Things To Do
in Sztum
Sztum is a small historic town in northern Poland's Pomeranian region, known for the well-preserved brick Teutonic castle and a compact market square. It sits near Sztumskie Lake and rolling agricultural countryside, offering a quiet base for exploring nearby Malbork and the Vistula river valley. The town mixes Gothic architecture, calm lakeside views and accessible forests, making it appealing for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts.
Sztum's relaxed pace, local cafés and seasonal festivals give visitors a chance to experience provincial Polish life away from the big-city crowds.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Sztum Castle, a historic medieval fortress. Spend your morning exploring its well-preserved architecture and the beautiful surrounding gardens. Don’t forget your camera; the views from the castle’s walls are breathtaking.
After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the nearby town, soaking in the local atmosphere. Visit local shops and get a taste of Polish culture through crafts and specialty foods. Consider enjoying a small café and trying some traditional pastries.
In the evening, dine at a local restaurant and savor regional dishes, perhaps a hearty plate of pierogi. Engage with locals, where you might learn more about the rich history of Sztum and its surroundings. End your day with a peaceful walk along the waterfront, as the sunset over the river sets a beautiful backdrop.
Spend your morning walking along the picturesque shores of Lake Sztum, taking in the fresh air and vibrant greenery. Engage in activities such as birdwatching or simply enjoy a tranquil moment by the water. If you're lucky, you may spot some local wildlife in this peaceful natural setting.
Head out on a kayak or paddleboat for a fun afternoon on the water, exploring hidden coves and spots around the lake. As you paddle, enjoy the feeling of adventure as you connect with nature. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake after your water activities.
As the day winds down, opt for a lakeside barbecue or grill-out experience if available. The serene environment will enhance your dining experience under the stars. As you relax, listen to the sounds of the evening and perhaps share stories around a small fire.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $3-8 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Teutonic and regional history in a compact, walkable town
- Close to lakes and quiet countryside ideal for outdoor activities
- Laid-back atmosphere with authentic local life and seasonal festivals
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options compared with larger cities
- Public transport frequency can be low outside peak times
- Fewer specialized services (e.g., vegan restaurants, international stores) available locally
- "Dzień dobry" - Good day / Hello
- "Proszę" - Please / Here you go
- "Dziękuję" - Thank you
- "Przepraszam" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Gdzie jest ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Ile to kosztuje?" - How much does this cost?
- "Czy mówi Pan/Pani po angielsku?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Sztum
Visit one of these nice places.
Striking red-brick Teutonic castle with towers, moat remnants and landscaped grounds — great for architectural and golden-hour shots.
Picturesque square with historic buildings, cafés and everyday town life — ideal for street and documentary photography.
Lakeshore views, reflections, sunrise/sunset silhouettes and birdlife — excellent for nature and landscape photography.
Woodland light, mossy trails and small streams outside town offering intimate nature scenes, especially in spring and autumn.
Open vistas, meadows and river-edge scenes perfect for wide-angle landscape shots and seasonal migratory birds.
Food in Sztum
Sztum Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Dumplings filled with potato & cheese, meat, or seasonal mushrooms and cabbage — widely available in local restaurants and cafés.
Must-Try!
A tangy soup often served with sausage and egg; a traditional Polish comfort food commonly found on menus in local eateries.
Freshwater fish from regional lakes, smoked and served cold or as part of a platter — check lakeside stalls and taverns for the best versions.
Locally prepared sausages and cured meats sold at markets and butcher shops in town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small-town market in the square and nearby streets offering seasonal produce, dairy, homemade cakes and occasional street food stalls; best for fresh local ingredients and sampling baked goods.
On market days you may find vendors selling honey, pickles, smoked fish and sausages; great for tasting regional specialties and buying gifts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use a firm handshake, eye contact and formal titles ('Pan' for Mr., 'Pani' for Ms.) in initial encounters. Poles appreciate politeness and directness.
Be on time for appointments and tours; punctuality is respected in both business and social contexts.
When invited to a private home, it's courteous to ask if you should remove your shoes; hosts may offer slippers.
Historic sites and war memorials are treated with respect; avoid loud behavior and be mindful when photographing religious or commemorative places.
Safety
Tipping in Sztum
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated for good service; in cafés rounding up the bill is common. For taxis, round up or add a small tip; hotel porters or helpers can be given a few złoty for assistance.
Poland uses the złoty (PLN). Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, but small vendors, markets and rural services may be cash-only. Contactless payments and mobile pay are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming landscapes and fewer tourists — expect variable weather with chilly mornings; excellent for cycling and birdwatching.
Warmest time with long daylight hours, lakeside swimming and outdoor events; popular for boating and biking, but book accommodation for festival weekends.
Crisp air and colorful foliage make for beautiful photography; days shorten and some seasonal services wind down, so bring warm layers.
Cold, potentially snowy weather with short daylight hours — quiet town atmosphere and lower prices, but expect reduced outdoor activities and bundle up against freezing temperatures.
Sztum at Night
Hiking in Sztum
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A local lakeside loop with varied viewpoints, good for short walks, birdwatching and easy hiking suitable for families.
Trails and river meadows in the Vistula valley offer longer hikes, flat terrain and opportunities to observe wetland birds and rural landscapes.
Network of quieter woodland paths passing through mixed forests, ideal for morning hikes, mushroom foraging (seasonal) and nature photography.
Airports
How to reach Sztum by plane.
Main international airport serving the Tricity area, about 60–80 km from Sztum (roughly 1–1.5 hours by car or a combination of regional train/bus). Offers the most flight connections and is the most convenient for international travelers.
Smaller regional airport roughly 100–130 km away; reachable by car in around 1.5–2 hours. Useful for some regional and low-cost connections.
Further afield (around 150+ km) and serves selected regional routes; an option depending on flight availability.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The town's population is predominantly ethnic Polish, with a mix of ages and a community-centered lifestyle.
Like many small towns, Sztum has a notable proportion of older adults, reflected in traditional shops and services.
Young families and commuters who work in nearby towns contribute to the local community; seasonal visitors and second-home owners also appear during summer.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local amateur and youth football clubs are popular, with many residents following regional teams and participating in community matches.
Cycling is both a recreational pastime and a transport option — the countryside and quiet roads are favorable for road and gravel cycling.
Kayaking, small-boat sailing and recreational fishing are common on lakes and rivers in the area during warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sztum.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but may be limited in traditional places — pierogi with potato & cheese, salads, mushroom dishes and vegetable soups are common. Ask for modifications ('bez mięsa' = without meat) and seek out cafés or newer restaurants for more varied vegetarian choices.
Vegan choices are more limited; bring snacks or shop local markets for bread, vegetables and spreads. Larger towns nearby (Malbork, Gdańsk) have better vegan options if needed.
Gluten-free awareness is growing but not universal; communicate needs clearly ('bez glutenu') and prefer naturally gluten-free dishes (fish, salads).