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Written by:Dawid Urbański (p. 9-26, 89-96, 128-135, 147-149), Mirosław Wysocki (p. 27-34 with changes by Marta Makowska-Adamczyk), Urszula Guźlecka (p. 37-44 with changes by Marta Makowska-Adamczyk), Daria Kieraszewicz (p. 51-56, 61-68), Bogna Derkowska-Kostkowska (p. 73, 77-78, 80-81, interesting fact on p. 82, 97-108 with changes by Agnieszka Kołosowska, 115-122, Maciej Obremski (p. 76, 79-80, 83), Agnieszka Kołosowska (p. 82), p. 109-114 – preparation based on texts from individual institutions, Tomasz Izajasz (p. 122-127 with changes by Paulina Janusz and Marta Makowska-Adamczyk, Agnieszka Wysocka (p. 136-142), Grzegorz Myk (p. 149-150, Marcin Obremski (p. 150-151), Tourist Information Centre in Toruń (p.151-152), Elżbieta Pawelec (p. 153-154), Michał Czepek (p. 154-156), Municipal Tourist Information Centre in Inowrocław (p. 156-157), Tourist Information in Żnin (p. 158-159), City Culture, Sport and Promotion Office in Ciechocinek (p. 159-160), Włocławek Tourist Information (p. 161-162), Marta Makowska-Adamczyk (introductions on p. 167, 168, 172, 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188), Bydgoszcz Information Centre (useful addresses on p.: 35-36, 48-50, 167-188, regular events on p.: 44-47)
Photos by: Cover and flap: Joanna Zasada, Robert SawickiJoanna Zasada (p. 6-7, 26 top, 119, 164-165, 179, 182, 184, 191 photo no. 9, 192 photo no. 25), Robert Sawicki (p. 10, 11, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30-31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41 top, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 58-59, 61, 65, 68, 70-71, 76, 77, 79, 82, 83, 84, 86-87, 89, 90, 93, 96, 97, 99, 103, 108, 110, 123 left, 125, 126, 128, 134, 135, 137, 140, 148, 167 bottom, 171, 183, 185, 188, 191 photo no. 2, 4, 6, 12, 14, p. 192 photo no. 15, 17, 21, 33), Marek Chełminiak (p. 94 top, 106, 124), Natalia Nazaruk (p. 14), Dariusz Gackowski (p. 109, 112 left), Bydgoszcz Airport Archive (p. 12-13), Dariusz Bloch (p. 73), Arkadiusz Blachowski (p. 49 top) Sonia Gołda (p. 26 bottom, 81, 94 bottom, 95, 117, 118, 121, 129), Paulina Janusz (p. 100, 105, 111 right, 132 bottom), Agnieszka Kołosowska (p. 22, 98, 102, 132 top), Alicja Gołata (p. 133), Piotr Ulanowski (p. 38), Leszek Woźniak (p. 78, 111 left, 138, 139, 143, 167 top), Leon Wyczółkowski District Museum Archive in Bydgoszcz (p. 123 right), Ewelina Gołdyn (p. 112 right column, 113, 114), Daniel Pach (p. 144-145), Kinga Eljasz (p. 41 bottom), Magda Hueckel (p. 42), Soap and History of Dirt Museum Archive (p. 49 bottom, 63), Municipal Gallery bwa Archive (p. 50), Sowa Confectionery Company Archive (p. 52), Anita Michniewska (p. 53), Brewery Archive (p. 55 bottom, 56), ZDMiKP Archive (p. 62), Myślęcinek Forest Park Archive (p. 66), Koronowo Town Office Archive (p. 149), Grzegorz Myk (p. 150), Tourist Information Centre Archive in Toruń (p. 151), Aerial photo B.Z. Chojeta (p. 153), Mariusz Nasieniewski (p. 155, 156), Dariusz Bednarek (p. 157), Tourist Information Archive in Żnin (p. 158), City Culture, Sport and Promotion Office Archive in Ciechocinek (p. 159, 160), Jan Sierakiewicz (p. 161), Włocławek Tourist Information Archive (p. 162), Bohema Hotel Archive (p. 168), Pod Orłem Hotel Archive (p. 172), Tramway Archive (p. 173 top, 174, 177), Maciej Śmiglewski (p. 181), © Artem Mykhailichenko - Fotolia.com (p. 55) © Photographee.eu - Fotolia.com (p. 173 bottom), © Wouter Tolenaars - Fotolia.com (p. 175 top), © Darius Dzinnik - Fotolia.com (p. 175 bottom), © adisa - Fotolia.com (p. 176 top), © valery121283 - Fotolia.com (p. 176 second from top), © Bernd Jürgens - Fotolia.com (p. 176 third from top), © draghicich - Fotolia.com (p. 176 bottom), © konradbak - Fotolia.com (p. 187), Drawing on p. 3- Studio DaVinci Agencja ReklamowaDrawings on p. 44, 57, 85 - Kamila Michałowska from Studio DaVinci Agencja ReklamowaDrawing on p. 74-75- Bartosz Ostrowski papio.plDrawings on p.: 8, 11, 14, 60, 67, 72, 88, 146, 152, 166, 170, 180, 188 - Grapix.pl (graphic artist Kamil Wakuła)Map of Attractions in the Voivodeship on p. 163: ArtStudio Agencja Reklamowo-Wydawnicza, www.klonowski.eu
Project Coordinators: Agnieszka Kołosowska, Leszek WoźniakEditing: Agnieszka Kołosowska, Paulina Janusz, Leszek Woźniak, Marcin Obremski Translation and proofreading by: Biuro Tłumaczeń Logos, 10 Gdańska st., 85-006 BydgoszczGraphic design of the cover,graphic design of the entire publication,typesetting: GraPIX.pl (graphic artist: Kamil Wakuła)Maps prepared by: Marcin Wasilewski (marcinwasilewski.eu) based on OSM data (© authors OpenStreetMap, Open Database License)Printed by: Drukarnia JANTER, ul. Chrobrego 41, 11-300 Biskupiec
ISBN 83-917786-7-3First edition, VII 2014
Publisher:City of BydgoszczBydgoszcz Information Centre2 Batorego St., 85-104 Bydgoszcztel. +48 52 340 45 50www.visitbydgoszcz.pl, [email protected]
3
Information
4
9 Basic information17 History of Bydgoszcz27 Sports in Bydgoszcz 37 Cultural Bydgoszcz 51 Bydgoszcz specialties
MUST DO58
EXPLOREBYDGOSZCZ6
61 Take a cruise by the water tram 62 Go on a trip on a historical bus63 Make soap yourself 64 Learn about the “explosive” history of Bydgoszcz66 Relax in Myślęcinek68 Find the 18th Meridian
73 Bydgoszcz seen from the Water Tower76 Mill Island77 Bydgoszcz Canal 79 Bydgoszcz Cathedral 80 Statue of the Archer Lady82 Master Twardowski83 Man Crossing the River Sculpture by Granaries
84 The “Deluge” Fountain
MUST SEE70
5
SIGHTSEEING ROUTES86
89 See the Old Town97 Around the City Centre109 Alternative image of the city115 Industrial history of Bydgoszcz122 Trail of hydrotechnical historical sites128 By bicycle through Bydgoszcz136 Green Bydgoszcz
147 Ostromecko149 Koronowo150 Beaches and bathing
waters151 Toruń153 Chełmno154 Grudziądz 156 Inowrocław
158 Żnin and its environs
159 Ciechocinek161 Włocławek
167 Tourist information 168 Where to sleep?172 Where to eat?178 Pubs/clubs180 Entertainment182 Attractions for children184 Tourist equipment rental186 Shopping188 Tour operators
USEFUL INFORMATION164
Contents
BYDGOSZCZ ENVIRONS144
6
POZNAJ
BYDGOSZCZEXPLORE BYDGOSZCZ
7
POZNAJ
BYDGOSZCZ
Explore Bydgoszcz
Mock-up of Bydgoszcz from the early centuries
8
Bydgoszcz specialties51
Basic information9
History of Bydgoszcz17
Sports in Bydgoszcz 27
Cultural Bydgoszcz
37
9
BasicInformation
Explore Bydgoszcz | Basic Information
Bydgoszcz is the capital of Kujawsko-
Pomorskie Voivodeship and the eighth
biggest city in Poland. It occupies part
of the historical region of Kuyavia and is
picturesquely located on the rivers Brda,
Vistula, and the Bydgoszcz Canal. Major
motor roads, railways and waterways
(international waterway E70) intersect in
the area. Ignacy Jan Paderewski Airport
operates in the city (about 15 minutes from
the city centre by bus). The city with its
centuries-old traditions is a popular tourist
destination thanks to its attractive location
on the river and canals running through its
centre. Bydgoszcz places growing emphasis
on water, since the daily life, cultural, sports
and business activities of the city take place
in the immediate proximity of the River Brda.
In brief:First traces of settlement: 8,000 B.C.
First written record: 1238
Town charter: April 19, 1346
Area: 175.98 sq. km
Average altitude: 60 m above sea level
Population: 361 000 (2013)
Population density: 2,047 people/sq. km
Geographic location:
latitude 53o N
longitude 18o E
Twin cities:
Cherkasy and Kremenchuk (Ukraine),
Hartford (USA), Kragujevac (Serbia),
Mannheim and Wilhelmshaven (Germany),
Ningbo (China), Patras (Greece),
Pavlodar (Kazakhstan), Perth (Scotland),
Pitesti (Romania), Reggio Emilia (Italy)
10
Coat of arms, colours and bugle call
The coat of arms of the city
features the red city walls against a white
background with merlons, the gate and
three towers with blue roofs, crowned with
golden cupolas. The central tower is higher
and wider, whereas its top, on the cupola,
features a golden flag turned to the right.
The wall has a gate with raised portcullis,
blue doors with golden hardware, with the
right wing open.
The present coat of arms of the city was
approved by a resolution of the Municipal
Council in 2005. Over centuries, the coat
of arms has changed, and its origins date
back to the chartering of Bydgoszcz as a
town. The initial coat of arms of the city has
been preserved in vestigial form on a stamp
attached to the document issued for the
Koronowo Cistercians in 1362.
Bugle call of Bydgoszcz was written by
composer, pianist and musicologist, Prof.
Konrad Pałubicki (1910-1992). In 1946,
on the 600th anniversary of the city of
Bydgoszcz, a bugle call competition was
announced. The jury of the competition
selected K. Pałubicki’s composition based on
Kashubian motifs. It was also decided that
the bugle call performed by a trumpeter
would be played from the tower of the
Church of the Poor Clares at 2 Gdańska
Street. These days, the bugle call is played
from a digital recorder three times
a day, at noon, 3:00 pm and 6:00
pm. It should be added that the
Bydgoszcz music signal – the
military bugle call – was played for
the first time on the May 3 Holiday in
1925.
Logotype: The promotional emblem of
Bydgoszcz refers to a historical tradition,
showing an outline of three granaries in
red, yellow and blue with an inscription -
Bydgoszcz or Bydgoszcz.pl.
Flag: the colours of Bydgoszcz,
from the top, include white,
red and blue, which create
three horizontal stripes of the
same width. The centre of the
flag features the coat of arms of the city.
The colours of the flag refer directly to the
colours of the coat of arms of the city.
11
Explore Bydgoszcz | Basic Information
SymbolsGranaries – three half-timbered granaries
rising over the river in the city centre, at
7-11 Grodzka Street, comprise the official
symbol of Bydgoszcz. The granaries
are the main motif of the official
logo of the city. The choice of
the granaries as the symbol is
related to the very important
role of river trade, in particular
trade in grains, which
flourished in the city over
centuries. (p. 83)
The Archer Lady – a statue made by Berlin
sculptor Ferdinand Lepcke, which is currently
standing in the Jan Kochanowski Park,
across from the Polish Theatre. It is one of the
unofficial symbols of the city. “Łuczniczka”
(The Archer Lady) is also the name of the
Bydgoszcz Sports & Entertainment Hall at
59 Toruńska Street, one of the three most
prominent sports arenas in Bydgoszcz.
(p. 81) It should be mentioned that in 2013
a contemporary monument referring to
“The Archer Lady” was unveiled in the city.
The new statue flexes its naked body near
the Opera Nova, serving as a symbol of the
changes taking place in Bydgoszcz.
The Archer Lady in Jan Kochanowski Park
12
How to get toBydgoszcz?
By car
Bydgoszcz can be accessed by two
major motor roads, no. 10 and 25. The first
one offers a convenient connection with Piła
and Szczecin, in a north-western direction.
The second one provides a connection with
Wrocław, Poznań and Bydgoszcz Airport.
Some 60 kilometres away from Bydgoszcz is
an entrance to the A1 highway, which offers
a connection to the Tri-City in the north and
to Łódź in the south.
By bus
Bydgoszcz is the most important junction of
long-distance buses in the region. Bydgoszcz
offers direct connections to Gdańsk, Warsaw,
Poznań, Wrocław, Łódź, Krakow, and Szczecin.
Ticket windows at the PKS Coach Station are
open:
on weekdays between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm
on weekends between 10:30 am and 6:00 pm
(closed on holidays).
Outside opening hours, tickets can be
purchased directly from the driver.
Information about connections from
Bydgoszcz can be found at www.pks.
bydgoszcz.pl or by calling the infoline +48
703 403 350. Note! When changing from bus
to train in the city, one should remember that
the PKS Coach Station is not close to the PKP
Railway Station. It takes about 15 minutes to
travel from one station to another by tram
no. 5 or 20 minutes by bus no. 80. The public
transport schedule can be found at:
www.zdmikp.bygoszcz.pl at public transport
timetable bookmark. An alternative to PKS
buses is Polski Bus (www.polskibus.com),
whose stop is located at the corner of
Jagiellońska and Piotrowskiego Streets.
12Bydgoszcz Airport
13
Explore Bydgoszcz | Basic Information
By train
Bydgoszcz has direct railway connections
with the majority of big cities in Poland. The
most popular destinations are the Tri-City and
Warsaw.
By boat
One can also reach Bydgoszcz by the
International Waterway E-70, which connects
the rivers Vistula and Odra, and the waterway
E-40, which connects the Baltic Sea with the
Black Sea (p. 122).
By air
Ignacy Jan Paderewski International Airport
is located only 3.5 km south of Bydgoszcz city
centre. Convenient connection with the airport
is provided by motor road no. 25 and bus line
no. 80, connecting the airport with PKS and
PKP stations. The timetable of bus line no. 80 is
available at www.zdmikp.bydgoszcz.pl.
The modern passenger terminal – built
in 2004 – serves over 300,000 passengers
every year. A detailed timetable of regular
and charter flights is available at the airport
website www.bzg.aero or by calling
+48 52 365 47 00 (open daily between 8:00
am and 10:00 pm).
13
PKP Bydgoszcz Główna Railway Station
can be accessed by the following buses: 54,
57, 67, 71, 79, 80, 83, 84, 31N, 33N and trams:
3 and 5.
Details on connections from Bydgoszcz can be found on the websites of carriers:www.pkp.plwww.arrivapcc.pl, tel. +48 801 081 515www.intercity.pl,(TLK, Express InterCity) tel. +48 22 39 19 757www.przewozyregionalne.pltel. +48 703 202 020
14
How to travel in the city
Public transport covers almost the
entire city, allowing you to reach anywhere
in Bydgoszcz quickly and conveniently. Every
day, nearly half a million people use the
service. Efficient commuting is provided by
modern and comfortable trams and buses,
which also travel at night. Tickets can be
purchased at newsstands, ticket machines,
ticket sale system by phone and at the origin
stops from the driver with exact change
Paid Parking Zones:The city centre of Bydgoszcz is a paid
parking zone. The current price list and map of
the zone are shown on the following website:
www.zdmikp.bydgoszcz.pl in the bookmark
Paid Parking Zone.
(during the weekend at every stop). Luggage
is transported free of charge.
3 PLN 1.50 PLN
During the vacation season, public
transport in Bydgoszcz has an additional
tourist service. The Bydgoszcz Water Tram
(p. 61) starts to operate on the River Brda,
while the tracks and streets are used by tourist
lines, operated by historic trams (Grandpa
Herbrandt and historic eNka) and buses
(historic “Ogórki” - cucumbers) (p. 62).
Public transport in Bydgoszcz
15
Explore Bydgoszcz | Basic Information
BiT-CITY Metropolitan Ticket
Many tourists visiting Bydgoszcz make
a short trip to Toruń. It also works the other
way around, when tourists visiting Toruń
come to visit the city on the River Brda.
A perfect solution for these visitors is the
purchase of BiT-CITY metropolitan ticket.
Paying 10 PLN and 6.30 PLN, you can
travel from one city to the other by train,
and use public transport for an hour. More
information at www.zdmikp.bydgoszcz.pl in
the bookmark Transport/ BiT City.
Fees:
weekdays 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm.
Due to the location in the city centre and
proximity of the biggest junction in the city –
Jagiellonów Roundabout – it is recommended
to leave the car at the multi-level car park in
Moczyńskiego Street (entry from Jagiellońska
Street) or Pod Blankami Street (open from
September 2014).
Paid parking zone map
Zone A –3 PLN/hour of parkingZone B –1.5 PLN/hour of parkingMulti-level parkingP
P
16
TaxicabsMore than 1,200 taxicabs offer services in
Bydgoszcz streets. Over 90% of them are
associated in corporations. The initial fee
in the majority of them is about 7 PLN, and
every consecutive kilometre during the day
is about 2.20 PLN. We will pay 25 PLN for
an hour of waiting. When you are taking a
taxi outside the city, it is recommended to
arrange the price before your trip.
TAXI:
Zrzeszeni, tel. +48 196 22
Mercedes, tel. +48 196 64
Tele Radio Taxi, tel. +48 196 28
Radio Taxi, tel. +48 196 29
MPT ”Łuczniczka”, tel. +48 191 91
Komfort, tel. +48 196 62
Non Stop, tel. +48 196 26
Taxi Fordon, tel. +48 196 24
Express Radio taxi, tel. +48 196 29,
+48 52 3 444 000
Taxi Bagażowe / Luggage, tel. +48 52 371 66 00
16City Hall
17
Explore Bydgoszcz | History of Bydgoszcz
History of Bydgoszcz
Bydgoszcz appears for the first time
in historical records on June 28, 1238. The
Annal of the Chapter of Gniezno features
the Bydgoszcz Castellan called Sulisław.
Although the name “Bydgoszcz” is not
mentioned, we know that the quoted
Budegac is the city on the River Brda.
Bydgoszcz, as a city protecting the crossing
over the river, was founded most likely in
the early 11th century in the area of the
present Saint Andrew Bobola Church. A
settlement outside the city walls developed
in the south. Here, in the 13th century, the
oldest church of the city was built, which
was St. Giles’ Church (not existing anymore).
At the beginning of the 14th century,
the Bydgoszcz Castellany became part of
the Duchy of Bydgoszcz and Wyszogród,
the northernmost part of the borderland
between Poland and the Teutonic State.
During one of the Polish-Teutonic wars
(1327-1332), the most important cities of the
Duchy were burnt by the Teutonic Knights.
As a result, they were annexed along with
Kuyavia by the Teutonic Knights.
Based on the 1343 Treaty of Kalisz,
Casimir the Great regained Kuyavia along
with Bydgoszcz, for which he had great
plans. It was supposed to become the
main city of northern Kuyavia. On the
other hand, Wyszogród was never rebuilt
after the damage it suffered in 1330. King
Casimir III chartered Bydgoszcz as a town
on April 19, 1346. The foundation charter
was issued in Brześć Kujawski, granting to
the township the Magdeburg law. The new
settlement was supposed to develop on
According to legend, the city was established by two brothers, Byd and Gost, who after a long journey from the south of Poland found a perfect place to establish a settlement on the River Brda, naming it Bydgost by using their combined names. The name “Bydgoszcz” can also derive from the Slav name Bydgost. The city on the River Brda was simply the city of Bydgost. Other sources claim that the name of the city comes from “bicie gości” (beating guests) or “bycie gościem” (being a guest).
Did you know that...
18Casimir the Great Monument
in the New Market Square
an uninhabited plain, located west from
the existing city. Casimir
the Great wanted the city
to be named Królewiec
(Koenigsburg); however,
the new name did not gain
popularity among the locals.
Bydgoszcz received a number
of privileges from the king,
including the right to
involvement in navigable
trade and the right to mint
coins. At the request of the
king, a brick castle was built
in the area occupied by the
early settlement, serving as
the seat of the local castellan.
In 1370, the Bydgoszcz
Starosty was inherited by the
grandson of Casimir, Kaźko
of Słupsk. Bydgoszcz Castle
became his favourite residence, where he
frequently stayed. He also died here in 1377.
Consecutive centuries, in particular the 15th
and 16th, marked fast growth of the city.
In that time, Bydgoszcz became one of the
biggest cities of Poland. In 1397, thanks to
the efforts of Queen Hedwig, the Carmelites
arrived to the city, opening their monastery
in it. After Gdańsk and Kraków, it was the
third monastery of this order in Poland.
Bydgoszcz played a significant role in the
Great War with the Teutonic Order (1409-
1411). One of its heroes was Bydgoszcz
starost, Janusz Brzozogłowy, a knight of
King Ladislaus Jagiello.
During the Thirteen Years’ War with
the Teutonic Order, King Casimir
IV Jagiellon frequently stayed in
Bydgoszcz. Brick city walls were
built, enclosing Bydgoszcz from
the south, and a Gothic parish
(Fara) church sitting in the cor-
ner of the Market Square, clo-
se to the River Brda. The city
grew at a fast pace thanks to
river trade. The main goods
exported from the city were
pottery and Bydgoszcz beer.
In 1480, the Bernardine Or-
der arrived to the city, play-
ing a very important role in
its history. In the immediate
proximity of the monastery
buildings, the Bernardines
erected a Gothic church
Casimir the Great, King of Poland in 1333-1370, was the last monarch from the Piast dynasty and one of the most outstanding rulers in the history of Poland. The King chose Bydgoszcz as an important city protecting the country in the borderland between Poland and the Teutonic State. Casimir visited Bydgoszcz several times, including in 1345, 1347 and 1370.
Did you know that...
19Casimir the Great Monument in the New Market Square
Explore Bydgoszcz | History of Bydgoszcz
(today, the site is occupied by the Garrison
Church of Our Lady, Queen of Peace). They
also established a sizeable library, some col-
lections of which have survived to this day.
In that time, the office of Bydgoszcz starost
had been held by members of a very affluent
and influential local family, the Kościeleckis
(they resided in the Bydgoszcz castle for
nearly 150 years). In 1594, King Sigismund
III Vasa’s favourite, Stanisław Cikowski ope-
ned a private mint on Mill Island, which in
the early 17th century was turned into a
royal mint. In 1621, in order to com-
memorate Poland’s victory over the Turks in
Chocim, one of the most valuable and big-
gest coins in the history of Europe was min-
ted – 100 ducats of Sigismund III Vasa.
In that time, Bydgoszcz had a population of
about 5,000 and was one of the biggest ci-
ties of Poland. Poles dominated in the social
structure of the city, which also featured big
groups of the Germans and Scotsmen. The
melting pot of Bydgoszcz was supplemen-
ted by the Jews (although formally they had
been banned from settling in the city based
on the 1555 royal charter, thus they lived in
nearby Fordon, appearing in Bydgoszcz pri-
marily during fairs) and single Italian families
(someone called Stefan Parkuzi served seve-
ral times as the mayor of the city).
The biggest disaster in the history
of the city took place in the mid-17th
century, during the Second Northern War.
Bydgoszcz, just like countless Polish cities
and towns, was destroyed during the
invasion of Poland by Sweden,
Casimir IV (1351-1377) known also as Kaźko of Słupsk, Duke of Dobrzyń and Słupsk, was the son of Boguslaus IV and Elisabeth, the daughter of Casimir the Great. Adopted by the king, he was most likely prepared to be his successor. These plans, however, failed.
Did you know that...
20
known as the Swedish Deluge (1655-1660).
Fierce battles had been fought for the city,
which had changed hands many times,
leading to tremendous losses. The city
camp was headquartered. During the
war with Sweden, King John Casimir and
Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg
and Duke of Prussia signed the famous
Treaty of Bromberg in the Bydgoszcz Old
Market Square, on the stairs of the Jesuit
Church. This treaty allowed Poland to break
the dangerous anti-Polish alliance, but
unfortunately became also the foundation
for the future Kingdom of Prussia, one of the
three invaders that annexed Poland in the
18th century. Plagues brought to the city by
armies, fires, and finally the Third Northern
War (1700-1721) completed the destruction.
War damages along with the dramatic drop
in population led to decline of Bydgoszcz,
which ceased to exist as a major business
centre for several dozen years. In 1772,
as a result of the first partition of Poland,
Bydgoszcz was annexed by Prussia, within
the newly established province of West
Prussia.
In June 1772,
Frederick the Great, the
ruler of Prussia, stayed in
Bydgoszcz. His decision to
build a canal connecting
the rivers Odra and Vistula
determined an important
role of the city in his
kingdom. When Bydgoszcz
was taken over by Prussia,
the city had a population
of about 800. The invader
invested significant funds
Bartholomew of Bydgoszcz (ca. 1480-1548), tied with the Bernardine monastery, was one of the most outstanding Bydgoszcz scholars of the Old-Polish period. He wrote the first Latin-Polish dictionary (1532).
Did you know that...
lost some of its oldest historic sites, most
importantly the castle built at the request
of Casimir the Great and the medieval city
walls. The Swedes left a mark in the name
of one of the biggest residential districts of
the city, Szwederowo, where the Swedish
Map of Bydgoszcz from the drawing by Erik Jönsson Dahlbergh, 1656
21
in the city, which led to its fast growth and
population increase. Bydgoszcz (which at
that time was known under its German name
Bromberg) was appointed as the seat of the
authorities of the Netze District, becoming
an important administrative centre. In a
very short period, in 1773-1774, at the
request of Frederick II, the Bydgoszcz Canal
was excavated (p. 77). This outstanding
engineering achievement brought to the
city a long period of stable growth and
prosperity. Bydgoszcz once again became a
major trade centre. In the beginning of the
19th century, it had a population of several
thousand. During the 1794 Kościuszko
Uprising, General Jan Henryk Dąbrowski
took back Bydgoszcz from the invader. For
two weeks, after the fall of the uprising, the
city was in the Polish hands. In 1806, after the
Battles of Jena - Auerstedt, the land annexed
previously by Prussia was taken over by
Napoleon Bonaparte. Bydgoszcz, as a capital
of department, became part of the Duchy of
Warsaw established by the French Emperor.
It led to further economic growth of the city,
in which there were tanneries, dye-works,
breweries, and a number of mills. After the
fall of Napoleon, Bydgoszcz returned under
the Prussian rule.
In 1851, the city was connected by
railway with Berlin. The solemn opening of
the railway line was attended by Frederick
William IV, King of Prussia. Bydgoszcz beca-
me the seat of the world’s first railway autho-
rity involved in expansion and supervision
over railway lines in the eastern provinces of
Prussia. Construction of the railway station
Explore Bydgoszcz | History of Bydgoszcz
Józef Wybicki (1747-1822) was a co--worker and friend of General Jan Henryk Dąbrowski (1755-1818) for many years. He wrote our national anthem, Dąbrowski’s Mazurka. Wy-bicki served his internship as co-urt official in Bydgoszcz. He also participated in the fights for the city during the 1794 Kościuszko Uprising.
Did you know that...contributed to development of the city in
the north-western direction. The Bydgoszcz
city centre with big-city buildings was de-
veloped in a very short time (p. 97). The
second half of the 19th century and the early
20th century marked a period of very fast
growth of the city, which population was re-
aching 100,000 in the beginning of the 20th
century. Electrification had progressed at a
fast pace. As early as 1896, electric trams en-
tered the streets of Bydgoszcz (horse-drawn
5 on the Old Bydgoszcz Canal
22
tramways operated since 1888). In that time,
many stately public buildings were con-
structed, led by the edifices of the Municipal
Theatre and the East Railway Authority. The
buildings for Bydgoszcz, known as the Little
Berlin (“Klein Berlin”) in that period, were
designed by local and German architects.
Shortly after the outbreak of the First World
War, the design of the city expansion was
prepared by the well-known urban planner
Hermann Stübben. Industry had been gro-
wing at a very fast pace, along with dozens
of small and medium production plants. The
Prussian rule in the city was brought to an
end by the First World War.
On January 20, 1920, based on
the decisions of the Treaty of Versailles,
Bydgoszcz returned to Poland. Re-
Polonization had progressed so quickly that
during the interwar period Bydgoszcz along
with Poznań had become one of the most
Polish cities. Urban development, business
and culture were booming in the city.
Bydgoszcz, the second largest city of Poznań
Province, became the biggest economic
centre of Pomerania. In 1923, the Friends of
Bydgoszcz Association was founded, one of
the oldest associations of this type in Poland.
On January 4, 1937, the Polish Radio started
broadcasting in Bydgoszcz. In 1938, based
on a new administrative reform, Bydgoszcz
became part of Pomeranian Province.
The Second World War left its bloody
mark on the history of the city. During the
first days of the war, German sabotage took
place in Bydgoszcz, an event which the Third
Reich propaganda described as the “Bloody
Sunday in Bydgoszcz”. The troops of the
“Pomerania” Army withdrawing from the
city were unexpectedly attacked by German
saboteurs. This act of sabotage was quickly
suppressed and those responsible for it
were punished on September 5, 1939. The
city was taken over by the German army,
beginning the period of occupation. The
Nazis were performing mass executions of
Bydgoszcz residents, in the main Market
Square of the city, nearby woods and first of
Tenement house in 1 Wolności Square
23
all in the Fordon “Death Valley” (p. 134). The
events of the mentioned “Bloody Sunday
in Bydgoszcz” became a justification for
the executions. The Nazis destroyed some
historical buildings in the Old Town, primarily
the eastern frontage of Mostowa Street and
the western frontage of the Market Square,
widening the narrow streets of the Old Town
and preparing a site for a new, monumental
building of the City Hall and a parade square.
In the same time, in the eastern part of the
city, construction works started on a huge
factory of nitro-glycerine known as “DAG
Fabrik Bromberg” (p. 64), which employed
hundreds of forced labour. Bydgoszcz
residents have their share in defeating the
German Army. Marian Rejewski, a native of
Bydgoszcz, contributed greatly to breaking
of the “Enigma” code, whereas information
acquired by Augustyn and Roman Träger led
to bombing of the German Army Research
Centre in Peenemünde, which worked on
development of the V1 and V2 rockets. In
January 1945, Bydgoszcz was liberated from
German occupation by the Soviet Army and
the First Polish Army.
Since March 1945, Bydgoszcz served
first as the capital of Pomeranian Province
and later of Bydgoszcz Province. The post-
war years marked further fast growth of the
city. New neighbourhoods were developed,
including Kapuściska, Błonie, Wyżyny, and
the biggest district of the city, New Fordon.
