Getting There
Olsztyn lies on major Polish rail and bus lines and is easily accessible from nearly anywhere in the country. Figure on about 2 to 3 hours by bus or train from Warsaw. It's also a relatively easy though crowded drive from the capital. Figure on 3 hours of white-knuckle driving behind the wheel.
Visitor Information
Olsztyn's indispensable tourist information office, Staromiejska 1 (tel. 089/535-35-65; www.warmia-mazury-rot.pl; daily 9am-5pm), is the first port of call for all kinds of information on exploring the lakes region. The office provides city and regional maps, as well as advice on where to stay and find rooms. They can also help arrange canoe and other boating trips as well as bike trips around the lakes. Unfortunately, the staff speaks only halting English; German is more useful in this part of the country owing to the area's historical ties to Germany. You'll find the office just to the left of the big gate, called the High Gate, before you enter the Old Town.
Getting Around
Olsztyn's Old Town (Stare Miasto) is small, and once you've arrived from the bus or train station, walking is the best option. The bus and train stations are located about 1.6km (1 mile) from town. You can walk into town in about 20 minutes, or grab nearly any public bus, or a taxi (about 12zl/$5.25/£3.25).
For travel farther on to the lakes in the east, you have the option of taking either the train or the bus to resorts like Mragowo and Mikolajki. Buses are often -- but not always -- the quickest option. The tourist information office can help with the latest transportation advice. The bus station itself maintains a relatively user-friendly timetable.
