-air museum featuring a traditional Pomeranian farmstead.
Getting around Koszalin
Solidarity Szczecin-Goleniow Airport is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Koszalin and has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Koszalin railway station and buses travel throughout the city.