Development of the latter one included
Explore Bydgoszcz | History of Bydgoszcz
Marian Rejewski (1905-1980) was a mathematician and cryptologist born in Bydgoszcz. In 1932, along with Henryk Zygalski and Jerzy Różycki, he broke the code of “Enigma”, a German enciphering machine used by Nazi Germany. The breaking of the “Enigma” code had undoubtedly contributed to the final victory of the Allies over Hitler, shortening the war by several years. Rejewski had lived and worked in Bydgoszcz for many years. He is commemorated by a monument in Gdańska Street, a bench, on which he sits with notes in his hands and “Enigma” nearby.
Did you know that...
Marian Rejewski’s bench
24
incorporation of the town of Fordon
(p. 135) to Bydgoszcz in 1973. Industry
had been booming, in particular chemical
production, food processing, and electrical
engineering. The municipal authorities
had significantly expanded the existing
industrial plants. Such factories as Eltra,
Jutrzenka, Zachem, Kobra, Kabel, and Romet
became the pride of the city (p. 115). In the
1970’s, the Myślęcinek Forest Park of Culture
and Recreation (p. 66) was developed
north of the city centre. This vast municipal
park is called the lungs of Bydgoszcz. Music
plays an important role in Bydgoszcz.
Thanks to the efforts of, among others,
Andrzej Szwalbe, the State Pomeranian
Philharmonic (p. 38) and the Opera
Theatre started to operate in the 1950’s. recognized landmarks of the city.
On March 16, 1981, the national farmers’
strike was organized by the “Rural Solidarity”
in Bydgoszcz. During the “Bydgoszcz
March Events”, the invited members of the
Bydgoszcz “Solidarity” led by Jan Rulewski
were severely beaten at a session of the
Voivodeship National Council.
In 1999, Bydgoszcz became a co-capital
(along with Toruń) of a newly established
province called Kujawsko-Pomorskie
Voivodeship. In 2004, the Diocese of
Bydgoszcz was established by the decision of
Pope John Paul II. In this way, the oldest place
of worship in Bydgoszcz, late-Gothic Fara
Church, was raised to the rank of cathedral.
A year later, the first Bydgoszcz university -
Kazimierz Wielki University - was opened
Andrzej Szwalbe (1923-2002), who managed the Pomeranian Philharmonic for many years, Honorary Citizen of Bydgoszcz since 1993, was undoubtedly the moving power of cultural life in Bydgoszcz after the Second World War. Thanks to his involvement and remarkable energy, the new buildings of the Opera, Philharmonic, Gallery bwa were built, and the Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music was founded. He created a music district, in which his monument can be seen these days.
Did you know that...
In a short period, both institutions won
recognition and a group of devoted fans
in the country and abroad. They received
new seats, which are listed among the most
Exhibition in the Exploseum
25
based on the existing Bydgoszcz Academy.
In November 2006, the second university
was established in Bydgoszcz, which was
founded as a result of restructuring of the
Academy of Technology and Agriculture to
the Jan and Jędrzej Śniadecki University of
Technology and Life Sciences. These days,
Bydgoszcz is a major industrial (Bydgoszcz
Industrial and Technological Park, PESA,
Unilever, and Atos) and cultural centre
(Pomeranian Philharmonic, Opera Nova,
Polish Theatre, District Museum, Municipal
Gallery bwa). Since 2010, Bydgoszcz has
been hosting the International Film Festival
of the Art of Cinematography “Camerimage”.
The city is also bustling with exciting
sporting events (volleyball, athletics,
football, speedway, basketball, and rowing),
thanks to modern infrastructure (including
the “Łuczniczka” Sports & Entertainment
Hall, Zawisza Stadium, marina, and boat race
course). Bydgoszcz is also a major college
city, featuring two universities, Academy of
Music, Collegium Medicum of the Nicolaus
Copernicus University, and several large
private higher education schools, which
are attended by a total of 40,000 students.
The city boasts commendable military
traditions, which are now continued by
the Inspectorate for Armed Forces Support
and the NATO training centre – Joint Force
Training Centre. In addition, Bydgoszcz is
one of Poland’s leaders in revitalization
and restoration of riverside areas, bringing
them back to the city. The Bydgoszcz Water
Junction, part of the international waterway
E70, and Mill Island are the pride of the city
and its landmarks. Many historic sites and
symbols of Bydgoszcz have been developed
on the water over centuries.
On May 1, 2004, the city celebrated
Poland’s accession to the European Union.
On that occasion, the “Man Crossing the
River” Sculpture (p. 83) was unveiled,
which quickly became the new symbol of
Bydgoszcz. The honorary consulates for
Explore Bydgoszcz | History of Bydgoszcz
Bydgoszcz residents also contri-buted to overthrow of the commu-nist regime of the Polish People’s Republic. In 1956, during a protest against the ban on free speech, the radio station on the Dąbrowski Hill, jamming foreign programs broadcasted for Poland, was de-stroyed.
Did you know that...
Sundial at the Collegium Copernicanum
26
Germany, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia
and Hungary were opened in the city as
well.
In recent years, the city has been
consistently turning its focus on the water.
The revitalized Mill Island along with a
modern marina became the new landmarks
of the city. In addition, thanks to such
investment projects as reconstruction
of boulevards on the River Brda and
revitalization of the park on the Old
Bydgoszcz Canal, Bydgoszcz residents and
visitors can enjoy additional recreation sites
on the river. Other major investments in
tourist infrastructure include restoration and
opening to the public the old German nitro-
glycerine factory “DAG Fabrik Bromberg”
as Exploseum (p. 64), establishing of the
Museum of Waterworks in the historical
Water Tower and Gdańsk Forest, making
the Bydgoszcz tourist offer very diverse.
The statue Archer Lady Nova (near the
Opera Nova), unveiled in 2013, has already
become a symbol of changes taking place in
Bydgoszcz.
Mill Island
Archer Lady Nova
27
Explore Bydgoszcz | Sports in Bydgoszcz
Sports in Bydgoszcz
Bydgoszcz is a city which is frequently
associated with sports. There are many
sports clubs and institutions with deep-
rooted traditions, known not only in Poland,
but also worldwide.
Numerous sporting facilities have
witnessed historic events taking place in
the city. The boat race course in Brdyujście,
“Łuczniczka” Sports & Entertainment Hall
and Zawisza Stadium are some of the local
arenas hosting international sporting
competitions. Bydgoszcz has produced
and trained our most outstanding national
champions, champions of Europe and the
world, and Olympic winners.
A brief history of sports
Many generations of local residents
have contributed to the positive image
of Bydgoszcz sports. They include those,
who nearly a hundred years ago, after the
return of Bydgoszcz to Poland, celebrated
their patriotism by establishing the city’s
first athletic associations, organizations and
clubs. Sports activity was combined with
patriotic education. It developed not only
physical fitness, but also taught tradition,
history, and respect towards the idea. Until
1920, the local Germans were predominately
involved in organized sport. The city had
football clubs, gymnastic societies, a tennis
club, and the Frithjof rowing association,
which was the best known rowing club in
that period. The only counterbalance to
the German dominance in this field was the
Sokół Gymnastic Society, which was active
in Bydgoszcz from 1886. It promoted hiking
and biking trips, and organized gymnastic
shows.
Zbigniew Boniek, one of Poland’s most popular football players was born and started his career in Bydgoszcz. The present president of the Polish Football Association (since 2012) is an alumnus of Zawi-sza Bydgoszcz Club (currently in the Premier League), in which he played in 1968-1975.
Did you know that...
Fans in Bydgoszcz
28
On the waterOn March 16, 1920, the Tryton Rowing
Association was founded, which was soon
renamed the Bydgoszcz Rowing Association
(BTW). It initiated a new, this time Polish
history of sports in the city. Thanks to BTW,
Bydgoszcz became one of the major rowing
centres in Poland. During the 1928 Olympics
in Amsterdam, the coxed four from BTW
won the bronze medal, the first Olympic
medal in the history of Polish rowing. After
the war, the most popular athlete of the
club was Teodor Kocerka, repeated Olympic
bronze medallist from Helsinki and Rome,
the nineteen-time champion of Poland,
medallist of the Championships of Europe
and the double winner of the Diamond Oars
for victory at the Royal Regatta on the River
Thames.
In April 1920, on the initiative of the
Terminators’ Association, the Gwiazda Club
was established, which popularized such
sports as basketball, fencing, kayaking, and
wrestling. It launched careers of such well-
known Polish athletes as Stefan Majewski
– footballer and coach, member of the
Polish national team at the World Cup in
Spain and Mexico; Marian Sypniewski – foil
fencer, repeated Olympic medallist, and the
1978 world champion; Daniela Walkowiak –
kayaker, a three-time Olympian, winner of
the bronze medal in K-2 in Rome in 1960,
multi-time national champion, who also
represented the Zawisza Bydgoszcz Club.
Rowing crew on the River Brda
29
Explore Bydgoszcz | Sports in Bydgoszcz
The “Gwiazda” Marina is located near the
Gwiazda Stadium. This marina, meeting
all European standards, was opened in
2009. Situated on the Bydgoszcz Canal,
in the proximity of historic locks, it offers
everything that is needed by water sports
enthusiasts. It should be added that a new,
modern marina with a hotel was built on Mill
Island, in the city centre.
The Regional Rowing Association
LOTTO-Bydgostia (RTW), the successor of
the Railway Rowing Club, is a prominent
rowing organization. RTW is a 25-time (until
2013) Team Champion of Poland. It has
been successful in defending this title for
over twenty years (starting from 1993). This
result is quite unique in Europe. The most
famous athlete of the club is Robert Sycz,
repeated Olympic champion in lightweight
double sculls from Sydney and Athens (with
Tomasz Kucharski, AZS Gorzów). Bartłomiej
Pawełczak and Miłosz Bernatajtys won a
silver medal in the coxless four at the Beijing
Olympic Games. Magdalena Fularczyk and
Julia Michalska won silver medal in double
sculls at the Olympic Games in London in
2012.
On the racewayPolonia Bydgoszcz, which was founded
in May 1920, was initially a football club. Later,
it added such sports as hockey, athletics,
tennis, cycling, and speedway. Feliks Więcek,
whose daily job was journeyman butcher,
won the first Race Around Poland (known
today as Tour de Pologne) in 1928. Marian
Norkowski, aka “Mala”, was the most famous
footballer of Polonia, an Olympian in Rome,
the top goal scorer in the Premier League in
1960, with 17 goals. In the 1950’s and 1960’s,
Polonia hockey players were winning silver
and bronze medals at championships. In
1966, Polonia junior hockey players were
the best team in their age category in the
country. However, the deep-rooted history
of the hockey team ended, as in many similar
clubs, in 1989/90. Henryk Drzymalski, who is
described as the second best tennis player
in our history, just after Fibak, marked a
beautiful chapter in the history of Polonia. In
1974, he was the best, beating his great rival
and friend in the final of the Championships
of Poland.
However, the most successful group
of Polonia Bydgoszcz was its speedway
team, winner of Team and Individual
Championships of Poland, in both junior and
Speedway competitions at the Polonia Bydgoszcz Stadium
30
senior categories. Mieczysław Połukard was
Poland’s first speedway rider who competed
in the final of Individual Championships of
the World.
Bydgoszcz has hosted international
speedway competitions for many years.
Some of the events organized at the Polonia
stadium in Sportowa Street include the
Individual Championships of Poland, since
1998 Speedway Grand Prix competitions,
Speedway World Team Cup competitions,
and since 1982 the Polish Speedway Cup
competitions. In 2012, Bydgoszcz hosted the
semi-final of the Speedway World Team Cup
with the participation of the national team
of Poland. The Bydgoszcz Polonia Club has
its own speedway team in the Polish league,
hosting speedway events at its stadium. In
2014, Polonia Bydgoszcz organized for the
16th time the Individual Speedway World
Championship, Grand Prix. In 2014, the
Polonia raceway will also host a play-off and
final of the Speedway World Team Cup.
The most outstanding rider in the history of Polish speedway is Tomasz Gollob, a former member of the Polonia Club. This individual and team world champion is a multi-time national champion.
Did you know that...There is only one queen
Athletics, “Queen of Sports”, has reigned
in Bydgoszcz for many years. One of the
Honorary Citizens of Bydgoszcz is Teresa
Ciepły, sprinter and hurdler, Olympic bronze
medallist in Rome, who won the gold and
silver medals in Tokyo. Zdzisław Krzyszkowiak
was named patron of the Zawisza sports
31
stadium. He was an Olympic champion in
Rome, champion of Europe, and a 3000
metres steeplechase world record holder.
These two great sports personalities forged
the way for new generations of Bydgoszcz
athletes. The Military Sports Group, which was
established at CWZS, includes pole vaulters
Łukasz Michalski and Paweł Wojciechowski
– Champion of the World, middle distance
runner Marcin Lewandowski, hurdler Dominik
Bochenek, and sprinter Marika Popowicz.
All of them have already won medals at
championships of Europe and the world. In
addition, the Military Sports Group at CWZS
Zawisza brings together other athletes,
representing such sports as rowing, kayaking
– champion of the world Piotr Siemionowski,
shooting and weightlifting – champion of the
world Marcin Dołęga.
Explore Bydgoszcz | Sports in Bydgoszcz
Athletic competitions at the Zawisza Bydgoszcz Stadium
Every year, between May and April, the city hosts a 10-kilometre race called “Bydgoszcz na Start.”
Did you know that...
32
Over the net,under the basket,and between the goalsFour Bydgoszcz teams play in the top
national leagues:
 Male volleyball players of Trans-
fer Bydgoszcz, who (as Delecta
Bydgoszcz) were ranked fourth in
the Premier League in the 2012-2013
season, which was their greatest
accomplishment;
 Female basketball players of Artego
Bydgoszcz were ranked third in
the 2013-2014 season of the Polish
Premier League;
 Bydgoszcz Women’s Football Club
currently plays in the Women’s
Premier Football League;
 Great football returned to Bydgoszcz
thanks to the Zawisza Bydgoszcz
team. After 19 years the team advan-
Not only first-classathletes Starting from the late 1990’s, the city has been
hosting many prominent sporting events,
particularly athletics meetings. It organized
the First IAAF World Junior Championships
for youth (under-18) athletes in 1999, the
European Athletics Championships for
athletes under the age of 23, SPAR European
Cup, IAAF World Junior Championships,
IAAF World Cross Country Championships,
and the European Athletics Festival. The
Zdzisław Krzyszkowiak Zawisza Stadium is a
perfect venue for athletics competitions. Its
fantastic atmosphere encourages athletes to
achieve great results. The Zawisza Stadium is
an advanced facility, modernized from scratch
in 2007-2008, meeting the standards of the
International Association of Athletics
Federations (IAAF). Its stands can seat over
20,000 spectators. The building under the
new stand features conference rooms,
restaurants, fitness rooms, and the Bydgoszcz
ced (in 2013) to the Premier League
and won the Cup of Poland (2014).
Football has had throngs of devoted
fans in Bydgoszcz. The older ones still re-
member the teams of Polonia and Zawisza
that played in the Premier League in the
1950’s and 1960’s, whereas the younger
ones recall the time of Miłoszewicz, Boniek,
and Brończyk.
Zdzisław Krzyszkowiak Zawisza Bydgoszcz Stadium
33
Sports Gallery. During the last decade, the
Zawisza Stadium has hosted several games
of the Polish national football team.
The city is also proud of its “Łuczniczka” Sports
& Entertainment Hall, which was opened in
2002. This state-of-the-art facility, sitting
picturesquely on the River Brda, serves as a
venue hosting sporting events, exhibitions,
and concerts. It can seat over 6,000 spectators.
Since 2005, Łuczniczka has been organizing
Pedro’s Cup Bydgoszcz attracting the
world’s best athletes and hordes of fans. The
unique atmosphere of the competition and
enthusiastic fans attract a host of athletic
stars to Bydgoszcz. Łuczniczka also organizes
events for volleyball fans, who were able to
see competitions of the Men’s Volleyball
World League, European Championships
and Grand Prix in women’s volleyball, and the
Hubert Wagner Memorial in 2010. In August
2011, another edition of the World Grand Prix
was inaugurated in Bydgoszcz. Other exciting
events organized in this arena include games
of the North-South Polish Basketball League,
Polish national teams and stars, European
Basketball Championship for men in 2009
and for women in 2011. In 2010, Łuczniczka
hosted the Poland-Belgium tennis match of
FEDCUP, which was attended by Poland’s best
tennis player Agnieszka Radwańska. In April,
2011, Krzysztof “Diablo” Włodarczyk defended
his WBC (World Boxing Council) cruiserweight
world champion title.
Bydgoszcz has been hosting the
Bydgoszcz Rowing Regatta for the Brda Cup
since 1992. This boat race becomes more
popular with each year. It attracts the best
Explore Bydgoszcz | Sports in Bydgoszcz
rowers from Germany, Belarus, Lithuania and
Ukraine, as well as the legendary Cambridge
and Oxford crews. The event draws crowds
of tourists to the city and residents who
are interested in this unusual boat race of
coxed eights. It should be remembered
that Bydgoszcz boat races involving both
rowers and kayakers are organized primarily
In September 2014, six games will be played here in the Volleyball Men’s World Championship. This tournament led to the construction of “Łuczniczka Bis”, which is currently being built next to the main arena. During the Championships, it will be used as a training facility. It will seat 1,479 spectators. After the championships, it will be used by local sports clubs.
Did you know that...
Volleyball competitions at HSW Łuczniczka
34
at Brdyujście boat race course, which hosts
many prominent national events. Some of
the athletes who train here include Beata
Mikołajczyk, Champion of the World and
Europe, and medallist of the Olympic Games
in Beijing and London in women’s canoe
sprint K-2.
Sports in Bydgoszcz are associated
not only with competitions of athletes.
Considerable experience, professional work,
great results of preparations and excellent
final results of sporting events hosted by the
city have been recognized by participants and
visitors invited from all over the world.
Bydgoszcz was also noticed in the 76th
Plebiscite of sports daily “Przegląd Sportowy”
and Polish Television. The city was awarded
the Champion statuette and the title Poland’s
Sporting Events Host of the Year 2010.
Watch sportsSports enthusiasts should visit the
exhibition at the Bydgoszcz Sports Gallery,
offering a unique time and space travel. The
Gallery shows the deeply-rooted history of
sports in the city, rekindles memories and
encourages living through the greatest
sports thrills. The exhibition features, among
other things, archive materials concerning
the Zawisza Stadium, presents archives and
trophies of the Bydgoszcz clubs, medals won
by local disabled athletes, as well as souvenirs,
equipment and awards of the Olympic
medallists. The Gallery also serves as the seat
of the Regional Olympic Council.
136 Gdańska St., tel. +48 52 588 08 39,
www.galeria-sportu.pl,
Mon-Fri 8:00 am- 4:00 pm
Regular SportingEvents:Pedro’s Cup, January/February,
www.pedroscup.pl – International Athletics
Indoor Meeting, during which the best
athletes compete in many sports. For several
years it has attracted disabled athletes and
competitions between Bydgoszcz schools.
European Athletics Festival, June, www.
efl.bydgoszcz.pl – This event has become a
permanent fixture in the calendar of Polish
and European athletics competitions.
Rowing Regatta
35
Explore Bydgoszcz | Sports in Bydgoszcz
Speedway Grand Prix, www.speedwaygp.com – A very important event in the calendar of
speedway fans. On this day, the top sixteen speedway riders compete in Bydgoszcz to score
the best result in the World Championship standings. The Grand Prix event was hosted by
Bydgoszcz at the stadium in 2 Sportowa Street for the fifteenth time in 2014.
Bydgoszcz Rowing Regatta for the Brda Cup, September, www.wielkawioslarska.pl – Boat
races organized on the River Brda between the Bernardyński Bridge and Sulimy-Kamińskiego
Bridge.
Bydgoszcz Double Marathon, www.dwumaraton.pl – A series of five meetings in the winter
months, during which participants have to run two marathon courses. They are picturesquely
located on the Bydgoszcz Canal.
Useful addresses:Astoria Sports and Entertainment Hall 23 Królowej Jadwigi St., tel. +48 52 325 73 50GWIAZDA Sports Club45 Bronikowskiego St., tel. +48 52 379 78 01Zdzisław KrzyszkowiakZawisza Sports Complex/StadiumCWZS “Zawisza” Sports Hall 163 Gdańska St., tel. +48 52 588 08 01, www.zawisza.bydgoszcz.plŁUCZNICZKASports and Entertainment Hall ul. Toruńska 59, tel. +48 52 376 22 00, www.luczniczka.bydgoszcz.pl
Tennis courts“ZAWISZA” BKS Sports Club 2 Żupy St., tel. +48 52 371 88 19 – Two outdoor courtsCWZS “ZAWISZA”163 Gdańska St. – Five outdoor courts (3 courts closed in winter), tel. +48 601 783 541
TKKF ŚRÓDMIEŚCIE10a Markwarta St. – Four outdoor courts, tel. +48 602 281 114 TKKF ZJEDNOCZENI33b Skłodowskiej-Curie St. – Five courts (outdoor)tel. +48 52 342 17 19 TKKF ŚWIT70 Nakielska St. – Four courts (outdoor), tel.+48 52 373 10 87TKKF ORZEŁ2a Abrahama St. – Four courts (outdoor), tel. +48 604 291 679Complex of Schools no. 5Konfederatów Barskich St.– two courts (indoor),Gen. Zygmunta Berlinga St.– two courts (indoor), tel. +48 52 343 66 67“Centrum” Tennis Club 8 Nowotoruńska St. – Four courts (outdoor), tel. +48 52 375 55 87, www.centrumtaem.plPARTNER Tennis Club2 Sportowa St. – two courts (indoor), tel. +48 52 583 00 59, www.phu-partner.com.pl
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Bydgoszcz Tennis Association 61a Toruńska St. – Four courts, tel. +48 601 679 973
Swimming poolsBryza Swimming Pool, Elementary School No. 633 Goszczyńskiego St., tel. +48 52 340 47 17www.sp63.eu Perła Swimming Pool11 Grzymały-Siedleckiego St.tel. +48 52 361 58 26, www.perla.maximum.plAstoria Swimming Pool23 Królowej Jadwigi St.tel. +48 52 325 73 50, www.zawisza.bydgoszcz.pl(indoor and outdoor swimming pool)Laguna Swimming Pool117 Glinki St., tel. +48 52 345 17 62, www.zs26.nazwa.plIkar Swimming Pool7 Duracza St., tel. +48 52 343 09 66, www.sp65.bydgoszcz.plBajka Recreation Centre Swimming Pool7 Szczęśliwa St., tel. +48 52 344 74 90, www.bajka.bydgoszcz.plSardynka Swimming Pool7 Sardynkowa St., tel. +48 52 372 27 70, www.basensardynka.prv.plSwimming Pool of the Complex of Medical Schools10 Swarzewska St., tel. +48 52 342 37 53, www.medyk.bydgoszcz.plSwimming Pool of the Youth Palace27 Jagiellońska St., tel. +48 52 321 00 81, www.palac.bydgoszcz.pl
Boat Race Course in BrdyujścieThe boat race course is located in the easternpart of Bydgoszcz, at 26 Witebska Street.
Rollerblading trails:- Trail alongside Gdańska Street in Myślęcinek
- Trail in the Bydgoszcz Industrial Park- Myślęcinek – between the little lakes and the ZOO
- Myślęcinek – the main alley (Hipiczna Street)
Jogging trails:- On the Old Canal- Park Route in Myślęcinek- Running trail alongside Kamienna Street- Running trail in the Death Valley- Trail across the Bydgoszcz Forest, alongsideDąbrowa Street
- Trail alongside the boulevard on the River Brda
- Running trail in the Industrial Park
The CALISTHENICS ACADEMY has been operating in Bydgoszcz since 2013. Calisthenics are physical activities consisting in using one’s own body weight to exercise. People can test their physical fitness at the CALISTHENICS PARK at 3 Strzelecka Street.
Did you know that...
37
Cultural Bydgoszcz
The beauty of Bydgoszcz consists in the
fact that the city remains largely unexplored
in terms of history, architecture, and
culture. It waits to be explored by both local
residents and tourists.
The cultural offer of Bydgoszcz is very
broad thanks to such institutions as the
Pomeranian Philharmonic, the Opera Nova,
and the Municipal Centre for Culture, which
hosts social meetings, concerts, and movie
screenings in the Orzeł Cinema. In addition,
the Centre administers the “Wspólna”
Gallery and the Ostromecko Palace and Park
(p. 147). Once a year, Bydgoszcz becomes a
capital of international cinema thanks to the
CAMERIMAGE International Film Festival of
the Art of Cinematography.
Explore Bydgoszcz | Cultural Bydgoszcz
Camerimage International Film Festival
38
Musical Bydgoszcz
Bydgoszcz has for years been deservedly
called a city of music. The musical traditions of
the city date back to the 17th century, when
the local Jesuit College had a theatre staging
performances involving music and singing.
Numerous choirs and music ensembles,
which had been active in later years,
continued these traditions. They were also
involved in preserving the Polish language
in the city, where the Germans were in the
vast majority. After the Second World War,
Bydgoszcz gained in popularity thanks to
Arnold Rezler’s Orchestra, which from 1945
operated at the Polish Radio Broadcasting
Station in Bydgoszcz.
However, the man who had preserved
this musical image of the city was Andrzej
Szwalbe, a long-term director of the I. J.
Paderewski Pomeranian Philharmonic in
Bydgoszcz.
The Pomeranian Philharmonic founded
on January 1, 1953 is the pride of Bydgoszcz.
After the death of Andrzej Szwalbe, in order to commemorate his great service to Bydgoszcz, the name of the street in which the Philharmonic stands was changed. It used to stand in Libelta Street, which is currently renamed Andrzeja Szwalbego Street.
Did you know that...
Pomeranian Philharmonic
39
Explore Bydgoszcz | Cultural Bydgoszcz
It’s not only a place of music, but also a place
of culture. The Philharmonic is decorated
with innumerable busts of composers,
standing inside and outside this stately
building, as well as an extensive collection
of tapestries commissioned by Andrzej
Szwalbe, made by outstanding Polish artists.
The Philharmonic has a concert hall that
boasts the best acoustics in Poland and one
of the best in Europe. Therefore, it is used for
recordings made by great musicians, who in
interviews frequently praise the acoustics
of the Bydgoszcz concert hall. It also hosts
some of the oldest music festivals in Poland.
One of them is the Bydgoszcz Music Festival,
organized since 1963. Alternately with the
Bydgoszcz Music Festival, the Philharmonic
hosts a unique festival called Musica Antiqua
Europae Orientalis – Festival of Early Music
of Central and Eastern Europe. It has been
organized since 1966, attracting artists and
musicologists with truly encyclopaedic
names.
A beautiful chapter in the history of
the city is marked by the International
Paderewski Piano Competition, organized by
the I. J. Paderewski Music Society. It’s worth
mentioning that Jerzy Maksymiuk was the
winner of the first competition held in 1961.
Every three years, Bydgoszcz attracts young,
talented pianists from all over the world. They
present to the audience their craft and the
wealth of music composed by Paderewski
and his contemporaries. The high rank of the
competition is confirmed by the fact that
it was accepted to the World Federation of
International Music Competitions in Geneva,
being listed in the group of 128 most
prestigious music competitions in the world.
A sizeable collection of Andrzej Szwalbe’s pianos, which was once featured in the Pomeranian Philharmonic, is now displayed in Ostromecko Palace.
Did you know that...
One of the pianos from Andrzej Szwalbe’s collection, which is now displayed in Ostromecko
40
Spring belongs to the Bydgoszcz Opera
Festival, which entered the calendar of music
events in April 1994. Initially, it was supposed
to help in the construction of the opera
building, which had continued for over twenty
years. The first festival was held in the building
under construction, featuring walls without
plaster, audiences sitting on folding chairs,
cables hanging from the ceiling and lots of
dust everywhere. However the atmosphere
during the first festival was very unique, hard
to find in similar events. Today, the festival
lives a life of its own, and the Opera Nova is
regarded as one of the most modern and
beautiful buildings in Poland. Situated on the
We can undoubtedly say that Ignacy Jan Paderewski became Bydgoszcz’s patron of music, lending his name to the local piano competition, the Music Society, Pomeranian Philharmonic, and finally Bydgoszcz Airport, which also bears the name of this outstanding statesman and brilliant pianist.
Did you know that...
41
Explore Bydgoszcz | Cultural Bydgoszcz
River Brda, it serves as the cultural landmark
of the city. It attracts opera ensembles from
all over the world, including the famous
contemporary Swedish Cullberg Ballet, Béjart
Ballet of Lausanne, ensembles from Cuba,
Spain and many other countries. Therefore,
it’s not surprising that the Bydgoszcz Opera
Festival draws opera aficionados from all over
Poland to Bydgoszcz. It should be mentioned
that Bydgoszcz has a year-long calendar of
opera events, reporting some of the highest
attendances in the country for events.
The repertoire is dominated by the most
notable performances, loved by audiences,
including Verdi’s La Traviata and Nabucco, and
Puccini’s Tosca. It also produces less known
performances which are rarely shown by
other opera theatres in Poland such as Arrigo
Boito’s Mefistofele and Amilcare Ponchielli’s La
Gioconda, to name just a few. As we can see,
Bydgoszcz was deservedly called the music
heartland by the notable music critic Jerzy
Waldorff.
The musical image of Bydgoszcz is
completed by the F. Nowowiejski Academy
of Music, whose most outstanding graduate
is Rafał Blechacz, winner of the 15th
International Chopin Piano Competition.
Concerts given by students and teachers
of this school, just to mention the series
“Academy in Historic Sites”, became
permanent items in the calendar of cultural
events in the city.
The local Music District, the only
neighbourhood of this type in Poland, is
very unique. It comprises three institutions,
namely the Pomeranian Philharmonic,
Academy of Music and A. Rubinstein Complex
of Music Schools. As far as contemporary
music is concerned, we need to mention the
local cult club which is “Mózg”. Every year, it
organizes the “Mózg Festiwal”, which presents
alternative music from across the world. The
Eljazz Club organizes the Jazz Festival, inviting
well-known jazz musicians to Bydgoszcz. For
those who prefer a heavier sound, StageBar
is a perfect concert venue.
Opera Nova
11th Bydgoszcz Jazz Festival
42
Bydgoszcztheatres
There is a reason why our outstanding
theatre critic Adam Grzymała-Siedlecki
chose Bydgoszcz as his place of residence in
1922. The Municipal Theatre was operating
in the city as early as 1920, playing great
Polish dramas led by the plays written by
Słowacki and Wyspiański. At that time,
theatre was supposed to unite Poles, giving
them Polish words and teaching them
patriotism. Wanda Siemaszkowa, the first
director of the Municipal Theatre, took a
big risk when she decided to play operas
and operettas in the theatre, hoping to
attract audiences in great numbers. The first
production staged in 1921 was Stanisław
Moniuszko’s Halka. This performance
shows that the selection of both dramatic
and musical repertoire was influenced by
the patriotic factor at that time. A similar
situation took place after the Second World
War. Even before all the cannons had fallen
silent, Polish words were coming from
the stage. The first post-war premiere was
Aleksander Fredro’s Zemsta (The Revenge),
staged on March 27, 1945. Witnesses
recalled that when the actors were reciting
the words written by Fredro, spectators
were crying. These days, the Bydgoszcz
theatre is known primarily for its Festival of
World Premieres held in autumn, attracting
theatres and critics from all over Poland.
