Forest Arboretum of Warmia and Mazury

The Forest Arboretum of Warmia and Mazury is a 16 hectare botanical collection in the Kudypy area, on the western edge of Olsztyn, where more than 900 plant species grow along marked educational trails. People come here for unhurried nature walks and to see native Polish trees and shrubs alongside exotic species from other parts of the world, all a short trip from the city centre.

The arboretum gathers over 900 plant species across roughly 16 hectares of woodland. The collection is organised into two broad groupings: one devoted to native Polish flora, the trees and shrubs you would find across Warmia and Mazury, and one for foreign or exotic species brought from other regions. Walking between the sections lets you compare local woodland with plants that would not otherwise grow together in one place.

Rather than formal beds, the site is laid out as forest with marked educational trails threading through the plantings. Signage along the routes points out species and helps you tell one part of the collection from another, which makes it useful for families, students and anyone with a botanical interest. Wear comfortable shoes, as you are walking on woodland paths rather than paved garden avenues.

The arboretum has become a regular destination for people who want a green walk close to Olsztyn without leaving for the wider Mazurian lakes. Its position in Kudypy, on the western outskirts, keeps it within easy reach while still feeling like proper forest. The mix of species and quiet trails suits slow visits, so allow time to wander rather than rushing through.

Because it sits just outside the city, the arboretum pairs well with a broader day in the area covered in our Olsztyn guide. You might combine it with the castle and old town in the centre, then head west to Kudypy for the woodland and plant collections. For current opening times, access and any admission details, check the arboretum's official channels before you set out.