Destination
Poznań – a city where the past sparks the future
Easy to reach and explore, Poznań combines excellent rail, bus and tram connections with a compact city centre that is perfect for discovering on foot or by public transport. Home to over 110,000 students, the city has a vibrant, youthful atmosphere, complemented by a flourishing culinary scene with 25 restaurants recommended by the famous Michelin Guide, and a rich cultural landscape featuring museums, art galleries and theatres. At the same time, Poznań is steeped in history as the birthplace of the Polish state, creating a distinctive destination where heritage, culture and modern city life come together.
Discover Poznań
Poznań Old Town
Once a walled medieval city, it is now the most bustling area of modern Poznań. Poznań’s Old Town is full of stunning architecture, tourist spots, restaurants, museums and much more.
Old Market Square
The Old Market Square (Stary Rynek) has been the living heart of the city since 1253. In the center of the square stands the 16th-century Town Hall, one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Poznań.
Every day at noon, the famous Poznań goats (koziołki poznańskie) appear on its tower and butt their heads 12 times, attracting both tourists and locals. Just around the corner stands a row of picturesque Merchants’ Houses, catching the eye of passersby with their vibrant and lively colors – a great place for taking charming pictures.
Poznań Fara Church
Poznań Fara is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Poznań, as well as one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Poland. Located on Kolegiacki Square, the church was constructed between 1651 and 1701.
The interior of the church is a true Baroque masterpiece, filled with ornate details, gilded decorations, magnificent frescoes and impressive sculptures.
The culinary symbol of Poznań – St. Martin’s Croissant
The St. Martin’s Croissant is a must-try delicacy unique to Poznań, with a history dating back to the mid-19th century. It’s not just a pastry – it’s the culinary symbol of Poznań with a unique, rich flavor, distinguished by its filling made from white poppy seeds.
Although traditionally prepared for Saint Martin's Day (11 November), it is also available all year round from designated and certified producers.
Old Brewery
The Old Brewery was once home to the 19th-century Hugger Brewery, but today it serves as one of Poznań’s most distinctive art and business centers.
The complex skillfully combines restored historic brewery buildings with contemporary architecture, shops, restaurants, and cafés.
Imperial Castle
The Imperial Castle was built in the Neo-Romanesque style under German rule. Today, the castle is known as the ZAMEK Culture Centre – a dynamic cultural institution where you can experience visual arts, theater, film, music, and literature.
Travelling to Poznań
Located in the heart of Central Europe and strategically positioned between Warsaw and Berlin, Poznań is an easily accessible destination for international visitors.
By air
Poznań-Ławica Airport, located just 7 km from the city center, is a major regional airport offering numerous direct connections across Europe, as well as convenient links to major international airport hubs.
Daily connections to major airport hubs
Direct connections to Warsaw, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Zurich.
| Airport hub | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw WAW | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 30 |
| Frankfurt FRA | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 21 |
| Amsterdam AMS | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 21 |
| Copenhagen CPH | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | 1 | 10 |
| Zurich ZRH | 1 | — | — | 1 | — | — | 1 | 3 |
| Total | 14 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 12 | 85 |
Travelling from the airport to major hotels in Poznań
Getting to the airport by public transport
via Rycerska
via Rondo Kaponiera
via Rondo Kaponiera
By rail
Poznań Main Station , located just a 10-minute walk from the Poznań International Fair , is the city’s main railway and bus station. Direct trains connect Poznań with Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Warsaw.
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By road
Poznań is conveniently connected to Western Europe via the A2 motorway, which directly links Poznań to Berlin and further connects to the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria.
Local transportation
Poznań is equipped with an efficient and extensive public transport network encompassing tram and bus routes, making travelling around the city convenient and easy.
VISA information
Depending on the applicable legal requirements, in certain cases delegates coming to the International Astronautical Congress in Poznań, Poland may be required to obtain a visa. For detailed information, please visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland (www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/visas).
The e-Konsulat system (e-konsulat.gov.pl), which is operated by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is the only official appointment registration system for visa, legal and passport-related matters at Polish consulates worldwide.
To submit an application for a visa to Poland, visit the official e-Konsulat website, choose the appropriate diplomatic post, and fill out and register the visa form online. Then print the completed form and submit it in person to the consulate, together with the required documents.