The festival creates a unique opportunity
to show the world’s contemporary plays.
Bydgoszcz is a place to watch the most
recent plays performed according to the
visions of the most outstanding directors,
which charm or outrage audiences. The main
focus of the Polish Theatre in Bydgoszcz is its
contemporary message and dialogue with
the viewer.
“The Cherry Orchard”, Polish Theatre
43
Artistic Bydgoszcz
The Leon Wyczółkowski District
Museum has several buildings in various
parts of the city. The vast majority of them
are situated on the picturesque Mill Island. It
features Leon Wyczółkowski’s House, which
is a museum building with restored interiors
of a house in nearby Gościeradz, in which
the patron of the Bydgoszcz museum used
to live in the early 20th century. Here, we can
admire the splendid paintings and graphic
artworks made by Wyczółkowski and enjoy
the unique belle époque atmosphere. Next
to it, the spacious Red Granary features the
Contemporary Art Gallery with a sizeable
collection of contemporary paintings. The
collection comprises over 5,000 works made
by the most accomplished Polish artists
during the last decades. The interesting Art
Nouveau collections, in which the Museum
specializes, also deserve mention.
Mill Island is called the Island of
Museums, but Gdańska Street, which is the
main thoroughfare of the city, is also known
for its contemporary art exhibited by the
Municipal Gallery, bwa. Established in 1949
as the Artistic Exhibitions’ Agency, it was
supposed to showcase the accomplishments
of a large group of local artists from
Bydgoszcz and Toruń. In addition bwa has
hosted exhibitions presenting works of
Explore Bydgoszcz | Cultural Bydgoszcz
Leon Wyczółkowski’s House
44
such internationally known artists as Andy
Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dali.
At 5 Chocimska Street, there is one
of Poland’s oldest private galleries. The
“Autorska” Gallery, founded in 1975 by
painter Jan Kaja and graphic artist Jacek
Soliński, is a unique establishment. It
organizes exhibitions of artists coming from
various communities and cities, as well as
poetry evenings, meetings with writers,
performances, concerts, and lectures.
These are only some of the addresses
that are worth remembering, since they
are known for their great traditions and
equally interesting present-day activities.
There are many more similar addresses. A
careful traveller will certainly discover them
when walking among the local Art Nouveau
tenement houses. The space between them
is also filled with culture, particularly in the
summer. A street art festival, known as the
Buskers Festival, has become a popular
event hosted by the city. Thanks to the
artists who perform within an arm’s reach, a
unique atmosphere is created in the city in
the summer.
Regular events:
04[April]Bydgoszcz Opera Festival,
www.opera.bydgoszcz.pl
International cultural event – presentation
of the most interesting opera and ballet
productions, an event with a recognized
artistic brand and tradition.
International Competition for Young
Pianists Arthur Rubinstein in memoriam,
www.konkurs-rubinstein.bydgoszcz.pl
The idea of the competition was inspired by
the words of Arthur Rubinstein, who when
giving a concert in the newly built hall of the
Pomeranian Philharmonic in 1960 said: You
have a great concert hall, which should serve
as a venue of international concerts.
Bydgoszcz Festival “Travellers”,
www.podroznicy.byd.pl
A two-day holiday of travel inspirations,
providing an opportunity for moving into
the world of travel.
05[May]European Night of Museums
The main idea of this event is popularisation of
museum collections amongst broad audiences.
Night visiting is accompanied by vernissages,
lectures, workshops, concerts and shows.
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Air Fair “Everything for Aviation”,
www.airfair.pl
Consolidation of the aviation community, both
military and civilian. A perfect
opportunity for establishing relations
between entrepreneurs, manufacturers and
users of planes and aviation equipment.
Bydgoszcz Science Festival,
www.festiwal.ukw.edu.pl
A popular science event, showing in a simple
and friendly way the latest achievements of
science and technology.
Andrzej Zaucha Memorial Festival
“Serca Bicie”, www.zauchafestiwal.pl
This musical undertaking combines generations
and passions in one place, rekindling memories
of this popular singer and commemorating him.
06[June]Heading on Bydgoszcz,
www.sternabydgoszcz.pl
The biggest holiday of water sports enthusiasts
in Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship. It is a
unique project, combining the communities
of sailors, artists and travellers.
International Street Art Festival
Busker Fest,
www.buskerfest.pl
An international meeting of the community of
travelling artists called “buskers”. The festival
features concerts, shows, performances and
events presented in the streets of Bydgoszcz.
Explore Bydgoszcz | Cultural Bydgoszcz
Bydgoszcz Buskers Festival
46
St. John’s Fair,
www.wok.bydgoszcz.com
Presentations of handicrafts made primarily
by folk artists from the areas of Kuyavia,
Kashubia, Pałuki, Tuchola Forest and Krajna.
There are also representatives of unique craft
trades from all over the country.
Bydgoszcz Music Impressions,
June-July,
www.bim.palac.bydgoszcz.pl
International Meetings of Musical Youth is a
festival attracting talented young people from
all over the world.
07[July]Bulwar Fest
Festival for hip-hop and guitar fans organized
by the Municipal Centre for Culture and the
StageBar Club.
09[September]The Premiere Festival
www.teatrpolski.pl
The Premiere Festival is a national theatre
festival organized since 2002 by the Polish
Theatre in Bydgoszcz. Its repertoire features
world premieres of theatre plays.
Kuyavian-Pomeranian Fair,
www.myslecinek.pl
Promotion of flavours, dances, music and
crafts from the entire region. The fair is also
an opportunity to taste regional delicacies,
serving also as a festival of early autumn fruit
and plants for our gardens.
10[October]Bydgoszcz Music Festival and Musica
Antiqua Europa Orientalis,
October-November,
www.filharmonia.bydgoszcz.pl
These festivals are the flagship cultural
events in the north of Poland. For over fifty
years they have been known as the leading
cultural brand of the Region of Kuyavia and
Pomerania.
Bydgoszcz Jazz Festival,
October-November,
bydgoszczjazzfestival.com.pl
Bydgoszcz Music Impressions
47
Explore Bydgoszcz | Cultural Bydgoszcz
During eleven editions of the festival,
syncopated music lovers had an opportunity
to listen to internationally renowned jazz stars
as well as Polish and regional artists.
11[November]International Paderewski Piano
Competition,
www.konkurspaderewskiego.pl
One of the biggest international competitions
in Poland, held every three years. It
commemorates Ignacy Paderewski, Poland’s
brilliant virtuoso, composer and politician.
Muzyka u źródeł – Chamber Music Festival,
www.muzykauzrodel.art.pl
A unique artistic event, which has been
attracting chamber music lovers since 2009.
The concerts are hosted by the Barock
Quartet.
Mózg Festival, .festiwal.mozg.pl
The interests of the Mózg Festival include all
types of contemporary music, visual arts and
performance.
Drums Fuzje, www.mck-bydgoszcz.pl
www.mck-bydgoszcz.pl
The Festival presents outstanding Polish
percussionists along with invited jazz
musicians from Poland and abroad.
Camerimage, www.camerimage.pl
CAMERIMAGE International Film Festival of
the Art of Cinematography is the biggest and
best known festival dedicated to the art of
cinematographers.
Gdańska Street Festival
An outdoor event entertaining all residents of
the City Centre and visitors. Attractions include
discounts in local shops, guided tours, concerts
and shows.
Independence Day Celebrations,
www.bylot.pl
An event building the historical identity
of Bydgoszcz, through the participation of
residents of the city and region in historical
re-enactments, exhibitions, concerts and
accompanying activities, including sporting
events.
48
Useful addresses:
Youth Palace27 Jagiellońska St., tel. +48 52 321 00 81, www.palac.bydgoszcz.pl
Kuyavian-Pomeranian Cultural Centre6 Kościeleckich Sq. , tel. +48 52 585 15 06, www.wok.bydgoszcz.com
Municipal Centre for Culture12-14 Marcinkowskiego St., tel. +48 52 32 55 540, www.mck.bydgoszcz.pl
During weekends, an hour before a ticketed event.
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. 10-20 10-20 10-20 10-20 10-20 - -
box office:
Pomeranian Philharmonic 6 Andrzeja Szwalbego St., tel. +48 52 321 04 67, www.filharmonia.bydgoszcz.pl
on the day of the concert, one hour beforeand one hour after the concert
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. 14-18 14-18 14-18 14-18 14-18 - -
box office:
Polish Theatre 2 Mickiewicza Av., tel. +48 52 339 78 18, www.teatrpolski.pl
15-50 PLN 15-35 PLN
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. - 12-18 12-18 12-18 12-18 - -
box office:
Opera Nova5 Marszałka Focha St., tel.+48 52 325 15 02, www.opera.bydgoszcz.pl
*only during the day of the performance 20-80 PLN 20-50 PLN
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. 18-19* 15-18 15-18 15-18 18-19* 15-18 16-18:30
box office:
Leon Wyczółkowski District Museum (Granaries on the River Brda)7 Grodzka St. and Mill Island (LeonWyczółkowski’s House, Modern Art Gallery,European Money Centreand Archaeological Collection)tel. +48 52 585 99 66, www.muzeum.bydgoszcz.pl
5 PLN 3 PLN up to 16 yrs. old/1 PLNguide: 10 PLNgroup guide: 30 PLNSaturdays - free admission
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.Apr.-Sept.
- 10-17 10-17 10-19 10-17 11-17 11-17
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.Oct.-Mar.
- 9-16 9-16 9-18 9-16 10-16 10-16
49
Explore Bydgoszcz | Cultural Bydgoszcz
Museum of WaterworksPump Room: 242 Gdańska St.Water Tower: 1 Filarecka St.tel. +48 882 050 656, www.muzeum.mwik.bydgoszcz.pl
5 PLN 2 PLN 10 PLN
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. 11-16 11-16 11-16 11-16 10-16 13-17 13-17
Museum of Land Forces2 Czerkaska St., tel. +48 52 378 20 26, www.muzeumwl.pl
6 PLN 4 PLN 3 PLN/personguide: 18 PLNTuesday: free admission
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. - 8:30-15:30 8:30-15:30 8:30-15:30 8:30-15:30 - 10-14
ExploseumBydgoskich Przemysłowców St.www.exploseum.pl
After prior reservation arrannged by calling: +48 883 366 056 15 PLN 12 PLN 8 PLN/person
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.Apr.-Sept.
- 9-17 9-17 10-19 9-17 9-17 9-17
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.Oct.-Mar.
- 9-17 9-17 9-17 9-17 9-17 9-17
Museum of the Bydgoszcz Canal3 Nowogrodzka St., tel. +48 693 765 075, www.muzeumkanalu.pl
free admission
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. - 8:30-15:30 8:30-15:30 8:30-15:30 8:30-15:30 - -
Museum of Photography14 Królowej Jadwigi St., tel. +48 52 567 00 07, www.muzeumfoto.byd.pl
5 PLN 3 PLN
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. - 10-18 10-18 10-18 10-18 10-15 -
Museum of Education4 Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie St., tel. +48 52 342 65 90, www.muzeumoswiaty_bydgoszcz.republika.pl
1 PLN
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. 8-15 9-17 8-15 - 8-15 - -
Museum of Soap and History of Dirt13-17 Długa St., tel. +48 52 515 70 15, www.muzeummydla.pl
12 PLN 36 PLN(children under 3 free of charge)After prior reservation
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. 10-18 10-18 10-18 10-18 10-18 10-18 10-18
Museum of Photography
Night of Museums
50
Chamber of Bydgoszcz Railways TraditionsInwalidów St., tel. +48 698 357 411, www.btpk.weebly.com free admissionAfter prior reservation.
Bydgoszcz Sports Gallery 163 Gdańska St., tel. +48 52 588 08 39, www.galeria-sportu.pl
free admission
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. 8-16 8-16 8-16 8-16 8-16 - -
Bernardine Library (Witold Bełza Provin-cial and Municipal Public Library)39 Długa St., tel. +48 52 339 92 02
After prior reservation free admission
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. 9-15:30 9-17 9-15:30 9-15:30 9-15:30 - -
Museum of Polish Diplomacyand Emigration4 Berwińskiego St., tel. +48 52 346 23 18
free admission
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. 10-16 10-16 10-16 10-16 10-16 - -
Municipal Gallery bwa20 Gdańska St., tel. +48 52 339 30 50, www.galeriabwa.bydgoszcz.pl
10 PLN 5 PLNguide – PLN 10 (until 3:00 pm)
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. - 10-18 10-18 12-20 10-18 11:30-16:30 11:30-16:30
Museum of Pharmacy of the“Pod Łabędziem” Pharmacy 5 Gdańska St. (entrance from Drukarska Street), tel. +48 52 322 01 87
free admissionGuided tour– groups <15 people 30 PLN, – groups >15 people 2 PLN per person. After prior reservation
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. 8-20 8-20 8-20 8-20 8-20 8-16 -
Exhibition at the Municipal Gallery bwa
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Explore Bydgoszcz | Bydgoszcz Specialties
During your stay in Bydgoszcz, it’s
worth finding time to try local specialties.
There is something for everyone, including
chocolates, goose meat, locally brewed beer,
and bread with potatoes …
Bydgoszcz Specialties
While writing of sweets, we need to mention Bydgoszcz ice cream. For many years, in many polls, Bydgoszcz residents almost unanimously recommended Café Primo ice cream shop (18 Gdań-ska Street, the narrow access to the Kazimierz Wielki Park), with one special ice cream in the Bydgoszcz flavour.
Did you know that...
Sweet history The love of Bydgoszcz residents for
sweets started before the First World War.
Elegant, family-owned cake shops and
bakeries were opened in the city centre.
They were serving tasty and always fresh
Danish pastries, cream puffs made from
choux pastry, and flummery. At home,
people delighted in the taste of chocolates
made by the “Lukullus” Sugar and Chocolate
Factory and the Tysler Brothers (both of
them were nationalized after the Second
World War, merged and named “Jutrzenka”,
which has been operating under this name
to this day).
Ask for fresh and tasty Danish pastries
in the morning in the bakery of Katarzyna
Erdmann at 2 Długa Street (over fifty
years of baking tradition and an oven that
remembers the First World War!) and the
bakery of the Bigoński family, founded in
1924 at 87 Gdańska Street. Its interior design
dates back to the interwar period; the décor
features the coat of arms of the bakers – two
griffins holding a pretzel.
Chocolates and baked goods made by Sowa
“Adam Sowa,” a family-owned confec-
tionery company founded in 1946, popular
among Bydgoszcz residents, has become
one of the tourist stops on the “sweet” map
of the city. One of the attractions is the hand-
made chocolates, known for their unique
flavour. Their secret is a thin layer of choco-
late, underneath which is an aromatic, liquid
ganache (filling). Residents and tourists also
delight in cakes and layer cakes, which were
52
the specialty of master baker Feliks Sowa, the
founder of the company. In 1962, he made
the first “flagship” chocolate layer cake in his
bakery. Sponge cake, layered with jam and
covered completely with melted milk choco-
late set popularity records. While visiting the
coffee house at 5 Mostowa Street, we can try
a cup of house coffee – “Sowa Café” and take
a look at reprints of photographs of old Byd-
goszcz, taken a hundred years ago.
Bread with potatoesPotato rye bread is one of the oldest
culinary recipes from the Bydgoszcz area.
In the past, bread was baked from flour
processed at a farm or purchased from
the mill. It was rather expensive. On the
other hand, the basic nutrition of the local
residents was based on cheap and generally
available potatoes. Clever housewives
quickly noticed that adding boiled and
mashed potatoes to the bread dough
increases the number of baked loaves and
improves the taste of the bread. In addition,
they reduced the perishability of the bread
and extended its freshness. Today, the only
establishment that preserves these old
traditions is the Bydgoszcz bakery Murmiłło.
Potato rye bread has a crispy, golden brown
crust and is soft inside,
having a flavour and aroma
of roasted potatoes. The
time of preparation of
this bread is very long,
22 hours; its baking time
is 1.5 hours. Thanks to its
unique features and long
history, the bread was
registered on the list of
traditional products of
the Ministry of Agriculture
and Rural Development.
It can be purchased in the
regional meat delicatessen,
JD Spychalscy, at 6 Batorego Street (while
stopping at this shop, we recommend
trying one of the house hams made using
traditional methods), in the Murmiłło
company store at 60 Sienkiewicza Street,
and at Zimmer Café, 7 Gdańska Street.
Pralines from Sowa confectionery
53
Goose meatRecently, the old-Polish traditions of
eating goose meat have been restored in
Kuyavia and Pomerania. It’s not surprising,
since the region is one of the biggest
producers of this tasty meat that has been
underestimated. The interest in goose meat is
noticeable in particular in November, on the
Feast of Saint Martin observed on November
11. This time is not accidental, since as early
as the 19th century goose breeding was
seasonal and lasted between spring and
late autumn, with slaughter carried out just
before November 11. On the Feast of Saint
Martin (the patron saint of birds, particularly
geese), people ate roast goose, sweetly
flavoured (with fruit). For winter, goose meat
was seasoned (chopped, raw meat that was
ripened) and cured (marinated and smoked
goose breasts). The latter were registered on
the list of traditional products of the Ministry
Did you know that...For many decades, the recipe of the potato rye bread was passed around by word of mouth. The recipe was finally written down for the first time in 1831 in the “Education for Peasants”, and later in 1915, in the “Cookbook for the Polish Nation”.
Explore Bydgoszcz | Bydgoszcz Specialties
Bread from Murmiłło Bakery
54
of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Roast goose with fruit, cured goose meat,
goose liver pate, and soup made from goose
blood called “Czernina” are delicious meals
that can be tasted at the “Goose Meat Trail”:
 “Weranda” Restaurant in the Bohema
Hotel,
 “1921” Restaurant in the Pod Orłem
Hotel,
 “Za Piecem” Restaurant,
 “Warzelnia Piwa” Restaurant.
Did you know that...Poland is the biggest producer of goose meat in Europe, but only 10% of this meat is consumed domestically. The remaining part goes primarily to our neighbour from the west. Kołuda Goose is the only native variety of this poultry, bred not far from Bydgoszcz, in Kołuda Wielka.
Beer from the local brewery
The traditions of Bydgoszcz brewing
date back to the origins of the city. In the
14th century, every townsman, owner of a lot
within the city walls, had the right to brew and
sell beer. Bydgoszcz beer was served in inns, in
the area stretching from Wielkopolska to the
Baltic Sea. In the following century, this gold
beverage, due to its exceptional taste, was
one of six in the country exported abroad. This
boom continued until the mid-17th century.
In addition to the castle brewery, brew-
houses operated in local inns and taverns.
At the turn of the 20th century, Bydgoszcz
had as many as 13 breweries. The biggest of
them, Juliusz Strelow’s brewery in Ustronie
Street, set a record in filling bottles at 1,800
an hour in 1920. After the war, his property
was nationalized and turned into a facility
producing the famous Kujawiak beer.
Unfortunately, not much remains of
the magnificent old breweries. However,
Bydgoszcz has been proudly continuing its
beer making traditions through the Regional
Brewery (8 Poznańska Street), founded in
2011, whose terraces are situated in the
romantic Bydgoszcz Venice. Beer lovers can
select from among four types of local beer,
including Pils Wenecki, Koźlak Bydgoski,
Kasztelan z Bydgoszczy, and Pszeniczne
Młyńskie. Koźlak is a unique, strong and dark
beer of Bavarian type (Bock), made seasonally,
in winter.
55
Legend has it that this drink, brewed by
monks, was supposed to brighten the long
and ascetic period of Lent. On the other hand,
the name of Kasztelan z Bydgoszczy is related
to the first written record about
the city. Kastelanus de Budegac,
if we can trust the records, was
the founder of the city on the
River Brda. While in
brewery, we also
recommend asking
about the dark
honey ale, which is
the specialty of the
restaurant. All of the
mentioned varieties
of beer are not always
available, since they are brewed
in only two vats. When drinking a
beer, we can enjoy the beautiful
view of the entire Mill Island or tour the inside
of the establishment. For beer connoisseurs,
it can be a fascinating journey through
time. The Hop Room features a permanent
exhibition dedicated to the
history of Bydgoszcz brewing
and souvenirs related to beer,
presenting also a sizeable
collection of labels.
The Bydgoszcz Venice has
links not only to beer making,
but also the production of
alcoholic beverages.
In 1827-1945, in the area
of 2-4 Czartoryskiego Street,
was C.A. Franke’s distillery,
which delivered to the
residents of Bydgoszcz and the
region the famous chocolate
liqueurs and Advocaat (daily
Explore Bydgoszcz | Bydgoszcz Specialties
Goose meat
56
Legend has it that in the 1970s, a prankster working in the Ku-jawiak Brewery, during renova-tion of installations, connected a beer pipe directly to the water pipeline. Residents of local stre-ets had beer coming out of their taps for half a day. Instead of calling emergency, they filled all available dishes with beer.
Did you know that... production of the company amounted to
10,000 litres of pure spirit). Warm water
generated during the rectification process
was used in the bath owned by the company.
The best known liqueur production plant
in Bydgoszcz was the company of Leistikow,
father of the outstanding painter and graphic
artist Walter Leistikow, co-founder of “Berlin
Art Nouveau”. Carl Leistikow’s pharmacy,
situated at the corner of Gdańska and
Śniadeckich Streets, sold “Kuyavian infusion
for vodka used for the stomach”.
Warzelnia Piwa (Brewery)
57
Explore Bydgoszcz | | Bydgoszcz Specialties
58
MUST DO
59
MUST DO
Must do
Bydgoszcz Marina
60
Relax in Myślęcinek
66
Find the 18th Meridian68
Take a cruise by Water Tram
61
Go on a trip on a historical bus62
Make soap yourself
63
Learn about the “explosive” history of Bydgoszcz64
61
Take a cruise by water tram
| Take a cruise by Water Tram
When visiting Bydgoszcz, you don’t
have to worry about getting bored. There
are many attractions. The only thing you can
worry about is if you have enough time to
see all of them.
Sunny cruise Bydgoszcz looks the most beautiful
from the river. The revitalized Mill Island,
renovation of the boulevards on the Brda
that is underway, historical hydrotechnical
facilities on the Bydgoszcz Canal, can be best
seen while taking a cruise by water tram.
These water trams, called Słonecznik I and
II, are modern and environmentally friendly
vessels, powered by solar energy, which can
carry 28 people on board. On weekends, the
historical M/S Bydgoszcz towboat is also in
operation, experiencing its “second youth”.
When: Water trams operate daily in
the summer season (between May and
September), several times a day (timetable
is available at www.zdmikp.bydgoszcz.pl
in the bookmark Bydgoszcz Water Tram).
Before the planned trip, we recommend
checking availability on the selected date,
since group reservations happen from time
to time:
tel. +48 52 582 27 64
Where: The main stop of the water
tram is located at Rybi Square. There is the
current timetable and information on routes,
which changes occasionally depending on
the situation on the waterway.
Price:
Słonecznik Boats:
5 PLN 2.50 PLN
MS Bydgoszcz:
8 PLN 4 PLN
Check for
reservation!
“Słonecznik” with the Opera Nova in the background
Must do
62
For those who feel better on land
than on water, Bydgoszcz offers trips by a
historical, hundred year old bus, Herbrand or
Red eNka made in the 1960s. Those who like
the atmosphere of Communist Poland will
enjoy a ride by “Ogórek” (cucumber), which
is our immortal bus Jelcz 043.
Jelcz buses, called colloquially “Ogórki”,
travel on two routes. No. 100 goes to
Myślęcinek, which is the biggest municipal
park in Poland. Route 101 runs from the
Old Town to the Bydgoszcz Wschód Railway
Station, where the Bydgoszcz Railways
Memorial Chamber operates in the summer
season. The main stop of “Ogórek” is in
Mostowa Street, just near the bridge and
is marked with a retro information post.
Historical trams start their run in Babia Wieś
and Myślęcinek.
The old bimbas (trams) “Herbrand”
and Red eNka travel on a special tourist
line No. 10 from Babia Wieś to Las Gdański
(Myślęcinek). Great fun for children is a trip
by Herbrand, made in Cologne in 1898, with
open balconies and the driver dressed in a
stylish uniform.
When: during the vacation season
(July-August), from the morning to the
evening. The current timetable and
route map are available at www.zdmikp.
bydgoszcz.pl in the bookmark Timetable
(timetable for special lines is available only
during the season).
Go on a trip on a historical bus
Jelcz buses, which offer special rides, come from the Transportation Museum in Paterek (a village in the area of Nakło nad Notecią). They were used on the sets of many Polish movies, including “Różyczka” and “Little Moscow”.
Did you know that...
Price:
3 PLN 1.50 PLN
Only on weekends!
Historical “Ogórek”
63
| Make soap yourself
The oldest records about Bydgoszcz Baths date from the 14th century and regard a wooden bath, located on Mill Island. It was run by Tomasz Balneor (bath attendant), called “Plugawy” (Filthy), which could have been related to his job (pulling teeth, shaving heads, drawing blood, and cleaning the bath).
Did you know that...
The world’s only Museum of Soap and Hi-
story of Dirt operates in Bydgoszcz. It offers
interactive time travel through the history of
cleanliness, dirt and soap making, which has
deep-rooted ties with Bydgoszcz. In the city
on the River Brda, the first Soap and Candle
Production Plant was founded as early as the
18th century in today’s Warmińskiego Street.
Make soap yourself
Production of the famous Persil and Cypisek
laundry soap originated in Bydgoszcz.
A visit to the Museum starts from washing
your hands in a tub. Then visitors move to
the workshop, where soap makers teach
them step by step how to make fragrant
soap. After the workshops, participants visit
all parts of this surprising museum.
When: The Museum is open all week,
between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. Before
your planned visit, we recommend taking
a look on the Museum website at www.
muzeummydla.pl and check reservation
for the selected date. Shows are organized
every 90 minutes.
Where: 13 Długa Street,
www.muzeummydla.pl
Price:
12 PLN 36 PLN (up to 5 people)
Schedule your visit ahead!
Bydgoszcz soap bars
Must do
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The secret of the mysterious ruins lay
hidden in the Bydgoszcz Forest for fifty years.
Only the older residents, remembering
the times of the Second World War, knew
that several kilometres from the operating
chemical plant and newly developed
industrial park, there was a place known
for inhuman forced labour involving over
40,000 workers of the former DAG Fabrik
Bromberg.
In 2008, the decision was made to
transform part of the area into a museum.
Out of several hundred buildings that in
1939-1945 were part of a huge concern
providing the Third Reich with nitroglycerin,
trinitrotoluene and smokeless powder, a
dozen or so were separated and connected
by tunnels. They are created by two twin
lines NGL – Betrieb, i.e. nitroglycerin
production. One of them was designated as
a museum – Exploseum, while the second
one, as a permanent ruin, shows the mark
left by time on the buildings and preserves
their original look.
A visit to the Exploseum provides
extensive knowledge on military
technology. A tour through its myriad,
murky and concrete corridors will certainly
be remembered for a long time.
When: Exploseum is open from
Tuesday to Sunday, between 9:00 am and
5:00 pm. Due to the unique nature of this
place, children under the age of six are not
admitted. Visiting is organized as guided
tours and takes about two hours. Therefore,
visits should be scheduled by phone. We
recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
The facility welcomes disabled visitors.
Where: The Museum is situated on the
outskirts of the city, in Bydgoszcz Industrial
Park. It can be easily accessed by car. Passing
through the gate, you will see signs which
will guide you to the destination. Tourist can
also use public transport. Bus no. 68 runs
twice a day to the Exploseum (before guided
tours at 9:30 am and 12:30 pm).
NOTE! Before arriving at the Exploseum,
please schedule the time of the visit by
phone (tel. +48 883 366 056).
Learn about the explosive history of Bydgoszcz
Price:
15 PLN 12 PLN 8 PLN
65
| Learn about the explosive history of Bydgoszcz
People working at the nitroglycerin production in DAG Fabrik Bromberg had contact with highly toxic substances. As a result their hair and nails turned orange or rust red. To this day, the older residents of the city recall that they were called “canaries”.
Did you know that...
Please schedule your visit! Access by car
or bus 68 E
Concrete tunnel at Exploseum
Must do
66
While in Bydgoszcz, it’s worth taking
a breath and relaxing, taking advantage of
the attractions and space of the Myślęcinek
Forest Park of Culture and Recreation. It is the
biggest municipal park in Poland, occupying
830 hectares. It is situated only 5 km from
the city centre.
The park offers a host of attractions
for visitors of all ages. During the
summer season, we recommend
a visit to the funfair, the Lost
World (Dinosaur Park)
and Macroworld
(park with huge
insects). Great fun
for youngsters is a
rope park with a zip-line
and skatepark. Adults will
surely enjoy the beautiful Botanical
Garden located in the Alpinarium. There
is also the Zoological Garden. In addition to
bears, wolves and badgers, there are animals
from all over the world, including llama,
lemur, and monkey. Water sports enthusiasts
can take advantage of a lift in the Wakepark.
Myślęcinek is also a perfect place to organize
a picnic on the beach on one of the local
ponds, which offer barbecue sites. One of
the winter attractions is a ski slope with a lift.
When: The Forest Park of Culture and
Recreation is open all year round; however,
some of its attractions are available
depending on the season.
Where: Myślęcinek is located a few
kilometres away from the city centre. The
park can be accessed by car (parking near the
tram terminus or at the Polish Fauna Garden).
Visitors without cars can use public transport,
taking bus no. 52, which runs every hour from
the city centre (Jagiellonów Roundabout)
to the stop at the Polish Fauna
Garden or take tram no. 1 or 2
toward Las Gdański (the last
stop of the tram).
Price: the list of current
admission fees to the Park attractions
are on the website:
www.myslecinek.pl.
Relax in Myślęcinek
67
17
8Park
Pro
men
ade
| Relax in Myślęcinek
tram no. 1 and 2
or bus no. 52
(toward Podkowa)
Before the Second World War, the Myślęcinek estate was the property of the affluent and respected Weynerowski family, famous makers of “Leo” footwear (p. 108). Bydgoszcz residents enjoyed coming here after work on Friday, for a walk, to have a beer at the little brewery “Myslecinek Brauerai” or to “lounge” on the grass.
Did you know that...
