olsztyn tourist information

• Best Things See Olsztyn Poland

The Best Things to See and Do in Olsztyn, Poland

Olsztyn is the capital city of Poland’s Warmia-Masuria Province , which is famous for being the ‘Polish Lake District’. While rural charm and a love of nature is clear in towns like Biskupiec and Kętrzyn , big city life prevails in vibrant Olsztyn. So while basing yourself in the city, work your way through this impressive list. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Explore olsztyn castle.

This striking, well maintained castle continues to delight visitors – with a splendid enclosed courtyard, strong walls and city views, it’s one of the key sights not to miss in Olsztyn. The castle was built between 1346-1353, and in the early days was the home of the Teutonic Knights. Inside the complex is the highly recommended Museum of Warmia-Mazuria which displays relics from the region and explains the history here. There is also a cafe and a gift shop at the venue.

Take a trip to Lake Ukiel

Just a few kilometres from the city centre and sitting on the edge of town is this glorious well-kept lake. Lake Ukiel is the biggest lake in Olsztyn, and proves why this part of Poland is known as the ‘Lake District’ – it truly is a stunning spot to admire from land, or by air. There are lots of activities that you can do in and around the lake including sports, hikes and bird watching, and the area has a number of bars, restaurants , and hotels, as well as a municipal beach.

Sample local beer at Browar Warmia

Poland might be more famous for vodka than for beer, but these days there is an up-and-coming craft beer scene in the country. There is no better place in Olsztyn for a drop of locally crafted beer than Warmia Brewery Bar – set in Olsztyn, this spot is well situated by the river, across from the entrance to the Old Town and overlooking Castle Park. In the restaurant, you can relax after a tour of the brewery, buy craft beer to take away, or of course sit down with some superb Polish food and that quintessential Warmian beer .

Visit St. James’s Cathedral

Churches continue to dominate Olsztyn ‘s skyline with quite a few different architectural styles in evidence. The instantly noticeable St. James’s Cathedral pierces its way into the sky from the city’s Old Town area. The tower of the church is notable for its rectangular pattern containing a mix of red bricks and white painted walls. The church dates back to 1596 and is the largest in the city and of course the main cathedral. It is used for Catholic masses.

Walk through the gate into the charming Old Town

The grand entrance to Olsztyn’s Old Town is through a marvellous gate structure known as the Wysoka Brama (‘Upper Gate’). An information board outside helps explain the history of the walled part of the city. Tour guides can be arranged, but unfortunately as yet there is no free walking tour in Olsztyn as in other Polish cities. Once inside the walls, there is so much to explore. The main Old Town Square is surrounded by bars, cafes and restaurants. This is also where the magnificent Old Town Hall sits and there is now a cosy hostel right on the entrance to the Old Town.

Stroll through Castle Park

Central Olsztyn boasts a leafy and tranquil park known as Park Zamkowy (Castle Park), where visitors can stroll through the leafy gardens by the river and wander the paths which wind in and out of the city. There is also a statue here of Nicolaus Copernicus, the famous Polish mathematician and astronomer who created the idea that it is the sun and not earth that sits at the centre of the universe .

Admire the town halls

Olsztyn has two town halls, and both are within a kilometre of each other. The main one (Ratusz) and the oldest of the two is right in the heart of the Old Town Square, while the newer one – most often called City Hall – is located on a prominent corner on Ulica 1 Maya, and is where the local council meetings take place.

Watch a performance in the impressive Stefan Jaracz Theatre

Olsztyn’s Stefan Jaracz Theatre was built in 1925 and has a distinctive grey symmetrical exterior. It sits centrally on the city’s Ulica 1 Maya street. The venue has a truly excellent reputation as one of the finest in Poland, and hosts weekly theatrical and musical performances throughout the year. Check the official Theatre Stefan Jaracz website for latest shows and ticket details.

Understand the city’s Jewish history

While Olsztyn’s Jews were escorted to Nazi concentration camps, Nazi leader Adolf Hitler infamously hid in a bunker in this province during World War II, in a forest hideout called Wilczy Szaniec (‘Wolf’s Lair’) . The town’s Jewish history dates back to the 1700s, and there were a number of Jewish-owned shops in the city during the 1800s and 1900s. However, the Nazi invasion wiped out virtually all of the region’s Jewish population. The museum details some of the sad war history here, but there are no remains of the Jewish cemetery.

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The first impressions of Olsztyn may leave you little underwhelmed, as the post-war suburbs through which the visitors must first travel when entering the city are cluttered with displeasing grey buildings and factories. After reaching the city centre, however, you will discover that Olsztyn has much more to offer than the usual post-war greyness. This is where Olsztyn hides all of its most precious treasures, most notably the picturesque Old Town full of impressive sights and monuments. Finally, with its numerous lakes and municipal forests, Olsztyn is likely to take you aback with the variety of leisure activities it offers.

Olsztyn TOURISM

Olsztyn’s popularity amongst tourists springs from two factors – its sights and its setting. The most attractive part of the city is the centrally positioned Old Town, encircled by a set of fortified walls. Despite its name, the Old Town is far from ancient. Due to the damages inflicted by the Red Army during the World War II, the area was almost totally destroyed, leaving only mere remnants of buildings dating back to medieval times. Recently, however, many of the demolished monuments have been carefully reconstructed, amongst them the Upper Gate (also known as the High Gate), the 14th century Gothic Castle of the Warmian Chapter and the majestic Cathedral of St. James. Being located in the centre of a famous lake district means that, apart from impressive sights, Olsztyn can offer a wide range of leisure activities, such as swimming, kayaking, biking and hiking.

Olsztyn is located in the northeast part of Poland, on the Lyna River. This capital of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship is surrounded by thick forests, which account for 20% of the whole city suburban area. There are also two preserves nearby (Mszar and Redykajny), three rivers and 13 large lakes (including the Dlugie and Redykajny Lakes), which comprise 8.75% of the municipal area. Such surroundings make the city a popular holiday resort, with people flocking here to relax in its calm and pastoral ambiance. Olsztyn is also an important transportation hub, lying some 90 km from the Russian border and 165 km away from Gdańsk and its attractions .

Though certainly a historic city, Olsztyn received municipal status relatively late in comparison to other major towns in the region. Though the first mention of the city dates back to 1334, Olsztyn received its municipal rights as relatively late as 1353, which is taken as the date of founding the city. The initial Prussian name of to the city was ‘Allenstein’, which roughly meant ‘the city located on the river Alna (Lyna)’. At first rather small, Allenstein easily succumbed to the clutches of the Teutonic Knights, who by that time already dominated the region. Surprisingly enough, soon after the first fortified castle and the Gothic St. Jacob Church were built, the city was conquered by Poles, who drove the Teutonic Knights away. Afterwards, the city prospered in a relatively peaceful environment, but for a short period only.

