Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | St Martin croissant, Rogal Świętomarciński, is one of Poznań's most famous specialties. The sweet, crescent-shaped pastry is filled with white poppy seeds and has a long tradition in the city. We visited the Poznań Croissant Museum to learn more – and of course Peter got to step in as a baker.
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
Share
ShareTable of contents
Visiting Poznań
Poznań, Poland's fifth largest city, offers an incredibly beautiful old town with colorful and decorated houses. The city is famous for its St. Martin croissants, which we wanted to tell you a little more about today.
The St. Martin croissant is a specialty from Poznań
The St. Martin croissant is called Rogal Świętomarciński in Polish and is a traditional pastry from Poznań and parts of the Wielkopolska region. Since 2008, the name has been a protected geographical indication within the EU, which means that the pastry must meet special requirements to be sold under the name.
The pastry is made from a type of semi-shortcrust/yeast dough and is filled with, among other things, white poppy seeds, sugar, nuts and dried fruit. Glaze and chopped nuts are placed on top.
The pastry is associated with Saint Martin's Day.
The pastry, sometimes called ”the sweetest symbol of Poznań”, is named after Saint Martin. According to legend, the saint’s holy horse once dropped a horseshoe, and a pastry was baked in the shape of this horseshoe. In some places, you can read that the popular croissants are eaten on St. Martin's Day, which falls on November 11, but you can also enjoy them all year round.
St Martin croissants are made from dough and filled with a sweet filling including poppy seeds. Before being served, they are glazed with a sugary icing. In the photo, I'm holding a half in my hand, so that's why the fancy horseshoe shape is not really visible ...
We visit the Poznań Croissant Museum
Right in the center of Poznań is the Poznań Croissant Museum and Experience, where you can learn more about the city's famous pastry in a much more entertaining way than just reading an exhibition.
We participated in a so-called Croissant Show, where baking is interspersed with stories about the history of baking, Poznań's traditions and local expressions - all with a hefty dose of humor.
At the beginning of the show, they asked who wanted to bake. Everyone who raised their hand received a baking cap and could then be called up to roll, cut, fold or stuff. Guess who signed up? Peter of course! He didn't look very happy about the tiny roll he got first ...
He didn't protest, however, but rolled over nicely.
Eventually he got a real rolling pin, and then things got a little better!
For real, it takes a long time to knead and roll the dough, and it has to rest in between, and then it has to be baked. You can't wait for this, and since we "pretend bakers" don't have the certificate either, our pastries can't be served either. The St Martin croissants that we got to taste at the end were not baked by us, but by experts. Really good!
Despite this, baker Peter received a diploma after the show. What does the diploma say? We have no idea, as it is in Polish.
More to see and do in Poznan
Of course, Poznań has much more to offer than croissants. The museum is located right on the historic square, where you can see, among other things, the beautiful Town Hall and the famous mechanical trestles that are pounded above the clock every day.
We have discovered Poznań both on foot and by bike and collected our best tips in a separate guide.
READ MORE: Poznan, Poland - 11 things to see and do
FAQ – frequently asked questions about St. Martin croissants in Poznań
What is a St Martin croissant?
St Martin croissant, Rogal Świętomarciński, is a traditional sweet pastry from Poznań and the Wielkopolska region. It is made from multi-layered dough and filled with, among other things, white poppy seeds, sugar, nuts and dried fruit.
Why do people eat St. Martin croissants in Poznań?
The pastry is associated with Saint Martin and his feast day on November 11. The tradition in Poznań dates back to the 19th century and has become an important part of the city's food culture.
Can you buy St Martin croissants all year round?
Yes, although the pastry is particularly associated with November 11, St. Martin croissants are sold in many places in Poznań throughout the rest of the year.
What is the Poznań Croissant Museum?
The Poznań Croissant Museum is an experiential attraction where visitors can learn about the St. Martin croissant and local traditions through an interactive and humorous show. Visitors can also help with various stages of baking.
Where is Poznań Croissant Museum?
The museum is located right in the historic center of Poznań, on the Old Market Square, so it's easy to combine a visit with sightseeing in the Old Town.
You might also like:
10 beautiful places in Poland you don't want to miss
A motorhome holiday in Poland - golf, cities and history
Things to do in Poland - 30 sights and experiences
Malmö-Świnoujście with Finnlines – our experiences with the ferry
The Valley of Palaces and Gardens at Jelenia Góra in Poland
English (UK) 
Svenska
Ditte says:
Poznan looks like a really nice and charming city. And this with trying to bake was really fun. And of course it is an advantage to live close to the city. Absolutely!
14 September 2020 - 7:51
Helena says:
Fantastic city, really! And the baking show was a fun way to familiarise yourself with both the baking and the history! ??
14 September 2020 - 9:00
BP says:
The houses in the first car are sooooo charming. They really have character, I would say. The buildings in the second picture are very reminiscent of Gdansk. I wonder if the houses are "original" or if they are replicas like in Gdansk.
Funny with the croissants. It doesn't surprise me at all that Peter wanted to be a baker:-)
14 September 2020 - 20:24
Helena says:
Very good question! It is a bit different in Poland. Sometimes the houses are original and sometimes they are replicas. Now I don't really remember how it was in Poznan. Have to read up on it! (And no, it did not surprise me either ;))
15 September 2020 - 18:30
Lena - gott för själen says:
What a beautiful city. Beautiful architecture! Funny with the croissants 🙂
Hug Lena
15 September 2020 - 5:53
Helena says:
Super nice city indeed! ??
15 September 2020 - 18:31
Lisa says:
When I was working, I had several colleagues who were from Poznan. One year a bus trip was organised there and I have fond memories of that trip. The food was good and in abundance, especially the sandwiches that were arranged before an excursion were outstanding. We visited a castle that I do not remember the name of but remember that it was very beautiful and lavish.
15 September 2020 - 9:53
Helena says:
Glad you have good memories! Poland has many beautiful cities and castles! And the food is usually both good and plentiful 😉.
15 September 2020 - 18:32
Kors och Tvärs says:
But oh how fun to be involved in baking, and what a nice gem you have found - again. One gets really hungry for Poland, a country we have never actually visited so far.
16 September 2020 - 14:40