Botanical GardenEquestrian Recreation CentreZoological GardenLost WorldPlaygroundMacroworldEarth Museum Rope Park Traffic Town Ski slopeEcological Education Centre Sports equipment rentalBydgoszcz Fair and Exhibition CentreWakeparkBeachSkateparkGolf course
1
5
9
13
3
7
11
14
2
6
10
17
4
8
12
15
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Must do
68
What connects Bydgoszcz with
Dubrovnik, Stockholm or Cape Town? The
18th meridian east runs through these
cities. Its exceptionality consists in the
fact that it helped cartographers draw flat
maps. The easiest way to find the 18th
Meridian is to go to the Ratuszowy Hotel
(37 Długa Street), where a plaque with its
designation was mounted on the initiative
of the 18th Meridian Association. We can
find more traces of the Meridian in the
Old Market Square, in the proximity of the
Fight and Martyrdom Monument; then it
runs to Marszałka Focha, E. Warmińskiego,
Sienkiewicza, and Wileńska Streets, and
further to the Bocianowo district. The best
idea to search for it is with the use of GPS.
We also recommend visiting the places
commemorating the run of the mysterious
“Eighteenth” Meridian, including the Globe
at the plinth near the White Granary on Mill
Island (it was believed that the meridian runs
also through Mill Island) and an obelisk with
a ball and image of a ship on Municipal Lock
No. 2.
Tip: When searching for the 18th
Meridian, it’s worth
trying to play the popular
geocaching and find the
hidden “treasure”. More
information regarding
this topic can be found at
w w w . g e o c a c h i n g . c o m
(Search of 18th meridian).
Find the 18th Meridian
Obelisk symbolizing the 18th Meridian
69
| Find the 18th MeridianMust do
70
MUSTSEE
71
Must see
Water Tower
72
MasterTwardowski
82
Man Crossing the River Sculpture
83
Bydgoszcz seen from the Water Tower 73
Mill Island76
BydgoszczCanal
77
BydgoszczCathedral
79
The “Archer Lady” statue 80
“Deluge” Fountain84
73
| Bydgoszcz seen from the Water Tower
Bydgoszcz seen from the Water Tower
In 1900, on the hill known today as
Gen. Henryk Dąbrowski Hill, which is the
highest site in relation to the water intake
in Las Gdański (Gdańsk Forest) the water
tower (designed by Franz Marschal) was
opened. It played an important role in the
modern waterworks system of Bydgoszcz.
This slightly squat, cylindrical tower houses
a compensation reservoir, which for 90
years guaranteed proper water pressure in
the mains, making sure that in the hours
of increased consumption of water, it
would be available to consumers without
any problems. The tower received a neo-
Gothic brick façade, highlighted with plaster
details. The architect of this industrial
facility (45 metres high) added a public
lookout terrace to it, which was a great
attraction. It offered a view of the whole city.
Unfortunately, the terrace was closed after
1945. It was only reopened in 2012, after
completion of renovation and adaptation
works related to turning the Water Tower
into one of the buildings of the Museum of
Waterworks (the second part of the Museum
is located in the Historical Pump Room
at 242 Gdańska Street). Inside, we find an
exhibition recounting the history of the local
waterworks and sewers. There is a collection
of documents, photographs, old bathroom
and toilet accessories, and even pieces of
wooden pipes coming from the first local
waterworks dating from the 16th century,
excavated during archaeological works.
After touring the industrial exhibition, we
can take a narrow, winding staircase to
access the lookout terrace, which offers a
breathtaking, panoramic view of Bydgoszcz.
There are several telescopes mounted on
the railing, offering a more detailed view of
the city.
The Henryk Dąbrowski Park stretches
at the foot of the tower. All distinct tall
buildings of the Bydgoszcz cityscape can be
seen above the tree tops.
Water Tower interior
Must see
74
Church of the Holy Trinity
Opera Nova
Rother’s Mills
Building of the former Eastern Railways
Authority
Bydgoszcz Cathedral
Church of Saints Peter and Paul
75
| Bydgoszcz seen from the Water Tower
Church of St. Andrew Bobola
Pylons of the University Route
“Łuczniczka” Sports & Enter-tainment Hall
District Court
Basilica of St. Vincent de Paul
Main Post Office
Must see
76
Mill Island
Mill Island is the green heart of
Bydgoszcz, an enclave in the city centre.
People coming here can relax in the park,
among alleys lined with old trees, vast
lawns, and alleys with benches, listening
to the rapidly falling water at the weir and
culvert. Water surrounds everything. From
the direction of the Old Town, we can find
the Brda Młynówka river, running fast and
nervously, along with the wall of Bydgoszcz
Venice. Across from it is the vast main riverbed
of the Upper Brda, featuring such landmarks
as the stately Cathedral and Opera Nova.
Thanks to revitalization, this place has become
the favourite hangout of the local residents.
Here, we can also find the historical buildings
of the Museum with modern upgrades,
water tram stop, yacht marina, playground,
amphitheatre, numerous hiking and biking
paths, and even a beach next to the spacious
lawn on which Bydgoszcz residents enjoy
lounging on their blankets.
Old granaries and mills house exhibitions
of the Leon Wyczółkowski District Museum.
The old granary at 1 Mennica Street, dating
from the mid-19th century, once used for
storing bagged grains, has been turned into
a stylish restaurant. The building at 6 Mennica
Street, after careful renovation, has been
transformed into the Centre of Employment
and Entrepreneurship.
The present appearance of Mill Island has survived in much the shape of two centuries ago, and some parts date even from earlier times. The revitalization project of this area was recognized nationwide. It was awarded many commendations both domestically and abroad.
Did you know that...
Mill Island
77
BydgoszczCanal
| Bydgoszcz Canal
This is a monumental, hydrotechnical
project begun in the days
of the Kingdom of Poland,
prepared in detail and
implemented right after the
first partition of Poland, in the
years 1773-1774, during the
reign of Frederick II, the ruler
of Prussia.
The 26.77-km-long
Bydgoszcz Canal was
constructed within 18
months by nearly 10,000
workers, at a cost of nearly
2,000 lives. It connected
the cities of Bydgoszcz and
Nakło nad Notecią, but most
importantly the basins of the
Vistula and Odra rivers, i.e. their tributaries. It
was in such a way that the inland waterway,
planned since the 16th century and very
important economically, was constructed.
It became competitive with the sea route
via Gdańsk. and since its opening, the canal
was systematically modernized and repaired.
It played a tangible role in water transport,
among others the majority of timber from
Russia and the Congress Kingdom of Poland
were floated along the canal to the German
Empire. The canal facilitated development
of trade and industry, especially timber,
machine-building and furniture industries.
At the turn of the 20th century, the canal was
operated by almost 3,000 rafters working
for the largest carrier - Lloyd of Bydgoszcz.
Beginning in the 1840’s, the canal within
the city limits and suburban areas had an
influence on a flourishing social life, connected
with restaurant and entertainment complexes
established in its neighborhood.
In the immediate vicinity of the Old
Town, opposite the Opera Nova building,
we begin a walk around the Park on the
Old Canal. Here, on the northern side of the
Solidarności [Solidarity] Bridges, in Karola
Marcinkowskiego Street, we see the Municipal
Lock (the current one from the years 1908-
Kayakers going through the Municipal Lock
Must see
78
1912) and building no. 2 the home of the Royal
Inspection of the Water Works. Continuing to
the west, we cross Marszałka Focha Street and
via Grunwaldzkie Roundabout, constructed
at the cost of a filled in canal bed, all the
way to Nakielska Street. In the area of the
classicist building at 25 Marszałka Focha
Street (a residence of the Regency presidents
in Bydgoszcz during the years 1836-1920),
there was lock no. 2, and continuing further,
opposite the present-day Group of Schools of
Mechanical Engineering at 37 Świętej Trójcy
Street, a stone bridge connecting the banks
of the canal. Black poplars growing by the
exit to the cinema echo the past of the filled
up canal. A bit further, the Old Bydgoszcz
Canal, closed for navigation, begins. The
Planty Park with beautiful specimens of
old trees – black poplars, horse chestnuts,
oaks, elms, beeches, and hydrophilous black
alders - extends along the canal. Here, the
oldest necropolis of Bydgoszcz – Starofarny
Cemetery established in 1806 – neighbors the
area on the canal. Next, in the area of lock no.
4, the canal is crossed by Wrocławska Street,
where grand buildings once home to elegant
restaurants with ballrooms and concert halls
have been preserved. Near this lock, the most
beautiful part of the canal promenade begins,
with a pair of floating fountains and a swan
island, followed by lock no. 5 and another lock
in Bronikowskiego Street. After this lock the
navigable canal starts, which takes us to the
River Noteć (E-70 waterway), or through the
Czyżkówko Lock along the Brda River towards
the Koronowo Reservoir, or in the opposite
direction towards the River Vistula.
Until the year 1970, the Bydgoszcz Canal once flowed on the site of the present-day Grunwaldzkie Roundabout. The Ladislaus IV stone bridge, crossing the canal here, connected Świętej Trójcy and Grunwaldzka Streets. Near the bridge, there was once lock no. 3, now non-existent.
Did you know that...
Park on the Old Bydgoszcz Canal
79
| Bydgoszcz Cathedral
Bydgoszcz Cathedral
In 2004, the Bydgoszcz Fara Church was
raised to the rank of Cathedral of the Diocese
of Bydgoszcz by the decree of Holy Father
John Paul II. However, for many centuries
and for dozens of generations of Bydgoszcz
residents, it had been the only and most
prominent municipal church. Before it was
built, there had been two places of worship,
namely the Church of St. Giles and the castle
chapel. When they were erected, Bydgoszcz
was not a city. In 1346, just after the city was
founded, work started on the construction
of a municipal church in the proximity of
the Market Square and City Hall, in line with
medieval traditions. Initially, the Bydgoszcz
Fara Church was a wooden structure. After
it was consumed by fire, the decision was
made to build a stately, Gothic brick church.
Construction continued between 1466
and 1502. Saints Nicholas and Martin were
chosen as its patrons. As patron saints of
trade and many crafts, they were best suited
for the commercial aspirations of the city.
This Gothic hall church built from brick
features a nave and two side aisles. It has the
chancel closed from three sides and a square
tower to the south. A two-storey arcaded
porch adjoins the church from the west.
The main entrance to the church features
Renaissance oak doors, adorned with coats
of arms and initials of guilds and Bydgoszcz
Bydgoszcz Cathedral
Must see
80
The “Archer Lady” statue
townsmen. Its interior charms with the
unique abundance of colours, something
which is rarely seen in the region of northern
Poland. Polychromes date from 1922-
1925 and were made by Henryk Nostitz-
Jackowski. However, the most important
masterpiece in the Cathedral, which is also
an object of worship, is the Madonna with
the Rose. The painting from the high altar
is the centrepiece of the church, attracting
the attention of the faithful and tourists. It is
a late-Gothic painting of the Madonna and
Child, holding a little rose in the other hand.
In the downspout, there is a little crowned eagle embossed in sheet metal. As the only in Bydgoszcz, it had survived the occupation period unnoticed by the Germans, when all symbols related to the Polish State were destroyed. It attracted Bydgoszcz residents, particularly young people, who came here in secret to pay tribute to the coat of arms of Poland.
Did you know that...
It used to stand in Teatralny Square, near
the non-existent Municipal Theatre, angering
some prudish residents of Bydgoszcz. These
days, the “Archer Lady” statue, known as one
of the symbols of Bydgoszcz, stands in a quiet
place across from the Polish Theatre, in Jan
Kochanowski Park.
The statue of a beautiful female athlete
(175 cm tall), in classical proportions, was one
of the last works of Berlin artist Ferdinand
Lepcke (1866-1909), made most likely in
1908. The statue, shown at exhibitions in
Berlin and Munich, received positive reviews.
Bydgoszcz residents admired the statue. In
spring 1910, a miniature version was shown
at an exhibition in Bydgoszcz. People enjoyed
it so much that they came up with the idea
of purchasing a replica of the statue for
the city. Finally, Louis Aronsohn, a wealthy
banker of Jewish origin, decided to buy the
original statue. The “Archer Lady” arrived in
Bydgoszcz on August 18, 1910, on the 60th
birthday of its buyer. It was solemnly unveiled
in order to charm with its artistic form and
81
| The “Archer Lady” statue
In Bydgoszcz, there is the original statue of the “Archer Lady”, but it is not the only statue of this type; replicas of this outstanding F. Lepcke artwork can be found in Berlin, Coburg, Heringsdorf, and Wilhelmshaven. Another titbit from its history; in the 1930s, Mayor of Poznań, Cyryl Ratajski, wanted to buy the Bydgoszcz statue for his city.
Did you know that...beauty successive generations of Bydgoszcz
residents and tourists. Legend has it that the
founder’s friend posed for the statue, but
according to some, it was his daughter.
When it was erected in the city centre,
a battle ensued to move the “indecent”
statue to a less prominent place (one of the
proponents was the famous actress Pola
Negri). However, all attempts to remove the
“Archer Lady” from Teatralny Square failed,
until it was decided that its proximity to the
future monument of the Gratitude to the
Red Army Heroes was inappropriate. The
latter monument had not been erected on
the planned site in Teatralny Square, but the
“Archer Lady” was moved in 1960. This time it
protected the new theatre, just as it had the
old one in the past, always ready to shoot an
arrow.
In 2013, on the 667th anniversary of
the city, another monument depicting the Ar-
cher Lady was erected near the Opera Nova,
becoming a symbol of the development and
changes taking place in Bydgoszcz. It is a con-
temporary take on the symbol of Bydgoszcz,
which is the solemn “Archer Lady” from the
Jan Kochanowski Park.
“The Archer Lady”
Must see
82 Master Twardowski
Every day, at 1:13 pm and 9:13 pm,
a window opens in the tenement house
in the Old Market Square no. 15, where
Master Twardowski appears in a smoke
haze, whooping with laughter. According to
legend, Twardowski arrived to the city on a
rooster (other stories claim that he arrived
to the Old Market Square in a chair). After
MasterTwardowski
his arrival to the city, Master Twardowski
headed to the “Zgorzelec” Inn, where along
with his servant Maciek and devils – Smołka
and Węgliszek – they stayed and met with
customers. When news spread across the
town that the Master knew magic, there was
always some nobleman or townsman asking
him for advice or help. One of them was the
Mayor, an older gentleman who had a very
young wife. He had a hard time keeping up
with her. Thus he asked Master Twardowski
to rejuvenate him. The Master, assisted by
devils, prepared an extract from magical
herbs, in which he bathed the old man. After
several hours sitting in the pot, he emerged
out of it a much younger man. Unfortunately,
after coming home, neither his wife nor any
of his servants recognized him.
In 1910, on the site that was once occupied by the tenement house in which Master Twardowski stayed, its then owner Leo Brückmann built a modern department store with an area of about 4,000 square metres. Customers were im-pressed with the bright, spacious interiors and high qu-ality products offered at low prices. After the First World War, there was the Garment House operating as
a branch of the Joint Stock Company of Poznań. Starting from 1928, it operated as the Department Store of the Matec-
ki Brothers, which was a favourite shop of the local fe-male clientele, and not only, since it was known for
its fine clothing and great sales. Unfortunately, the building of Rudolf Kern suffered war damage in 1945. The site is now occupied by a contempo-
rary, stylized tenement house.
Did you know that...
1:13 pm and 9:13 pm
83
| Man Crossing the River Sculpture
Man Crossing the River Sculpture
The “Man Crossing the River” sculpture
came to Bydgoszcz on May 1, 2004, in order
to commemorate Poland’s accession to the
European Union. This unique sculpture was
made by Jerzy Kędziora. The mystery of the
“Man Crossing the River” consists in shifting
of its centre of gravity below the rope
level. Thanks to this solution, the sculpture
maintains its balance. A swallow (which
is Schwalbe in German) was also placed
on the rope in order to commemorate the
outstanding citizen of Bydgoszcz, founder
of the Pomeranian Philharmonic, Andrzej
Szwalbe.
Bydgoszcz granaries on the River
Brda are almost like the coat of arms of
the city. Only several historical granaries
have remained in Bydgoszcz, with only
four dating from before the 19th century,
standing on the riverside in the city centre.
All of them are half-timbered buildings
serving today as museums. Three granaries
at 9-11 Grodzka Street (the image of which
is commemorated on the contemporary
logo of Bydgoszcz), were built in 1793-1800
by merchant Samuel Gotlieb Engelmann.
Initially, the complex in Grodzka Street
consisted of five granaries built as a row of
houses, which were used as warehouses. In
1960, two of them were completely burned
down. They were such an important part of
the cityscape of that time that some local
residents would welcome their rebuilding.
In 1962, the preserved granaries were
transformed into exhibition buildings of
the Leon Wyczółkowski District Museum of
Bydgoszcz. In 2006, works were completed
on the thorough remodelling and
modernization of the interiors. The favourite
granary of Bydgoszcz residents, which is also
one of the most popular local landmarks,
is the granary closest to Mostowa Street,
sometimes called the “Dutch” granary due
to its de l’Orme roof. In front of this granary,
a small amphitheatre was established and a
miniature, bronze model of Bydgoszcz from
early centuries is currently displayed.
1:13 pm and 9:13 pm
Man Crossing the River Sculpture
Must see
84
One of the must-have photographs
of one’s stay in Bydgoszcz is a photo at
the “Deluge” Fountain, which stands in
Kazimierz Wielki Park, in the proximity of
Wolności Square. This impressive fountain,
made by Ferdinand Lepcke, was erected
on this site in 1904, in the then garden of
the Bydgoszcz District Government. The
artist placed a composition referring to the
Biblical Deluge in a huge pool made from
red sandstone. In the middle is a group
of people rising to a height of 6 metres,
featuring a muscular man holding a languid
woman, and a second woman lying dead at
his feet with a child clinging to her. There
are additional statues on the sides; one of
them depicts a man fighting for his life with
a snake wrapped around him, while another
features a mother bear with a dead cub. The
unique effect of the monument is created by
the surface surrounding the fountain, made
as a multicolour, ornamental mosaic with a
motif of waves.
This greatest work made by the artist
had impressed spectators until 1943 as one
of the biggest attractions of Bydgoszcz,
and a popular site for taking photographs.
Unfortunately, valuable sculptures were
confiscated for war purposes. These
days, thanks to the Social Committee for
Rebuilding the Fountain established in
2004, the bronze, multi-figural statue has
been faithfully restored. The rebuilt scene
of the Biblical Deluge, placed in a renovated
basin and surrounded by the restored
mosaic, has once again become one of the
most impressive and beautiful fountains in
Poland.
The restored fountain looks most
beautiful after dusk, when colourful
illumination highlights the sculpted
composition.
“Deluge” Fountain
In 1897, before embarking on the idea of erecting the fountain, a national competition was announced in Germany, which was widely commented on by art and architecture magazines published at that time. As many as 55 designs were submitted. Replicas of the fountain were installed in Coburg (1906) and Eisleben (melted down for war purposes in 1942).
Did you know that...
“Deluge” Fountain
85
| “Deluge” FountainMust see
86
87
POZNAJ BYDGOSZCZ
SIGHTSEEING ROUTES
Sightseeing routes
Old Town
88
Green Bydgoszcz
136
See the Old Town89
Alternative image of the city 109
Industrial history
of Bydgoszcz115
By bicycle through Bydgoszcz128
Trail of hydrotechnical historical sites122
Around the City Centre
97
89
| See the Old TownSightseeing routes
See the Old Town
Time: about 2 hoursWe start sightseeing of the Old Town
in the Old Market Square in front of the
Bydgoszcz Land Fight and Martyrdom
Monument (1), placed here in 1969 (designed
by Franciszek Masiak). The monument
commemorates the casualties of the Nazi
terror, especially the residents of Bydgoszcz
who were executed in this place by firing
squad on the first days of the Second World
War.
The city’s central square, where we are,
was marked out in the year 1346, when the
city was founded by King Casimir the Great,
and its present-day buildings date back
mainly to the 20th century. From in front
of the monument we go along Farna Street
towards the oldest church in Bydgoszcz, the
Cathedral of Saints Martin and Nicholas
(3). En route we pass the oldest pharmacy
in Bydgoszcz – ”Under the Golden Eagle” at
At the beginning of the Second World War, the old Jesuit Church of St Ignatius of Loyola still stood in the Old Market Square. Legend has it that one of the victims of the Nazi terror, while dying, leaned against one of the church walls. The trace of the hand remained and it could not be removed, that’s why the German occupants decided to demolish the church.
Did you know that...
1 Stary Rynek Street (Old Market Square) –
and a grand edifice of the old Jesuit college
from the 17th century, presently the City Hall
(2). We enter the cathedral through 500-kg
bronze doors on the ground floor of the
church basement (p. 79).
Going around the cathedral, it is
worthwhile paying attention to the Farny
Weir (4), i.e. the place where the River
Młynówka, flowing around Mill Island, falls
into the River Brda. The present-day building
of the Small Hydroelectric Power Plant,
standing by the weir, is an old groat mill. In
City Hall
90
the vicinity, between yews, a
bright observer will notice
the freestanding sculpture
of St John Nepomucene (5)
from the 18th century, a saint
who was to protect against
flood.
Going along the river,
we reach Mostowa Street.
After a few moments, we will
be able to see the city’s official symbol, i.e.
three half-timbered granaries (6) from the
turn of the 19th century, scenically located on
the River Brda. In the past, these were among
many grain storehouses in the city; nowadays
they belong to the Leon Wyczółkowski District
Museum. In front of the main entrance to
the building is a model of
old Bydgoszcz. Looking at
it, we can see several now
non-existent buildings,
including the City Hall and
Jesuit Church in the Old
Market Square, the little
Romanesque Church of St
Giles, city gateways, and
Bydgoszcz castle, which
was destroyed during the
Swedish Deluge. Now we
go towards the Jerzy Sulima-
The sculpture of St John Nepomucene, located by the cathedral, is the oldest sculpture in Bydgoszcz, and one of the oldest freestanding sculptures of the saint.
Did you know that...
A replica of Bydgoszcz castle is located by the main entrance of the BREBank in Grodzka Street. It was near this place that the stately Bydgoszcz castle surrounded with a moat was located. Legend has it that centuries ago a cruel castellan lived here with his gorgeous daughter, Angelica. The father was so afraid of the girl’s soon-to-happen marriage that he had her kept in the castle tower day and night. One day, Angelica fell in love with one of her father’s prisoners – prince Jarosław, whom she set free, ignoring the father’s anger. Two days later, Jarosław returned for his love. A cruel fight ensued, during which the young man was killed by a knight wearing a black visor. Eager to avenge his death, Angelica dealt a blow on the back of the mysterious soldier. When the black knight dropped dead, the girl removed his visor; it turned out that it was her father. In despair because of her deed, she plunged into the River Brda. Since that moment, she would return to the castle as a ghost each night to look for her love and her father in the rooms.
Did you know that...
OLD MARKET SQUARE
Lloyd Palace
91
Kamiński Bridge, where we stop for a while to
look at the eagerly photographed panorama
of Bydgoszcz. The sculpture floating above
the River Brda is the “Man Crossing the
River” (7), a tightrope walker smoothly
balancing on the rope, who commemorates
the day Poland joined the European Union in
2004 (designed by Jerzy Kędziora). The “little
palace” (8) in the Dutch mannerist style on
the right bank of the River Brda, built in 1885-
1886 (designed by Waldemar Jenisch), was
the old head office of, among others, Lloyd
of Bydgoszcz, one of the biggest shipping
companies in the Second Republic of Poland.
Going down the bridge stairs to the
boulevard, it is worthwhile looking at the
richness of neo-baroque forms on the
corner tenement house at 1-3 Stary
Port Street (9) – the work of the famous
builder of Bydgoszcz, Józef Święcicki. On
the boulevard we turn right and go along
the River Brda towards the monumental
edifice of the Opera Nova (11). On the left-
hand side we pass St Barbara’s Island (10),
from behind which the slender structure
of the cathedral emerges. Next, we enter
the footbridge connecting the boulevard
and Mill Island. We can take a look at the
| See the Old TownSightseeing routes
OLD MARKET SQUARE
92
modernist opera building, scenically located
in a bend of the River Brda. The building
was designed in 1961 (by Józef Chmiel and
Andrzej Prusiewicz), and it took over thirty
years to construct (1973-2006). This is not a
music stage, but also an important conference
centre. On the other side of the river, in the
western part of Mill Island, one can see well
the modern building of Bydgoszcz Marina
(12), designed by the office APA Rokiccy,
excellently blending with its surroundings.
The marina, completed in 2012, has won not
only the hearts of Bydgoszcz residents but
also many prestigious awards owing to its
unique architecture. Across the footbridge
we enter Mill Island (p. 76), a 6-hectare
green oasis in the very centre of the city. We
go past the oldest building on the island, the
so-called White Granary (13) dating back to
the late 18th century, which is now occupied
by archaeological collections of the District
Museum. Walking along Międzywodzie, an
artificial canal crossing the island, on the
left-hand side we go past the building of the
European Money Centre (14), erected on
the site of the buildings of the Bydgoszcz Mint
(operating 1594-1688), and the old steam mill
from 1861, the so-called, Red Granary (15),
now the Modern Art Gallery.
The central part of the Bydgoszcz island
is occupied by a complex of mills dating
back from 1848-1849, i.e. the huge Rother’s
Mills (16). The scenic yellow building,
located opposite them, is nowadays the
House of Leon Wyczółkowski (17), where
one can admire paintings, graphics, and
the studio of the patron of the museum in
Bydgoszcz. Now, we go to the other side of
the street called Mennica (Mint), towards
the tenement houses on the swift current of
the River Młynówka. These buildings, once
showing up almost straight from the water,
are called the Bydgoszcz Venice (18). In
the past, rich burghers used to build their
workshops and plants here, e.g. dye-houses,
distilleries, sawmill, and a bathhouse operated
here. First across the footbridge over the
River Młynówka, and then along the corridor
between tenement houses we reach Długa
Street (the former Platea Longa), the most
important track of medieval Bydgoszcz, which
now is 640 metres long. We turn right and after
several steps we reach Wełniany Square. Here
we see the monument to Leon Barciszewski
(19), (designed by Sławoj Ostrowski), the last
pre-war mayor of the city, who along with
his 18-year-old son was murdered in an
unknown place by the Nazis in November
100 ducats of Sigismund III Vasa minted in Bydgoszcz in 1621 is one of the most beautiful and precious coins in the history of Europe. In 2008, at an auction in New York, a ducat of Sigismund III was sold for an astronomical amount of 1,380,000 dollars, which to this day makes it the most expensive Polish coin in history.
Did you know that...
93
1939. Let’s look now at the tenement house
at 4 Wełniany Square – watchful onlookers will
see a cannonball between the windows of the
second floor; most probably this is a reminder
of the Kościuszko Insurrection in 1794.
We go back to Długa Street. Walking
amidst stylish tenement houses, mainly from
the late 18th and early 19th centuries, one can
feel the atmosphere of old Bydgoszcz, though
the merchant’s major road had lost its position
as the city’s trade centre. It is worthwhile
visiting the exceptional Museum of Soap and
History of Dirt (20) (p. 63) at number 13-17,
and stopping by the 18th-century tenement
house (21) at number 22, the birthplace of
painter Maksymilian Piotrowski (1813-1875),
professor of the Academy of Fine Arts in
Królewiec (Konigsberg). In the same building,
| See the Old TownSightseeing routes
In Wełniany Square once was the Poznań Gateway, where the city executioner lived. The city executioner was friends with a certain poor tailor named Janek. One day, the young man walking with his beloved met a rich merchant, who fell in love with Janek’s sweetheart and promised to shower her and her family with riches if she married him. Tailor Janek was so irritated with this daring proposal of the stranger that he went after him with fists. After this incident, Janek was captured and sentenced to death. The executioner, who felt sorry for his young friend, decided to help him. They agreed that before going to the market square the executioner would loosen his irons so that Janek could run away in the direction of the Poznań Gateway, which was not guarded on this day. Everything went as planned. The tailor’s love waited for him by the gateway, and together they disappeared in the mist. People were shouting “Catch him, catch him”, and the place where the two lovers disappeared without a trace is nowadays the little lane named Chwytowo (from the Polish verb ”chwytać” = English “catch”).
Did you know that...
as legend has it, King John III Sobieski stayed
in 1676 during his journey by the River Vistula
to Gdańsk. From the side of its backyard, the
tenement house has extremely interesting
two-storey cellars. In the area of Batorego
Street, we turn right, going towards the
monument to Casimir the Great (22). One
Love Bridge on the River Brda
94
of the most eminent
monarchs in the history
of Poland looks at us
with authority, holding
in his left hand a scroll
– the foundation
charter of Bydgoszcz.
The monument
was placed here in
2006 (designed by
Mariusz Białecki). The
monumental edifice of
the District Court (23)
built in 1906 soars behind our backs. On the
right-hand side of the monument, between
the tenement houses, is a bewitching half-
timbered granary from the 19th century,
which is occupied by the Orthodox Church
of St Nicholas (24). It is worthwhile going
in this direction to see the remains of walls
surrounding the city from the south in the
past. There is also the only partially preserved
tower (25) of the old fortifications.
We return again to Długa Street, turn left
and go towards the intersection with Jana
Kazimierza Street. In the area of the seat of the
authorities of Bydgoszcz, now the Ratuszowy
Hotel (26), located on the left-hand side,
it is worthwhile looking down. Under our
feet we see the Bydgoszcz Autographs, i.e.
signatures of people, who have made a special
contribution to the city. Such famous people as
Zbigniew Boniek, Irena Santor and Jan Kulczyk
have their plaques here.
Looking at the next autographs, we
reach the intersection with Jana Kazimierza
Street, where we see an old orange tram (27)
from 1955, now a seasonal tourist information
centre. It is hard to believe now that in the
past trams used to run along Długa Street:
“red” and “green” line trams. On the southern
end of Jana Kazimierza Street, there is a
boulder commemorating the Bydgoszcz
Jews (28). The boulder is located right on the
site of a monumental synagogue from 1882
(designed by Albert Muttray), dismantled by
the Nazis in 1939.
Building of the District Court
Autograph of Lech Wałęsa in Długa Street
95
Now we go along Jana Kazimierza
Street towards the Old Market Square.
The western side of the Market Square is
occupied by the classicist edifice of the Dr
Witold Bełza Provincial and Municipal
Public Library (29), erected in the 18th
century for the Prussian administration.
Collections of the library that used to belong
to the Bydgoszcz Bernardine monastery are
kept in the building. This is the city’s oldest
preserved book collection, whose origins
date back to the late 15th century. In front
of the main entrance to the library, is the
bewitching sculpture-fountain ”Children
playing with a goose” (30) – a work by Karl
P. Kowalczewski, which has adorned the
Old Market Square since 1909. Originally,
the fountain was located in front of the
Pharmacy under the “Golden Eagle”, because
it was funded by its owners, the Kupffender
family, on the centennial of their pharmacy.
Down Magdzińskiego Street we go towards
the historical covered market (31) opened
in 1906 (to a design by the Berlin company
of architects Boswau & Knauer). Above the
entrance to the covered market, there is the
city’s impressive coat of arms, while inside the
steel structure is an interesting roof. Meat, fish,
crayfish and seafood used to be sold here.
The viewing axis from the Old Market Square
via Magdzińskiego Street is closed by the
neo-Gothic Church of St Andrew Bobola
(32) with a slender clock tower, dominating
Kościeleckich Square. The church, designed
by Berlin architect Heinrich Seeling, was
erected for the Bydgoszcz Protestants in 1903.