Eventually the Teutonic Knights returned and with them the era of repression. As an act of insurrection, Olsztyn joined several other Prussian cities in 1440 to create the Prussian Confederation, whose aim was to help Poles battle the Teutonic Knights. After a successful rebellion by the Confederation, Olsztyn joined Poland in 1466, and following the 2nd Peace Treaty in Torun the city became the capital of the Warmia region. The Teutonic Knight tried to conquer the city once more in 1521, but the campaign was largely unsuccessful. Olsztyn managed to force the enemy back, partially due to the assistance of the renowned Polish astronomer, Nicolas Copernicus, who at that time was serving as the administrator of Allenstein and nearby Mehlsack.

After the war Olsztyn entered a period of prosperity, taking advantage of its convenient location on the major trade route leading from Warsaw to Królewiec. Consequently, the city was transformed into a major trading centre. Unfortunately, the economic boom came to end in the 18th century when the Swedish army invaded Poland, almost completely destroying the city and the region. Worse still, after the invasion the city’s inhabitants suffered from starvation and the bubonic plague. Ultimately, after the partition of Poland in 1772, the weary Olsztyn was annexed by the Kingdom of Prussia.

The 19th century brought with it the greatest development of the city. Its first hospital, railroad, gas infrastructure, and water systems were constructed, including the first telephone line in 1890. Additionally, numerous new buildings were erected, including a new town hall and the Neo-gothic church of the Holy Heart of Jesus. All these factors contributed the industrialization of the city and the rapid growth in its population (from 4000 in 1845 to 25 000 in 1895). In 1871 Olsztyn joined the newly founded German Empire and became almost exclusively German. Conversely, in 1886 the first issue of the Polish newspaper “Gazeta Olsztyńska” was published, to help unify efforts to keep the Polish elements of Olsztyn’s culture alive.

The 20th century saw one of the most tragic periods in the history of the city. Following Word War I, in 1920, the whole Warmia region decided to join Germany instead of Poland. During the following two decades the city expanded even more, becoming one of the biggest cities in the area. However, near the end of the war the Russian Red Army forced its way into the city and, after a short occupation, the soldiers set the city on fire. As a consequence, Olsztyn was 40% destroyed and, like many other cities in the region, it entered a period of stagnation. The spell of poverty was not broken until 1967 when a tyre manufacturing plant was established nearby. Interestingly enough, after rejoining Poland in 1945, the city underwent a process of polonization in an attempt to reconcile it with the rest of the country. The action was largely successful, for the city was recognized for its persistence in preserving its Polish culture despite the century long period of germanization. Olsztyn has also written itself onto the pages of history as a city with a strong following of the NSZZ Solidarność movement. In 1989 the city had its first democratic local elections. more >> -->

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10 Top Things To Do in Olsztyn

Olsztyn is the beatiful city located 176km from Warsaw . It is famous for being the capital of the Polish Lake District .

 The town contains a renowned cultural and academic center, a university, cinemas, theatres, cafes, and many more wonderful attractions besides. In this post, you will get the complete list of the top 10 things to do in Olsztyn. Read on for more!

1. Discover the city’s main attraction, Olsztyn Castle

This well-maintained castle is the main attraction when visiting the beautiful town of Olsztyn. It was built during the years of 1346 – 1353 . Olsztyn castle is located within the historic center and contains a fantastic courtyard, magnificent city views, and well-built walls.

 You can walk around the perimeter to enjoy the views of the eye-catching castle. Don’t miss to visit the historical complex inside – the Museum of Warmia-Mazuria. There are available for the visitors a gift shop and a café as well.

Zbikun Wikimedia Commons

2. Find out the Historical St. James’s Cathedral

You can include this Cathedral’s name on your to-do list of activities. This church was built in a gothic style and made of brick on a stone base. 

The Cathedral has a three-nave, six-span, and a massive hall without a separate chancel. The tower of the church is remarkable for its rectangular pattern made up of a mix of red bricks and white painted walls. This is the most significant Cathedral in the city and is used for Catholic masses. 

Maciej Szczepanczyk Wikimedia Commons

3. Visit the Beautiful Old Town

The majestic entrance to Olsztyn’s Old Town is shown in an eye-catching gate structure, which is known as the Wysoka Brama. You can see an information board outside which has the history of the walled part of the city. The Old Town is the center of the Olsztyn cultural and social life. 

During the summer season, most of the events are held in a place that is related to the Olsztyńskie Lato Artystyczne (Olsztyn Artistic Summer). The amphitheater of Czesław Niemen, the market places, fish market, and the attractive streets are located around the castle area. 

The main Old Town Square is situated by cafes, bars, and restaurants. Also, you can visit a cozy hostel right on the gate to the Old Town. 

Adam024 Wikimedia Commons

4. Enjoy the Natural Beauty of Lake Ukiel

It will be an awesome trip for you when you meet with the beautiful lake ducks, a variety of birds, and unknown green plants in the lake. Lake Ukiel is the biggest and deepest lake in Olsztyn.

 It is situated in the north-west part of the city among the uptown quarters of Dajtki, Gutkowo, and Linkusy. The shoreline of the charming water body is 22.5 km long; it creates many bays and peninsulas. 

You can do many types of activities that are available around the lake, such as hiking, sports, and bird watching. The area offers high-quality bars, hotels, and restaurants. Also, you can make a trip there, visiting the beautiful municipal beach. 

At this time, you can also visit the River Kortowka that is located between the lake and the railway track. This river is a popular visiting area for watching a variety of birds, black-headed gulls, nightingales nest, tufted ducks, etc.

Mazaki Wikimedia Commons

5. Visit the exciting Stefan Jaracz Theatre

 If you are a theatre lover, then you should visit this oldest theatre , which was built in 1925 with a typical grey symmetrical exterior. You can find it on the city’s Ulica 1 Maya Street. 

This avenue has a stunning reputation in Poland; they offer weekly musical and theatrical performances throughout the year and also existing independent art projects by young artists. 

6. The largest park in Olsztyn, Podzamcze Park

This park is located in the Old Town on the Lyna River, around the remains of the old city walls. It will be worth visiting at any time of the year, be it the summer or spring. 

You will love to be among the lush green nature and wildflowers and the incredible beauty of the chestnut trees, maples, and alders. During autumn, the view is made spectacular with the trees’ colorful foliage. 

This is an all-time favorite area for locals and tourists as well. The fountains and walking paths are being improved, and new lanes, bike paths, and footbridges all are available in this park to enjoy a lovely visiting time.

7. Enjoy the Fish Market in Olsztyn

The city’s fish market is a small square located off the Stare Miasto. It is surrounded by lively bars and high-quality restaurants. 

