Gryfino, Poland’s Best Crooked Forests, Medieval Walls & Oder River Serenity (2026)
While crowds flock to the Gothic spires of nearby Szczecin, Gryfino, Poland delivers authentic medieval charm and one of the world’s most bizarre natural wonders without the tourist premiums. Here’s why savvy travelers choose differently: you can have a full day of exploration, including a visit to the mind-bending Crooked Forest, for less than the cost of a single museum ticket in major European capitals. This is where your Polish adventure gets genuinely unique.
Why Gryfino, Poland Stands Out
An aerial view of a city next to a body of water, Gryfino, Poland
- Historic Architecture: The 14th-century St. Mary’s Church, with its distinctive brick Gothic tower, has watched over the town since the Teutonic Knights held sway in the region.
- Cultural Scene: The annual Gryfino Days festival in June transforms the Old Town with historical reenactments, craft markets, and folk music, bringing its medieval past to life.
- Local Specialties: You must try a hearty plate of *pyzy z mięsem* (potato dumplings with meat), a staple that warms you up after exploring the riverbanks.
Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday morning, especially outside of June-August. You’ll have the enigmatic Crooked Forest almost entirely to yourself, and the Old Town square feels peacefully timeless rather than prepared for visitors.
Map of Gryfino, Poland
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Planning Your Trip: Practical Essentials
Getting There and Around
- By Air: The nearest international airport is Solidarity Szczecin–Goleniów Airport (SZZ), 60km away. LOT and Ryanair offer connections. From there, your best bet is a 60-minute train or a pre-booked taxi (approx. 200 PLN). Book flights at Skyscanner for best deals.
- By Train: Gryfino has direct regional rail links to Szczecin GĹ‚Ăłwny (the main station). The journey takes about 25-35 minutes and costs around 10 PLN. Trains run frequently. Reserve tickets at Trainline or the national railway website.
- By Car: Gryfino is conveniently located just off the S3 expressway, about a 20-minute drive south from central Szczecin. Free parking is available around the town periphery. Compare car rentals at RentalCars.com.
- Local Transport: The town is compact and best explored on foot. For the Crooked Forest (Krzywy Las), which is 4km south of the center, take a local taxi (approx. 25 PLN) or rent a bicycle for the day.
Best Time to Visit
Gryfino shines in the shoulder seasons when the weather is mild and the landscapes are vibrant. Summer is lively with events, while winter offers a stark, quiet beauty, though some amenities have reduced hours.
| Season | Weather | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 18°C – 25°C (64°F – 77°F), sunniest and warmest. | Gryfino Days festival, perfect for Oder River walks, bustling terrace cafes. Moderate crowds. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | -2°C – 3°C (28°F – 37°F), often cold and gray with potential snow. | Atmospheric, empty streets, cozy taverns. The Crooked Forest under frost is hauntingly beautiful. Limited hours for attractions. |
| Shoulder (Apr–May/Sep–Oct) | 10°C – 18°C (50°F – 64°F), pleasant with occasional rain. | Ideal for photography, fewer visitors, comfortable hiking and cycling weather. Spring blooms and autumn colors are spectacular. |
Budgeting for Gryfino, Poland
A picturesque aerial view of Gryfino, Gryfino, Poland
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 80-120 PLN for a hostel or guesthouse | 200-350 PLN for a comfortable hotel or B&B | 400+ PLN for a historic manor or premium apartment |
| Meals | 30-50 PLN for milk bar lunches and bakery snacks | 70-120 PLN for a nice restaurant dinner with drink | 150+ PLN for a multi-course fine dining experience |
| Transport | 10 PLN for regional trains, walking | 25-50 PLN for local taxis to sights | 200+ PLN for private day-trip driver |