Quite surprising is the fact that these days the
Jesuit church still remains the highest (75 m)
building in Bydgoszcz.
From in front of the covered market we
go down Podwale Street (on the site of an old
| See the Old TownSightseeing routes
Covered Market
96
moat) towards Rybi Square. We turn into Kręta
Street, running slightly uphill, which leads us
again to the Old Market Square. At 3 Kręta
Street, there is an interesting brick building, in
the past a part of Herman Franke’s industrial
complex, nowadays the famous music club
“Eljazz” (33). The entrance steps are covered
with notes – the score of the jazz standard
Seven steps to heaven by Miles Davis (for the
needs of the steps to the club changed into
Three steps to heaven).
Entering the main Market Square of the
city, it is worthwhile looking at the corner
tenement house at 15 Stary Rynek Street
(34). In one of its attic windows, Master
Twardowski appears exactly at 1:13 pm
and 9:13 pm (p. 82) At the corner of the
Old Market Square and Batorego Street is
the artistic Węgliszek Cafe, with a window
decorated with an image of the devil of the
same name, which had shady dealings with
Master Twardowski.
Bird’s eye view of the Old Town
97
| Around the City Centre Sightseeing routes
Time: about 3 hours Throughout the 19th century Bydgoszcz
experienced an economic growth, which
resulted in a transformation of its architectural
landscape. The year 1851 turned out to be a
crucial year, when the first railway and the
local railway station were opened. The city’s
area and population expanded. The flourish of
industry and trade, and Bydgoszcz burghers
getting rich were conducive to intensifying
construction. The pride of contemporary
Bydgoszcz is its excellently preserved street
plan, reflecting the process of transformation
of a small town into an important industrial
and trade centre with a huge, diversified
complex of burgher buildings from the
second half of the 19th century and the early
20th century.
A walk around the city centre of
Bydgoszcz is an excellent opportunity to see
the changes in architecture that took place
within these few decades. Neo-classicist
buildings fashionable at that time and later
date back to the third quarter of the 19th
century. Their facades are characterised
by balance and equilibrium, simplicity of
composition, and economical usage of
architectural detail. In the late 19th century,
magnificent tenement houses were preserved
in main streets and more modest tenement
houses far away from the city centre. Company
owners, craftsmen, merchants and clerks
developed the suburbs with houses and
industrial facilities, and the increasing number
of residents was conducive to development
of the infrastructure of public buildings,
especially educational and ecclesiastic
buildings. At that time, all possible styles of
historicism were dominant in architecture.
This trend made use of forms adopted from
Gothic, Renaissance, mannerism, baroque and
rococo in a creative way. In the city landscape,
we will also see examples of the picturesque
trend from the late 19th century, represented
by tenement houses with characteristic,
asymmetrical facades, distinguished by
arrangements based on light and shadow
contrasts, with breaks, bay windows, loggias,
Ornamental detail on one of the tenement houses in Cieszkowskiego Street
Around the City Centre
98
triangular and step gables. Big city tenement
houses from the early 20th century belong
to two stylistic trends: Art Nouveau and
early modernism. What’s characteristic of
Bydgoszcz, in spite of the popularity of Art
Nouveau in European architecture ca. 1900,
the buildings in Bydgoszcz do not represent
the typical of Art Nouveau combination
of architectural body and pliable, flexible
decoration. However, the exterior attire was
changed, enriched with flowing plant motifs
and masks of long-haired women. The next
period, the twenty-year inter-war period, has
left in the architecture of Bydgoszcz a visible
trace in the form of numerous tenement
houses in the style of modernism and
functionalism.
Going around the city centre, it is
worthwhile starting from the Church of the
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1)
In 1834, when the convent was dis-banded, the Church of the Poor Clares became the city’s property. From that time, the church housed the municipal scales, was a ware-house of alcoholic beverages, and in 1872 it was turned into a fire station. Next, on the initiative of Herman Franke, the choir gallery was designated for the needs of the Noteć River District History Association. The collections ga-thered and exhibited here became the beginnings of the present-day museum.
Did you know that...
The city bugle-call, composed on the 600th anniversary of the city of Bydgoszcz, resounds from the church tower each day at noon, at 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
Did you know that...
(colloquially called the Church of the Poor
Clares), which was occupied by the local
convent of the Poor Clares in the past.
A neo-Renaissance portal leads to the
church interior (1925, designed by Stefan
Cybichowski), where we will see relics of
frescos from the 17th century, first of all, an
excellently preserved wooden ceiling from
the 1640’s decorated with painted rosettes,
amidst which we will not find two identical
ones. Noteworthy are also the furnishings
from the 1920’s, with a mannerist high altar.
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known as the Church of the Poor Clares
99
There is also a painting by Leon Wyczółkowski,
depicting Saint Stanislaus Kostka.
Going out of the church, we turn right
in Gdańska Street. En route we pass several
classicist buildings, amidst which the house
at 5 Gdańska Street stands out, converted by
Rudolf Kern, who made ornaments referring
to the forms of Berlin Art Nouveau, with a
frieze decorated with stylised swans. The
tenement house features the “Pharmacy
under the Swan” (2), with a gilded swan
on the façade, operating continuously
here since 1853. One must go inside, see
part of the preserved décor and visit the
unique Museum of Pharmacy at the back.
Going further up Gdańska Street, at the
intersection with Dworcowa Street, we will
see an old modernist department store
dating from 1910-1911 designed by Otto
Walter of Berlin. Ferroconcrete was used for
its construction for the first time in Bydgoszcz.
The building was famous in the inter-war
period as the Bydgoszcz Department Store
Be-De-Te, and much later as the Department
Store “Jedynak” (3). The decoration of its
façade features figures of Greek goddesses:
Aphrodite, Eris, Hera and Athena, and in the
tympanum above the corner window a relief
with a depiction of Silenus. At 17 Gdańska
Street, at the corner with Pomorska Street
(4) (a street with medieval provenance),
is the area’s oldest two-storey tenement
house dating from 1852 (designed by B.
Brinkmann), topped with crenels, reminiscent
of a fortified castle.
Opposite the Department Store at
14 Gdańska Street, the edifice of the Pod
Orłem Hotel (5) rivets your attention – the
building with neo-baroque forms designed by
J. Święcicki dates back to 1892-1894. Looking
In the façade decoration of the Pod Orłem Hotel we find a single portrait masque, which for years was regarded to be an image of the hotel’s designer according to the suggestion of a certain art histo-rian. Nowadays, when it is known what Józef Święcicki looked like, the question of who this masque depicts still remains unanswered.
Did you know that...
inside, we will see the glamorous lounge with
stuccowork, stained-glass windows, and
gilded wrought-iron balustrades. In 1921,
Józef Piłsudski stayed at this hotel to relax
for a few hours.
From under the Pod Orłem Hotel we
go right towards Wolności Square (p. 138),
| Around the City Centre Sightseeing routes
Pod Orłem Hotel
100
passing no. 16 – the classicist tenement
house designed by Carl Semphel (1882)
(6). Next, we see the dominant tower of
the Church of Saints Peter and Paul (7),
designed by Berlin architect, Friedrich Adler.
The cornerstone was placed in 1872. The
old Protestant church, now Catholic, was
constructed on the plan of the Latin cross.
In the spacious interior decor, our attention
is attracted by stained-glass windows in
the chancel, made at the Imperial Stained
Glass Institute in Berlin, funded by Emperor
William I.
Near the church, the next big city
tenement houses delight with their beauty.
The first one – a neo-baroque house was
designed by J. Święcicki, dating back to 1896
– 1 Plac Wolności Street (8). On the other
side, at 27 Gdańska Street (9) (head office
of the newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza, among
other things) – there is a modernist tenement
house (1908, designed by Adolf Schleusener)
with a renovated interior featuring a working
historical lift.
We go further along Gdańska
Street northwards, to the intersection of
three streets: Gdańska, Śniadeckich and
Krasińskiego. Here, we see a little bench
(designed by Michał Kubiak) of Marian
Rejewski (10) – a famous mathematician and
cryptologist, who contributed to the breaking
of the code of the German cipher machine
”Enigma” during the Second World War. From
here, we can choose one of the three options
of the further walk around the city centre.
The church was provided with an innovative (at that time) heating system, consisting of a gas boiler room placed under the chancel, two heaters and ducts distributing hot air.
Did you know that...
It is also worthwhile looking at the green tenement house at 3 Wol-ności Square, on which huge blue jeans hang. This unique sculptu-re by Piotr Wagner is a tribute to the eminent graphic artist and painter, Andrzej Nowacki, who had his studio for fifty years in this tenement house. The sculpture is a reference to the artist’s famous series “Jeans Wearers”.
Did you know that...18b
Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Wolności Square
101
Option 1:
We go further northwards along
Gdańska Street. The long walk along the
grand street is more attractive thanks to a
diversified architectural landscape. Looking
to the right, the even part of the street, and
to the left, the odd part of the street, we will
find out the main productions of the local
designers. Right behind the intersection, our
attention is drawn to tenement house no.
34 (1a) representing the scenic trend, dating
back to 1914, designed by Fritz Weidner,
contrasting with the neo-baroque house
no. 36 (2a) designed by J. Święcicki, from
the late 19th century.
Further, we will face two magnificent
villas occupied by the Polish Radio Station.
The first one, no. 48 (3a) with a “cafe au
lait” colour reflects the original colour of the
facade. The villa “Flora” owes its name to the
now non-existent polychromes decorating
the loggia. The facility was designed by Berlin
| Around the City Centre Sightseeing routes
18b
102
architect Heinrich Seeling. Built in 1898, the
villa is one of the most beautiful examples
of the scenic trend in the architecture of the
late 19th century in Bydgoszcz. Its interiors
feature relics of rich décor: grand woodwork,
wood panelling, and a ceiling with gilded
ornamentation, made using the papier-
mâché technique. In the old garden, at the
back of the house, is a historical fountain
from the late 19th century with a unique,
polychromed sculpture of a heron. Ernst
Heinrich Dietz (1840-1901), city councillor
and co-founder of an inland navigation
company (later Lloyd of Bydgoszcz), enjoyed
this residence for a short time. However, it
remained in the hands of his inheritors until
the outbreak of the Second World War. Later,
it was used by the PPR Polish Workers’ Party,
and since 1951 it has been occupied by the
local radio.
The neighbouring villa, no. 50
(4a), was constructed in 1900-1902
(designed by Hildebrandt from Berlin)
for Wilhelm Blumwe, the then owner
of the Woodworking Machines Factory
(p.115). The designer provided the
residence with Renaissance attire inspired
by the famous Villa Rotonda by Andrea
Palladio in Vicenza. Unfortunately, only an
Heinrich Seeling earned his name in Europe as the designer of theatres. The now non-existent Municipal Theatre in Bydgoszcz, which had been located in Teatralny Square, was also his work. In his career he designed only two churches: the Protestant Church of the Saviour (1896-1897) in Zbawiciela Square and the present-day Catholic Church of St Andrew Bobola (1901-1903) in Kościeleckich Square – both are the pride of Bydgoszcz.
Did you know that...
Until 1940, the urn with the ashes of the founder of the local Woodworking Machines Factory – Carl Blumwe – was placed at the top of the tympanum of the villa at 50 Gdańska Street, at the top of the façade.
Did you know that...
elegant room with a glazed plafond has
been preserved on the ground floor in the
converted interior. Starting from 1930, it
was occupied by the Polish Club House,
Headquarters of Radio PiK at 50 Gdańska Street
103
and during the Second World War by the
head office of the NSDAP. On May 1, 1945,
the first Polish radio programme after the
Second World War was broadcast from here.
Now we are at an intersection of streets, at
the corner of Cieszkowskiego Street, on the
left-hand side we see at number 63 (5a) the
exceptionally rich neo-baroque house of
builder Józef Święcicki, who was born in
Bydgoszcz.
If you want to feel the atmosphere
of his days, we recommend going for a
while into Cieszkowskiego Street, marked
out and developed with grand tenement
houses within only 10 years (1894-1904).
The sculpture of a halberdier (6a) at the
corner of house no. 22 (1898, designed by F.
Weidner) watches over the street. (9a) with a public chapel located in an
old villa. In accordance with the convent
observance, the nuns live in seclusion from
the surrounding world.
Before we reach the intersection with
Mickiewicza Avenue, marked out in 1903,
noteworthy is the tenement house at
number 60 (10a) designed by Carl Meyer
for himself; he was the city’s construction
counsellor (for 26 years he managed the
construction administration, making
decisions on the architectural shape of
Bydgoszcz). The façade décor features
a statue of a female personification of
Architecture and Construction.
We reach Mickiewicza Avenue, on the
right-hand side from Gdańska Street. Here,
at the corner, we see a tenement house,
F. Weidner appeared in Bydgoszcz as a representative of an installation company of his father-in-law, but he made his name as an architect, and propagator of modern forms in the architecture of Bydgoszcz, who himself converted from neo-baroque to exceptionally impressive projects in the scenic trend.
Did you know that...
Going further down Gdańska Street
at numbers 75 (7a) and 52 (8a) we pass
buildings with façades inspired by
classicism. At number 56, is the convent
of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration
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Halberdier on one of the tenement houses in Cieszkowskiego Street
104
CzCzerkaska
which was built in 1903-1904 by Rudolf
Kern, designed as his own house (11a).
Going further along Gdańska Street,
we pass another house at number 91
(12a) designed by F. Weidner, using the
chiaroscuro typical of architecture of the
scenic trend. This style is represented also
by a grand villa (1898-1899, designed by
Karl Bergner) located at number 84 (13a),
designed for the Police Club in 1962-1992.
Next, we go past a group of houses
number 86-96 (14a) with solutions
inspired by the Italian and Northern
Renaissance, designed by J. Święcicki.
At the intersection with Chodkiewicza
Street, at number 100 (15a), we go past
a functionalistic tenement house (1935,
designed by Paweł Wawrzon). Further,
at number 190, we see the edifice of the
old War School, constructed right before
the First World War, later the Officer Cadet
School (16a) from 1913 (designed by
Arnold Hartman and Robert Schlezinger). It
neighbours the building of the Land Forces
In 1912, Bydgoszcz City Hall announced a competition for the most beautiful façade from among newly built tenement houses. The two first awards went to local architects Fritz Weidner for the house at 12 Dworcowa Street and Rudolf Kern for the tenement house at 20 Stycznia 1920 Street at number 29.
Did you know that...
105
Museum (1973, designed by Zbigniew
Kortas) (p. 49). Further, on the same side of
the street, we see blocks of flats covered by a
line of trees; seven of these buildings dating
from 1935-1939 represent the functionalist
trend. At the end, after the intersection with
Modrzewiowa Street, behind the J. Święcicki
viaduct, it is worthwhile stopping to visit the
Waterworks Museum (17a) (p. 49) located
in an original complex of buildings from the
late 19th century. After a long walk, it is good
to relax at the Myślęcinek Park (p. 66).
Until recently, some Bydgoszcz residents had thought that the famous actress Pola Negri was the former owner of the building at 84 Gdańska Street. However, the actress owned the tenement house located nearby, at 8 Zamoyskiego Street, which she bought for her mother. The building wall features a plaque commemorating Pola Negri.
Did you know that...
Option 2:
Turning left into Śniadeckich Street, on
the left-hand side we stop by a bewitching
neo-Renaissance villa at number 1
(1b), the present-day offices of the ADM
Municipal Buildings Administration, dating
back to the 1870’s, which was a property of
Louis Aronshon, the founder of the “Archer
Lady” statue. The villa interiors feature
many elements of the original décor, with
particularly impressive stoves. Further,
at number 25 (2b) we go past a big city
tenement house (1911, designed by Georg
Baesler), and beside it a small single-storey
house with a gable roof (3b), from the days
when construction of the district was started.
On the opposite side of the street, at number
36 (4b), it is worthwhile paying attention
to the neo-Gothic house of worship of the
Apostolic Union from 1864. The house at
number 42 (5b) is another neo-Renaissance
tenement house with an interesting detail,
designed by Józef Święcicki (dating from
1882-1883). We reach Piastowski Square
(6b), which was marked out as a market
square of the so-called Elizabethan district
established in the mid-19th century, named
after Elizabeth Ludovika – the wife of the then
Prussian ruler, Frederick William. There was a
park and a marketplace, which functions to
| Around the City Centre Sightseeing routes
Church of the Sacred Heart in Piastowski Square
106
this day. It is worthwhile taking a closer look
at the western frontage, at the intersection
with Chrobrego Street; at number 23 (7b),
there is a corner tenement house with
a characteristic corner crowned with a
cupola. At 6 Wileńska Street (8b), Marian
Rejewski, already mentioned, was born.
This building features a commemorative
plaque. Moving back to Śniadeckich Street,
which is the main compositional axis of
the district, at number 45 (9b) we see a
bewitching tenement house guarded by
a bear cub sculpture, and the wings of a
gate with wrought-iron grille, since metal
craftwork companies operated successfully
in Bydgoszcz. Going further in the direction
of Matejki Street, we see the neo-baroque
Church of the Sacred Heart (10b) (1910-
1913, designed by Oskar Hossfeld of Berlin),
in the past designed for the Catholics of
German origin. It is worthwhile looking
inside the church to see the preserved decor
dating back to the time of its construction.
Continuing the walk towards the railway
station, we reach the Protestant church in
Zbawiciela Square (11b) – designed by H.
Seeling. Behind the church is an interesting
complex of barracks from the 1870’s. Turning
left into Matejki Street we reach Dworcowa
Street, and turn right into this street. Our
attention is captured by the monumental
neo-mannerist building, with a front garden,
erected in 1886-1889 for the then Eastern
Railways Authority (12b) – designed
by Martin P. Gropius & Heino Schmieden,
modified by national construction inspector
Bergman. Impressive brick façades contrast
with a rich, sculpture detail made of light
sandstone. This construction solved premises
problems of this important city office. In
1849, Bydgoszcz became
the seat of the Royal
Eastern Railways Board,
transformed in the
same year into Europe’s
first district railways
authority. Starting from
1853, its offices were
located in the railway
station building, which
– in spite of extension –
was constantly too small.
On the opposite side of
the street, at number 82
(13b), is the building of Building of the former Eastern Railway Authority
107
the old elementary school with a structure
unchanged since the period of its extension
in the middle of the 1870’s, with forms
characteristic of education buildings in those
days. Further, in the direction of the railway
station, on the left-hand side at number 65, is
the head office of the State Archive (14b),
located in a grand residential-office building,
with an excellently preserved classicist attire.
It was erected for the brothers Teodor and
Adolf Wulff. In 1865-1876, they managed a
river shipyard and a steel structures factory.
A brick production facility at the back of the
plot dates back to that period.
Further, at number 67 (15b) we see a
Polish ”szczupak”, English ”pike”). Crossing
the intersection with Królowej Jadwigi Street,
we reach two interesting tenement houses
located opposite one another at number
77 (16b) and 100 (17b), designed by Karl
Bergner, which seem to form a gateway
open to the city centre. Standing here, with
our backs to the railway station, we see that
from this point Dworcowa Street becomes
narrower. Its further route corresponds with
the medieval track of the former road to
Koronowo. We turn back and, going straight
ahead, we go to the edifice of the Main
Railway Station (18b), where our trip ends.
Did you know that...
modernist tenement house in all its glory
(dating from 1912-1913) erected for Berlin
bookseller Erich Hecht to a design by Otto
Walter of Berlin. The façade with unique decor
features fantastic and mythological creatures,
and above the main entrance a bas-relief with
a rider on a horse. Above the bas-relief, there is
a cartouche with an image of a pike –referring
to the investor’s surname (German “Hecht”,
Option 3:
We turn right into Krasińskiego
Street, where at the corner with Gdańska
Street, at number 2 (1c), it is worthwhile
taking a closer look at the tenement house
representing the classicising modernist
trend, designed by Julius Knüpfer. Going
eastwards, passing the sub-lieutenant
Leszek Biały Square (2c), with a
characteristic concrete sculpture, we will
get to the exceptional garden district, the
history of which dates back to the mid-19th
century. At that time, the city authorities
bought a vast area as a reserve for the future
extension of the city. In the late 19th century,
the concept of a spatial arrangement based
on the garden city idea began to be created.
In 1912, the final design was prepared by
| Around the City Centre Sightseeing routes
In the year of its establishment, the Wulff brothers’ company built in their river shipyard the “Germania” steam river boat with a chain drive. It was used to tow barges and rafts, and in 1970 the company prepared the structure of a steel bridge on the River Brda, the predecessor of the present Bernardyński Bridge.
108
Joseph Herman Stübben, which became
the foundation for marking out a district
gracefully called Sielanka (English “idyll”)
(3c). The district’s green square (the present-
day Marian Turwid Square) was placed in
the centre. The district was popular among
the Bydgoszcz elite. Physicians, lawyers,
architects and factory owners used to live
here. At 16 Kopernika Street, in the corner
plot by Ossolińskich Avenue stands a villa
called Netherlander (4c), built ca. 1933
by Antoni Weynerowski as a wedding gift
for his son Witold and his wife Julia (who
most probably brought the design from
her homeland – the Netherlands). This
house, distinguished by a de l’Orme roof,
surrounded by a beautiful garden, appeared
in a newsreel about Bydgoszcz in 1937. After
the war, the expropriated villa became a
kindergarten. The family which owned this
house also owned the famous footwear
factory “Leo” that after the war was changed
to “Kobra” (p. 120). The old residence
(1933, designed by Jan Kossowski) of
merchant Czesław Borys, located at 8a
Sielanka Street (5c), was intended for the
local Registry Office – Civil Registry Office.
We leave Sielanka, going back along
Krasińskiego Street to Gdańska Street, turn
left and go down Gdańska Street, reaching
the Old Town.
In the distance one can see the dome of the largest church in Bydgoszcz, St. Vincent de Paul Basilica Minor (designed by Adam Ballenstedt), which is modelled after the Roman Pantheon. The church dome was decorated with rosettes featuring motifs of Polish flowers.
Sielanka
109
Alternative image of the city
| Alternative image of the citySightseeing routes
Bydgoszcz is recognized among culture
lovers. Popular festivals are important events
in the history of the city. Tourists appreciate
Bydgoszcz for its myriad historic landmarks,
museums, and tourist attractions, but the
city has much more to offer. Traditional
attractions are perfectly complemented
by the Alternative Route. This proposal is a
perfect opportunity to learn about Bydgoszcz
as a centre of culture, which can be seen at
almost every corner. Art lives among locals,
becoming unusual thanks to its ordinariness.
Places worth visiting:
1. Modern Art Gallery – is a collection
that is constantly open to new artistic
thought, critical reflection and collecting
works of artists, who with their activity have
determined not only the image of Polish art,
but have contributed to the development of
world art. www.muzeum.bydgoszcz.pl, Mill
Island, Red Granary
2. Mózg – a legendary club which
has been promoting contemporary art for
twenty years, in particular music combining
experiment and improvisation. These days,
“Mózg” operates as a centre of alternative,
non-commercial art. It is a place for artists
creating original, unique art. www.mozg.pl,
10 Gdańska St.
3. “Round I” by Jerzy Bereś – an image
of the injured Pegasus, which according
to the artist symbolizes the condition of
contemporary culture. Cast in bronze, the
artwork can be seen on the courtyard of the
Municipal Gallery bwa.
The Contemporary Art Gallery in
Bydgoszcz has been going since 1949. Some
of the most important events hosted by the
gallery include exhibitions showcasing works
of Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso.
www.galeriabwa.bydgoszcz.pl, 20 Gdańska St.
4. Andrew’s Trousers – this unique
sculpture made by Piotr Wagner is a tribute
to the outstanding graphic artist and painter
Andrzej Nowacki. The tenement house, in
Mózg Festival
110
which the artist lived and worked for fifty
years, features the sculpted, realistic jeans.
The sculpture refers to the famous series of
the artist called “Jeans Wearers.” Tenement
house, 3 Plac Wolności Street.
5. Monument to the Millennium of the
Polish State made by Stanisław Lejkowski
unveiled in 1967. In 2010, it became an
inspiration for the campaign Urban Vision
Quest – installations made by the Cultural
Activities Centre “Las.” Leszka Białego Square,
at the corner of Krasińskiego, Markwarta and
3 Maja Streets.
6
OLD MARKET SQUARE
Andrew’s Trousers
111
| Alternative image of the citySightseeing routes
6. Metal statue of Nicolaus Copernicus
– made during the First Bydgoszcz Plein-Air
Sculpting (August-September 1973). This
metal sculpture was made by Maria Chudoba-
Wiśniewska. It weighs 864 kg and is 4.57 m
high. In addition to the sculpture, the square
owes its uniqueness to ellipses lined with
natural stone, surrounded by individual
planets, highlighted by flower beds and
new varieties of tulips named after Nicolaus
Copernicus. A tree, named Nicolaus, was also
planted on the square. Square in Kopernika
Street.
7. Polish Theatre – for several years
it has been actively participating in the
production of premieres and exclusive
premieres as well as social-civic projects of
both national and international range. The
6
OLD MARKET SQUARE
theatre also offers a possibility for developing
interests and passions in acting (the Young
Stage) and playwriting (Drama School,
Adaptation School). “Theatre Behind the
Scenes” is a campaign that serves as a perfect
opportunity for visiting and taking a look at
the theatre from the inside.
www.teatrpolski.pl, 2 A. Mickiewicza Av.
8. Jan Kaja and Jacek Soliński Gallery
- founded in 1979. During the 1980s, it was
one of only several private galleries operating
in Poland. It hosted nearly 500 exhibitions,
projects, shows, installations, theatre
productions, and meetings.
www.autorska.pl, 5 Chocimska St.
9. Gate from Mirrors – installation made
by Joanna Rajkowska. The artist used 700 kg
of mirrors to create a mosaic in a passage to
the courtyard of one of Bydgoszcz’s tenement
houses. The project, known under the title
“Thermometers and Glass”, can be seen at 5
Mazowiecka St.Nicolaus Copernicus Monument
Jan Kaja and Jacek Soliński Gallery
112
10. Municipal Centre for Culture – a
cultural institution and interdisciplinary
centre promoting culture in all its aspects and
disciplines. It hosts both small workshops and
spectacular concerts. Activities of the Centre
are guided by the motto “We set the cultural
rhythm of the city.” www.mck-bydgoszcz.pl,
12 Marcinkowskiego St.
Bydgoszcz Murals form an interesting
presentation of high quality street art. The
Bydgoszcz murals are ranked among the most
impressive in the world. This platform served
as a springboard for such talented artists as
Mateusz Gapski, Przemysław Blejzyk, Bartek
Świątecki, and Robert Proch. Poland’s first ten-
storey high mural was made here. Some of the
murals were made by seniors and homeless
under integrated activities.
Concert in the Municipal Centre for Culture
“Breakfast of the Champions” at 6 Piotra Skargi Street,
“Music Box”, 5 Wyszyńskiego Street
“Master Yoda”, 1c Gackowskiego Street
113
| Alternative image of the citySightseeing routes
Murals in the city centre:
1. Be Quiet, 14 3 Maja St.
2. Birdie, 14 3 Maja St.
3. Peter Pan, 16 3 Maja St.
4. Athletes, 24 3 Maja St.
5. Self-description, 7 Ks. Piotra Skargi St.
6. Breakfast of Champions, 5 Ks. Piotra Skargi St.
7. Time, 2 Mikołaja Reja St
8. Time, 3 Poznańska St.
9. Mural in 11 Obrońców Bydgoszczy St.
10. Estrada, 51 Dworcowa St.
11. Mural in 24 Bocianowo St.
12. Sandbox, Bocianowo St. (T. Kościuszki Sq.)
13. Game, 37a T. Kościuszki St.
14. Art of crime, 37 T. Kościuszki St.
15. Mózg/ Fashion House Drukarnia, 2 Parkowa St.
16. Weranda Restaurant, Ks. St. Konarskiego St.
(Kazimierz Wielki Park)
“Peter Pan”, 3 Maja Street no. 16
“Breakfast of the Champions” at 6 Piotra Skargi Street,
114
Wzgórze Wolności, a district in Bydgoszcz, features a mural entitled “The Winter Story”, designed by Bydgoszcz senior residents. It was transferred to the walls by members of the artistic group Etam Crew. There is also a mural made by the homeless, which was made under the project New Colours Fordon.
Did you know that...
Other interesting addresses:
1138 Club & Cafe
11 Wełniany Rynek St. | tel. +48 796 697 111
www.facebook.com/klubokawiarnia1138
Farbiarnia Gallery, Fine Art Photography
Studio
68a/1 Pomorska St. | tel. +48 508 732 871
www.farbiarnia.org
Landschaft vintage : cøncept : cøffee
6 Gimnazjalna St. | tel. +48 503 952 334
www.landschaft.pl
Lamminam Vinyl Shop
6 Gimnazjalna St. | tel. +48 696 471 414
www.facebook.com/lamminam/info
Strefa, Cafe, yoga and pilates
11 Długa St./Mill Island | tel. +48 796 956 956
www.strefabydgoszcz.com.pl
Widzimisie
shot bar, coffee, music, concept shop
5 and 1/2 Kościeleckich Sq. | tel. +48 609 109 248
www.facebook.com/widzimisieto/info
Kamienica 12
12 Poznańska St.
Other murals outside the city centre:
 Winter Tale, 29 Karpacka St.
 Musical Toy, 5 Wyszyńskiego St.
 Fordon, shelter for the homeless, 422
Fordońska St.
 Sailing to Freedom, 10 Bora -
Komorowskiego St.
 Master Yoda, 1c Gackowskiego St.
Mural “Winter Tale” in Karpacka Street
115
| Industrial heritage of BydgoszczSightseeing routes
In 1860 there were 25 factories and large craft workshops ope-rating in Bydgoszcz, whereas in 1895-1905 their number increased from 147 to 548.
Did you know that...
Time: about 2 hoursThe industrial route is an encounter with
the old times of former glory, relics of those
parts of the city that were setting its rhythm,
which used to sound with the clatter of
tools and the whirr of machines. These days,
Bydgoszcz participates in the Shift-X project,
the aim of which is to make former industrial
areas more attractive and open to tourists.
However, one can already go for a walk and
be surrounded by our industrial heritage
landmarks.
Time has erased many workshops and
factories from the cityscape, but architectural
remains of other buildings remind us about
the importance and traditions of the
local industry, whose products reached
such distant parts of the world as China.
A sentimental walk with a post-industrial
heritage in the background is a trip for
persistent strollers. Starting from the late
18th century, the first factories were opened
in Bydgoszcz, which stretches alongside the
Industrial heritage of Bydgoszcz
River Brda. They included mills, a tannery,
an iron foundry, dyeworks, and even the
textile factory of Johann Carl Schunck, who
employed 163 people in wool processing
in 1796. From the 1840’s, workshops,
manufacturing halls and large production
plants were popping up like mushrooms.
