Bydgoszcz is a city which derives its greatest resources to the full. Water. And people. Here the stories flow by themselves, just listen to the rhythm of the city. Everyone will find something for themselves in Bydgoszcz. There are unique museums and beautiful green areas conducive to activity.
There is an extremely interesting route showing the close relationship between the city and water, while architecture enthusiasts can admire the charming Art Nouveau tenement houses. There are romantic nooks and crannies and places where you can spend time with your family.
Bydgoszcz has a relaxed atmosphere. There is not yet a crowd of tourists here, so sightseeing the city is pure pleasure. Come with us for a walk and see what is worth seeing in Bydgoszcz!
Old Town in Bydgoszcz
At the Theatre Square we cross the bridge over the Brda River. From afar you can see the characteristic silhouettes of granaries. Only three half-timbered granaries have survived to our times and are now the symbol of the city.
A line-jumper floats quietly above the water – a sculpture of a man crossing the river commemorates Poland’s accession to the European Union. Along the waterfront, ships, such as the Lemara Barge and water trams, moor. We barely set off for a walk in Bydgoszcz, and we already know that this city will certainly surprise us.
We are heading further, towards the Old Market Square. The central square in the city is surrounded by charming tenement houses. In one of them, in the fumes of smoke appears the figure of Twardowski. Around the square there are many cafes and restaurants, and in the evenings the Market Square is vibrant with life.
Of course, there is no shortage of historic buildings here – the monumental building of the former Jesuit college now houses the Town Hall. Just next to the Market Square is the oldest church in the city, because it dates back to the fifteenth century – it is the Cathedral of St. Martin and St. Nicholas. It is worth to look inside, because the interior really makes an impression.
The climate of old Bydgoszcz can be felt on Długa Street. The charm of this place lies in the stylish houses. It used to be the commercial centre of the city, but today it has lost its importance. At Długa Street, it is worth visiting the Museum of Soap and the History of Dirt, as well as seeing the historic tram (seasonal tourist information operates here) and bend your head over the Bydgoszcz Autographs.
Walk over the Brda River
We’re going back to the river. Walking along the promenade along the Brda you can admire both beautiful historic buildings and modern architecture.
The characteristic Lloyd’s Palace from the nineteenth century is adjacent here to the modernist granaries, which houses the bank. On the one hand, you can see the old city locks from the eighteenth century, on the other hand, the waves are steadily reflected in the futuristic houses on the water.
River plays first violin in Bydgoszcz. Literally, because on its bank there is also an impressive Opera Nova building. It is also the place where the summer cycle of concerts called the River of Music takes place. And through the nearby Lovers’ Bridge we can get straight to the charming Mill Island.
Mill Island
A green oasis in the heart of Bydgoszcz. Mill Island is an ideal place to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city. Neat lawns, alleys that you can walk in the shade of trees or benches by the river create a captivating atmosphere.
The museums here are also worth visiting. In the characteristic White Granary you can see archaeological collections belonging to the Regional Museum. Right next door, in the European Money Centre, you can admire the real Bydgoszcz Treasure.
At the beginning of 2018, during archaeological works in the Bydgoszcz cathedral, an iron cassette was accidentally found. Hidden under the floor for years, it hid a real treasure: a collection of gold coins, jewellery, ornaments and devotional items.
On the Island there is also a modern building of Bydgoszcz Marina, which with its architecture fits perfectly into the city space. There is a water equipment rental service here, and Bydgoszcz is one of those places that are worth seeing just from the river side.
The impressive buildings of the Rother Mill Mill are also part of the landscape of Mill Island. They are currently undergoing renovation, but in the future they will serve cultural and scientific functions.
Venice Bydgoszcz
Bydgoszcz Venice stretches out right next to the Mill Island. Old tenement houses and buildings of old factories give this place a unique atmosphere.
It is worth to come here at sunset, walk along the Młynówka or taste local beverages in the Beer Brewery. Bydgoszcz Venice is definitely one of the places that most enchanted us in Bydgoszcz!
Walking around the city centre
We leave the Old Town and Brda behind us and move to the City Centre. Have you heard about the Bydgoszcz sect? It is in this part of the city that you can see some of the most beautiful tenement houses in Bydgoszcz.
Bydgoszcz from a different perspective
Get on a water tram and get to know the city from the river side. From May to September, ships powered by solar energy set sail from the marina at the Rybim Rynek. Popular Sunflowers sail on two routes: Staromiejska and Słoneczna.
The first one runs, among others, at Granaries, Theatre Square, Opera, Mill Island and through the city lock. On the route of Słoneczna we will see, among others, the historic building of the Polish Post Office, canoeing stands and the impressive Słoneczny Młyn Hotel.
For a normal ticket for the cruise we will pay 8 PLN, a reduced ticket will cost us 5 PLN. It is worth to book them earlier, because there is no shortage of volun
The TeH2O Route
The Trail of Water, Industry and Craft tells us the history of Bydgoszcz. About how the use of water resources influenced not only the development of industry in the city, but also the fate of its inhabitants and local craftsmen.
On the TeH2O Route we will find fifteen unique places, inseparably connected with water. Following the trail of objects related to Bydgoszcz’s industry and crafts, we will see the previously mentioned Granary on the Brda River or Mill Island, but also the Pressure Tower and the Pump Hall in the Water Supply Museum, the Bookbinding House, Bydgoszcz Beer Brewery or the Museum of Photography.
On the TeH2O Route you will also find one of the most popular museums in Bydgoszcz, the Museum of Soap and Dirt History and the unique Exploseum.
Museum of Soap and Dirt History
How was bathing in the Middle Ages? Who cared least about hygiene in the old days? Where did soap come from? You can find out all about this by visiting the Museum of Soap and the History of Dirt.
You will see a 19th century bathing room, a collection of washing machines and soaps from all over the world. The most valuable exhibit turned out to be the famous Fa soap – the copy turned out to be so valuable that you have to keep it under lock and key.
Lemar’s barge
Water has always played an important role in Bydgoszcz, especially in the development of industry. Barges loaded with goods flowed through the Bydgoszcz Canal, and the next generations grew up on the units.
Today, the only such barge – the Lemara barge – is moored on Spichlerna Street. Its interiors have been renovated and adapted for the needs of the museum.
When we go down below the deck we will see how the place of work of Bydgoszcz skippers used to look like and how skillfully it was necessary to arrange a small space for housing needs. We will pay 2 PLN for the entrance ticket to the barge.
Exploseum
To visit the Exploseum you have to go to the outskirts of the city. In the midst of a dense forest is hidden a unique in the world scale former plant producing explosives. This place made a huge impression on us. The sightseeing route runs once through long, concrete corridors, and in a moment it leads us through a labyrinth of rooms.
The buildings contain exhibitions devoted to, among others, Alfred Nobel’s activities, the history of armed conflicts, the functioning of the factory and the stories of people who had to work in factories forcibly.
You should spend at least two hours visiting the Exploseum. Tickets cost 12 PLN for an adult, and a discounted ticket will cost 10 PLN. The Exploseum can be reached by public bus 68e, the journey takes about half an hour.