 A flag of Olsztyn

Olsztyn – the capital city of province of Warmia and Mazury, the seat of the region al authorities, civil, economic and administrative courts. The population of the city is nearly 175 thousand inhabitants, the area – 88, 3 km 2

 Within the administrative boundaries of the city there are 11 lakes and over 1800 ha of forests, more than a half of which constitute a compact complex of the City Forest (1050ha) performing the functions of recreation and rest as well as tourist and sightseeing areas. In total, greens constitute 50 % of the city area. Three rivers: the Łyna, the Wadąg and the Kortówka flow through the city.

Olsztyn is a city with 650 year history – it received municipal rights in In spite of numerous wars and disasters, a lot of marvelous monuments of architecture have remained in it. There have been preserved: The Warmia Chapter castle, now tke Museum of Warmia and Mazury, the High Gate, the remains of the city walls and St. Jacob`s Cathedral Basilica from the 14 th century. The Holly Cross Chapel known as the Jerusalem chaple, from the 16 th century, the evangelical church from the end of the 18 th century, as well as the Neo-Gothic Sacred Heart Church, St. Joseph`s Church and the garrison church from the beginning of the 19 th century, the Neo- Renaisance Franciscan church, two town halls – the Gothic so called Old Town Hall and New Town Hall from the beginning of the 20 th century. The charming Secession of townspeople`s tenement-houses, speaking well for the ancient inhabitants and the splendor of the medieval city on the Łyna, is also worth of attention.

 Jan of Łajsy – the founder of city,  Feliks Nowowiejski – a composer, author of the anthem of Olsztyn  Erich Mendelsohn - a word famous architect,  Nicholas Copernicus – the world most famous astronomer, administrator of the Olsztyn administrative unit, defender of the castle on the Łyna

Wandering along traced out routes, which lead through the most interesting places in town and its environs, is the essence of an active rest in Olsztyn. Olsztyn in friendly to cyclists. The concept of bicycle paths is being accomplished successively. At present, there are 12 km of separate bicycle paths leading parallel to the longest Olsztyn street. Cycling lovers can ride kilometers visiting gorgeous areas of Olsztyn forests and lakes along the routes, which one can cover easily within one day. There are several marked routes of enthusiasts of active rest in Olsztyn and environs. Longer expeditions along routes which allow to get to know the surroundings of Olsztyn and the history of this land are noteworthy. Warmia wayside shrines, churches, castles, palaces, monuments of nature, reserves, interesting collections of regional culture are worth seeing traces of the past.