Tourist Attractions in Otwock

Otwock is both a county and a city in central Poland. Tourists that want to enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of Poland away from the more crowded city areas can find great examples of both in Otwock.

History

Historical literature makes reference to a town called Otwock as far back as the 15th century, but this lovely little town was not officially established until the 18th century and was not recognized as a town until 1916. The inclusion of Otwock on the Vistula River Railroad, which runs from Mlawa to Warsaw to Lubli to Chelm, helped Otwock to develop into a bustling suburb with a population of nearly 50,000 people.

Otwock and the Holocaust

Many of the most notable landmarks in Otwock have a connection to the Holocaust and/or World War II. The railroad was a regular stop for cattle cars transporting Jewish prisoners to the camps in Auschwitz and Treblinka. The layover yard has been preserved, as has the towering train station. To Otwock's credit, it was also home to Holocaust heroes like Krystyna Danko and Irena Sendler, who collectively saved the lives of thousands of Jews.

Other attractions around Otwock

Otwock is positioned along the scenic banks of the Vistula River. In addition to its WWII significance, the city is also home to several esteemed examples of the Swidermajer architectural movement. For a quiet day trip, tourists can take a five minute drive from Otwock to the neighboring village of Otwock Wielki, which is home to the famous Museum of Interiors inside the 17th century Bieliński Palace.

Go off the beaten path by visiting the quiet and quaint city of Otwock, Poland, just 15 minutes from the capital city of Warsaw.