You can also visit the Monument of Saint James, a sandstone figure that is holding a bronze stick. It is a beautiful place to take a drink in the evening without seeing any fish!

8. The renowned High Gate

You can discover the famous High Gate (also known as the Upper Gate), and this is a giant Gothic structure towering over the tenement houses in Olsztyn.

 It was built during the 14th century (renamed to the High Gate in the 19th century) and remains the only gate preserved out of the three original defensive walls around the town. The gate is located in the north-east region of the Old Town. It is still today one of the most symbolic constructs remaining in all of Olsztyn.

Nol Aders Wikimedia Commons

9. Taste local beer at Browar Warmia

Warmia Brewery Bar is famous for locally crafted beer; it is the best place in Olsztyn. The spot is so amazing, located by the river, across from the door to the Old Town and overlooking Castle Park. 

The restaurant offers a relaxing quiet environment where you can stay to enjoy the Warmian beer and some of the delicious Polish food after a tour of the brewery.

10. The Classic Port Restaurant

 If you have a high budget to expend on your trip, then don’t forget to taste the four-star hotel’s unforgettable experience! The Port Restaurant is amazing and perfectly organized for all types of occasions. It is located in the lovely Ukiel Lake. A blend of nice flavors’ attractive arrangements, and a peaceful atmosphere, you will gain all of these things and more when visiting here.

Not finish yet! You can also visit the Aura Centre in Olsztyn , which has over a hundred shopping and dining options and a modern style Helios cinema with eight screens.

 Lastly, you can discover the hidden and most precious treasures of Olsztyn city when you visit. Olsztyn is waiting with all kinds of entertainments for you and your family! So, enjoy your holiday!

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Bartosz is a travel writer, photographer & founder/editor of theuniquepoland who tells stories of adventure, history and current affairs. He writes mainly about travel, with special focus on Poland. He loves travelling, discover new unknown and inspire others.

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One comment.

Thanks for this post on the beauty of Poland, my family and I went for a vacation at Olsztyn last year and we went to visit some old beautiful town in there and trust me it was really a time worthwhile , when we were there I discovered some sites needs reconstruction and i think if they do it will really makes the town more beautiful,thanks 

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• 1.1 By plane
• 1.2 By train
• 2 Get around

Olsztyn (German: Allenstein ) is a historic town and capital of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodship in northern Poland . The city is home to 175,000 inhabitants and boasts a beautiful Gothic city centre. Some charming Masurian lakes are very close and the city has basically grown around them.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

There is an international airport in the near town of Szczytno , but more flights go from Warsaw : Warsaw Chopin Airport : For those travelling from Warsaw serviced by Polski Express . See also: Routes/Timetable

By train [ edit ]

The Polish State Railways have train connections from Warsaw and Gdańsk as well as Białystok . There are also direct trains to/from Kraków during the summer.

By car [ edit ]

You can easily get there by car from Warsaw , Gdańsk and Białystok .

By bus [ edit ]

Many international connections (see Poland::By bus ).

Get around [ edit ]

See [ edit ]

• 53.776471 20.475817 1 Old Town Hall , Stare Miasto 33 .  
• 53.777845 20.474564 2 Castle of the Warmian Chapter ( Zamek Kapituły Warmińskiej ), Zamkowa 2 , ☏ +48 89 527 95 96 . Closed on M .  
• 53.775251 20.491145 3 Planetarium and Astronomic Observatory , al. Piłsudskiego 38 .  
• 53.775883 20.477514 4 Co-cathedral Basilica of Saint Jacob the Apostle , Stanisława Staszica 11 , ☏ +48 89 527 32 80 .  
• 53.777542 20.477635 5 High Gate ( Wysoka Brama ), Staromiejska 16 .  

Do [ edit ]

Events [ edit ].

• International Theatre Festival DEMOLUDY [dead link] is held every October and became one of the biggest festivals presenting contemporary theatre and drama from former communist countries.

Buy [ edit ]

Eat [ edit ], drink [ edit ], sleep [ edit ].

• Rest4All , Wyzwolenia 8/5. Spacious rooms, shared kitchen, wifi, even some balconies. +48 723 536 919. $24.
• Przystań Hotel&Spa , Żeglarska 4. Offers quite the lake views from the restaurant/bar and also from the indoor pool and even some rooms. Sauna, gym, hot tub, spa treatments, etc. +48 89 651 90 00. $103.

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Why You Should Visit Olsztyn, Poland

Even if I’ve been visiting Olsztyn, the capital of the Warmian-Masurian region in Poland, since I was a kid, very rarely have I had a chance to see it properly, as a tourist. Only during one of my last trips there, did I set aside some time to discover Olsztyn and, just like with many Polish cities recently, I was really amazed at what a cool and beautiful place it has become.

If you are looking for an off-the-path yet interesting place in Poland – visit Olsztyn. You will surely be impressed with the beautiful architecture, interesting history and amazing nature around.

Below you will find some solid reasons why you should plan a trip to Olsztyn soon.

Table of Contents

How to get to Olsztyn, Poland

Olsztyn, a city of around 170 thousand inhabitants, is located in northeast Poland, some 200 km north of Warsaw , the capital of Poland. Other bigger, fairly nearby cities are Gdansk (180 km), Bialystok (220 km), Torun (190 km), and Bydgoszcz (210 km).

Getting to Olsztyn is actually really easy as the city is well-connected by train with Warsaw and other places in Poland, with daily direct departures. You can check the schedules here . The direct Warsaw-Olsztyn train takes around 2h30 min to get between these two cities.

Reasons to visit Olsztyn

If you are wondering if Olsztyn is worth visiting I put together a list of a few good reasons that yes, indeed it is!

See the Olsztyn castle

Although it is much smaller than the Gothic masterpiece in Malbork , Olsztyn castle is really impressive too. Located in the heart of the city, the Castle of Warmian Cathedral Chapter in Olsztyn (as that’s the official name of this place) dates back to the mid-14th century (when Olsztyn got the location rights) and is a great example of the brick, Gothic architecture in the area.

For years, the castle was used mostly for defensive purposes and as the seat of the Warmian Cathedral Chapter until in 1772, after the First Partition of Poland, it was taken over by the Prussian state. When Olsztyn returned to Poland in 1945, the castle became home to the Museum of Warmia-Masuria and serves this function until today.

It is worth visiting the castle, not only to see the large collection of artifacts from the region (that show both, Polish and German heritage) but also to see the original interiors of the place, including the refectory with an impressive diamond vault built around 1520 (it always reminds me of the beautiful architecture in Iran ).

Learn more about the life of Nicolaus Copernicus

For five years, between 1516 and 1521, Olsztyn castle was home to Nicolaus Copernicus, the world-known astronomer who worked here as the administrator caretaker of the place (normally he was the canon of Warmian Cathedral Chapter in nearby Frombork (Frauenburg)). When visiting the castle you can learn more about his life in Olsztyn as well as see a well-preserved astronomical table, made in 1517 by Copernicus himself.