Remember that you may submit your visa application no earlier than 6 months and no later than 15 days before your planned date of arrival.
As a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, Poland offers convenient and seamless access for delegates and travellers from across Europe.
Venue
Poznań International Fair – Central and Eastern Europe’s Premier Event Hub
The 78th International Astronautical Congress will be hosted at the Poznań International Fair – Poland’s largest and most advanced exhibition and congress complex, located in the heart of Central Europe. Combining unmatched scale, exceptional flexibility, and cutting-edge infrastructure, the venue provides a world-class environment for global gatherings and mega-events.
Connected,
accessible, central
Situated directly in the city center, the venue is seamlessly integrated into Poznań’s public transportation network, offering effortless mobility for all participants:
World-class
infrastructure
The Poznań International Fair offers a state-of-the-art venue spanning over 212,000 sqm, with 229,000 sqm of total modern exhibition, facility, and administrative spaces.
Equipped with modern, air-conditioned exhibition halls, executive meeting rooms, and versatile banquet facilities, the complex has a rich history of hosting prestigious international events.
Poznań Congress Center
At the heart of the complex, the Poznań Congress Center is a versatile, modern three-story venue offering over 4,000 seats, exclusive VIP zones, and dedicated space for sponsor and exhibitor displays.
The center features 23 fully equipped, customizable conference rooms alongside a spacious 1,200 sqm foyer, creating the perfect setting for major exhibitions, networking, and banquets.
All-under-one-roof connectivity
For maximum comfort and efficiency, all exhibition pavilions and conference spaces are fully interconnected by internal halls and covered passageways.
This integrated “all-under-one-roof” layout allows delegates to navigate the entire complex effortlessly without stepping outside.
Flexible spaces & easy access
With its modern design, open spaces, and top-tier technical setup, the venue delivers an exceptional experience for exhibitors and organizers.
Direct entrances from the street ensure quick access, while the indoor spaces flow naturally into key outdoor areas like PWK Square and Zielona Rzeka (Green River).
Green sanctuary
Located right next to the congress center, this unique, terraced garden offers a peaceful green sanctuary in the heart of the venue.
Benches nestled among majestic oaks, yews, and plane trees create the perfect setting for quiet networking, fresh air, and a refreshing break between intense congress sessions.
Trips
Explore the historic charm, vibrant culture, and hidden gems of Poland's cradle of statehood with Visit Poznań’s official tour program for IAC 2027.
As Poznań welcomes the global space community for the 78th International Astronautical Congress, we invite delegates, guests, and accompanying persons to explore the vibrant heart of Poland’s cradle of statehood.
Local trips
Old Market Square – The Heart of Poznań
The ideal choice for guests with limited time who still want to experience Poznań’s essential sights. The route covers the Old Market Square, Renaissance Town Hall and its famous mechanical goats, the colourful Merchants’ Houses and the Royal Castle on Przemysł Hill.
The guide introduces the people, legends and events that shaped the capital of Greater Poland.
Poznań on Both Sides of the Warta
This tour connects Poznań’s oldest district with its historic centre. It begins on Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski), closely linked to the origins of the city and the Polish state, before crossing the Warta towards the Old Town and Old Market Square.
The route presents two distinctive areas of Poznań and traces the city’s development from its medieval beginnings to its Renaissance mercantile period.
Three Eras of Poznań
A comprehensive introduction to a thousand years of Poznań’s history through three distinctive chapters: the Piast heritage of Cathedral Island, the Renaissance Old Market Square and the monumental Imperial Quarter.
The route connects major landmarks including the cathedral, Town Hall, Royal Castle and Imperial Castle.
The Imperial Castle – History Written in Stone
A guided visit inside the Imperial Castle, originally built in the early twentieth century for Wilhelm II. The tour explores its architecture, interiors and changing role throughout the twentieth century.
Visitors discover its transition from imperial residence, through wartime remodelling, to one of Poznań’s major contemporary cultural venues.
Historic Residences of Greater Poland – Kórnik and Rogalin
A full-day journey outside Poznań to two of Greater Poland’s most important historic residences. The programme combines Kórnik Castle and its famous arboretum with Rogalin, the former residence of the Raczyński family.
