Opportunities for the development of thanatourism in the Olsztyn area

The article analyses opportunities for developing thanatourism around Olsztyn, pointing out numerous memorials, war cemeteries and monuments commemorating the victims of armed conflicts, which could be attractive destinations for thanatourists. The aim of the research was to identify sites with thanatourism potential and to develop a concept of a trail including historical and cultural sites of remembrance. The study, based on historical resources and academic publications, shows the wealth of historical cemeteries and places of remembrance in the city, such as the former Evangelical cemetery, Bet Tahara with its now defunct Jewish cemetery, and war cemeteries from both world wars. The results of the analysis highlight the potential of Olsztyn as a thanatourist location. A comparison was also made between Olsztyn’s memorial sites and examples of thanatourism from other regions of the world, emphasizing the unique aspects of local cultural heritage.