Right before entering the castle premises, you can find the popular statue of Copernicus. It’s common to sit on his lap and grab his nose for luck.

Wander around the Old Town

The oldest part of Olsztyn, the Old Town, dates back to the 14th century and was built in the strategic location at the bend of the Łyna river, next to the Olsztyn castle. It was protected by the city walls with the dozen of bastions and three gates and until the 19th century, it actually was the whole town. Today’s Old Town has the same shape and area as the original one but the only remaining part of the fortification (besides the castle) is the High Gate, which still serves as the entry point to the Old Town.

The heart of the Old Town is the Main Square, with the Gothic Old Town Hall in the middle. The brick building originally dates back to the 14th century but was rebuilt after the fire in the early 17th century.

The Main Square as well as the surrounding streets are lined with interesting townhouses that were mostly rebuilt after World War 2 (however, you can still easily find original elements from medieval times). My favorite thing about them is the added art in the shape of mid-20th century bas-reliefs or sgraffito, they add a unique twist to the place.

See one of the prettiest town halls in Poland

Olsztyn in fact has two town halls – the old, Gothic one in the Old Town (that is used as the library today) and the new one, located just outside the Old Town. The majestic neo-renaissance building dates back to the early 20th century and is among the most beautiful town halls in Poland.

Already from the outside, you can admire the unique architecture of the building, including five statues – civic virtues: Justice, Wisdom, Beauty, Strength and Diligence. It is possible to visit the town hall inside too, during the opening hours of the municipal institutions that are based here.

See the galaxy

Olsztyn is home to the second-largest planetarium in Poland, a true testimony to Nicolaus Copernicus’s past in the city. It was opened in 1973, on the 500th birthday anniversary of the great astronomer and since then the place is an important attraction in the city.

If you would like to learn more about the stars and galaxies, this is your place to visit. There are different showings to choose from, some have live commentary from the in-house astronomers but no matter which one you choose, you are in for a treat. A little bonus of visiting the Olsztyn planetarium is a beautiful mosaic located inside the building.

Not far from the planetarium you will also find the observatory, located in the 19th-century water tower. During your visit here you can learn more about astronomy and admire the panorama of the city from the top floor. In the evening, when the sky is clear, you can see breathtaking views of the galaxy through the telescope.

Relax at the lake

One of the best things about visiting Olsztyn are lakes, located all over the city. Almost 10% of the city’s area is taken by the lakes.

There are 16 of them within Olsztyn’s borders and you can easily visit them during your trip to Olsztyn. Some of them have fine facilities, like the city beach or piers, while others are more wild so it’s up to you where you prefer to relax.

What’s interesting, in the past there were even more lakes in Olsztyn but in the second half of the 19th century, many of them were drained as it was more profitable to sell the land than to use it for fishing.

A getaway to the Warmia region

While Olsztyn is a great place to visit, the city can also be used as a great base to explore the surrounding area. Not only the Warmia region is really beautiful, with numerous lakes, forests, and rivers, but there are also some interesting landmarks to see.

You can find some great Gothic architecture not only in Olsztyn but also in Lidzbark Warminski, Reszel, or Frombork. There are also beautiful Baroque palaces around as well as interesting brick roadside chapels lined along the Warmia roads, typical for this region. Warmia is one of the most underrated regions in Poland but that’s why discovering all its gem is such a treat.

A bit further you can visit Elblag and take the boat along the unique Elblag Canal. And then hop to the seaside that is not far.

Or you can visit Masuria, popular for its grand lakes (I personally prefer those in Olsztyn and the surroundings). That’s also where you will find Wolf’s Lair – Hitler’s headquarters during World War 2, the first one on the Eastern Front, located only 100 km away from Olsztyn.

Final thoughts on visiting Olsztyn

The northeastern part of Poland is still fairly overlooked by international tourists but as you can see above, this area really offers some great attractions and landmarks. And there is no better place than Olsztyn to start your trip to the region!

This is also a great destination if you want to have both: a trip to an interesting city and a wonderful nature getaway.

But no matter what are your reasons to visit Olsztyn, I’m sure you will enjoy the place and its surroundings!

Further reading

I published many articles about Poland that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 37 Amazing Things to Do in Krakow, Poland
• 20 Great Places to Visit As Day Trips from Warsaw, Poland
• Visiting Auschwitz – How to Plan the Auschwitz Tour
• 17 Amazing Things to Do in Lublin, Poland
• The Complete Guide to Visiting Slownski National Park, Poland
• Visit Grudziadz – One of the Hidden Gems of Poland
• 19 Amazing Things to Do in Gdansk, Poland
• Visit Sandomierz, Poland – One of the Prettiest Towns in the Country
• Visiting Malbork Castle, Poland – the Largest Castle in the World
• 25 Amazing Things to do in Wroclaw, Poland
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You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Olsztyn

Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Poland here.

I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here .

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Sightseeing in Olsztyn - what to see. Complete travel guide

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Olsztyn Travel Guide

Accommodation, activities & attractions, places to eat, tourist information.

Olsztyn Travel Guide - Olsztyn in north western Poland in the province of Warmińsko-Mazurskie. Olsztyn is a city in north eastern Poland, located on wooded hills on the Łyna River. It has been the capital of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship since 1 January 1999 and was previously in the Olsztyn Voivodeship as well as in other divisional units from 1945 to 1975 and from 1975 to 1998.

The population of the city as of June 2009 was 176,387 and is divided into 23 districts and within it's boundaries lie eleven lakes with forest occupying about 21% of the area.

It is an important cultural city with the S.Jaracz Theatre, and home to the F.Nowowiejski Symphony Orchestra, a scientific and educational centre for the province having four schools of higher education.

The economy of the city is supported by a large industrial centre with the Stomil tyre factory and furniture manufacturing as well as the food industry and a thriving tourist trade.

This site is a travel Guide about the country of Polska which is located in central Europe. You are very welcome to visit my site and I hope that you will enjoy the experience.

My guide is easy to use as each village, town and city has it's own page with useful information for the visitor. Not all sections appearing on the left of my guide, on this place may have information as this is an ongoing project.

It may be the case that this location has not yet been reviewed and written about so if you can contribute any information about this place to improve this guide please send it to Olsztyn Travel Guide .

Accommodation in Olsztyn

You will find the full range of accommodation in this town from the most luxurious five star hotels with up to date and modern amenities to pensions (a type of guest house or boarding house) and rooms or apartments at very reasonable prices. Some of the larger towns and cities will also have hostels.

If you prefer to stay in a more rural location there are a number of “Agro” style of accommodation places on farms and in the countryside plus there may be camp sites nearby.

