Szczecinek Travel Guide

City City in West Pomerania, Poland with lakes

Set amid lakes and forests, Szczecinek has a stone old town and waterfront promenades. Tourists come for boating, anglers’ piers, canoe routes and access to Drawski Landscape Park’s mixed pine stands.

Main image
Costs
Budget: $40-80 per day
Low to moderate costs for food, local hotels and lake activities.
Safety
Safe and relaxed
Low crime and friendly small-town atmosphere; usual city smarts apply.
Best Time
May-September
Warm months are best for lakeside activities and outdoor festivals.
Time
Weather
Population
38,496
Infrastructure & Convenience
Good local roads and regional rail links, walkable center, basic tourist amenities.
Popularity
Attracts Polish domestic tourists and outdoor enthusiasts rather than international crowds.
Known For
Lakes and waterways, Trzesiecko Lake, promenades, historic center, cycling and hiking, regional festivals, outdoor recreation, small-town architecture
Szczecinek sits on Trzesiecko Lake and has a scenic riverside promenade through the town center.

Why Visit Szczecinek? #

Set amid Pomeranian lakes and forests, this town is attractive for outdoor recreation and relaxed waterside life. The promenade along Lake Trzesiecko and the marina provide boating, swimming, and summer festivals, while a compact Old Town offers cafés and regional bakeries. Its location in the West Pomeranian lake district makes it a practical launch point for kayaking, fishing, and cycling through forests and meadows.

Top Things to Do in Szczecinek

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • Lake Trzesiecko waterfront - Pleasant lakeside promenade with cafes, boat rentals, and summer festivals on the shore.
  • Szczecinek Old Town (Rynek) - Compact historic centre with townhouses, cafes, and seasonal markets in the square.
  • Regional Museum in Szczecinek - Local museum covering town history, folk culture, and archaeological finds from the region.
Hidden Gems
  • Hill of Three Crosses viewpoint - Small hill offering panoramic views across the lake and town below.
  • Bielsko walking trail - Riverside trail favored by locals for jogging, cycling, and relaxed evening strolls.
  • Local fishing piers - Quiet spots used by residents for angling and enjoying serene lake mornings.
Day Trips
  • Drawsko Landscape Park - Forested lakes and walking trails perfect for kayaking, hiking, and nature photography.
  • Koszalin or Szczecin (regional) - Larger regional centres offering museums, historical sites, and expanded transport connections.

Best Time to Visit Szczecinek #

Szczecinek is most enjoyable late spring through summer when the lakes and parks come alive and water activities are available. Winters can be cold and snowy; bring layers and insect repellent in summer.

Winter
December - February · -2-4°C (28-39°F)
Winters are cold with occasional snow and frozen lakes; atmospheric for winter walks but many outdoor lake activities halt until thaw.
Spring
March - May · 4-15°C (39-59°F)
Spring brings fresh greenery and pleasant boating conditions; mornings can be chilly, but afternoons are ideal for cycling and lakeside cafés.
Summer
June - August · 15-24°C (59-75°F)
Warm, sometimes humid summers are perfect for swimming, boating and outdoor festivals; expect mosquitoes near water-bring repellent and sunscreen for daytime outings.

Best Time to Visit Szczecinek #

Climate

Szczecinek's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (627 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
AugustJulyMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
35°
Warmest Month
-27°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

35 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-5° -1°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.9h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. The driest month with just 28 mm and mostly overcast skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-5°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.6h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

62 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
13.8h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
19°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.2
UV Index
High
15.7h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with 78 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.

67 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
16.7h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
14° 23°
70%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.3
UV Index
High
16.2h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

79 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 22°
70%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.1
UV Index
High
14.6h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

47 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.4h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.4h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

35 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-3°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.3h daylight

How to Get to Szczecinek

Szczecinek sits in West Pomerania with rail and coach links to Szczecin, Koszalin and Poznań region. The town's station connects it to Poland's regional rail network while intercity buses plug gaps in service.

By Air

Szczecin-Goleniów Airport (SZZ): The nearest airport serving Szczecinek and the West Pomeranian region. From Goleniów to Szczecinek is a longer drive (about 1.5-2 hours); combinations of bus and taxi are common for onward travel.

Poznań-Ławica (POZ) / Solidarity Szczecin-Goleniów (SZZ): Depending on your flight options you may arrive via Poznań or Szczecin airports and continue by regional bus or train to reach Szczecinek.

By Train & Bus

Train: Szczecinek has a railway station (Szczecinek station) with regional PKP Intercity/Polregio services linking to Szczecin, Koszalin and Piła. Journey times to Szczecin are around 2-2.5 hours depending on service and route.

Bus: Intercity coaches and local buses serve Szczecinek from regional centres; buses are a practical alternative where direct train services are limited.

How to Get Around Szczecinek #

Szczecinek has a compact centre that’s comfortable to explore on foot; the old town and lakeside are particularly walkable. Regional buses and a railway station provide links to Szczecin and other Pomeranian towns. Taxis are available for late evenings or off-route travel; check seasonal timetables for tourist boat services on the lakes.

Where to Stay in Szczecinek #

Budget
Szczecinek centre - $25-70/night
Szczecinek has several small, simple guesthouses and budget B&Bs; expect basic amenities and convenient access to outdoor activities.
Mid-Range
Szczecinek centre - $60-130/night
There are a few comfortable 3-star hotels in Szczecinek offering riverside or centre locations; bookings are recommended in summer.
Luxury
Szczecin (recommended) - $150+/night
Szczecinek doesn't have true five-star hotels. For luxury accommodation, stay in Szczecin (an hour away) where higher-end hotels are available.

Where to Eat in Szczecinek #

Local Food
Street Food & Markets

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Szczecinek's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Pizza
Kebab
Fish
Burger
Italian
Regional
Asian
Bagel
Juice
Pasta
Bistro
Italian Pizza
Fish & Chips

Nightlife in Szczecinek #

Nightlife is quiet compared with large Polish cities, with a selection of pubs, cafés and occasional live-music venues concentrated in the town centre. Summer brings more activity thanks to tourists visiting the lakes. Expect most places to close earlier on weekdays.

Shopping in Szczecinek #

Shopping is mainly local: independent shops, grocery stores and small shopping centres serve daily needs. Seasonal markets and stalls appear in summer around the lakes, but for big-brand shopping you’ll travel to larger urban centres. Look to the town centre for artisan goods and regional food products.

Nearby Cities #