Chrobry Embankment in Szczecin

Wały Chrobrego (say "VAH-wee khro-BREH-go"), also called Chrobry Embankment or by its old German name, the Haken Terrace, is Szczecin's grandest viewpoint and the city's signature sight. Stately early-20th-century buildings line a terrace about 500 m (1,640 ft) long high above the Oder River, while stairs, a fountain and domed pavilions step down toward the port. It is free, open around the clock and the obvious place to start exploring Szczecin.

Where is Szczecin?

Szczecin (say "SHCHEH-cheen") is a port city in Poland's far northwest, close to the German border and just about 150 km (95 miles) from Berlin — closer to the German capital than to Warsaw. Trains from Berlin take roughly two hours, and Szczecin-Goleniów Airport is about 45 km (28 miles) from downtown. From Warsaw, plan on a long train journey or a domestic flight.

The terrace sits on the eastern edge of the Old Town, about 1.5 km from Szczecin Główny station: a 20-minute walk along the river or a short tram ride.

A short history: from the Haken Terrace to Wały Chrobrego

Until 1945, Szczecin was the German city of Stettin, one of the main ports on the Baltic. Plans to develop the riverside bluff, on the site of the demolished Fort Leopold, date back to 1876, and construction was approved in 1901. The driving force was Mayor Hermann Haken, after whom the project was named the Hakenterrasse. Architect Wilhelm Meyer-Schwartau designed the terraces, built in 1902–1907, and the whole ensemble of buildings was completed by 1921.

The terrace survived World War II with little damage. After the war, when the city became Polish, it was renamed after King Bolesław the Brave (Chrobry), Poland's first crowned king, and statues of two figures from Pomeranian maritime history were placed in the fountain niches. The complex is a listed historic monument.

Things to see

• The Provincial Government building (1906–1912, by Paul Kieschke), with its tall tower — the dominant feature of the skyline seen from the river.
• The National Museum in Szczecin, the central building designed by Meyer-Schwartau, with a dome and observation tower. Part of the building has housed the Contemporary Theater since 1951.
• The Maritime University buildings at the southern end, originally built for social insurance and customs offices.
• The fountain and its niche, flanked by two lighthouse-like lamp towers, with the coats of arms of Pomeranian towns on the wall.
• "Hercules Fighting the Centaur," a stone sculpture by Ludwig Manzel.
• Domed pavilions on Ionic columns at both ends; the northern one houses a restaurant.
• Stairs down to the riverside boulevard, with views of the port, Łasztownia island and passing ships.

Is it worth visiting? Tips

Yes — it is one of the most impressive urban waterfronts in Poland. A stroll along the terrace takes 30–60 minutes; add a museum visit and a walk along the river and you'll need 2–3 hours. Come in the late afternoon for sunset over the Oder, then stay as the buildings light up. For the classic postcard shot, view the terrace from the opposite riverbank or from a boat, with the buildings reflected in the water.

The terrace regularly hosts big outdoor events; in 2017, tall ships from The Tall Ships Races moored along the quays below. The upper promenade is wide and level, good for strollers.

Opening hours and tickets (as of October 2026)

Wały Chrobrego itself is free and open 24/7.

National Museum (ul. Wały Chrobrego 3): Tuesday and Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Wednesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; closed Mondays. Permanent exhibitions cost 20 PLN full / 12 PLN reduced (Polish złoty); temporary exhibitions 15/8 PLN; a combined ticket 30/15 PLN. Parents visiting with children under 16 pay the reduced rate. Permanent exhibitions are free on Saturdays. Note that the museum's observation tower is closed throughout 2026 for renovation. The museum also closes on several public holidays, including November 1 and 12 and December 24, 25 and 31.

Accessibility: there are two wide steps at the museum entrance and no accessible restroom in the building. Four disabled parking spaces are in front of the Provincial Government building (ul. Wały Chrobrego 4).

Nearby

Within a few minutes' walk are the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle, the award-winning modern Szczecin Philharmonic building and the Baroque Royal Gate. In season, sightseeing boats leave from the riverside boulevards for cruises around the port.