If you see something you like or wish to know more about please contact the accommodation directly as I do not take commission and I take the attitude that their own website will have more up to date details on what they offer than if I were to include it here.

If you wish to advertise your accommodation please contact me at Olsztyn Travel Guide .

This place to stay may just be the right accommodation for you.

Activities & Attractions in Olsztyn

Poland is a country with a large variety of landscapes, a place where you can experience all four seasons. This provides the visitor with many opportunities for adventure and different activities and visiting attractions, whether you enjoy the mountains, lakes, rivers or the beaches you will find something that suits you.

If you see something you like or wish to know more about the activity or attraction please contact the provider directly as I do not take commission and I take the attitude that their own website will have more up to date details on what they offer than if I were to include it here.

What ever activity or attraction you run, if you wish to advertise on Olsztyn Travel Guide let us know.

PLANETARIUM OBSERVATORY - Home of the Olsztyn Planetarium and Observatory.

For hundreds of years the area known now as the Provence of Warmia and Mazury has been a region where languages, cultures and religions have mingled together. The region has many trails with some dating back to the Middle Ages used by merchants trading amber and pilgrams travelling to various sanctuaries on their journeys from the south to Northern Europe.

Many of the historic buildings on these trails have suvived wars and time and along with valuable exhibits which can be observed in local museums, remind the visitor of the past.

Many of these trails pass through the city of Olsztyn joining together the current regions two parts, the Great Masurian Lakes with the old lands of Warmia.

Geography of Olsztyn

Awaiting details.

History of Olsztyn

Museums in olsztyn.

Polska is full of history and the Polish are great lovers of knowledge of the past so you will find many museums in the country, whether it be a folk, military, science, skansen, transport or any other type.

Poland has a long history and has been an important trading route that has been invaded by many different groups over the past 1,000 years. Museums are a great way to explore the nations history about the inhabitants of the land in the past, their lives and customs.

Accept a free advert about your museum and include it below by writing an article about it here on Olsztyn Travel Guide . Follow the link for the article. For the rest, if you see something you like or wish to know more about please contact the museum directly as I take the attitude that their own website will have more up to date details on what they offer than if I were to include it here.

What ever museum you run, if you wish to advertise it on  Olsztyn Travel Guide at no cost please contact me.

This museum is full of interesting things to see.

Places to Eat in Olsztyn

There are many restaurants covering the usual pizza to those offering local Polish traditional and regional cuisine.

If you see something you like or wish to know more about please contact the place to eat directly as I do not take commission and I take the attitude that their own website will have more up to date details on what they offer than if I were to include it here.

If you wish to advertise your cafe, restaurant or bar on Olsztyn Travel Guide please advise me.

This place to eat may just be the right one for your pallet.

Tourist Information in Olsztyn

PTTK Masuria - Polish Tourist Association branch in the city - useful information about the region.

David's Travel Guides - This web site will eventually have tourist information on most of the places in Polska. Being a web site you will be able to access the information on most digital platforms, including your laptop, personal computer or a mobile phone.

Tourist organisations are welcome to contact me for details on how to display their information on Olsztyn Travel Guide .

PTTK - Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society is a non-profit organisation that you will find in many places in Poland.

It is one of the oldest tourist societies in Europe and was was created by the merger of two societies: Polish Tatry Society (1873) and Polish Country Lovers Society (1906).

Official Tourist Information Centres in Poland are divided into 1*, 2*, 3* and 4* Certified and Non-Certified. All Certified Tourist Centres provide information in one or more foreign languages and have an expanded range of services as compared to the Non-Certified.

No further information as yet.

Transport in Olsztyn

PKS OLSZTYN OLSZTYN bus - bus timetables

MPK Olsztyn - city bus schedule

PKP Olsztyn - train schedules

As from 20 January 2016 Olsztyn Masuria Airport opened its doors with two flight destinations, Berlin and Krakow three times a week. The nearest other international airports serving the Warmińsko-Mazurskie region are Warsaw Chopin Airport, Gdańsk's Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN), and Bydgoszcz's Ignacy Jan Paderewski Airport (BZG).

Olsztyn the capital of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie region with about 175,000 inhabitants, (with 1.5 million inhabitants in the region), now has an international airport at Szczytno-Szymany. It began its operations on January 20, 2016 with a flight to Berlin, Germany. The airport has a runway 2000 meters long and 60 meters wide, Currently it has a broken ILS system, and is located in Szymany in Mazury region. The airport management has rebranded the airport to “Olsztyn-Mazury”, so it would better encapsulate the whole region of Mazury and its lakes, which is better well known.

The airport is situated 59 kilometres to the south of Olsztyn, at the border with the more densely populated part of the Mazowsze region. Also other larger towns can be found (50-60 thousand people) within a 60 kilometres distance such as Mława, Ciechanów, Ostrołęka. This airport has in its catchment area a population of 2.7 million people taken from both voivodeships.

In order to provide better access, a rail link from Olsztyn to the airport has been built, using an exsisting rail branch, upgrading the rail line. A journey time to the centre of Olsztyn is about 45 minutes. In the future, there are plans for a rail link to Białystok through Ostrołęka, and another to Ełk.

Websites of Olsztyn

Weather reporting service - the current and the next day in the city.

If you have a website that is an official one linked to this town, or you administer a local community or an important trade site please contact me here at  Olsztyn Travel Guide . as I may be interested in including it.

Regional Links

The Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodship was created in 1999 and is located in the north west of Poland.

Places in Province

The cities, towns and villages of the region of Warmińsko-Mazurskie.

Map of Olsztyn

Verse of the Day

Olsztyn Travel Guide - Warmińsko-Mazurskie - David's Travel Guides

Olsztyn Travel Essentials

Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: May - September

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

"Historic City with Castle and Natural Beauty"

Olsztyn tourism.

Olsztyn, located in northeastern Poland, is a great destination for tourists looking for a unique and exciting experience. The city is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes. It is especially popular for its many lakes, rivers, and forests. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the area by taking part in activities such as sailing, kayaking, cycling, and fishing. Olsztyn is also home to a number of interesting and unique attractions, including the Olsztyn Castle, the old market square, and the Museum of Warmia and Mazury.

One of the main reasons to visit Olsztyn is to explore the region's historical and cultural heritage. The city has many old churches, castles, and other monuments. The Olsztyn Castle is a particularly popular attraction, as it is the oldest castle in Poland, built in the 13th century. The old market square is also a great spot for visitors, with its colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. The Museum of Warmia and Mazury is another must-see for visitors to Olsztyn. It offers a unique insight into the region's history and culture, and provides an in-depth look at local traditions and customs. Another great attraction is the Ethnographic Museum, which features traditional folk costumes and artifacts from around the region. Olsztyn is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a number of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. The city is also home to several music festivals, from classical to folk, and theatre performances. When visiting Olsztyn, it's important to remember the local laws and customs. Dress appropriately, respect the local culture, and be aware of the local currency. It's also advisable to book accommodation in advance, as the city can get quite crowded during peak

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Teutonic Order

Olsztyn is the capital of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship and is located on the Łyna River in north eastern Poland. It’s by far the biggest city in the region and is the transport hub for other towns in Warmia and Masuria and also a popular tourist destination.