We start our tour at the Bydgoszcz Canal
(p. 77), which was built with the support of
sawmills and brickyards opened especially
for this project. Construction of the Canal
gave the first impulse for commercial and
industrial growth of the city. The second
impulse was the opening of the railways in
1851. Nakielska Street, which runs parallel
to the Canal, offered convenient conditions
for the development of factories. The first
factory, situated at number 89, was Willy
Jahr’s Pomeranian Bicycle Factory (1).
Its buildings dating from 1930 and 1934
(designed by Alfred Müller) feature typical
functionalist architecture.
This factory was one of several
companies which in 1949 served as the
founding plants of the United Bicycle
Production Plant “Romet” (headquartered in
Fordońska Street). In 1839, at 53 Nakielska
Street, which was closer to the city centre,
116
Plagemann’s agricultural equipment factory
was established, which was the first machine
production plant opened in Bydgoszcz. It
was followed by an iron foundry; since 1878,
the Woodworking Machine Factory (2),
founded by Carl Blumwe in 1865 has been
operating continuously to this day, involved
in the production and repair of farming
machinery. Our attention is also focused on
the neo-Gothic façade of the factory building
(late 19th c.) and neo-baroque residential villa
with an administrative part (1892, designed
by Carl Stamphel), which was the residence
of the company owner until he built a new
home for his family at 50 Gdańska Street
(p. 102). An office building with a motif
of crossed hammers is adjacent to the villa.
This highly specialised factory manufactured
frame saws for woodworking. During the
interwar period, it produced as many as
250 types of them, including self-propelled
machinery (such as the “Gigantik” model –
the biggest in the world), which were able
to operate directly in the place of logging.
House no. 47 (designed by Fritz Weidner)
stands nearby. It was built by Wilhelm
As early as 1802, a paper mill was operating at 53 Nakielska Street. The owner, however, stipulated in the sale contract that a paper factory was not allowed to operate in the building. This clause led to changing the activity conducted in the building.
Did you know that...
19
117
Blumwe in 1898 as a kindergarten for workers’
children. Heading east, we leave Nakielska
Street (staying on the right side) and passing
through the Grunwaldzkie Roundabout we
enter Marszałka Focha Street, facing the
impressive building of the former School
of Crafts and Art Industry (3) (currently
the Complex of Mechanical Schools no. 1)
at 37 Św. Trójcy Street (designed by Otto
Brech, 1910-1912). It was once occupied
by the channel of the Old Canal, which was
used for floating wood. We reach the corner
with Czartoryskiego Street. Now, we stop
and look at the opposite side of Marszałka
Focha Street. Further, behind Grottgera
Street that heads north, on the premises
of the University of Economy, we notice a
| Trasa PrzemysłowaTrasy zwiedzania
19
| Industrial heritage of BydgoszczSightseeing routes
University of Economics, formerly the tannery
Did you know that...In 1845, the owner of the tanne-ry opened a workshop, in which he tanned a thousand cowhides a year. Fifty years later, this number increased to 140,000 a year and the tannery was one of the biggest operating in what was then Prussia.
118
distinct structure of an old office-residential
villa, built in the style of historicism, with
predominating neo-baroque architecture.
In the past it housed the biggest steam-
powered tannery (4) in the city, founded in
1863 by Ludwig Buchholz on the bend of the
River Brda in Garbary Street, which was still
operating in the 1980’s.
We turn right to Czartoryskiego Street.
On the left side, on the corner, at number 20
(5), we pass an impressive, neo-classicist
villa (today it houses a branch of the Revenue
Service in Bydgoszcz) dating from 1855-
1857, built by master carpenter Heinrich
Mautz as his residence; he owned a local
sawmill for several decades. From 1887, the
villa was the property of the State Treasury
of Prussia, and later - the State Treasury of
Poland, serving as an official apartment of
the division commander. Between the end of
the 1920’s and the beginning of the 1930’s,
division general Wiktor Thommée lived
here. Further, on the same side of the street,
at numbers 4-6, there is a well-preserved
complex that was built in 1887-1897 for the
needs of C.A. Franke’s spirit refinery (6).
The present residential building situated at
6 Czartoryskiego Street, featuring a gable
wall decorated with the bas-relief “Children
in a Bath”, housed a public bath (7), which
was owned by the company, using warm
water generated during spirit production.
Here, we can enter a courtyard and - on the
opposite side - take a look at a charming,
neo-mannerist building of an old office.
Later, we turn right in order to walk
down to the Brda Młynówka riverside by a
paved passage. Here, on the right side, we
pass the old building of Wilhelm Kopp’s
laundry and dyeworks (8) dating from the
late 19th century and cross the little bridge
to enter Mill Island.
In the refinery’s former storehouse there was a huge tank for one million litres of spirits.
Did you know that...
The Bydgoszcz Venice, on the River Brda Młynówka, was a perfect place for dyeworks, since in the past the water was not separated from buildings by a boulevard. The riverside buildings used to approach the riverbed, “entering” it, whereas industrial and bath buildings were designed in such a way that water flowed through them. Therefore, water was supplied by the Młynówka watercourse.
Did you know that...
Building of the old laundry and dye-works of Wilhelm Kopp
119
Across from it, we can find a monumental
structure of the famous Bydgoszcz Rother’s
Mills (9) dating back to 1848-1849 with the
prominent, massive brick building, which
had once featured a mill with grains and
flour warehouses attached to it. We pass
the grand building, walking alongside it
on the right. In front of us, on the left side,
is an old brick mill (1861), changed later
into a granary – called “The Red Granary”
(10) (occupied today by the Modern Art
Gallery of the District Museum). Just in front
of it, we turn left and follow a walking alley
alongside the riverside to the footbridge. In
front of the footbridge, on the right side, is
“The White Granary” (11), dating from the
18th century, changed to meet the needs of
the museum (Archaeological Collection). The
footbridge offers a view of the old groat mill
(12) driven by a water turbine changed into
a power plant. It’s worth mentioning that in
1846, in the former Royal Mills, the city’s first
steam engine was activated. In this way, the
Bydgoszcz industry entered “The Steam Age”.
Once again we enter Marszałka Focha
Street, this time to admire the impressive
building of the Opera Nova (built on the site
once occupied by the granaries that were
consumed by fire in the 1960’s). From here,
we head east, to the right. On the left side,
we pass a group of tenement houses. Behind
them, just like in other buildings in city
centres, small companies used to operate in
the past. They included production plants
involved in manufacturing shoes and
mineral water, and a printing house (13).
Now we face a magnificent corner building
(6 Plac Teatralny Street, which features
the name “Savoy” on its façade) (14) with
features of classicizing modernism,
built in 1912 (designed by Henry Gross of
Berlin) for Otto Pfefferkorn, an owner of a
furniture factory who had his showroom in
the building. His famous factory, founded
| Industrial heritage of BydgoszczSightseeing routes
Rother’s Mills
120
in 1884, was turned into the Bydgoszcz
Furniture Factory operating to this day.
Now, we walk straight, going under
the arcade of Pfefferkorn’s tenement house,
reaching the beginning of Jagiellońska Street,
which runs parallel to the River Brda. Across
the street, behind the old Church of the Poor
Clares, we can notice the glass façade of a
shopping centre (15), reminding us of the
classicist façade of the old printing house
and two centuries of notable printing
traditions, which Bydgoszcz could boast
of. In 1806, Jan Adam Kimmel received a
royal charter to run a printing house, which
was later assigned to his stepson, Andrzej
Fryderyk Gruenauer. He opened a printing
house in Poznańska Street, which in May
1815 he moved to the house with an annex
occupying the site at 1 Jagiellońska Street.
In 1875, Gruenauer’s printing house was
switched to steam power, which contributed
to its further development.
Another complex worth mentioning is
a group of residential and factory buildings
at 12 Podwale Street. The four-wing building
with an internal courtyard was built in
1871-1875 for J.G. Böhlke’s soap factory
(16) established here in 1849. These days,
the Bydgoszcz soap making traditions are
preserved by the Museum of Soap and
History of Dirt with a manufacturing hall at
13-17 Długa Street (p. 63).
A family-run shoe company, founded in
1876, forms a beautiful chapter in the history
of Bydgoszcz industrialization. It expanded
from a small shoe workshop, run by Wiktor
Weynerowski, his wife and children, into an
enterprise which in quality and production
standards competed fiercely with the Czech
footwear factory “Bata” during the 1930’s.
Around 1891, the company “W. Weynerowski
and Son. Footwear Factory” was taken over
by the son Antoni, who had been helping
his father in the shoe making business as a
twelve-year-old boy. The factory was moved
to the buildings at 34 Św. Trójcy Street,
which no longer exist. Later, the prospering
factory needed a more prominent seat.
For that purpose, the Weynerowski family
purchased a large plot at the corner of
Kościuszki and Chocimska Streets (17).
Bydgoszcz architect Paul Sellner designed
a modern factory building with two storeys
and an attic, with facilities for workers and a
spacious goods lift.
The factory’s growth gained
momentum in its new location. The number
of people employed there increased to 300.
In 1929, the company was taken over by
Antoni’s sons, Henryk and Witold, who three
years later named the family business “Leo”
Footwear Factory S.A., commemorating their
brother Leon, who had died during The First
World War and their mother Leokadia (who
died in 1927).
The Second World War brought an end
to this family enterprise. After 1945, the
nationalized “Leo” Footwear Factory, known
later as “Kobra”, operated at 27 Kościuszki
Street until 1992.
121
Other landmarks on the industrial
heritage map of Bydgoszcz include the
partially preserved complex of buildings
of the local gasworks (18), which was
opened on this site in 1860 – 42 Jagiellońska
Street. A little bit further, across the street,
at 43-47 Jagiellońska Street, there are
the front buildings of the old Municipal
Slaughterhouse (19), designed by Carl
Meyer and opened in 1890. In 2006, the
group of buildings was incorporated into
the new shopping centre built on the site
once occupied by the other buildings of the
slaughterhouse.
was originally owned by the Wolfen & Fließ
company, and from 1892 - by Baerwald & Co.,
which had successfully competed with the
mills on Mill Island. In the summer of 1938,
Bronisław Kenzer became the new owner. He
opened the company known as “Kentzer’s
Mills” (21). They were nationalized after ten
years. These days, the buildings of the old
mill and grain warehouse dating from 1916
have been turned into a hotel known as
Słoneczny Młyn.
| Industrial heritage of BydgoszczSightseeing routes
Did you know that...
Another stop on the route is the factory
building at 92 Jagiellońska Street (20),
which once housed Brunon Sommerfeld’s
company, founded in 1905. From a workshop
specializing in the repair of keyboard
instruments, it turned into a production
plant manufacturing outstanding pianos,
known even outside Poland. Unfortunately,
it operated only until 1945. 96 Jagiellońska
Street was once occupied by a steam-
powered mill, opened around 1862, which
Across the street, at number 117, is a
sizable property, where among old trees
we can find the functionalist buildings of
the “Pasamon” Factory manufacturing
haberdashery, tapes and straps (22),
founded in 1924, which continues to make
woven tapes and technical haberdashery.
The director’s villa dating from the 1930’s
deserves a special mention. Just like the
factory buildings, it was designed by Jan
Kossowski.
The extension of Jagiellońska Street is
Fordońska Street, heading to the centre of
a little old town called Fordon, which now
Słoneczny Młyn Hotel, formerly Kentzer’s Mills
In 1937-1938, Jerome David Salin-ger who wrote “The Catcher in the Rye”, served an internship in the Bydgoszcz slaughterhouse. A commemorative plaque with the writer’s image can be seen in one of the slaughterhouse bu-ildings (in the present shopping centre).
122
is one of the districts of Bydgoszcz. Many
industrial buildings have been saved in this
street. The most notable of them, situated in
the southern part of the street, feature vast
complexes of factory buildings. Number 152
was formerly occupied by the Bydgoszcz
Cable Factory, and presently by TELEFONIKA
Kable Sp. z o.o. S.K.A. (23). Founded in
1920, the complex consists of buildings
constructed in 1920-1924 and later. The
oldest buildings include the entrance gate
and the office building with the production
facility. Newer buildings feature the director’s
villa with an interesting cornice designed by
Bronisław Jankowski, dating from 1930-1931.
One of the strengths of this location was the
direct access to the river port. Since 1914,
its neighbour, at number 154, has been the
Bydgoszcz Plywood Factory (24), operating
partially in historical buildings dating back
to the company’s foundation. Going further
towards Fordon, we reach a skyscraper
standing at 246 Fordońska Street, which in
the past housed offices of the well-known
Bicycle Production Plant Romet (25). The
old production facilities were pulled down.
Bydgoszcz is an important place on the
water map of Poland. Its location on the Brda
and Vistula rivers as well as the Bydgoszcz
Canal is undoubtedly an attraction for water
tourists, who can come here by boat all the
way from Berlin, by the E-70 International
Watercourse.
A little bit of historyBydgoszcz had its heyday between the
15th and 17th centuries. Taking advantage
of its ideal location on the Brda and Vistula,
the city was one of the major places on the
map of Poland in that period. Commerce
developed on the navigable waters of the
River Vistula, where the main trade goods
included grains, beer and ceramic products.
Unfortunately, after being ravaged by fires
during the Swedish invasion and epidemics,
Bydgoszcz lost its prominent position. This
miserable period continued for over a century.
As a result of the partitions of Poland, the city
and its surrounding region were annexed by
Frederick the Great. Noticing the potential of
this place, he decided to build a connection
between the Odra and Vistula rivers. The
26-kilometre-long Bydgoszcz Canal, built in
Trail of hydrotechnical historical sites
123
| Trail of hydrotechnical historical sites Sightseeing routes
1773–1774, contributed to the rapid growth
of Bydgoszcz, which became a large industrial
and commercial centre in the 19th century.
Bydgoszcz was once again becoming
an inland port. Construction of a new
branch of the Bydgoszcz Canal in 1908–1915
played a very important role in the history of
river transport of the city. New locks made
navigation of larger vessels possible. After
regaining its independence and the return
of Bydgoszcz to Poland in 1920, river trade
lost its relevance for a brief period. In that
time, the vast part of the German shipping
company Bromberger Schleppschiffahrt
Aktien Gesellschaft was Polonized, resulting
in the change of its name to Bydgoszcz Lloyd,
which took over the previous carriers. During
the interwar Period, the company had quickly
become an important link in the national river
transport system. The river infrastructure was
nationalized after The Second World War.
Bydgoszcz Water Junction
The Bydgoszcz Water Junction is a “water
network” developed thanks to connections
between the Brda, Vistula, Bydgoszcz Canal
and the Upper Noteć Canal as well as smaller
watercourses (Flis, Struga Młyńska, and
Prądy), featuring unique historic landmarks
of hydrotechnical engineering.
Did you know that...
An important part of the Bydgoszcz
Water Junction is the Old Bydgoszcz Canal
(p. 77), as well as the new waterway dating
from the 20th century with hydrotechnical
facilities, including the locks Osowa Góra,
Prądy, Czyżkówko, and Okole. These days,
they are in operation and are incorporated
Bydgoszcz has about fifty cros-sings over the River Brda and Bydgoszcz Canal, including a host of bridges and footbridges.
124
into the E-70 International Waterway. From
the beginning of their operation, they
enabled transport of the biggest vessels of
that time, with a weight exceeding 400 tons.
All locks are the same length – 57.4 m and
width – 9.6 m. However, they differ in terms
of the height of lifting. The two locks in the
west – Osowa Góra and Prądy – were built in
1773–1774. The facilities were reconstructed
in 1908–1915 and enable lifting at the height
of 3.55 and 3.82 m. Passage through each lock
the River Brda, we sail under railway bridges,
the Królowej Jadwigi Bridge, passing the
stately building of the former East Prussia
Railway Authority, which was erected in the
late 19th century, approaching finally another
lock called the Municipal Lock. Starting
from the origins of the Bydgoszcz Canal, it
had caused most of the problems, which
were related to very difficult geotechnical
conditions on the site of its construction. In
1882–1884, the wooden municipal lock was
replaced with a new structure featuring a
unique, trapezoidal design. Barges passed
through this lock with their stern ahead,
which was a significant difficulty since they
had to be turned. The lock was replaced with
a new structure only during reconstruction
of the Bydgoszcz Canal in 1908–1915. This
impressive facility has survived to this day.
This single-chamber lock of dock design, just
is no longer than 20 minutes.
The next two hydrotechnical facilities
look almost the same. The locks of Czyżkówko
and Okole were built on a new, two-kilometre-
long cut in 1908–1915, replacing five locks on
the Old Bydgoszcz Canal. They had to level out
the difference in levels of more than 15 metres.
Czyżkówko Lock rises by 7.52 m in nearly 30
minutes, and Okole by 7.58 m in about 20
minutes. These locks have saving basins, which
reduce the amount of water needed for the
passage of boats through the lock.
Travelling across Bydgoszcz downstream
The area of Okole Lock served as a location for the cult TV series “Czterej pancerni i pies” (Four Tank-men and a Dog). The most spectacular Bydgoszcz episode was related to the famous blowing up of the gates of Lock no. 3 with the use of Panzerfaust by one of the leading characters called Gustlik. It should be mentioned that it was not the only lock shown in the series. Observant viewers noticed scenes featuring the locks in Grottgera Street and Rybi Square that no longer exist.
Did you know that...
Okole Lock
125
| Trail of hydrotechnical historical sites Sightseeing routes
like the canal locks, is sized 57.4 by 9.6 m, with
the height of lift of 3.33 m. Passage through
the lock takes about 20 minutes.
Two weirs – “Ulgowy” and “Farny” – play
a very important role in damming the water
in the city centre. Their task is to let in the
water from the Młynówka to the Brda. The
height of damming water is about 3.36 m.
The “Ulgowy” Weir, which is hand operated,
was built in 1920.
Several decades ago, barges and
tugboats were seen frequently in the city
centre of Bydgoszcz. The “LEMARA” barge,
as the office of shipping companies that had
operated in Bydgoszcz throughout the 20th
century. Across from Rybi Square, there is the
magnificent neo-Gothic building of the Polish
Post Office.
Further east, we sail under the
Bernardyński Bridge. In its proximity, is a little
mansion, which has been housing offices of
numerous rowing societies starting from the
beginning of the 20th century.
We end our adventure with the
Bydgoszcz water junction at the Czersko
Polskie barrage, which consists of two locks
– Brdyujście and Czersko Polskie, roller dam,
fishway at the roller dam, hydroelectric power
station, weir, and another hydroelectric power
station on the right side of the weir.
Brdyujście Lock was built in 1879. With
a size of 57.4 by 18 m, it enabled clearing the
difference in levels of 2.3 m in height. These
days it is decommissioned. It was replaced by
Czersko Polskie Lock in 2002. The new lock,
115 by 12 m in size, enables passage with a
4.9 m difference in levels.
During the last reconstruction of the weir on the River Młynówka, a whitewater kayaking course was established, which is one of only a few in the immediate city centre in Europe.
Did you know that...
not self-propelled, moored in Rybi Square,
reminds us of them.
The port in the city centre of Bydgoszcz
is also remembered by the scenic granaries
and the Bydgoszcz Lloyd Palace, which served
There are three hydroelectric power stations in Bydgoszcz, generating about 4.5 MW of power. They include the “Smukała” Power Plant, the “Mewat” Power Plant in Czersko Polskie, and the “Kujaw-ska” Power Plant, which features a sizeable collection of technical equipment.
Did you know that...
Municipal Lock
126
10
10
21
1. Osowa Góra Lock
2. Prądy Lock
3. Gwiazda Marina
4. Czyżkówko Lock
5. Lock no. 6 on the Old Bydgoszcz Canal
6. Lock no. 5 on the Old Bydgoszcz Canal
7. Museum of the Bydgoszcz Canal
8. Lock no. 4 on the Old Bydgoszcz Canal
9. Okole Lock
10. Railway bridges
11. Królowej Jadwigi Bridge
12. Municipal Lock
13. “Ulgowy” Weir
14. Bydgoszcz Marina
15. Mill Island
16. Historic water level gauges
17. Międzywodzie - the between-water-area
18. “Farny” Weir
19. “Kujawska” Hydroelectric Power Station
20. Jerzego Sulimy-Kamińskiego Bridge
21. Brdyujście Lock
22. Czersko Polskie Lock
23. Brdyujście Boat Race Course
24. Czersko Polskie Roller DamCzersko Polskie Roller Dam
127
10
10
21
| Trail of hydrotechnical historical sites Sightseeing routes
Locks:Opening hours vary by season; please inquire
by phone.
Locks of the Bydgoszcz Canal
www.poznan.rzgw.gov.pl
Okole – tel. +48 52 322 56 20
Czyżkówko – tel. +48 52 379 75 72
Prądy – tel. +48 696 721 036
Osowa Góra – tel. +48 52 372 20 42
Locks on the River Brda
www.gdansk.rzgw.gov.pl
Czersko Polskie Lock – tel. +48 52 343 51 11
Municipal Lock – tel. +48 52 322 37 01
The Museum of the Bydgoszcz Canal has been operating in Byd-goszcz since 2006. It is located at 3 Nowogrodzka Street.tel. +48 693 765 075www.muzeumkanalu.pl
Did you know that...
128
By bicycle through Bydgoszcz
Route 1: On the Old Bydgoszcz CanalTime: 1 hour, distance: 3.5 km
We start our tour in the Old Market
Square, at the Bydgoszcz Information
Centre (1a), where we can hire a bicycle.
We head to Mill Island by Niedźwiedzia
Street. It’s worth taking a look at a simple
baroque tenement house (2a) at number
11, which used to house the pharmacy Pod
Niedźwiedziem. Ku Młynom Street takes
us to a 6-hectare island (p. 76) situated in
the middle of the city. The first building that
should draw our attention is the Red Granary
dating from 1861 (3a), formerly a steam-
powered mill, now one of the buildings of the
Leon Wyczółkowski District Museum. We leave
this old industrial facility on the right side and
go further alongside the River Młynówka, a
rapidly flowing tributary of the River Brda. A
plethora of 19th-century tenement houses
and old factories that practically emerge from
the water create a place known as Bydgoszcz
Venice (4a).
Walking under the shade of expansive
chestnut trees, we reach the footbridge over
the Młynówka, which takes us straight to
Świętej Trójcy Street. Here, we are welcomed
by a modernist tenement house (5a) dating
from the 1930’s, at number 5/5a, designed
by architect Jan Kossowski. We turn right
and following Świętej Trójcy Street we head
for the Grunwaldzkie Roundabout. One of
the attractions en route is the Holy Trinity
Church (6a), featuring modernist architecture
and a neo-baroque interior, built in 1910-1912
and designed by Poznań architect Roger
Sławski. Across from the church, at number
23, there is a very unique tenement house
(7a) featuring interesting Art Nouveau
ornaments, built in 1903. Murals made by
Brunon Gęstwicki (1882-1969) can be seen
inside. At the end of the street, our attention
is focused on the building of the old Royal-
Bydgoszcz Venice on the River Młynówka
129
| By bicycle through BydgoszczSightseeing routes
Prussian School of Crafts and Art Industry
(8a) dating from the early 20th century.
These days, it serves as the premises of the
Complex of Mechanical Schools no. 1. Now,
we walk across Kruszwicka Street, towards a
shopping centre, from which we head north
to the Old Bydgoszcz Canal (1773-1774)
(p. 77).
On the other side of the roundabout, we
turn left and walk alongside a little stream,
which is a reminder of a section of the Old
Canal that was backfilled in 1971. On the
right side, we pass the Starofarny Cemetery
(9a), the oldest necropolis in Bydgoszcz. We
cut through Wrocławska Street, passing the
historical lock no. 4 (10a) and continue our
trip alongside the canal. We are surrounded
by lush greenery, featuring expansive trees,
some of which are designated as national
natural landmarks, dating back to the times
of Napoleon Bonaparte. At a section between
lock no. 4 and lock no. 5 (12a) we pass near
the Museum of the Bydgoszcz Canal (11a),
housed in a 19th-century utility building at 3
Nowogrodzka Street. Continuing straight, we
go past the historical lock no. 5, going under
the railway tracks (Bydgoszcz – Inowrocław
line) and reach the buildings of the oldest
sports club in the city, Gwiazda Bydgoszcz.
We end our canal sightseeing trip on the site
where Józefa Bronikowskiego Street crosses
the canal, more precisely at lock no. 6 (13a).
From here, we can turn back and return to
the city centre on the other side of the Canal
or continue our sightseeing taking Route II.Church of the Holy Trinity
Gate of the Starofarny Cemetery
130
O S I E L S K O
ROUTE I
131
O S I E L S K O
| By bicycle through BydgoszczSightseeing routes
There are many historical graves in the Starofarny Cemetery, including graves of French soldiers who died during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 – 1871, the grave of the distinguished Bydgoszcz citizenTeofil Magdziński and a cemetery chapel commemorating residents of the city who were killed in 1939. The oldest preserved tombstone dates from 1864. Many prominent residents of the city are buried here.
Did you know that...
132
Route II: Old Bydgoszcz Canal – Smukała – Myślęcinek – Old Town
Time: 4 hours, distance: 26 km
Going past the Bydgoszcz Canal and
stopping by in the proximity of the sports
club and lock no. 6, on the site occupied by
“Gwiazda” Marina (13a), we turn right to
Bronikowskiego Street, which will lead us
to the Western Junction, more precisely
to Grunwaldzka Street. We cross this busy
thoroughfare with suitable caution and turn
into Nad Torem Street. At the first traffic light
we enter the pavement, where we find a
bike path. We continue our trip along Nad
Torem Street all the way to the end of the
bike path. We go further by a pedestrian-
biking trail along Koronowska Street to the
crossing with Opławiec Street. We turn into
this street, which will lead us to Biwakowa
Street. En route, we pass the Smukała Dam
(1b) with a hydroelectric power station
and the Second World War cemetery (2b),
at number 160, dedicated to the victims of
the resettlement camp and re-education.
At the crossing of Opławiec and Biwakowa
Streets, on the River Brda, an unusual
monument with paddles (3b) has been
erected. The kayak along with the paddles
protruding from it commemorates the 1953
and 1966 trips on the River Brda taken by
Father Karol Wojtyła, later Pope John Paul II.
We turn right to Biwakowa Street and enter
Smukalski Bridge. It offers a view of the
beautiful scenery created by the waters of the
River Brda. We pass the bus terminal and turn
right to Smukalska Street. We travel a long
stretch of the road surrounded by woods.
At number 113 we suggest turning right in
order to see the Shrine of the Mother Thrice
Admirable (4b), one of the six Shrines of
Entrustment to the Schoenstatt Movement
in Poland (dedicated in 2001). We return to
Smukalska Street, in order to turn left after
several minutes, into a fire escape route,
number 16. It will lead us to “Myślęcinek”
Forest Park of Culture and Recreation
(p. 66), the biggest municipal park in
Munument of Paddles in Smukała
Barrage in Smukała
133
| By bicycle through BydgoszczSightseeing routes
Poland (830 hectares). Going straight
through the forest we reach Rekreacyjna
Street, merging into it on the bend of the
road, in the immediate proximity of the PKP
Bydgoszcz Rynkowo railway station (5b).
We get off the bike and carry it across the
footbridge (access to the footbridge is rather
steep). We go through Jeździecka Street and
turn right to the forest at its first bend. We
go straight to the lookout tower, which we
pass and turn right. Going
through a ravine, we go
down to one of several ponds
of Myślęcinek. Near the lake,
close to which there is a little
spring popular among the
locals, we turn right towards
the Kujawsko-Pomorskie
Ecological Education Centre
in Myślęcinek (6b). We
continue our trip by a paved
section of the road to the
first intersection, where we
take a right turn to Hipiczna
Street, which will lead us to
the Różopole common. We turn left, going
past it on the right side. We go straight to
Gdańska Street, passing on the left the
Myślęcinek Zoo and allotment gardens. This
place is a great opportunity to use Route III
and go to Fordon or further to Ostromecko.
Another option is to take a bike path running
alongside Gdańska Street, which will take us
back to the city centre. On the left side we go
past the historical buildings of “Las Gdański”
waterworks station, which features the
Museum of Waterworks (7b). We go across
an overpass over the railway tracks and pass
on the right the Zdzisław Krzyszkowiak
Zawisza Stadium (8b), then we turn right
to Powstańców Warszawy Street. This leads
us to the railway tracks. At the end of the
street, we take the left turn and continue
our trip first by a bike path alongside the
Nowofarny Cemetery (9b), and further –
by Zaświat and Zygmunta Augusta Streets.
We go past the buildings of Bydgoszcz
Główna railway station (10b), accessing
Unii Lubelskiej Street. We cross the street
and then turn right, entering the boulevard
running alongside the River Brda.
Before we turn left, we can take a look
at the opposite site, which features three
railway bridges (11b). The nearest one – the
eastern bridge – is one of the oldest railway
Historical Pump Room
134
bridges in Poland (1851). Going along the
boulevard, we go across the Królowej Jadwigi
road bridge, which was built in 1913. We pass
the monumental building of the former
Eastern Railways Authority (12b), built
in 1886-1889 in the style of Netherlandish
mannerism. Now, we enter the Władysława
Jagiełły tram bridge (the first suspended
tram bridge in Poland, 2011-2012), which
takes us across the River Brda.
We follow the route alongside the tram
tracks. At the crossing with Garbary Street,
we can notice the beautifully restored
façade of the corner tenement house
(13b), built in the castellated style in the early
20th century. We continue to go straight to
Marszałka Focha Street, where we take the
left turn toward Solidarności Bridges, which
offer a great view of the Municipal Lock
(14b) dating from 1915. In its proximity, we
find a unique, older trapezoidal lock dating
from 1884, which was unveiled recently. On
the pedestrian crossing, we take our bike
across the street, where we can go for a ride
around the building of the Opera Nova
(15b). Finally, we go across the footbridge
to Mill Island, from which we return to the
Old Market Square. We end our trip in the
same place as we started.
Route III: Old Canal – Smukała – Myślęcinek – Fordon – OstromeckoTime: all day, distance: 37 km + return about
14 km
This is an extension of routes I and
II. When we reach Gdańska Street, we go
further via a cycle route trail alongside
Sądecka Street, all the way to Armii Krajowej
Avenue. At the pedestrian crossing in the area
of Zamczysko Street, we go across this busy
thoroughfare and continue our trip by a forest
biking trail (red biking trail), which leads us
to Akademicka Street in Fordon. We head
east, first by Akademicka Street, followed by
Korfantego Street (where we turn left) and
later by Twardzickiego Street. At the crossing
with Bołtucia Street we turn left, going past
the Parish of Our Lady, Queen of Martyrs
and enter the area of the Bydgoszcz Death
Valley (1c). This site served as a place for mass
M/S Bydgoszcz at the Municipal Lock
135
| By bicycle through BydgoszczSightseeing routes
executions of Bydgoszcz residents carried out
by the Germans in 1939. There are symbolic
graves, a monument, and the Stations of the
Cross of the Bydgoszcz Calvary – Golgotha
of the 20th century, part of the Shrine of Our
Lady, Queen of Martyrs. After making a loop in
the Death Valley, we go back to Twardzickiego
Street. Then we take Kleeberga Street,
Andersena Street (where the trail runs parallel
to the street), Sielska, Ametystowa and Flotylli
Wiślanej Streets, reaching a crossing over the
Vistula, the Rudolf Modrzejewski Fordon
Bridge (2c), which in the past (1893) was the
longest bridge in the German Empire.