| Activities | Free (town walls, churches, Crooked Forest) | 15-30 PLN for museum entries | 150 PLN for a private guided historical tour |
| Daily Total | 120-180 PLN (~$30-$45) | 300-550 PLN (~$75-$135) | 750+ PLN (~$185+) |
Top Attractions and Must-See Sights
| Attraction | Description | Hours | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crooked Forest (Krzywy Las) | A grove of about 400 pine trees bent at 90-degree angles at their base, a natural mystery from the 1930s. | Open 24/7 | Free |
| Gryfino Medieval Town Walls & Gates | Well-preserved 14th-century fortifications, including the Baszta Prochowa (Gunpowder Tower) and fragments of the original walls. | Exterior always accessible | Free (exterior) |
| St. Mary’s Church (KoĹ›ciół NMP) | The town’s iconic brick Gothic church, offering a glimpse into its Hanseatic League past. | Vary; often open for services or by inquiry | Donation appreciated |
| Oder River (Odra) Promenade | A peaceful path along the river, perfect for cycling or a stroll with views of passing ships and birdlife. | Open 24/7 | Free |
3-Day Itinerary: Gryfino, Poland’s Highlights & Hidden Gems
Day 1: Medieval Roots & River Views
- Morning (7-9 AM): Start at the Rynek (Market Square) with a coffee from Cukiernia Sowa. Walk the perimeter to spot remnants of the medieval town layout. Your best bet is to find the old well in the square.
- Afternoon (12-3 PM): Explore the Gothic St. Mary’s Church and then walk along the preserved town walls towards the Gunpowder Tower. For lunch, head to Restauracja Pod WieĹĽÄ… for their signature *kotlet schabowy* (breaded pork cutlet) with mashed potatoes and salad (approx. 35 PLN).
- Evening (6-8 PM): Take a leisurely walk along the Oder River promenade as the sun sets. Enjoy dinner at Gospoda nad OdrÄ…, a rustic restaurant known for its freshwater fish dishes, like fried perch.
Day 2: Natural Mysteries & Local Life
- Morning (9 AM): Take a taxi (25 PLN) to the Crooked Forest. Spend 1-2 hours wandering among the bizarre, J-shaped trees—the earlier you go, the better the light and the fewer people. The mystery of their shape (human intervention in the 1930s is the leading theory) is palpable.
- Afternoon (1 PM): Return to town and have a late lunch at Bar Mleczny Familijny, a classic Polish milk bar, for an authentic and budget-friendly meal like *pierogi ruskie* (approx. 15 PLN). Afterwards, visit the small Gryfino Regional Chamber to understand the area’s history.
- Evening (7 PM): Experience local pub culture at Pub Kmicic, a favorite with residents. Try a Polish craft beer like a Żywiec or a local lager.
Day 3: Active Exploration & Farewell
- Morning (10 AM): Rent a bicycle from your hotel or a local shop (approx. 40 PLN/day) and cycle the Oder River path towards the village of Stare Czarnowo. The flat, scenic route is a highlight for active travelers.
- Afternoon (1 PM): Cycle back and enjoy a well-earned lunch at Pizzeria Da Grasso on the square, which surprisingly offers excellent Polish-Italian fusion. Try the pizza “Gryfino” with local mushrooms.
- Evening (6 PM): For your final evening, savor a mid-range dinner at Restauracja Stara Wozownia (“The Old Coach House”), set in a charmingly renovated building with a great wine list. It’s the perfect farewell to Gryfino’s blend of history and hospitality.
Cultural Insights & Etiquette
- Language: Polish is the language. Learn “DzieĹ„ dobry” (Good day), “DziÄ™kujÄ™” (Thank you), and “Na zdrowie” (Cheers/To your health). English is understood in hotels and some restaurants, but less so with older locals.
- Customs: A firm handshake with eye contact is the standard greeting. It’s polite to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home. When toasting, make eye contact—it’s considered rude not to.
- Tipping: Rounding up the bill or leaving 10% is appreciated in restaurants if service was good. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest 5 or 10 złoty is standard.
- Dress Code: Casual but neat attire is fine. For visiting churches, modest dress covering shoulders and knees is respectful.
- Business Hours: Shops typically open Mon-Fri 10 AM-6 PM, Sat 10 AM-2 PM, with many closed on Sunday. Restaurants serve lunch from 1-4 PM and dinner from 6 PM.
Where to Eat: Gryfino, Poland’s Best Bites
Gryfino’s food scene is hearty and traditional, focusing on Polish classics. You’ll find a mix of no-frills milk bars, solid family-run restaurants, and a few modern cafes. Portions are generous, and comfort is key.
Must-Try Local Specialties
- Pyzy z Mięsem: These large, steamed potato dumplings stuffed with seasoned meat are a regional favorite. Find them at traditional spots like Restauracja Pod Wieżą.
- Zupa Grzybowa (Mushroom Soup): Often made with wild mushrooms from the surrounding forests, this creamy, earthy soup is a staple starter, especially in autumn.
- Racuchy: Sweet, fried apple pancakes, often served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of sour cream. Perfect from a local bakery like Cukiernia Sowa.
Restaurant Recommendations by Budget
| Type | Restaurant | Specialty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Bar Mleczny Familijny (ul. Niepodległości) | Classic Polish cafeteria-style comfort food | 10-20 PLN per dish |
| Mid-range | Gospoda nad Odrą (ul. Nadodrzańska) | Freshwater fish from the Oder and rustic Polish mains | 40-70 PLN for a main |
| Fine dining | Restauracja Stara Wozownia (ul. 3 Maja) | Refined Polish and European cuisine in a historic setting | 80-150 PLN for a main |
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Gryfino is limited but offers good value, ranging from simple guesthouses to comfortable hotels. Staying in the town center puts everything within walking distance. Compare prices and book at Booking.com or Airbnb for apartments.
Best Neighborhoods for Accommodation
- Old Town (ĹšrĂłdmieĹ›cie): The historic heart. You’re steps from the square, churches, and restaurants. Perfect for first-time visitors who want immersion. Can be quiet at night.
- Near the Train Station: Practical for arrivals/departures and often has budget options. It’s a short 10-15 minute walk to the main sights. Less picturesque but functional.
- Oder River Outskirts: A few guesthouses and agritourism farms offer peaceful stays with nature access. Ideal for cyclists and those with a car seeking tranquility.
Drone shot of a sunlit parking lot with cars in Gryfino, Poland.
FAQs: Your Gryfino, Poland Questions Answered
1. Is Gryfino, Poland safe at night?
Yes, Gryfino is generally very safe. Violent crime is rare. As in any town, exercise normal precautions: stick to well-lit areas at night and be aware of your belongings. The central square and main streets are quiet and peaceful after dark.
2. What currency is used and are credit cards accepted?
Poland uses the Polish ZĹ‚oty (PLN, symbol: zĹ‚). While major hotels and restaurants in the center accept credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard), it’s wise to carry some cash for smaller shops, milk bars, taxis, and market vendors. ATMs (Bankomat) are widely available.
3. How do I get from the airport to the city center?
From Szczecin-GoleniĂłw Airport (SZZ), you have two main options. The most direct is a pre-booked taxi or transfer, taking about 60 minutes and costing approximately 200-250 PLN. Alternatively, take a bus or taxi to Szczecin GĹ‚Ăłwny train station (30 mins), then a train to Gryfino (25-35 mins, ~10 PLN). Book airport transfers at GetYourGuide for convenience.
4. Do I need to speak the local language?
Not necessarily, but it helps. In tourist-facing businesses, you’ll often find someone who speaks basic English or German. Learning a few key Polish phrases (hello, thank you, please) is greatly appreciated and will enhance your interactions with locals.
5. What’s the appropriate dress code?
Smart-casual is suitable for almost all situations. Pack layers for changeable weather, comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones, and a waterproof jacket. For upscale dining, neat trousers or a dress is fine—ties and formalwear are rarely required.
Final Thoughts: Gryfino, Poland Awaits
Gryfino offers a refreshingly authentic slice of Western Pomerania, where history