Olsztyn was founded in the 14 th century and was originally under the control and influence of the Teutonic Order prior to coming under Polish control following the Treaty of Toruń in 1466.

The city has a well-preserved old town with many historical buildings, including the Gothic-style St. James’s Cathedral and the 14th-century castle, which houses the Olsztyn Castle Museum. The city also has several other museums, such as the Museum of Warmia and Mazury and the Museum of the Earth.

The castle in Olsztyn is well-maintained with a splendid enclosed courtyard and city views. It was built between 1346-1353, and in the early days was the home of the Teutonic Knights. The Museum of Warmia & Masuria is housed inside the castle.

The city is also known for its beautiful parks and gardens, including the Ukiel Lake, which is a popular spot for swimming, sailing, and windsurfing in the summer, and ice-skating in the winter.

Olsztyn is a renowned cultural and academic centre, boasting a large Philharmonic Orchestra and a university in addition to numerous cinemas, theatres, restaurants and cafes.

Great Masurian Lakes

Overall, Olsztyn is a city with a rich history and beautiful natural surroundings, making it a great destination for those interested in history, culture, and outdoor activities.

In terms of transportation, Olsztyn has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams, as well as a regional airport that connects the city with other destinations in Poland and abroad.

Warmia-Masuria (Warminsko-Mazurskie) is the water sports capital of Poland and it is dominated by the Great Masurian Lakes. Every year, thousands of kayakers, windsurfers and sailors arrive in the province to have fun on the water.

The region is home to Hitler’s wartime hideout, the Wolf’s Lair , one of Europe’s most significant WWII sites. There’s also Palaces, Gothic castles, Gothic churches and museums to explore.

'Love Poland' on Facebook

Welcome to the ‘Love Poland’ community where you will find further information about Olsztyn, amazing images, information from a local’s perspective and much much more…

Top Things to Do

It’s a two for one deal when you visit the Museum of Warmia & Masuria because it is located inside of Olsztyn’s impressive red-brick 14th century castle; which is the most important historic structure in the city. One of the first things you will see is a bronze of Nicolaus Copernicus, a Renaissance-era mathematician and astronomer, who formulated a model of the universe that placed the Sun rather than Earth at its centre. He actually lived in the castle between 1516 – 1520 and made some of his famous observations there. You can still see some of his work today. The 14th century Gothic cathedral contains some magnificent works of art including two Late Gothic winged altars (triptychs) from the 16th century. The cathedral’s 7-story tower was added in 1596.

• Warmia-Masuria (Warminsko-Mazurskie)

Warmia-Masuria (Warminsko-Mazurskie) is the water sports capital of Poland and it is dominated by the Great Masurian Lakes. Every year, thousands of kayakers, windsurfers and sailors arrive in the province to have fun on the water. At 24,192 square kilometres, Warmia-Masuria is not the biggest region in Poland but it sure has a lot to offer and is one of the most popular regions of Poland. Once you’ve explored the lakes, you can experience water of a different sort on one of the world’s most intriguing canals, the Elbląg–Ostróda; which runs 80.5 kilometres southward from Lake Drużno to the river Drwęca and lake Jeziorak.

On the Water

For those people who enjoy getting out on the water on a sail boat, Poland provides many opportunities to do so. Sailing enthusiasts come to The Great Masurian Lakes in their droves every summer where it is possible to enjoy two weeks on the water without visiting the same lake twice. Known as the Polish Lake District, this impressive network of interconnected lakes offers sailors excellent facilities including a great choice of sailboats for hire with the most popular places to do so being Giżycko and Mikołajki. An alternative location for sailors is the Baltic sea. The 870 square kilometre bay at Szczecin is the most popular place to sail and is shared by Germany and Poland. Gdańsk bay is a good alternative and has many picturesque fishing towns and sea harbours.

Tours & experiences

Best hotel offers olsztyn.

Dental Tourism in Poland

Quality dental treatment in Poland at 50-70% off UK prices. Combine affordable dental care with a holiday or short break

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Billionaire Plans Dive to the Titanic in a Newly Designed Submersible

Larry Connor, 74, who made his wealth in real estate, said he’s building a new acrylic-hulled submersible that will be certified and rigorously tested to show that deep sea exploration is safe.

By Emily Schmall and Orlando Mayorquín

A real estate billionaire in Ohio is planning an underwater voyage to the site of the Titanic shipwreck, where a submersible imploded on its approach to the sea floor a year ago, killing all five passengers on board.

Shortly after the OceanGate disaster, Larry Connor, 74, a real estate investor and amateur adventurer, contacted the co-founder of Triton Submarines, Patrick Lahey, imploring him to build a submarine that could reach the depths of the Titanic safely and repeatedly, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The two men aim to explore and conduct scientific research at the site, located off the coast of Newfoundland, 12,500 feet under the sea, in a two-person submersible that Triton is designing in the summer of 2026.

“Ours is just not a trip to the Titanic,” Mr. Connor said in an interview on Tuesday. “It’s a research mission.”

“The other purpose is to demonstrate to people around the globe that you can build a revolutionary, first-of-its-kind sub and dive it safely and successfully to great depths,” he added.

The custom sub, which Mr. Connor plans to call “The Explorer — Return to the Titanic,” is still in the design phase and will be based on an existing submarine design that Mr. Lahey had worked on for years. It is listed on the Triton website as the Abyssal Explorer, an acrylic-hulled vessel than can reach depths of 13,000 feet, “the perfect submersible for repeated trips to the deep ocean.”

“Once subsurface, the submersible’s hydrodynamic shape — with wings folded — speeds the descent to 13,000 feet,” the company said on its website. “The journey takes less than two hours, significantly faster than previously possible.” It will be the first acrylic-hulled sub to reach such depths, Mr. Connor said, expanding the visibility of a deep-sea sub from small window portals and cameras to a 320-degree view.

“Frankly, the technology didn’t exist even six or eight years ago,” Mr. Connor said. “It’s only been with recent developments in the last five years that you could build this.”

An interview request with Mr. Lahey was referred to Mr. Connor’s spokesman, who said that only Mr. Connor would speak about the expedition.

Mr. Connor said his interest in venturing down to the Titanic in a new vessel stems from his broader interest in advancing ocean exploration, in this case by innovating the field's best tool — the submersible.