We recommend taking a quick exit to
Bydgoska Street from the roundabout that is
just before the bridge, which will take us to
the Market Square in Old Fordon (3c). These
days, it is a district of Bydgoszcz, which until
1973 was a separate small town with a very
long, multicultural history. Some of the most
prominent historic sites of Old Fordon include
a classicist building of an old synagogue
dating from the late 18th century, which
miraculously survived the German occupation
(the Nazis turned it into a cinema, which was
going until 1988), the neo-Gothic Church of
St John, Apostle and Evangelist dating from
1878-1879, and the neo-baroque Church of
St Nicholas dating from 1927-1928 (designed
by Stefan Cybichowski). In the Market Square
of Old Fordon, our attention is focused on a
group of buildings of the Penitentiary Prison
for men, whose origins date back to 1859. The
oldest of the buildings, erected in 1780-1783
(pavilion II of the prison), served as an old
Prussian customs house.
After a brief stop in Old Fordon, we go
back to the bridge and after crossing the
Vistula we take the bike down a flight of stairs,
which can be found on the left side, behind
the last span of the bridge. Taking the asphalt
road (right turn) we head towards Strzyżawa,
continuing our trip by a forest biking trail on
the left side, alongside regional road no. 551.
We enter the parking lot of Ostromecko
Palace and Park (4c) at 9 Bydgoska Street
by taking a left turn from the regional road,
several metres before entering the town of
Ostromecko. (p. 147).
We return to Bydgoszcz by the same
route, all the way to “Myślęcinek”. We continue
our trip back by the route marked as Option
II. We can also go back to Bydgoszcz by train
from the railway station in Ostromecko.
New Palace in Ostromecko
136
Green Bydgoszcz
Artist Zbyszko Piwoński turns dead tree trunks into sculptures in the streets of Bydgoszcz. They can be seen at 30 Gdańska Street, “Woman in Doves”, in Mickiewicza Avenue, “Awakening of Elves” (both made in 2006), and in Słowackiego Street, “We Will Play in Just a Moment” (2010). There is also a monument of Dwarves made in Konopnicka Street by Mirosław Kufel (2012).
Did you know that...
Time: approx. 3 hours (park in Myślęcinek, additional 2 hours)
In Bydgoszcz, the first gardens were
established in monasteries and suburbs,
where they were owned by affluent town-
smen. During the period of the partitions
of Poland, the Society for Beautification of
the City of Bydgoszcz and its Environs (ac-
tive 1832-1898) made the city greener by
planting new trees and creating greenery
in city squares. During the interwar period,
Bydgoszcz, Katowice and Warsaw had been
known as the greenest cities of Poland.
Since 2004, works have been underway on
the project “Restoration of Tree Alleys in the
City Centre based on the plantings from the
1920’s and 1930’s”. In terms of green areas,
the city is only behind Warsaw.
We start our walk at the water tower at 1
Filarecka Street (Museum of Waterworks). The
Henryk Dąbrowski Park (1), stretching on
a steep terraced hill, was established on the
initiative of President of Bydgoszcz District,
Carl von Wissmann, thus it was known initially
as Wissmann’s Hill. The park featured ponds
and a waterfall connecting them. It was very
popular from the early 20th century, when a
water tower with a lookout terrace offering a
panoramic view of the city was erected on the
top of the hill. In 1920, the park was named
after Gen. Henryk Dąbrowski, who stopped
on this site in October 1794 (an obelisk
commemorating this event, made by Krystyna
Panasik, was erected in 1995). Revitalization
works have continued in this place since
2002. The park features several national
natural landmarks, including pedunculate
oak, northern red oak, ginkgo, Turkestan elm,
small-leaved linden, and white willow. New
plantings added in 2013 included Caucasian
oak “Concordia”, Japanese Pagoda Tree, and
cornus controversa “Variegata”.
We continue our trip, going down
towards the Old Town by Terasy Street all
the way to the New Market Square. We take
137
| Green BydgoszczSightseeing routes
At the beginning of the 1950’s, in a square close to the water tower, the communist authorities built a wooden structure with a radio jamming device for disrupting the signal of radio stations from Western Europe. On November 18, 1956, residents of Bydgoszcz burnt the radio station mast. Participants of this campaign were subjected to repressions, but the tower was not rebuilt. This event is commemorated by a plaque installed in 1996.
Did you know that...
Wąska Street to Wełniany Square. After that,
we go through a small passage between the
tenement houses no. 6a and 7, through a
lattice footbridge, and enter Mill Island (2)
(p. 76). Situated in the heart of the city,
this green oasis encourages relaxing by the
humming canal of Międzywodzie, admiring
the Bydgoszcz Venice, and taking a walk along
paved alleys lined with chestnuts, lindens
and willows planted in the 19th century. The
central part of the island is occupied by a
playground for children.
We leave Mill Island, heading towards
the Old Market Square by Ku Młynom and
Niedźwiedzia Streets. We cut through the
Old Market Square and take Mostowa Street
to the crossing of Gdańska and Jagiellońska
Streets. A small square (3) dating from the
second half of the 19th century, featuring
a wayside shrine with a statue of Our Lady,
is seen close to the old Church of the Poor
“We Will Play in Just a Moment”- sculpture in a dead tree trunk
138
The convent garden was slightly larger than the park, reaching the present-day 3 Maja Street. It featured a fishing pond, an orchard with fruit trees, vegetable garden, and a garden with medicinal plants, which in the 16th century included such plants as common wormwood, horseradish, summer savory, garlic, mustard plant, dill, mint, and nettles. The nuns used them to make medicines administered to the needy gathering at the convent lazaretto.
Did you know that...
Clares at 2 Gdańska Street. Going through
Gdańska Street, we reach Wolności Square.
In its proximity, is the Kazimierz Wielki Park
(4), which is the oldest park in the city. Here,
the Poor Clares used to have their garden,
which was outlined in the convent in the
16th century.
In 1835, after the convent was
disbanded, the garden was turned into the
District Park (Regierungs Garten) that was
owned by the District Office, situated at what
is now 3 Jagiellońska Street (presently, the
Regional Office). The garden was open only to
the city officials and closed to other residents
of the city. In 1900-1901, it was changed to
the Municipal Park (Stadt Park), redesigned by
Paul Meyerkamp, and opened to the public. In
July 1909, the “Deluge” Fountain was unveiled
(p. 84). Trees of the park had suffered during
the Second World War, when bunkers were
excavated there. Since 1945, the park has
been named after King Casimir the Great.
It is a very charming place with two ponds
(a swan house can be seen in the middle of
one of them), the restored fountain and a
playground for children. During hot summer
days, one can hide in the shade of old trees.
Rare specimens of trees can be seen in the
park, including bald cypress, London plane,
pedunculate oaks, and ginkgo. The park looks
particularly beautiful in the autumn.
The park borders Wolności Square (5)
featuring a monument commemorating
the Red Army soldiers who died during the
battles for liberation of the city, erected in
1945 (designed by Jan Kossowski). In 1990,
it was renamed the Freedom Monument.
In 1888-1919, the site was occupied by the
equestrian statue of Wilhelm I (designed by
Alexander Calandrelli).
Kazimierz Wielki Park
139
| Green BydgoszczSightseeing routes
In 1946, on the occasion of the 600th anniversary of Bydgoszcz, the Kazimierz Wielki Park and the surrounding buildings hosted the Pomeranian Exhibition of Industry, Crafts and Trade. It attracted more than a thousand exhibitors and 120,000 visitors between July and September of that year. The event is commemorated by a brick arch.
Did you know that...
We continue our walk, turning from
Wolności Square to Gimnazjalna Street
and further, through its extension, which is
Libelta Street. In front of us, we can find the
Jan Kochanowski Park (6), a landscape park
established in 1901 by Konrad Neumann (the
then director of the Bydgoszcz Municipal
Gardens). Scenic, meandering paths, vast
green areas, a playground for children and
a myriad of tree and shrub varieties make
the park one of the favourite recreation
sites for the locals. The Academy of Music is
located in the vicinity of the park. The music
heard from the building makes walking
even more pleasant. In August 1927, a
monument to Henryk Sienkiewicz (designed
by Konstanty Laszczka) was unveiled, which
was damaged during the Second World
War. The current statue of the writer was
erected on the same site in May 1968 (made
by Stanisław Horno-Popławski). In 1970, a
decorative plaque with a broken rose was
installed in the park. It commemorates the
death of fifty secondary school pupils from
the Male Secondary School, functioning
during the interwar period, who were killed
on September 5, 1939 (designed by Józef
Makowski). The most frequently visited
statue in the park is the Archer Lady (p.
80), erected in 1960 at a park square across
from the Polish Theatre. During the 1970s, on
the initiative of Andrzej Szwalbe, the head of
the Pomeranian Philharmonic, work started
on establishing a music district. The Park
and the area surrounding the Pomeranian
Philharmonic was successively adorned with
statues of composers and virtuosos (F. Chopin,
I. Paderewski, S. Moniuszko, H. Wieniawski,
G. Bacewicz).
There are also several trees designated as
national natural landmarks seen in the park,
including a black poplar, alnus cordata, red
horse-chestnut, and pedunculate oak.
Going through the park, we reach
Mickiewicza Avenue and head to
Weyssenhoffa Square. The corner is occupied
by the former Botanical Garden (7), which
was opened in 1930 and designed by Marian
Güntzel, director of the Municipal Gardens.
The garden was surrounded with fence and Botanical Garden in Niemcewicza Street
140
The Oak Lane of Honour is located in Ossolińskich Avenue. Some of the trees are dedicated to such notable people as Pope John Paul II, painter and graphic artist Leon Wyczółkowski, writer TadeuszNowakowski, and cryptologist Ma-rian Rejewski.
Did you know that...
divided into the following departments:
systematic, biological, crop plants, and
ornamental plants. The latter featured a
rectangular square, in the middle of which
was a sundial mounted on a raised platform,
with small statues of girls in the corners,
depicting the seasons. A bas-relief map of
Bydgoszcz could be seen in the southern
part of the square, on the fence wall. In 1995,
the Botanical Garden was designated as a
national natural landmark. It was handed
over to the Kazimierz Wielki University in
1999. These days, the garden has more than
300 specimens of trees and shrubs, featuring
unique and relict varieties. Foreign species
originate primarily from Asia and North
America, but there are also trees and shrubs
from the Mediterranean regions, including
North Africa. Half of the plantings come from
Europe. The garden has fifteen varieties of
trees and shrubs that are under protection
(including shrubby birch, dwarf birch,
mezereon, Swiss stone pine, European dwarf
cherry, and European bladdernut). Between
April and late autumn, the Park is open to the
public through its main entrance at the corner
of Niemcewicza Street and Weysenhoffa
Street. In winter, the park can be accessed only
from the Kazimierz Wielki University.
Now, we can choose either of two
options for a further walk.
We can continue our trip to the Wincenty
Witos Park in the city centre (Option I) or to
Myślęcinek, which is the biggest park in
Poland (Option II).
Option I:
Going out through the main exit of the
Botanical Garden, we head to St Vincent de
Paul Basilica Minor, whose dome towers
over this part of the city. We take the wide
Ossolińskich Avenue, outlined in 1903 and
lined with oaks, heading to its crossing with
9 Markwarta Street. Ossolińskich Avenue
features the Oak Lane of Honour. A magnolia
(natural landmark), which is one of the most
magnificent and oldest in Bydgoszcz, grows
at 12 Ossolińskich Avenue. On the left side, we
take a look at the narrow Szymanowskiego
Street (8) shaded with Swedish whitebeams
St. Vincent de Paul Basilica Minor
141
| Green BydgoszczSightseeing routes
According to the original concept, the Jan Kochanowski Park was supposed to be part of the garden district designed in the early 20th century (p. 108). The romanticism of the design was highlighted by the location of the park between Goethego Street (presently 20 Stycznia 1920 Street) and Schillera Street (presently Paderewskiego Street).
Did you know that...
(the tree alley is a natural landmark). Now we
face the Wincenty Witos Park (9), established
in the 1950’s on the site of a Protestant
cemetery (which is commemorated by an
obelisk erected in 2007). The park features
some impressive old trees. Some of the most
prominent specimens include the city’s
biggest chestnut, 540 cm in circumference
(a natural landmark), very rare catalpa
bignonioides with beautiful leaves, and
another pedunculate oak designated as a
natural landmark. In 2013, a hornbeam alley
was planted. A bust of the patron (made by
Witold Marciniak) was erected in the southern
part of the park in 1984. A band shell, built in
1956, is seen in the middle of the park.
Option II:
We go back by Mickiewicza Avenue to
Gdańska Street, which we can do either by
walking or taking a tram, heading towards
the “Myślęcinek” Forest Park of Culture and
Recreation (10). The park was created in stages
from 1972. This recreation and park zone was
142
From the Middle Ages to the Second World War, the village of Myślęcinek was part of a nobleman’s estate. A mill and an inn were operating here from the 18th century; a distillery was opened in the mid-19th century, which in 1861 was turned into a brewery with a restaurant. Myślęcinek beer enjoyed great popularity. The brewery was closed in 1945. Its brick ruin can be seen to this day at the corner of Gdańska and Konna Streets.
Did you know that...designed by engineers Aleksander Pietrzak
and Edward Bartman. It was incorporated
into the city limits of Bydgoszcz in 1977.
These days it is the biggest municipal park in
Poland, stretching over 830 hectares. More
than half of the park features woods with pine
trees, lindens, oaks, hornbeams, and beeches.
Hiking and jogging paths, Nordic walking
trails, biking and inline skating trails crisscross
the area. A ski slope with a lift is open in
winter. Forest clearings encourage relaxing
and picnicking. The varied topography is
conducive to horseback riding (an equestrian
centre has been active in the park since 1982).
The eastern part of the park is occupied by
the Polish Fauna Garden, featuring a mini-
zoo, aquarium and terrarium. The garden
has such animal species as European bison,
fallow deer, lynx, wolf, raven, eagle, and
falcon. In the valley of the Struga Myślęcińska,
dammed into a number of cascades, a vast,
60-hectare Botanical Garden was established
in 1983. It is divided into zones corresponding
with various climates. It also features a rock
garden. There are educational trails, including
a special trail for the blind. Myriad tourist trails
run through the park in Myślęcinek, including
the Brda Trail and S. Meysner Tourist Trail. It is
also the starting place of the Jeremi Przybora
Tourist Trail. We end our “green walk” in this
beautiful area. We can go back to the city
centre from Myślęcinek by a tram or bus.
Outside the trail:
A total of 96 national natural landmarks
can be found in Bydgoszcz. Some of these
landmarks grow in the city centre, including:
 Silver maple at 1 Mikołaja Kopernika
Street
 Ginkgo at 2 Gimnazjalna Street
 Tree of heaven in Jagiellońska Street, in
front of the Regional Office
 Ginkgo at the corner of Jagiellońska
and Konarskiego Streets
 “Bartek” Oak, which should be
mentioned here, despite the fact that
it doesn’t grow in the city centre, but
is the oldest tree in Bydgoszcz, dating
back over 500 years. It grows in the
proximity of the crossing of Toruńska
and Sporna Streets.
A walk through the Park on the Bydgoszcz
Canal ( p. 77).
143
| Green BydgoszczSightseeing routes
144
145
POZNAJ BYDGOSZCZBYDGOSZCZ ENVIRONS
Bydgoszcz environs
Żurski Reservoir
146
Grudziądz154
Ostromecko147
Inowrocław156
Koronowo149
Żnin and its environs158
Beaches and bathing waters150
Ciechocinek159
Toruń151
Chełmno153
Włocławek161
147
Ostromecko
| Ostromecko
About 17 km from the city centre of
Bydgoszcz, towards Dąbrowa Chełmińska,
is the Ostromecko Palace and Park (9
Bydgoska Street). The New Palace was
erected in the classicist style in 1832-1849
(to the design of Karl Friedrich Schinkel’s
studio), commissioned by the then owner of
Ostromecko, Jakub Martin Schoenborn. The
main building is joined from the south by a
neo-baroque annex, featuring the Hunting
Palace (1891-1892), and from the north – by
the Ballroom added in 1905. These days, the
building houses a restaurant with a hotel.
In the west, the Palace is adjoined by vast
terraces (ca. 1912), heading straight to a
19th-century garden, designed in the English
style by garden architect Peter Joseph Lenné.
Now we head towards the Old Palace, which
is located far in the garden. The present
structure dates from the mid-18th century,
when the previous nobleman’s manor house
was expanded by the Mostowski family. The
palace, built in the Warsaw rococo style,
features a collection of 18th- and 19th-
century pianos collected by a distinguished
citizen of Bydgoszcz, Andrzej Szwalbe, whose
memorial chamber is in the building. The
windows of the palace and the terrace outside
the building offer a picturesque view of the
Italian garden stretching below, as well as the
Vistula and its old riverbed.
The south-western part of the palace
park features the mausoleum of the
Schoenborn-Alvensleben family, the owners
of Ostromecko for many years. The Palace and
Park, administered by the city of Bydgoszcz,
is an important cultural and entertainment
17 km from the Bydgoszcz
city centre
The legend of the golden jaw dates back to the origins of Ostromecko, when the local estate was the property of a knight. A horse saved the life of one of the owners of Ostromecko during a battle. Unfortunately, the animal’s jaw was injured during this fight. The injury was serious enough to make eating impossible. This time, the knight saved his beloved horse by getting him a golden jaw. After its death, the animal was buried on the site that is presently occupied by the park. To this day, no one has been able to find the place in which the owner buried his brave companion with its golden jaw.
Did you know that...
Bydgoszcz environs
148
centre of the city and the entire region
of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship. The
Municipal Centre for Culture in Bydgoszcz
organizes numerous vernissages, exhibitions
and music concerts in the palace.
In the immediate proximity to the Ostro-
mecko Palace and Park, is the Parish Church
of St. Nicholas, Stanislaus and John the
Baptist. The place of worship was built in
the Gothic style in 1630. The church tower
dates from 1764, when it was rebuilt by the
then owner of Ostromecko, Governor of Po-
merania, Paweł Mostowski (his initials are
seen on the flag of the church spire). The
baroque interior features a Gothic statue of
St Mary and Child, and a Pieta. In addition,
Ostromecko has many other interesting sites
that date from the period when the estate
was the property of the Alvensleben fami-
ly, including buildings of an old post office,
hospital, stagecoach trading post, a railway
station dating from the late 19th century,
and a brickyard (these days, the premises of
the old brickyard are occupied by the Mine-
In 1894, William II, Emperor of Ger-many arrived at Ostromecko on the occasion of the opening of the Fordon Bridge. During that time, the Emperor was a guest of Albrecht Alvensleben (1848-1928), the owner of the local estate. The history of Albrecht’s descendants is very unique. His eldest son, Jo-achim Martin (1877-1969), the heir of Ostromecko of many years, accep-ted the new Polish authorities after the First World War and maintained very friendly relations with the Poles. He initiated construction of the “Freedom Monument” in Ostro-mecko commemorating the 10th anniversary of Poland regaining independence. During the Second World War, he spent several years in concentration camps, where he was sent at the request of his el-der son Albrecht Werner, member of SS and Selbstschutz, respon-sible for the death of many Poles. Joachim’s younger son Ludolf, cal-led Lulu, was well liked and formed a nice chapter in the history of Ostromecko.
Did you know that...New Palace in Ostromecko
149
ral Water Production Plant). The first infor-
mation about the Ostromecko water dates
from the 16th century. Extraction of mineral
water from the local spring began in 1894.
Until the outbreak of the First World War,
the water from the Maria Spring was called
| Koronowo
Koronowo
Marien-Quelle. During the Second World
War, the water from Ostromecko, produced
for the needs of the Wehrmacht, was sent to,
among other places, Africa, where the Ger-
mans fought fierce battles with the British.
Koronowo is a town with a deep-rooted
and rich history, situated in a picturesque valley
of the River Brda, 25 km north of Bydgoszcz.
Its defensive features as well as economic
potential were noticed by the Cistercians.
Frequent raids of the Teutonic Knights on
their original seat in Byszewo forced the friars
to move their monastery to a safer place, which
is today’s Koronowo.
In 1368, King Casimir the Great chartered
in Kruszwica the local settlement as a town. The
name Koronowo dates back to the first half of
the 15th century and derives from the name of
the monastery, which was called Corona Marie
by the friars.
Koronowo is known for its historic
landmarks. The most prominent of them is
the old Cistercian monastery, which now
houses a prison. The old monastery church
(initially a collegiate church, and presently a
basilica minor) is an example of early Gothic
monumental architecture (25 Bydgoska
Street). At the turn of the 18th century its
interior was rebuilt in the baroque style. New
furnishings and high quality artworks were
added as well.
Other historic sites that are worth visiting
include St Andrew’s Church dating from the
late 16th century (Farna Street), the Town Hall
built in the first half of the 19th century (1 Plac
Zwycięstwa Street), an old synagogue (Szkolna
Street), the Jewish cemetery (Kolejowa Street),
and a watermill dating from the mid-19th
25 km from
Bydgoszcz
city centre
Cistercian Abbey in Koronowo
Bydgoszcz environs
150
century (Nakielska Street). Re-enactment of
the 1410 Battle of Koronowo is organized
every year between the end of July and the
beginning of August.
The famous painter and graphic artist
Leon Wyczółkowski (1852-1936) lived and
worked in Gościeradz, a village near Koronowo.
The artist and his wife are buried in a rural
cemetery of Wtelno, which is located 10 km
away from Koronowo.
In 1956-1961, the Koronowo Reservoir
was established, which is popular among
tourists who come here for sailing, kayaking
and other attractions. The area is a paradise for
waterfowl such as ducks, common moorhens,
swans, harriers, great crested grebes, cranes,
grey herons, falcons, and white-tailed eagles.
The entire reservoir is surrounded by coniferous
woods. In the autumn, the forests around the
reservoir attract throngs of mushroom hunters.
More information:
Tourist Information Centre
pl. Zwycięstwa 22, 86-010 Koronowo
tel. +48 52 382 46 53
Beaches and bathing waters
During hot summer days there are
plenty of opportunities for chilling out on
one of the many lakes that can be found in
the Bydgoszcz area.
Piecki and Chmielnikibathing beaches
The bathing beaches are located on
Lake Jezuickie, 10 km away from Bydgoszcz.
Driving to Inowrocław, we take the left turn
after the village of Brzoza. No public transport
is offered to Piecki, whereas Chmielniki can
be accessed by a train or PKS bus (approx. 20
minutes). Some of the offerings available on
site include kayak, boat and pedal boat hire,
and small fast food restaurants.
Pieczyska BathingBeach
Pieczyska bathing beach with a lifeguard
on duty is situated about 30 km north of
Bydgoszcz. The Koronowo Reservoir is an
Koronowo Reservoir, beach in Pieczyska
151
| Toruń
Toruń
attractive site for tourism and recreation.
Pieczyska has a well-developed offer of tourist
facilities, including water equipment hire,
bouncy castles, roundabout for children, and
a host of eateries. Sporting and cultural events
are organized during the vacation season in
Pieczyska. PKS and private buses offer access
to the Koronowo Reservoir.
Samociążek BathingBeach
The bathing beach is located on Lakes
Czarne and Białe, which were combined as a
result of establishing the Koronowo Reservoir,
about 20 km away from Bydgoszcz. Access
is offered by PKS and private buses. Access
to the “Julia” bathing beach is paid; some
of the amenities offered on site include a
beach volleyball court, tennis court and water
equipment hire (kayaks, rowing boats, pedal
boats), and an attended car park.
Borówno BathingBeach
The bathing beach is located on the lake
with the same name, 10 km from Bydgoszcz
on the route to Gdańsk. Local attractions
include a playground, beach volleyball courts,
campsite, RV site, and changing room. Paid
admission.
Toruń is a city with a population of
200,000, situated on the River Vistula. The
border of the two historical regions of Poland
– Pomerania and Kuyavia – runs through the
city.
Toruń was founded by the Teutonic
Knights in 1233. Access to the Vistula
contributed to the development of a
prospering river port in the city. Thanks to
extensive trade relations, the city grew at a
fast pace. In the 19th century, thanks to its
strategic location, the city was surrounded
by a ring of Prussian fortifications. A dozen or
47 kmfrom Bydgoszcz city centre
View of the Old Town in Toruń
Bydgoszcz environs
152
so large forts have remained to this day; one
of them is open to the public (86 Chrobrego
Street).
In 1997, the Toruń Old Town
was designated as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Some of the factors
that contributed to this designation
include the medieval urban
layout of the Old Town that
has remained unchanged
for centuries and a host of
historic sites. The Toruń Old Town
is a gem of Gothic architecture.
Some of the most impressive
landmarks include the Cathedral
of St Johns (which features
the baptismal font in which
Nicolaus Copernicus was
christened), the Church
of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, and the Church
of St James, regarded
as the most beautiful in
Toruń. One of the most prominent historic
buildings is the Gothic City Hall. The city
gates and fortified walls, dating back several
hundred years, are also examples of Gothic
architecture. The distinct Leaning Tower has
become one of the symbols of the city.
Toruń is also the hometown of the
great astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus.
In order to find out more about his life,
we recommend a visit to his family house,
featuring an exhibition dedicated to his life
and achievements (15/17 Kopernika Street). A
monument commemorating the astronomer
is seen in the Old Town’s Market Square.
Another symbol of the city is Toruń
gingerbread, baked for centuries according
to the traditional recipe. We invite you to
visit the local museum, which shows
the secrets of gingerbread
making and allows visitors to
bake their own gingerbread
(Live Gingerbread Museum, 9
Rabiańska Street).
The deep-rooted history
of the city is reflected in
valuable collections of the
local museums. The City Hall
displays examples of Gothic
art and products made
by early craftsmen. Small
galleries in the Old Town offer
unique souvenirs.
Today’s Toruń is a venue
of innumerable events,
concerts and exhibitions. It hosts
international music, theatre and film festivals.
It is also a major college town. Young students
full of energy create the unique atmosphere
of the city. A plethora of restaurants and
cafes, varied accommodation and numerous
attractions make Toruń a must-see tourist
stop.
More information:
Tourist Information in Toruń
Rynek Staromiejski 25, 87-100 Toruń
tel. +48 56 621 09 31
www.it.torun.pl
153
| Chełmno
Chełmno
Chełmno is a picturesque town on the
River Vistula stretching across nine hills, the
capital of the historical Chełmno Land. The
first written record of Chełmno dates from
1065. The town is known for the Chełmno
Law (the document contained parts of the
Magdeburg, Flemish and Hungarian laws)
incorporated by the Teutonic Order in 1233.
Until the 18th century, Chełmno served as a
legal and architectural model for chartering
225 towns (such as Warsaw, Gdańsk, Toruń,
and Wadowice, to name but a few) and over
1,364 villages and settlements. Chełmno,
thanks to the medieval walls and historic
sites, is called the “Polish Carcassonne” or the
“Little Kraków”. In addition, the great value
of the historical old town of Chełmno can
be confirmed by its registration on the List
of Heritage Landmarks of the Presidents of
Poland in 2005.
The biggest attractions of Chełmno
are its historic sites dating from its heyday
(13th-14th centuries). The town features a
preserved, chessboard layout of medieval
streets and 2,270 m long Gothic city walls,
52 kmfrom Bydgoszcz
city centre
Bird’s eye view of Chełmno
Bydgoszcz environs
154
serving as the most outstanding examples
of defensive architecture in Europe. The
heart of the town is its market square, the
centre of which is occupied by the “gem of
Pomerania’s Renaissance architecture” – the
Gothic-Renaissance Town Hall. It has the
model of a medieval unit of measure, known
as the “Chełmno Bar”, 4.35 m long, seen on
one of the walls of the Town Hall. These days,
it houses the Museum of Chełmno Land.
Chełmno, which is one of the towns of
the European Route of Brick Gothic (www.
eurob.org), features an old Cistercian-
Benedictine monastery and as many as six
Gothic churches. One of them is the Fara
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, which has the relics of St
Valentine. On the Feast of St Valentine,
celebrated on February 14, the town hosts
Valentine’s Day of Chełmno. Due to this
reason, Chełmno is called the Town of Lovers
and the Town of Love. Every year in February,
the town attracts lovers, offering to them such
local delicacies as lovage buns.
Visiting the Chełmno churches, we
recommend climbing the 60-metre high
tower of the Fara Church (Franciszkańska
Street), visiting the crypt of Benedictine
prioress Magdalena Mortęska (1554-1631) in
the local convent (40 Dominikańska Street), as
well as the treasury and monastery cellars. The
Church of the Holy Spirit (Toruńska Street) has
a wide variety of knights’ armour.
More information:
Chełmno Tourist Information
Rynek 28, 86-200 Chełmno
tel. +48 56 686 21 04
www.chelmno.pl
Grudziądz
Grudziądz sits on the right bank of the
River Vistula, in the northern part of Kujawsko-
Pomorskie Voivodeship. The city is a natural
“gateway” to the Tuchola Forest, Chełmno
Land and the Iława Lake District.
The oldest historic sites of Grudziądz
are its earliest brick buildings, erected during
the reign of the Teutonic Knights, including
the castle ruins, the Basilica of St Nicholas
(1 Kościelna Street), and the city walls with
75 km from
Bydgoszcz
city centre
155
| Grudziądz
the Water Gate (7 Wodna Street). A group
of distinct, monumental granaries, creating
a unique panoramic view across the Vistula,
date back to the late Middle Ages. The turn of
the 18th century is remembered in Grudziądz
for three beautiful monasteries, namely the
convent of the Benedictine nuns (3/5 Wodna
Street), the monastery of the Order of the
Reformati (10/22 Wybickiego Street) and the
Jesuit monastery (1 Ratuszowa Street).
During the partitions of Poland, Friedrich
II of Prussia made the decision to build
a citadel in Grudziądz. In a short period,
a modern and the biggest fortress of Poland
was constructed, featuring 5 bastions,
4 ravelins and 32 kilometres of underground
galleries. The rapid growth of military craft
and construction of a bridge over the Vistula
led to expansion of the fortress in the late 19th
century. Such forts as Mała and Wielka Księża
Góra, Fort Nowa Wieś, Parski, Tarpno, Dąb, Gać,
Lasek Miejski and Strzemięcin were erected
at that time. This expansive development
of the city fortification system “backfired”
on Grudziądz during the liberation battles
in winter 1945. Grudziądz was turned into
a city-fortress, the object of battles between
the German and Russian armies that
continued for six weeks. In 1945, nearly three-
quarters of the city was damaged. These days,
almost all forts are open to the public. In
addition, every Saturday between May and
September as well as May 3 and November
11 the citadel, which is administered by the
army, is open to visitors.
