Lublin: History, Old Town and Green Spaces

Lublin offers several distinct highlights to consider when planning your trip: the medieval Old Town, the history of the former camp, green spaces and outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a hotel in Lublin, first consider which of these aspects you want to shape your stay. The history of the memorial site and the city’s architecture sit alongside nature-focused attractions and opportunities to get active outdoors.

Memorial history and the historical route

On the grounds of the former camp in Lublin, 70 elements of the camp infrastructure built by the Germans between 1941 and 1944 have been preserved. The State Museum at Majdanek was established on part of the site of the former German Nazi concentration camp. The “Lublin Concentration Camp 1941–1944” historical route passes through the key locations and structures of the former camp. Information boards are available in Polish, English and Hebrew.

The free visitor app from the State Museum at Majdanek guides visitors through museums at the sites of former German Nazi concentration and extermination camps in Lublin, Bełżec and Sobibór. If you’re considering using the app to plan your visit, it’s worth checking the latest information about its features.

Old Town and architectural heritage

Lublin’s Old Town has a medieval street layout and richly decorated townhouses dating back several centuries. It is also included on Poland’s list of Historic Monuments. The Architectural Monuments Route leads to the city’s most significant cultural heritage sites. This offers two distinct ways to explore the past: the route at the former camp passes through key locations and structures on the site, while the Architectural Monuments Route focuses on the city’s cultural heritage.

Botanical Garden and life before the Second World War

The UMCS Botanical Garden was established in 1965 and opened to the public in 1974. For more than 30 years, it has supported the protection of protected and endangered species of Polish flora through various projects, with a particular focus on the region’s flora. Its history is therefore linked to a long-term commitment to preserving plant species.

The Lublin Open Air Village Museum lies in the valley of the Czechówka River. Its virtual tour conveys the diversity of life among residents of Lublin’s villages and small towns before the Second World War. This perspective on past ways of life differs from the garden’s botanical focus: one explores life in villages and small towns, while the other focuses on protecting Polish flora.

Cycling routes and activities at Zalew Zemborzycki

Lublin has 140 km of cycling routes. As the total route length may change, check the latest information about the cycling network before setting out on a specific ride. Around Słoneczny Wrotków at Zalew Zemborzycki in Lublin, there are cycling routes, running routes, paths for roller skaters and a kayaking route. Outdoor facilities and seasonal activities may change; check the latest information before making plans.

Zalew Zemborzycki also has beaches near Lublin. Together with the routes around Słoneczny Wrotków, this offers another focus for planning your stay alongside the Old Town, memorial history and garden visits.

Discover more destinations: Lublin, Bychawa, Jastków, Bystrzyca Nowa, Krężnica Jara, Niemce, Garbów, Włodawa.

Go to the main travel overview: Lublin.