“The best way, in my limited experience, to explore the ocean, is in a submersible,” he said.

The final cost of the sub is still to be determined, but Mr. Connor said it would be in the millions.

Mr. Connor took great pains to contrast the submersible that he plans to use on his dive to the Titanic with that used in the deadly voyage to the sunken ship a year ago.

After the Titan disaster on June 18, 2023, criticism emerged from recreational and professional underwater explorers about the vessel’s cost-saving design choices .

The vessel disappeared under the dark waters of the North Atlantic, losing contact with its Canadian expedition ship on the surface, MV Polar Prince, about 400 miles south of St. John’s, Newfoundland, an hour and 45 minutes into its journey.

On board were Stockton Rush , 61, the founder and chief executive of OceanGate Expeditions, who was piloting the vessel; Hamish Harding , 58, a British businessman and explorer; Paul-Henri Nargeolet , 77, a French maritime expert; Shahzada Dawood , 48, a British Pakistani businessman; and his son, Suleman, 19.

Six days later, a multinational search ended with evidence of a catastrophic implosion that left no survivors.

Until the Titan disaster, no one had ever died while piloting or riding a submersible in the deep sea, a safety record that stood for nearly a century, despite explorers making many thousands of dives.

Mr. Connor contends that the OceanGate episode has hurt the submersible industry and tainted the public’s perceptions of attempts to innovate in the space.

“I’m concerned that people associate diving subs, especially new or different subs, with danger or tragedy,” Mr. Connor said.

Mr. Connor said he wanted to reassert the safety of well-made submersibles, certified (which the industry calls classified) by respected organizations that do rigorous testing. Mr. Connor says the sub would be certified, and take two and a half to three years to build.

OceanGate’s experimental Titan design was not certified, which Mr. Rush advertised as proof of the sub’s cutting-edge innovation even as industry experts expressed concern about the vessel’s safety.

Mr. Connor, on the other hand, said he had a reputation for never taking on “unacceptable risk.”

“If we can’t do it, what we call ‘s and s’ — safely and successfully — we’re just not going to do it,” Mr. Connor said. “We’re not thrill-seekers. We’re not big risk-takers.”

Mr. Connor is also a record-setting skydiver , astronaut and deep-sea explorer, who in 2021 joined Mr. Lahey on three deep dives in five days at the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific Ocean, some 200 miles off the coast of Guam. Their vessel, a Triton-built sub known as D.S.V. Limiting Factor, reached sea depths of about 35,000 feet, taller than Mount Everest.

In April 2022, Mr. Connor joined two other paying customers and a retired NASA astronaut on a SpaceX flight to the International Space Station, the first such mission manned only by private citizens and NASA’s first foray in space tourism.

During the eight-day mission, which cost Mr. Connor and the other two customers $55 million each, Mr. Connor and others conducted a series of research experiments in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic and other medical organizations.

An earlier version of this article incorrectly described a submersible safety record prior to the Titan submersible disaster. No one had died on a submersible in the deep sea, but there had been deaths on submersibles in shallower water.

How we handle corrections

Emily Schmall covers breaking news and feature stories and is based in Chicago. More about Emily Schmall

Orlando Mayorquín is a breaking news reporter, based in New York, and a member of the 2023-24 Times Fellowship class , a program for journalists early in their careers. More about Orlando Mayorquín

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Israel says Gaza war likely to last another seven months as tanks probe Rafah

Israel sent tanks on raids into Rafah on Wednesday and predicted its war on Hamas in Gaza would continue all year, after Washington said the Rafah assault did not amount to a major ground operation that would trigger a change in U.S. policy.

The United Nations Security Council will meet publicly on Friday over North Korea's failed attempt to launch a new military reconnaissance satellite, which the United States described as "reckless and destabilizing behavior."

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Air Travel Consumer Report: March 2024 Numbers

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today released its Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) on airline operational data compiled for the month of March 2024 for on-time performance, mishandled baggage, mishandled wheelchairs and scooters, and 1st quarter oversales. The ATCR is designed to assist consumers with information on the quality of services provided by airlines. 

For March 2024, 0.9% of flights were cancelled, lower than the 1.3% cancellation rate for March 2023 and the 2.0% cancellation rate for pre-pandemic March 2019.  

DOT expects that airlines will operate flights as scheduled and that when they do not, airlines will provide consumers the services promised when a flight is cancelled or delayed because of an airline issue. After a two-year DOT push to improve the passenger experience, the 10 largest airlines now guarantee meals and free rebooking on the same airline and nine guarantee hotel accommodations. Consumer-friendly information regarding airline commitments to their customers is available on the Department’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard at FlightRights.Gov . DOT also pushed airlines to provide fee-free family seating and rolled out a new family seating dashboard that highlights the airlines that guarantee fee-free family seating, and those of the 10 largest that do not, making it easier for parents to avoid paying junk fees to sit with their children when they fly.

DOT recently announced two final rules that require airlines to provide automatic cash refunds to passengers when owed and protect consumers from costly surprise airline fees . These rules will significantly expand consumer protections in air travel, provide passengers an easier pathway to refunds when owed, and save consumers more than half a billion dollars every year in hidden and surprise junk fees. Provisions of the final rule on airline refunds were fortified through the FAA reauthorization bill that President Biden signed into law on May 16, 2024.

In addition, DOT is improving transportation for individuals with disabilities. In July 2023, DOT finalized a rule which requires airlines to make lavatories on new, single-aisle aircraft more accessible. Then, in February 2024, DOT issued a proposal to address other barriers that Americans who use a wheelchair encounter when it comes to air travel by, among other things, proposing to mandate enhanced training for airline employees and contractors who physically assist passenger with disabilities and handle passengers’ wheelchairs.

Further, when necessary, DOT takes enforcement action against airlines and ticket agents that fail to comply with the Department’s aviation consumer protection requirements. In 2023, DOT issued the largest fines in the history of the consumer protection office. This includes a $140 million penalty against Southwest Airlines for failing passengers during the 2022 holiday meltdown. That penalty, which was in addition to over $600 million DOT already ensured was refunded by Southwest to passengers, requires Southwest to establish a $90 million compensation system for passengers affected by significant delays and cancellations beginning April 30, 2024.  Additionally, DOT has helped return nearly $4 billion in refunds to travelers since the pandemic began.

In April, DOT announced the launch of the bipartisan Airline Passenger Protection Partnership with 18 state attorneys general to investigate airlines and ticket agents and hold them accountable when they violate aviation consumer protection laws. The partnership significantly expands the Department’s oversight capacity by establishing a new fast-track system prioritizing misconduct cases from state attorneys general who uncover unfair or deceptive airline practices. Through the partnership, DOT will provide state attorneys general with access to the federal complaint database and help ensure that airlines cooperate with state investigations.

