The capital of Warmian-Masurian Voivodship, Olsztyn is the largest city of the region and is inhabited by some 176 000 people. Due to its official function, the city houses all the most important institutions of the area and draws investors from all over the country. Olsztyn is also a renowned cultural and academic centre, boasting a large philharmonia and a university in addition to the numerous cinemas, theatres and cafes. What's more, the city is heavily influenced by both Polish and German cultures, which manifest themselves in cuisine and customs of its inhabitants.

Olsztyn's popularity amongst tourists springs from two factors – its sights and its setting. The most attractive part of the city is the centrally positioned Old Town, encircled by a set of fortified walls. Despite its name, the Old Town is far from ancient. Due to the damages inflicted by the Red Army during the World War II, the area was almost totally destroyed, leaving only mere remnants of buildings dating back to medieval times. Recently, however, many of the demolished monuments have been carefully reconstructed, amongst them the Upper Gate (also known as the High Gate), the 14th century Gothic Castle of the Warmian Chapter and the majestic Cathedral of St. James. Being located in the centre of a famous lake district means that, apart from impressive sights, Olsztyn can offer a wide range of leisure activities, such as swimming, kayaking, biking and hiking.