The excursion brings together art, architecture, regional history, park landscapes and the famous centuries-old Rogalin oaks.
Discover Poznań by “Bimba”: A Historic Tram Adventure
Discover Poznań aboard a vintage historic tram, locally known as a “bimba”. The ride combines city sightseeing, local history and the atmosphere of carefully preserved historic tram cars.
A Culinary Journey Through Poznań
A combination of sightseeing and regional cuisine, introducing participants to Poznań while offering a taste of flagship Greater Poland dishes and local culinary traditions.
Technical tours
Emerging Space Sector in Warsaw
The programme includes a visit to the Warsaw branch office of the Polish Space Agency and its operational centre, providing insight into capabilities in Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST).
A second stop introduces a Polish space-sector company developing products and services for space applications.
- Space Situational Awareness and SST capabilities
- Deployment systems including antennas and booms
- Hold-down and release mechanisms
- Positioning mechanisms and actuators
- Technologies supporting propulsion and AOCS
AGH Faculty of Space Technologies in Cracow
AGH Faculty of Space Technologies in Cracow has developed specialised laboratories and procedures for space research. Its habitat supports analogue lunar and Martian missions supervised by a Mission Control Center.
- Habitat for analogue lunar and Martian missions
- Research supporting safe manned spaceflight
- Astrobiology laboratory
- Aquaponic and hydroponic systems
- Sensor and microbiological monitoring research
- Analog Astronaut Training Center
The Analog Astronaut Training Center specialises in human physiology research and operational training for scientists, engineers and astronaut candidates.
LunAres Space Station in Piła
LunAres is an analogue research station for crewed space-mission simulations located at a former military airport in Poland. It can accommodate a two-week lunar or Martian mission for a six-person crew.
Research focuses on human factors associated with long-term extra-terrestrial presence and technological development for crewed exploration.
- Fully isolated analogue habitat
- 250 sqm EVA area
- Research in medicine, psychology and biotechnology
- Robotics, engineering, sociology and architecture
- Testing of sustainable and innovative technologies
Kąkolewo Airport
The Kąkolewo Campus is a training and research centre focused on aviation and space technologies, located approximately 40 km southeast of Poznań.
- Space robotics test centre
- Space observatory
- Radiocommunication facilities
- Hangars, laboratories and conference facilities
- 700 sqm space robot testing hall
- Shapeable test surface for regolith, rocks and craters
- Climate laboratory
- Microgravity laboratory
- Simulated Mission Control Center
The campus is approximately 10 km from Grodzisk Wielkopolski, 27 km from the A2 motorway, 20 km from the S11 expressway and 50 km from Poznań-Ławica International Airport.
Post tours
Vibrant Warsaw – The Heart of Poland Warsaw
Discover Warsaw – a city where a remarkable past meets a vibrant and forward-looking present. Explore the charming streets of the Old Town, admire the grandeur of the Royal Castle and experience the elegance and tranquillity of Royal Łazienki.
Discover the story of a city that endured the devastation of the Second World War and the Warsaw Uprising, while experiencing today's modern, energetic and creative European capital.
Meet your guide at Poznań Railway Station and travel by train to Warsaw. Discover the Old Town and visit the Royal Castle. Lunch at a local restaurant, followed by hotel check-in and an evening at leisure.
Visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and continue to Łazienki Park and the Palace on the Isle. Evening at leisure.
Breakfast at the hotel, time for your own exploration of Warsaw and check-out before noon.
- Train journey from Poznań to Warsaw
- Professional English-speaking assistance
- 2 nights in a centrally located ***/**** hotel
- Breakfasts at the hotel
- 2-course lunches at selected local restaurants
- Guided Warsaw Old Town visit
- Entrance fees to the Royal Castle, Warsaw Uprising Museum and Łazienki Royal Park & Palace
- Local transportation, if required
Magic Krakow – The Soul of Poland Kraków
Step into the heart of Kraków, one of Europe’s most captivating historic cities. Wander through the atmospheric streets of the Old Town, explore the Main Market Square and climb Wawel Hill, home to the former royal residence.
The programme also explores Kazimierz, Kraków’s historic Jewish quarter, and the extraordinary Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Meet your guide at Poznań Railway Station and travel to Krakow. Explore the Old Town and Main Market Square, followed by Castle Hill. Lunch at a local restaurant, hotel check-in and evening at leisure.
Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine and its underground chambers and salt-carved chapels. After lunch, explore Kazimierz and its unique heritage.
Breakfast at the hotel, time for your own exploration of the city and check-out before noon.
- Train journey from Poznań to Krakow
- Professional English-speaking assistance
- 2 nights in a centrally located ***/**** hotel
- Breakfasts at the hotel
- 2-course lunches at selected local restaurants
- Guided Krakow Old Town, Kazimierz Quarter and Wieliczka Salt Mine visits
- Entrance fees to St Mary Church, Castle Cathedral and Wieliczka Salt Mine
- Local transportation, if required
Amber Gdansk – The Gateway to the Sea Gdańsk & Sopot
Explore Gdańsk, a city with a unique maritime character and a fascinating story shaped by centuries of trade, culture and change. Discover the restored Old Town and the world of amber at the Amber Museum.
The programme also visits the historic Gdańsk Shipyard and European Solidarity Centre before heading to Sopot, Poland’s elegant seaside resort.
Travel from Poznań to Gdansk. Explore the Old Town, visit St Mary’s Church and the Amber Museum, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and check in at the hotel.
Explore the historic Gdańsk Shipyard and visit the European Solidarity Centre. After lunch, travel to Sopot to enjoy the beach and walk along its famous pier.
Breakfast at the hotel, time for your own exploration of the city and check-out before noon.
- Train journey from Poznań to Gdansk
- Professional English-speaking assistance
- 2 nights in a centrally located ***/**** hotel
- Breakfasts at the hotel
- 2-course lunches at selected local restaurants
- Guided Gdansk Old Town visit
- Entrance fees to St Mary Church, Amber Museum, Solidarity Museum and Sopot’s Pier
- Local transportation, if required
Gothic Torun – Touched by the Stars Toruń
Step into the historic heart of Toruń, one of Poland’s most atmospheric medieval cities and the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus. Explore the beautifully preserved Old Town and its remarkable Gothic architecture.
The programme combines Toruń’s medieval heritage with its extraordinary astronomical legacy.
Meet your guide at Poznań Railway Station and travel by train to Torun. Explore the historic Old Town, visit the Copernicus House and the remains of the Teutonic Castle. After lunch, visit the Observatory and return by train in the late afternoon.
- Train journey from Poznań to Torun
- Professional English-speaking assistance
- 2-course lunch at a local restaurant
- Guided Torun Old Town visit
- Entrance fees to Copernicus House, Planetarium and Teutonic Castle
- Local transportation, if required
Two Capitals Warsaw & Krakow – One Heart Warsaw + Kraków
Experience the contrasting character of Poland’s two most iconic cities. Begin in Warsaw, a capital shaped by resilience, courage and extraordinary transformation, before continuing to Kraków, Poland’s historic heart and former royal capital.
From Warsaw’s story of resilience and renewal to Kraków’s royal heritage, Kazimierz and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, discover two remarkable sides of Poland.
Travel from Poznań to Warsaw. Discover the Old Town and Royal Castle, followed by lunch, hotel check-in and an evening at leisure.
Visit the Warsaw Uprising Museum, followed by lunch and a visit to Łazienki Park and the Palace on the Isle.
Check out and travel by train to Krakow. Explore the Old Town, Main Market Square and Castle Hill, followed by lunch and hotel check-in.
Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and continue to Kraków’s historic Kazimierz district.
Breakfast at the hotel, time for your own exploration of Krakow and check-out before noon.
- Train journeys from Poznań to Warsaw and from Warsaw to Krakow
- Professional English-speaking assistance
- 2 nights in a centrally located ***/**** hotel in Warsaw
- 2 nights in a centrally located ***/**** hotel in Krakow
- Breakfasts at the hotels
- 2-course lunches at selected local restaurants
- Warsaw guided Old Town visit
- Warsaw entrance fees: Royal Castle, Warsaw Uprising Museum and Łazienki Royal Park & Palace
- Krakow guided Old Town, Kazimierz Quarter and Wieliczka Salt Mine visits
- Krakow entrance fees: St Mary Church, Castle Cathedral and Wieliczka Salt Mine
- Local transportation, if required