Flight Operations

The 623,409 flights operated in March 2024 were 102.47% of the 608,387 flights operated in March 2023. Operated flights in March 2024 were up 2.47% year-over-year from the 608,387 flights operated in March 2023 and up 13.46% month-over-month from 549,439 flights operated in February 2024. 

In March 2024, the 10 marketing network carriers reported 628,786 scheduled domestic flights, 5,377 (0.9%) of which were cancelled. In February 2024, airlines scheduled 552,691 domestic flights, 3,252 (0.6%) of which were cancelled. In March 2023, airlines scheduled 616,234 domestic flights, 7,847 (1.3%) of which were cancelled.

March 2024 On-Time Arrival

In March 2024, reporting marketing carriers posted an on-time arrival rate of 78.7%, down from 83.7% in February 2024 and up from 75.4% in March 2023. The year-to-date on-time arrival rate for 2024 is 78.3%.

Highest Marketing Carrier On-Time Arrival Rates March 2024 (ATCR Table 1)

• Hawaiian Airlines – 87.2%
• Delta Air Lines Network – 84.8%
• United Airlines Network – 81.8% 

Lowest Marketing Carrier On-Time Arrival Rates March 2024 (ATCR Table 1)

• Frontier Airlines – 66.4%
• JetBlue Airways – 68.4%
• Spirit Airlines – 69.6%

For the first three months of 2024, the reporting marketing carriers posted an on-time arrival rate of 78.31% up from 76.89% for the same period in 2023.

March 2024 Flight Cancellations

In March 2024, reporting marketing carriers cancelled 0.9% of their scheduled domestic flights, higher than the rate of 0.6% in February 2024 and lower than the rate of 1.3% in March 2023. The year-to-date cancellation rate for 2024 is 1.7%.

Lowest Marketing Carrier Rates of Cancelled Flights March 2024 (ATCR Table 6)

• Delta Air Lines Network – 0.2%  
• Hawaiian Airlines – 0.6%   
• Allegiant Air – 0.6%    

  Highest Marketing Carrier Rates of Cancelled Flights March 2024 (ATCR Table 6)

• Frontier Airlines – 2.7%    
• Spirit Airlines – 1.7%    
• JetBlue Airways – 1.4%    

For the first three months of 2024, the reporting marketing carriers posted a cancellation rate of 1.7%, equal to 1.7% for the same period in 2023.

Complaints About Airline Service

The release of air travel service complaint data in the Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) has been delayed primarily because of the continued high volume of complaints against airlines and ticket agents received by the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) and the time needed to review and process these consumer complaints. The Department is investing in modernizing its system for handling consumer complaints with the support of a Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) investment to improve the customer experience for the tens of thousands of consumers who use the system each year and enable OACP to more effectively engage in oversight of the airline industry. 

As DOT modernizes its system, given the continued high volume of air travel service complaints concerning airlines and ticket agents, DOT has revised how it processes consumer complaints received after June 1, 2023. From June 2023 until the date its system is modernized, DOT intends to revise the ATCR to display consumer submissions (complaints, inquiries, and opinions) as opposed to complaints for this period. The Department will continue to display civil rights complaints in the ATCR in a similar manner as before and anticipates publishing submission and civil rights complaint numbers for June 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 in June 2024.

Tarmac Delays

In March 2024, airlines reported six tarmac delays of more than three hours on domestic flights, compared to 10 tarmac delays of more than three hours on domestic flights reported in February 2024. In March 2024, airlines reported one tarmac delay of more than four hours on an international flight, compared to two tarmac delays of more than four hours on international flights reported in February 2024. 

Airlines are required to have and adhere to assurances that they will not allow aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than three hours for domestic flights and four hours for international flights without providing passengers the option to deplane, subject to exceptions related to safety, security, and Air Traffic Control related reasons. An exception also exists for departure delays if the airline begins to return the aircraft to a suitable disembarkation point to deplane passengers by those times.

The Department investigates extended tarmac delays.

Mishandled Baggage

In March 2024, reporting marketing carriers handled 43.1 million bags and posted a mishandled baggage rate of 0.52%, higher than the rate of 0.48% in February 2024, but lower than the rate of 0.58% in March 2023.

For the first quarter of 2024, the carriers posted a mishandled baggage rate of 0.58%, lower than the first quarter 2023 rate of 0.64%.

The Department began displaying the mishandled baggage data as a percentage (i.e., per 100 bags enplaned) in January 2022. This is consistent with the manner that the mishandled wheelchairs and scooters rate is calculated and displayed.     In the prior three calendar year reports (2019 to 2021), the Department calculated the mishandled baggage rate based on the number of mishandled bags per 1,000 checked bags. 

Mishandled Wheelchairs and Scooters

In March 2024, reporting marketing carriers reported checking 65,793 wheelchairs and scooters and mishandling 859 for a rate of 1.31% mishandled wheelchairs and scooters, higher than the rate of 1.30% mishandled in February 2024 and lower than the rate of 1.33% mishandled in March 2023.

For the first quarter of 2024, the carriers posted a mishandled wheelchair and scooter rate of 1.36%, lower than the rate of 1.40% in the first quarter of 2023.

To address many of the significant barriers and challenges experienced by passengers who use wheelchairs, the Department has proposed a rulemaking that, if adopted as proposed would make it an automatic violation of the Department’s Air Carrier Access Act regulations for airlines to mishandle a passenger’s wheelchair. This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would also enhance training requirements for airline personnel who provide hands-on transfer assistance to passengers and handle wheelchairs. The proposal is available at https://www.regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0144.

Bumping/Oversales

Bumping/oversales data, unlike other air carrier data, are reported quarterly rather than monthly. For the first quarter of 2024, the 10 U.S. reporting marketing carriers posted an involuntary denied boarding, or bumping, rate of 0.27 per 10,000 passengers, lower than both the rate of 0.29 in the first quarter of 2023 and higher than the rate of 0.20 in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Incidents Involving Animals

As part of its IT modernization, DOT’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) is improving the options for covered carriers to submit their monthly and annual Reports on Incidents Involving Animals During Air Transport. While the new system is being developed, OACP is permitting covered carriers to delay submission of reports on incidents involving animals during air transport. Annual data on such incidents will be published when DOT receives carriers’ complete submissions of the 2023 data. 

In March 2024, carriers reported zero incidents involving the death, injury, or loss of an animal while traveling by air, down from the two reports filed in February 2024, and equal to the zero reports filed in March 2023.

Consumers may file air travel consumer or civil rights complaints online at   https://secure.dot.gov/air-travel-complaint , or they may mail a complaint to the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, U.S. Department of Transportation, C-70, W96-432, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590.

The ATCR and other aviation consumer matters of interest to the public can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .