Things To Do
in Police

Police is a small town on the banks of the Oder River in West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland, just across the border from Germany. It offers a tranquil, riverside setting with green spaces, a charming town center, and easy access to Szczecin and the surrounding countryside. The town serves as a gateway to the broader Szczecin region, making day trips to the coast and forested areas convenient.

Visitors can enjoy a relaxed pace, scenic views over the Oder, and a glimpse of cross-border heritage in this borderland locale.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Police
morning
:

Arrive in Police and check into your hotel. After settling in, take a stroll along the scenic waterfront to soak in the fresh air and beautiful views. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Polish pastries.

afternoon
:

Explore the historical architecture of Police by visiting the Church of St. John the Baptist. Take in the intricate details of the structure and the serene atmosphere of the surrounding area. Capture some photographs to remember your visit.

evening
:

Dine at a cozy local restaurant and indulge in authentic Polish cuisine. Try specialties like pierogi and bigos, paired with a local beer. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the riverbank to enjoy the peaceful evening ambiance.

day 2
Exploring Szczecin
morning
:

Take a short trip to the nearby city of Szczecin for a day of exploration. Start with a visit to the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle to appreciate its grand architecture and rich history. Don't forget to grab a quick breakfast at a local bakery.

afternoon
:

Stroll through the lush gardens at Szczecin's Jasne Błonia Park. The park is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a picnic with some local snacks. Afterward, visit the National Museum to learn about the local art and history.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy dinner in Szczecin's Old Town, where you can find a lively atmosphere with various dining options. Try local seafood delicacies while soaking up the charming surroundings. End your evening with a drink at a bar along the Oder River.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
🍽️Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant$25-40
🏨Hotel room (mid-range) per night$60-120
🚆Public transport pass (1 month)$25-40
🧺Groceries for a week$40-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close proximity to Szczecin and the German border for easy day trips
  • Scenic river setting with peaceful countryside
  • Relatively affordable accommodation and dining compared to larger cities
  • Charming small-town feel with simple access to nature
  • Limited nightlife and fewer high-end dining options
  • Language barrier can be more noticeable in smaller venues
  • Public transport options are fewer than in big cities
  • Smaller range of mainstream tourist attractions
  • "Dzień dobry" - Good morning / Hello
  • "Do widzenia" - Goodbye
  • "Proszę" - Please / Here you go
  • "Dziękuję" - Thank you
  • "Przepraszam" - Sorry / Excuse me
  • "Czy mówi Pan/Pani po angielsku?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Ile to kosztuje?" - How much is this?
  • "Gdzie jest toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Smacznego" - Enjoy your meal

Places to Visit in Police

Visit one of these nice places.

Oder River Embankment

Scenic views of the river, boats, and sunset reflections; a classic spot for tranquil river photography.

St. Jakub Church (exterior)

Historic church with a distinctive silhouette; good for architectural photography and atmospheric exteriors.

Border Viewpoint on the Oder

Observation point near the German border offering views across the river and an interesting cross-border context.

Town Park

Green space with pathways, flowers, and small lakes, ideal for natural photography and candid shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Police

Polish regional cuisine in Police emphasizes hearty, comforting dishes with fish from the Oder, seasonal produce, and traditional flavors. Expect soups, dumplings, and smoky preparations, with regional accents from the Szczecin and Pomeranian areas. Local eateries favor seasonal ingredients and straightforward cooking that highlights home-style flavors. In Poland, meals are often social experiences shared with friends and family, even in smaller towns like Police.

Police Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Żurek

A tangy rye soup typically served with sausage and a boiled egg; a staple of Polish homes and pubs.

Must-Try!

Bigos

Hunter’s stew made with sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, and a mix of meats; deeply flavorful and comforting.

Pierogi ruskie

Dumplings filled with potato and cheese, often served with butter or fried onions.

Placki ziemniaczane

Crispy potato pancakes often topped with sour cream or apple sauce.

