Just a two-hour trip northeast from Berlin takes you across a border that is barely noticeable today, landing you in a city that, like few others in Europe, combines Prussian rigor with French esprit and Polish joie de vivre. Szczecin, in Polish, is the vibrant heart of Pomerania, Poland’s third-largest city, and a place that enchants its visitors with its charm.
Parisian flair and Hanseatic heritage
What makes Szczecin truly unique is its unusual city layout. Standing on Plac Grunwaldzki, you might for a moment believe you’ve landed in the French capital. In the late 19th century, the city center was designed after the model of Paris: star-shaped squares, from which wide boulevards lined with magnificent buildings radiate, characterize the cityscape. This architectural heritage has earned Szczecin the nickname “Paris of the North.”
Just a few minutes’ walk from this urban core, the city reveals its Hanseatic side. The undisputed landmark is the Hakenterrasse (Wały Chrobrego). This observation deck, over 500 meters long, towers majestically over the Oder River and offers a sweeping view of the harbor and the branching river channels. Directly behind it rises the gleaming white castle of the Dukes of Pomerania. Once the seat of the Dukes of Greifs, this Renaissance building now forms the cultural heart of the city and serves as a reminder of the time when Szczecin was one of the most powerful royal capitals in the Baltic region.
Modern contrasts and green spaces in Szczecin
But Szczecin hasn’t remained stuck in the past. The most striking architectural contrast is provided by the new Philharmonic Hall. With its white, pointed glass facade, it looks like a glowing iceberg amidst the historic brick buildings. It has quite rightly won numerous international awards.
What also makes Szczecin such a great place to live is its abundance of nature. Over a quarter of the city’s area consists of water, and the vast parks stretch like green ribbons through the neighborhoods. A particular curiosity is the Central Cemetery (Cmentarz Centralny), the third-largest cemetery in Europe, which, with its sweeping avenues and rare tree species, feels more like a botanical garden.
If all that culture has worked up an appetite, don’t miss out on the culinary classic: the Pasztecik Szczeciński. This deep-fried yeast pastry is more than just a snack—it’s a piece of the city’s identity. Szczecin is thus a city of discoveries. Deeply rooted in history, architecturally bold, and always with a fresh breeze from the nearby Baltic Sea in the air.
