Poznań: Cultural History and Malta Lake
Accommodation in Poznań
Poznań offers two distinct ways to explore the city on a trip: its cultural heritage in the city centre and activities at Malta Lake. The Royal-Imperial Route connects several routes and an annual programme of events; Cathedral Island brings together early Polish history in one place. At the lake, the focus is on its size, a regatta course and a range of facilities. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to give more time to cultural heritage or focus more on the activities at the lake.
Cultural Routes and Early History
The Royal-Imperial Route consists of several interconnected routes that pass through different parts of Poznań city centre and cover a range of themes. Cultural tourism events about Poznań’s cultural heritage take place along the route each year. The programme includes guided walks, city rallies, group tours, lectures, workshops, exhibitions and other activities. The combination of routes and events offers two ways to explore the city’s cultural heritage: through different themed routes or through a specific event in the annual programme. If you want to attend a particular tour or event, check the date in advance.
Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski) is home to several landmarks associated with early Polish history. The island was once one of the most important strongholds of the emerging Polish state and is an important point on the Piast Route. An installation there depicts the palatium of Mieszko I. The island is also believed to be the site of Mieszko I’s baptism. This attribution remains a possibility, not a confirmed location.
Brama Poznania ICHOT is an interpretation centre dedicated to the oldest part of Poznań. It adds a distinct cultural and historical dimension: while Cathedral Island is associated with the history of the stronghold, the Piast Route and the installation, the centre focuses on the oldest part of the city.
Malta Lake: Dimensions and Facilities
Malta Lake was created by damming the Cybina River and covers 64 hectares. The regatta course at the lake is 2,190 metres long and 170 to 400 metres wide. The area figure refers to the lake, while the measurements in metres refer to the regatta course. This clearly distinguishes the size of the lake from the dimensions of the sports facility.
Poznań’s largest fountain is on the western shore. It was built to commemorate the 750th anniversary of the city’s founding. Thermal springs on the northwestern shore are used by the Termy Maltańskie Aquapark. There is a year-round ski slope on the southern shore; check its operating status before your trip. A toboggan run is also located on Wolności Hill on the southern shore. A swimming area is near the lake.
The facilities offer a range of activities around the lake: the regatta course provides a sporting connection to the lake, while the toboggan run and ski slope are activities on the southern shore. The fountain and the thermal springs used by the aquapark add a different dimension. Together with Cathedral Island and the themed routes, these attractions offer a choice between cultural and historical discoveries and the various activities around Malta Lake.
Discover more destinations: Głęboczek, Ceradz Kościelny, Warthelager Military Training Area, Glinka Duchowna, Strykowo, Mrowino.
Return to the main travel overview: Poznań.