Dorzowa fish dishes (ryba z Odry)

Fresh fish from the Oder prepared grilled or baked, showcasing the river’s bounty.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Oder River Market (Local Farmers’ Market)

A small, seasonal market offering fresh produce, smoked fish, dairy, and regional treats. Try freshly baked bread and seasonal berries.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area experiences a temperate climate with relatively mild summers and cold winters. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with wetter springs and autumns and occasional winter snow. Being near the Oder River can moderate temperatures somewhat, but winter wind chills from the water are common.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and etiquette

Poles typically greet with a handshake and maintain polite forms of address. Punctuality is valued for appointments and meetings. When dining, wait for the host to begin or for a signal before starting.

Respect for privacy and queues

Polite conversation is valued; avoid loud talking in public spaces and respect private queues, especially near shops and transit stops.

Safety Guide

Safety

Police is generally safe for visitors, with typical small-town precautions. Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and exercise ordinary road and water safety near the river. In case of emergency, dial 112 (EU-wide) for police, fire, or medical assistance.

Tipping in Police

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Poland, small tips (5-10%) in restaurants are common if service is good; a tip may be left in cash or added to the bill. Rounding up the bill at cafes or for taxis is also common practice.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban and tourist areas; cash (PLN) is handy for smaller establishments. ATMs are common, and many places now accept contactless payments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with fresh greenery; occasional showers. Great for city walks and early-season markets.

Summer

Warm to hot days with long daylight hours; ideal for river walks, cycling, and outdoor dining by the water.

Autumn

Cooling temperatures and colorful foliage; perfect for scenic hikes and photography along the river and forest trails.

Winter

Cold with possible snow; shorter days but charming with festive lights and a quiet town atmosphere.

Nightlife Guide

Police at Night

Police has a modest nightlife scene with local pubs and cafes rather than a large club culture. You’ll find intimate bars along the riverfront, occasional live music, and a relaxed atmosphere. For more options, Szczecin’s city center offers broader nightlife within a short drive or train ride.

Hiking in Police

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Oder River Riverside Trail

Scenic riverside path suitable for easy hikes and long walks, with gentle elevation and seasonal scenery.

Puszcza Wkrzańska Forest Trails

Expansive forest network offering shaded trails, wildlife viewing, and longer day hikes near Szczecin.

Cross-border Nature Walks toward Germany

Low-intensity hikes along the border area that showcase mixed Polish-German landscapes and watershed views.

Airports

How to reach Police by plane.

Szczecin-Goleniów Airport (SZZ)

Primary international gateway for the region, located near Szczecin; typically around 40-60 km from Police, with connections to several European destinations.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

Major international hub about 150-180 km away; convenient for cross-border trips from Germany and onward travel to Poland by rail or road.

Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN)

Larger northern airport about 250+ km away; useful for long-haul or additional European connections if you’re combining a Baltic coast itinerary.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with most sights and eateries within comfortable strolling distance. A few outer areas and forest trails are best reached by bike or short bus rides. Overall, Police is a pedestrian-friendly destination ideal for relaxed exploring on foot.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Poles

Predominant demographic group; long-standing local families and residents with ties to regional history.

Cross-border commuters

Residents who work in nearby Germany or Szczecin and live in Police for a quieter lifestyle.

Visitors and seasonal residents

Travelers enjoying the Oder river setting and nearby nature; some stay temporarily for tourism or work.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport in the region, with local clubs and community leagues that draw crowds for matches and social gatherings.

Cycling

A common recreational activity due to flat terrain and scenic routes along the river and through nearby forests.

Basketball and Volleyball

Common in schools and community centers; can often be found in local sports halls.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Police is generally light, with most residents commuting by car or bike. Rail connections to Szczecin and regional towns are available, and there are local bus services for short trips. The border area can see cross-border traffic, especially during weekends, so plan a bit more time for travel if crossing into Germany.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Police.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Polish cuisine often centers on meat, but vegetarian options are available. Look for pierogi with potato and cheese, mushroom soups, beet salads, and vegetable-based plates. Most restaurants can adapt portions by request; ask for vegetarian soups or dumplings without meat.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Poland has a public healthcare system; EU residents can use EHIC for access to state facilities. Visitors should have travel insurance for private clinics or non-emergency care. In towns like Police, there are local clinics and pharmacies; major hospitals are in Szczecin. If planning medical visits, verify English-speaking staff availability in advance and carry essential documents.

Discover Poland

Read more in our Poland 2025 Travel Guide.

Poland Travel Guide