Avenue of Stars in Międzyzdroje

The Walk of Fame in Międzyzdroje (say "myen-dzih-ZDRO-yeh"), known in Polish as Aleja Gwiazd, is Poland's answer to Hollywood's famous sidewalk: more than 200 bronze handprints of Polish actors, musicians and directors set into the seaside promenade of a popular Baltic resort. It began in 1996 with the town's Festival of Stars and grows every summer. Free, central and easy to combine with the beach and pier, it is one of the classic things to do in Międzyzdroje.

Where it is and how to get there

Międzyzdroje is a seaside resort on Wolin Island in northwestern Poland, close to the German border. Szczecin, the nearest city, is about 100 km away (around 1.5 hours by car), and Berlin is roughly 200 km. Trains run from Szczecin toward Świnoujście and stop in Międzyzdroje; Szczecin-Goleniów Airport is about an hour's drive. The Walk of Fame lies on Promenada Gwiazd in the town center, next to the pier.

The story behind the handprints

The festival was the idea of Waldemar Dąbrowski, later Poland's culture minister, and the avenue was designed by sculptor Adam Myjak. Each bronze plaque carries a handprint and autograph, meant as a symbolic handshake between artist and audience. The first plaques were unveiled in 1996 by actors Beata Tyszkiewicz and Daniel Olbrychski. Among the first-year names, film fans may also recognize Krystyna Janda and Zbigniew Zamachowski, both known for Krzysztof Kieślowski's films.

What to see

• 200+ handprints with autographs, from film and theater legends to pop singers and writers.
• Hommage à Krzysztof Kieślowski (1996), honoring the director of the "Three Colors" trilogy and "The Decalogue."
• A tribute to Oscar-winning director Andrzej Wajda (1997).
• Sculptural benches dedicated to actor Gustaw Holoubek and singer Irena Jarocka, plus a statue of Olympic champion sprinter Irena Szewińska (2025).

Do not expect English descriptions of every name; looking up a few stars beforehand makes the walk more fun.

When to go (as of October 2026)

The Festival of Stars takes place every year in early July. The 2026 edition ran July 2–5, with new handprints unveiled at a gala on July 4. It is lively but very crowded then. For a quiet walk, go early in the morning or outside peak season.

• Free, open all year, no tickets or opening hours.
• Allow 20 to 30 minutes; the paving is flat and stroller-friendly.
• Parking in the center is limited and paid in season; payments are in Polish zloty (PLN).

Is it worth visiting?

As a standalone attraction it is small, but as part of a beach day it is fun, free and photogenic. Pair it with the pier, the spa park and the bison enclosure of Wolin National Park just outside town.