Located on the southwestern shores of Lake Dabie, Szczecin is an age old urban settlement that dates back to 8th century A.D. Although it is located more or less a hundred kilometers from the Baltic Sea, its inland lagoon serves as a major hub for sea traffic. Szczecin has long been at the crossroads of cultural exchange because of its close proximity to the German border and as an important Baltic seaport. The city has seen a major transformation since its destruction during the Allied bombings of World War II and is now a destination with rich historical, cultural and natural attractions. From mouthwatering Polish cuisine and an exotic number of bars to a Parisian city layout with majestic Gothic and Renaissance architecture, Szczecin is the perfect weekend getaway.