One of the attractions of Grudziądz
is Europe’s only graduation tower
closed in a pyramid (Geotermia
View of the Old Town in Grudziądz
Bydgoszcz environs
156
Grudziądz, 36 Warszawska Street,
www.geotermiagrudziadz.pl). Thanks
to air circulation in the closed system,
concentration of healthful elements is so high
that - according to balneology specialists -
one hour of inhalation in the pyramid equals
the daily absorption of iodine at the seaside.
An attraction for families with children
is the Mega Park, a family entertainment park
situated on Lake Rudnickie (Zielona Street).
It comprises Fairy Tale Land, Jurassic Park,
Flintstones’ Land, a Zoo, and Safari. However,
the most popular among the youngest
visitors is the western city called Kansas City.
More information:
Tourist Information
Rynek 3-5, 86-300 Grudziądz
tel. +48 56 461 23 18
www.it.gdz.pl
Inowrocław
Inowrocław is a city situated in the centre
of the region of Western Kuyavia, some 40 km
from Bydgoszcz.
Inowrocław is described as a “city on salt”,
due to its unique location on salt deposits,
whose curative power has been used for
many years. An exceptional local microclimate
is conducive to treatment of hypertension,
upper respiratory diseases, thyroid, and
skin allergies. It is also used in early cardiac
rehabilitation.
The spa part of the city is created by the
Saline Park situated on over 85 hectares. It
features a graduation tower, the main facility
of the spa, which was opened in 2001. It is the
second largest in Poland, just after the one in
Ciechocinek. Brine is conveyed via pumps to
the highest level of the graduation tower (9
m); then it flows down through blackthorn
branches, contributing to the development
of saline aerosol in the surroundings of
the graduation tower. During the interwar
40 km from the
city centre
of Bydgoszcz
Tram running through the Market Square in Grudziądz
157
| Inowrocław
period, Inowrocław was called the “gem of
spas”. It attracted health resort visitors from
both home and abroad. Some of the spa
amenities located in the park include the
pump room, offering waters extracted in
Inowrocław, mineral “Inowrocławianka” water
and curative water called “Jadwiga”; the Palm
House and the Kuyavian cottage with many
species of exotic plants, beautiful fragrant
gardens, papal gardens, a sandy beach, tennis
courts, outdoor fitness centre, a site for BBQ
gatherings, and trails that attract throngs of
runners, rollerbladers and bikers.
The most prominent historic landmark of
Inowrocław is the Basilica Minor of the Most
Holy Name of Mary, built at the turn of the
13th century (9 Bpa. A. Laubitza Street). The
exterior walls of the basilica, on its northern
side, feature bas-reliefs of devils, animals
and people, symbolizing the basic truths of
Christian faith, which according to legends
were supposed to protect the faithful against
evil powers.
We also recommend visiting the Jan
Kasprowicz Museum (33 Solankowa Street),
where we can trace back the history of salt
mining in Inowrocław. Other attractions
include a thermal spring (with chloride-
sodium water extracted at a depth of 491
m) and SPA facilities (Harmonia SPA, 107
Świętokrzyska Street, Medical SPA, 23
Wilkońskiego Street, and Anielska Grota in
the Bast Hotel, 35/37 Królowej Jadwigi Street).
More information:
Municipal Tourist Information Centre
ul. Królowej Jadwigi 3, 88-100 Inowrocław
tel. +48 52 355 53 71
Graduation towers in Solankowy Park of Inowrocław
Bydgoszcz environs
158
Żninand its environs
Żnin is a charming town, situated about
42 km from Bydgoszcz in the historical region
of Pałuki, whose origins date back 750 years.
Its symbol is the 15th-century tower of the
Town Hall. It houses part of the exhibition of
the Museum of Pałuki Land, dedicated to the
history of Żnin. The remaining displays are
presented in the historical building of the
Municipal Office, at 1 Wolności Square.
Only 13 km from Żnin is Biskupin,
Poland’s best known archaeological reserve. It
offers a look at a Neolithic settlement, showing
how rural folk used to live in the period of
Lusatian culture and during the early Middle
Ages. This place teems with life almost all year
long. In addition, the Archaeological Festivals
taking place in September attract crowds of
archaeology and history enthusiasts.
Another attraction in the Żnin area is the
village of Wenecja with castle ruins dating
from the late 14th century, which used to
serve as a residence of Nakło castellan Mikołaj
Nałęcz, called the Bloody Devil of Wenecja.
There is also the Narrow-Gauge Railway
Museum. A ride by a narrow-gauge railway
on the Żnin-Wenecja-Biskupin-Gąsawa route
is an unforgettable experience.
There is also an impressive, classicist
palace in Lubostroń (19 km from Żnin), an
old residence of the Skórzewski family.
The palace offers an interesting tour of its
interiors, exhibition and concerts, which are
organized regularly in this venue. The palace
is surrounded by an English-style park that
invites you to stroll.
On offer for children is Zaurolandia –
Dinosaur Park in Rogowo (15 km from Żnin)
and a western city called Silverado City in
Bożejewiczki (6 km away from Żnin).
To sacred art aficionados we recommend
visiting the churches of Pałuki. Particularly
attractive is the wooden Church of St Nicholas
in Gąsawa (11 km from Żnin) dating from the
17th century, featuring baroque murals in its
42 km from
Bydgoszcz
city centre
Palace in Lubostroń
Archaeological Museum in Biskupin
159
| Ciechocinek
Ciechocinek
Ciechocinek is one of the best known
and most beautiful lowland spa towns. It
is situated in Kuyavia, about 77 km from
Bydgoszcz. Mineral water deposits, great
climate and beautiful scenery are some
of the attractions of the town covered in
greenery. The most recognizable buildings
of the spa are its wooden graduation
towers, which are used to evaporate water
from brine. They offer a unique, curative
microclimate. Health resort visitors who
come to Ciechocinek recuperate not only
interior. On a hot summer day, we can chill out
on one of the many lakes of the Pałuki region
or go to the diving centre in the Piechcin
quarry (30 km from Żnin).
More information:
Tourist Information in Żnin
Plac Wolności 20, 88-400 Żnin
tel. +48 52 303 14 81
www.it.znin.pl
77 km from the
city centre
of Bydgoszcz
Graduation towers in Ciechocinek
Bydgoszcz environs
160
thanks to medical treatments. Meetings at
the famous pedestrian street of Ciechocinek,
walks alongside flower beds, and moments
of relaxation in one of several Ciechocinek
parks are some of the best therapies.
The town specializes in the treatment
of limb and rheumatic diseases, circulatory
diseases, respiratory disorders, nervous
system diseases, and women’s diseases. It is
one of only several spas in Poland where the
number of places for health resort visitors
has been increasing in recent years.
the Opera-Operetta Festival (August),
Polish Tenors’ Gala (July), Disabled Youth
Song Festival “Artistic Impressions” (July),
Kuyavia and Dobrzyń Land Folklore Festival
(June/July), National Firefighters’ Song
Festival (June), Regional Brass Band Festival
(July), the “Blues without Barriers” Festival
(September), and the International Festival
of Roma Song and Culture (July).
More information:
Office for Promotion of the Town
ul. Zdrojowa 2b, 87-720 Ciechocinek
tel. +48 54 416 01 60
www.ciechocinek.pl
Nearly 300,000 flower seedlings are planted every year in order to make the town more beautiful.
Did you know that...
Ciechocinek is called a garden town.
Its green areas comprise three spa parks –
Zdrojowy, Tężniowy and Sosnowy. They are
supplemented by the famous flower beds,
myriad squares, greens and smaller parks
surrounding sanatoriums, and avenues of
trees alongside streets. Reminders of the
old spa include unique examples of wooden
architecture – with the wooden Summer
Theatre (1891) at 3 Kopernika Street. Other
places worth visiting in Ciechocinek include
the Historical President’s Mansion and the
information-education centre (3 Wojska
Polskiego Street).
Ciechocinek is also a festival town.
Some of the most popular events include
Flower carpets in Zdrojowy Park of Ciechocinek
161
In the south-eastern part of Kujawsko-Po-
morskie Voivodeship, on the River Vistula,
we find Włocławek, a city that in the past
was called the “capital of Kuyavia”, one of
the oldest cities in Poland. During the early
years of the reign of the Piast dynasty, the
city, which was founded by Duke Vladislav at
the outlet of the River Zgłowiączka to the Vi-
stula, was regarded as one of the gathering
sites of the Polish army of the greatest stra-
tegic importance. The main trade waterway
ran through the area. In 1123, Włocławek
became a bishopric. The city is associated
with the famous faience factories, which
operated from the 19th century. Some of
the historic landmarks of Włocławek that are
worth visiting include the Cathedral Basilica
(7 Kopernika Street) dating from the 14th
and 15th centuries, the monastery of the
Order of the Reformati in Wolności Square,
and the Bishop’s Palace (2 Gdańska Street).
Włocławek
| Włocławek
113 km from
the city centre
of Bydgoszcz
Bird’s eye view of Włocławek
Bydgoszcz environs
162
One of the most important places associated
with Włocławek is the local dam, which also
reminds one of a sad story. Here, Father Je-
rzy Popiełuszko died a martyr’s death in the
river.
Water enthusiasts will be charmed by the
beautiful Włocławek Reservoir, which is an
attractive place for playing water sports,
fishing, hiking, biking, mushroom hunting,
horseback riding, and other outdoor activi-
ties. The Włocławek stretch of the reservoir is
one of the most picturesque sites. Its natural
course is enjoyed by yachtsmen, sailboaters,
and windsurfers. The Włocławek Reservoir
hosts boat races, which
are a perfect opportunity
for sporting competitions.
Travelling on the local wa-
terways, in the area of the
city, we can notice that
Włocławek is a very green
city. It is surrounded by
woods, scarps of the Kulin
Reserve, and big-city chim-
neys, in which migrating
falcons live.
Tourists are charmed by the
greenery of the historical
Henryk Sienkiewicz Muni-
cipal Park and beautiful flower beds. The city
borders the Gostynin-Włocławek Landscape
Park and a host of lakes, including Lake Ra-
kutowskie, recognized as a European water-
fowl sanctuary.
More information:
Włocławek Tourist Information
ul. Warszawska 11/13, 87-800 Włocławek
tel. +48 54 411 27 57
www.it.wloclawek.pl
Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Włocławek
163
| Kujawsko-Pomorskie VoivodeshipBydgoszcz environs
164
Jan Kochanowski Park
165
INFORMACJEPRAKTYCZNEPractical Information
Practical Information
166
Tourist Information
167
Where to sleep?
168
Where to eat?172
Pubs/Clubs178
Entertainment180
For children182
Tourist equipment rentals184
Shopping186
Tour operators
188
167
Bydgoszcz Information Centre
2 Batorego St.
85-104 Bydgoszcz
tel. + 48 52 340 45 50
www.visitbydgoszcz.pl
Tourist Information
Practical Information | Tourist Information
Tourist Information is the place where
we can start our adventure with Bydgoszcz. It
offers guides, books and souvenirs to tourists.
It provides information and offers bikes for
hire. There are colouring books with images
of Bydgoszcz and games for children.
Tourist equipment rentals184
During the summer season, there is also a
seasonal tourist information centre in the
old tram at 43 Długa Street.
Historical tram in Długa Street.
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.Sept.-May
9-18 9-18 9-18 9-18 9-18 10-16 10-16
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.June-Aug.
9-19 9-19 9-19 9-19 9-19 10-16 10-16
168
Bohema Hotel***** 9 Konarskiego St.
tel. +48 52 560 06 02, www.hotelbohema.pl10 min
10 min
City Hotel**** 6 3 Maja St.
tel. +48 52 325 25 00, www.city-hotel.pl
5 min
Holiday Inn**** 36 Grodzka St.
tel.+48 52 347 70 00, www.holiday.hgb.com.pl
Słoneczny Młyn Hotel**** 96 Jagiellońska St.
tel. +48 52 561 31 00, www.sloneczny.eu
30 min
7 min
Hotel Pod Orłem (Under the Eagle Hotel)**** 13 Gdańska St., tel. +48 52 583 05 30, www.hotelpodorlem.pl
20 min
Brda Hotel*** 94 Dworcowa St.
tel. +48 52 585 01 00, www.hotelbrda.com.pl
/
20 min
Campanile Hotel*** 59 Jagiellońska St.
tel. +48 52 586 20 00,
www.campanile-bydgoszcz.pl
15 min
Kuźnia Hotel*** 67 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 52 345 71 43, www.klubkuznia.pl
/
Where to sleep?
There are many places of accommodation
in Bydgoszcz. The city offers many lodging
opportunities, starting from five-star hotels,
through small hotels and suites, to guestho-
uses.
Room in the Bohema Hotel
169
Pozyton Hotel*** 2 I. Romanowskiej St.
tel. +48 52 329 05 00, www.hotelpozyton.eu
15 min
Agat & Spa Hotel** 17 Nad Torem St.
tel. +48 52 327 70 66, www.agat.bydgoszcz.pl
45 min
Akor Hotel** 1 Ludwikowo Str.
tel.+48 52 518 50 20, www.akorhotel.eu
35 min
Park Hotel*** 3 Wrocławska St.
tel. +48 52 376 36 26
www.parkhotel.bydgoszcz.pl
25 min/
40 min
Maraton Hotel*** 13 Powstańców Warszawy St.
tel. +48 52 341 12 11, www.hotelmaraton.pl
Pałac Hotel***10 Konna St.
tel. +48 52 328 00 12, www.palac.com.pl
50 min
15 min
Amelia Hotel** 1 Energetyczna St.
tel. +48 52 372 85 94, www.hotel-amelia.pl
10 min
Chemik Hotel** 48 Wojska Polskiego St.
tel. +48 52 374 89 13, www.hotel-chemik.pl
7 min
Elda Hotel** 26 Fordońska St.
tel. + 48 52 342 98 55, www.hotelelda.pl
40 min
Focus Hotel** 1 Modrzewiowa St.
tel. +48 52 340 17 66, www.hotelfocus.com.pl
10 min
Hawana Hotel** 29 Boczna St.
tel. +48 52 342 29 41, www.hotelhawana.pl
Ikar Hotel** 32 Szubińska St.
tel. +48 52 366 80 00, www.hotel-ikar.pl
8 min
45 min
Logan Hotel** 8b Siedlecka St.
tel.+48 52 327 84 01, www.hotel-logan.com.pl
30 min
Pegaz Hotel** 10a M. Skłodowskiej-Curie St.
tel.+48 52 341 51 15,
www.pegaz.bydgoszcz.pl
Practical Information | Where to sleep?
170
Pomorski Hotel** 112 Fordońska St.
tel. +48 52 375 85 45, www.hotelpomorski.pl
10 min
Ratuszowy Hotel** 37 Długa St.
tel. +48 52 339 84 00,
www.hotelratuszowy.com.pl
2 min
Zawisza Hotel** 163 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 52 588 09 00, www.hotel-zawisza.pl
40 min
School Youth Shelter
5 Sowińskiego St.
tel. +48 52 322 75 70, www.ssm.bydgoszcz.pl
25 min
Hostel in Gdańska Street 42 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 519 177 668, [email protected]
15 min
Merlin Hostel 7 Zygmunta Augusta St.
tel. +48 52 518 30 20, www.hostelmerlin.pl
20 min
Hostel24 35a Lelewela St.
Tel. +48 52 346 78 35
30 min
5 min
Marina Bydgoszcz 2 Tamka St.
tel. +48 52 58 59 601
www.przystanbydgoszcz.pl
15 min
Dream of Bydgoszcz (Apartments)
13 Dworcowa St., tel. +48 505 438 484
www.dreamofbydgoszcz.com
40 min
Błonie Apartment 4/50 St. Okrzei St.
tel. +48 516 630 188
www.apartamentblonie.pl
15 min
Rooms in Bydgoszcz 5 Sanatoryjna St.
tel. +48 515 111 949
www.pokoje-bydgoszcz.pl
Villa Secesja 18 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 52 376 42 30, www.villasecesja.pl
7 min
/
PTTK Bydgoszcz Janowo Water Hostel
8 Biwakowa St., tel. +48 52 321 50 00
www.pttk.bydgoszcz.pl
20 min
171
Practical Information | Where to sleep?
10 min
Zatoka Restaurant 6a Floriana St.
tel. +48 52 322 12 23
www.zatoka.bydgoszcz.pl
30 min
Rooms with bathrooms “Orbi”
17 Wczasowa St., tel. +48 602 740 584
RV camping sites:
Student dormitories:
15 min
Fordon, 12-14 Kaliskiego St.
tel. +48 52 340 87 92, www.utp.edu.pl
27 min
Błonie 9-9a Koszarowa St.
tel. +48 52 374 90 91, www.utp.edu.pl
5 km
Kamper Park Bydgoszcz 79 Żeglarska St.
tel. +48 501 340 669, www.kamperpark.pl
Folwark Kujawski 155 Toruńska St.
tel. +48 669 323 033
www.splywy.bydgoszcz.pl7 km
KS Gwiazda 45 Bronikowskiego St.
tel. +48 52 379 78 01
4 km
Room in Marina Bydgoszcz
172
Where to eat?
During your sightseeing, we invite you to
take advantage of the dining offer prepared
by Bydgoszcz chefs, who enjoy showing off
their culinary skills. Bydgoszcz restaurants
offer cuisine from all over the world, including
regional delicacies and alcoholic beverages.
Below, please find our list of restaurants
offering the best food in the city centre.
Polish food:
1921,14 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 52 583 06 01
www.restauracja1921.pl
Gościniec Soplica, 181 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 52 328 06 21
www.gosciniecsoplica.pl
Karczma Młyńska, 1 Mennica St.
tel. +48 52 345 57 86
www.karczmamlynska.com.pl
Kummerówka, 14 Konna St
tel. +48 503 161 264
www.karczmabydgoszcz.pl
Meluzyna, 50 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 52 327 42 05
www.restauracjameluzyna.pl
Ogniem i Mieczem, 22 Ogińskiego St.
tel. +48 52 341 41 26
www.ogniemimieczem.com
Oranżeria (Villa Secesja), 18 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 52 376 42 30, www.villasecesja.pl
Przy IV Śluzie (Park Hotel), 3 Wrocławska St.
tel. +48 52 376 36 26
Pyszni i Szybcy, 15 Dworcowa St.
tel. +48 600 851 166
Stary Port, 13 Stary Port St.
tel. +48 52 321 62 08, www.staryport13.pl
173
Practical Information | Where to eat?
3V6 (Hotel City), 6 3 Maja St.
tel. +48 52 325 25 22
A nóż widelec, 5 Wolności Sq.
tel. +48 781 982 616
Bar Tekla, 55 Gdańska St.
Tel. +48 52 321 04 71, www.tekla.com.pl
Za Piecem, 3 Mostowa St.
tel.+48 52 320 65 07, www.zapiecem.pl
Zatoka, 6a Floriana St.
tel. +48 52 322 12 23
www.zatoka.bydgoszcz.pl
Dairy bars:Bar Mleczny Dworcowy, 75 Dworcowa St.
tel. +48 52 324 93 23
Familijny, 12 Dworcowa St.
tel. +48 52 322 07 49
Kujavia, 35 Długa St.
tel. +48 52 320 32 26
www.restauracja-kujavia.pl
Witrażowa, 34 Długa St.
tel. +48 52 328 78 12
European cuisine:
Dumpling and pancake houses:Manekin (pancake restaurant), 14 Focha St.
tel. +48 52 349 39 76
www.manekin.pl
Pod Aniołami (dumpling house),
50 Pomorska St., tel. +48 52 349 57 57
www.pierogarnia-pod-aniolami.pl
Stolnica Kujawska (dumpling house)
5 Grudziądzka St., tel. +48 52 341 20 58
www.stolnicakujawska.pl
Ten Tego 15 Podwale St.
tel. +48 52 320 86 62
174
Bolero (Holiday Inn), 36 Grodzka St.
tel. +48 52 347 70 33
Czarny Diament, 9 Konarskiego St.
dinner in the dark, reservation required
tel. +48 52 560 06 02, www.hotelbohema.pl
Jadłodajnia Mózg, 2 Parkowa St.
tel. +48 517 949 427
Kuchnia, 4 Grodzka St.
tel. +48 52 321 22 22
www.restauracjakuchnia.com.pl
Katarynka, 3 Niedźwiedzia St.
tel. +48 52 320 30 95
www.katarynkabydgoszcz.pl
Kukuryku, 16 Jezuicka Str.
tel. +48 52 551 30 70
Maestra, 5 Focha St.
Tel. +48 52 325 16 51
www.restauracjamaestra.pl
Na Piętrze, 3 Kręta St.
tel. +48 52 322 15 74, www.na-pietrze.pl
Oranżeria Restauracja, 3 Jana Kazimierza St.
tel. +48 52 322 72 27
www.restauracjaoranzeria.pl
Pod Papugami, 1 Stanisława Staszica St.
tel. +48 52 320 37 29, www.podpapugami.pl
Sowa, 4 Mostowa St. tel. +48 52 33 90 800
www.sowa-restauracja.pl
Tramway, 7 Józefa Weyssenhoffa Sq.
tel. +48 788 896 039
www.tramway.bydgoszcz.pl
Villa Calvados, 3 Piotra Skargi St.
tel. +48 608 190 849
www.villacalvados-bydgoszcz.pl
Warzelnia Piwa, 8 Poznańska St.
tel. +48 517 762 197, www.warzelniapiwa.pl
Weranda, 9 Konarskiego St.
tel. +48 52 349 51 52
www.hotelbohema.pl
Italian food:
Dolce Vita
2 Podwale St., tel. +48 52 321 57 57
1 Fredry St., tel. +48 52 321 21 21
www.dolcevita.in
175
Practical Information | Where to eat?
Gregorio, 7 Gdańska St.
Tel. +48 52 331 00 00
www.restauracjagregorio.pl
La Vista, 18 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 52 376 42 30
www.villasecesja.pl
Papa Grande, 63 Długa St.
tel. +48 52 52 44 800
www.papagrande.pl
Pizzeria Capri, 11 Niedźwiedzia St.
Tel. +48 52 322 49 81
www.capribydgoszcz.pl
Pizzeria Soprano, 6 Dworcowa St.
Tel. +48 52 366 00 55
www.soprano.bydgoszcz.pl
Ristorante del Mercato, 15-21 Stary Rynek St.
tel. +48 881 938 835
www.delmercato.pl
Japanese food:
Asian food:
Kurkuma Sushi & Fusion Restaurant
1 Jagiellońska St.
tel. +48 52 321 01 70, www.kurkuma.pl
Nobo Sushi, 84 Jagiellońska St.
tel. +48 723 614 389, www.nobosushi.pl
Sushi Garden, 76 Toruńska St.
tel. +48 52 342 12 20, www.sushi-garden.pl
Divali (Brew House), 8 Poznańska St.
tel. +48 517 762 197, www.warzelniapiwa.pl
Kuchnia Orientalna, 62 Długa St.
tel. +48 52 385 85 54
www.saigon.bydgoszcz.pl
Lotos, 109 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 52 345 47 98, www.lotosbydgoszcz.pl
176
Rong Vang, 30 Jagiellońska St.
tel. +48 52 345 42 36
www.rongvang.com.pl
Ru Ba Ru, 27 Długa St.
tel. +48 796 100 801
www.rubaru.pl
Near East food:
Baalbek, 1 Magdzińskiego St.
tel. +48 52 349 35 18
www.baalbek.pl
Sphinx, 18 Magdzińskiego St.
tel. +48 52 321 54 48
www.sphinx.pl
Greek food: Greco, 12 Grodzka St.
tel. +48 52 324 39 37
www.grecja.pl
Pireus, 208 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 52 371 09 84
www.pireus.com.pl
52 City Diner, 24 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 52 524 45 24
www.52city.pl
Burger Park, 6 Gimnazjalna St.
tel. +48 730 357 940
Mexico City, 8 Gimnazjalna St.
tel. +48 506 277 108
Mexican food:
American food:
177
Practical Information | Where to eat?
CAFESBeyrouth, 22 Dworcowa St.
tel. +48 52 385 80 15, www.beyrouthcafe.pl
Costa, 39-47 Jagiellońska St. (Focus Mall)
tel. +48 662 207 624, www.costacoffe.pl
Cafe Kino, 32 Długa St.
tel. +48 607 671 643, www.cafekino.pl
Coffe Heven, 1 Jagiellońska St.
(Drukarnia Fashion House)
tel. +48 52 332 92 77, www.costacoffee.pl
Asia Tea Room, 7 Wełniany Rynek St.
tel. +48 52 348 70 93
www.herbaciarnia.e-lider.pl
Landshaft, 6 Gimnazjalna St.
tel. +48 503 952 334, www.lanshaft.pl
“Choco” Chocolate House
7/2 Wełniany Rynek St.
tel. +48 797 350 386, www.choco.e-lider.pl
Reggio Emilia, 1b Mostowa St.
tel. +48 52 585 14 44
Sowa
5 Mostowa St., tel. +48 693 994 439
65 Gdańska St., tel. +48 52 322 83 18
39 Jagiellońska St. (Focus Mall)
www.cukierniasowa.pl
Strefa, 11 Długa St.
tel. +48 796 956 956
www.strefabydgoszcz.com.pl
Stara Szuflada, 10 Magdzińskiego St.
tel. +48 667 960 251, www.stara-szuflada.com
Zapałka Coffee, 33 Długa St.
tel. +48 603 942 578
Zetka, 29 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 52 321 10 51
In addition to the places recommended by us,
there is a myriad of other fast food restaurants
and cafes.
178
Pubs/Clubs
The number of pubs has been incre-
asing in the city. In the area of the Old Town
and city centre there are a dozen or so pubs
which offer not only beer, but also intere-
sting, unique music and the opportunity of
making friends with the locals.
1138, 11 Wełniany Rynek St.
tel. +48 796 697 111
Amsterdam, 16 Stary Rynek St.
tel. +48 888 719 719, www.amsterdam-pub.com.pl
Awangarda, 21 Stary Port St.
tel. +48 602 480 760, www.klubawangarda.pl
Barka, Solny Sq.
tel. +48 52 321 31 28
Barka Melody, 57/59 Toruńska St.
tel. +48 602 610 156
Browar, 9 Długa St.
tel. +48 52 348 63 49
Cytadela, 14 Stary Rynek St.
tel. +48 888 719 719, www.amsterdam-pub.com.pl
The One, 15 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 607 671 643, www.musicfashion.pl
Eljazz, 3 Kręta St.
tel. +48 52 322 15 74, www.eljazz.com.pl
Estrada Stage Bar, 51 Dworcowa St.
tel. +48 510 193 810, www.estrada.bydgoszcz.pl
Jack, 65 Długa St.
tel. +48 52 372 98 81, www.kredenspub.pl
Kancelaria, 32 Długa St
tel. +48 607 671 643
Kubryk, 3 Podwale St.
tel. +48 52 321 27 01, www.pubkubryk.pl
Kuźnia, 67 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 52 321 31 70, www.klubkuznia.pl
London Pub, 14/16 Długa St.
tel. +48 52 321 00 69
Mango, 9 Długa Str.
tel. +48 604 899 520
Merlin, 4 Zaułek St.
tel. +48 52 322 87 70
Metro, 62 Długa St.
tel. +48 799 335 906, www.metrobydgoszcz.pl
179
Practical Information | Pubs/Clubs
Moralist, 20 Zygmunta Augusta St.
tel. +48 601 911 315, www.moralist.pl
Mózg,10 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 52 345 51 95, www.mozg.art.pl
Olimpic Bowling Center, 59 Toruńska St.
tel. +48 52 328 90 50
www.olimpicbc.pl
Parnasik, 2 Parkowa St.
Piwiarnia Warka Bydgoszcz
10 Wełniany Sq., tel. +48 52 515 40 00
PRL, 5 Stary Rynek St.
tel. +48 692 130 280, www.pubprl.pl
Red, 73 Dworcowa St.,
tel. +48 697 58 38 58, www.red.bydgoszcz.home.pl
River Side Bydgoszcz (seasonal)
8 Poznańska St.,
tel. +48 505 042 271, www.warzelniapiwa.pl
Sailing Club, 8 Podwale St.
tel. +48 510 949 296
www.turystykawodna.pl
Savoy, 2 Jagiellońska St.
tel. +48 52 349 31 86, www.savoy.pl
Shisha Ramzes, 12 Magdzińskiego St.
tel. +48 880 156 844
Shot, 36 Długa St.
tel. +48 796 704 885
Soda, 4 Mostowa St.
tel. +48 52 339 08 01
Stara Babcia, 2 Wełniany Sq.
tel. +48 668 430 995, www.kredenspub.pl
Śledź, 14 Magdzińskiego St.
tel. +48 791 198 920
Trip, 22 St. Florian St.
tel. +48 52 349 38 22, www.trip.bydgoszcz.pl
Warzelnia Piwa, 8 Poznańska St.
tel. +48 505 042 271, www.warzelniapiwa.pl
Węgliszek,1 Batorego St.
tel. +48 52 322 66 73
Wiatrakowa, 6 Zbożowy Sq.
tel. +48 666 601 389
Widzimisie, 5 1/2 Kościeleckich Sq.
tel. +48 609 109 248
Zamek, 24 Długa St.
tel. +48 729 532 768
180
CINEMAS:Multikino, 48 Focha St.
tel. +48 52 568 43 10, www.multikino.pl
Helios Bydgoszcz, 141 Fordońska St
tel. +48 52 581 00 53, www.helios.pl
Orzeł Cinema, 12-14 Marcinkowskiego St.
tel. +48 52 32 55 540, www.kino-orzel.pl
Adria Cinema & Theatre, 30 Toruńska St.
tel. +48 52 371 27 39, www.kinoadria.pl
Cinema City Bydgoszcz, 39-47 Jagiellońska St.
tel. +48 52 554 37 77, www.cinema-city.pl
Cinema Jeremi, 13 Gen. Z. Berlinga St.
Sports Championship Group of Schools No. 5
Climbing walls:“Spider” Climbing Center
8 Świecka St. (access road from Racławicka
Street), tel. +48 698 860 550
Boulder A5, 12/8 Jagiellońska St. (intercom 8)
tel. +48 692 352 335, www.a5.bydgoszcz.pl
OSTRY Sport Climbing Wall
246 Fordońska St., tel. +48 792 025 891
www.wspinanie-bydgoszcz.pl
Entertainment
It’s hard to get bored in Bydgoszcz. For those
who finished their sightseeing, the city offers
a lot of other attractions. There is a host of
activities to get involved in both summer
and winter. Those who enjoy outdoor ac-
tivities are invited to Myślęcinek; in winter
– the ski slope and skating rink; in summer
– wakepark, horse stable, beach – to name
but a few. Adventure seekers won’t be disap-
pointed either – aeroclub, laserfight, paint-
ball, and climbing walls are places that await
them. In the evening, we invite you to one
of the many local clubs. They resonate with
jazz, shanties, and club music, but there are
also places for those who like sung poetry
and alternative music.
181
Practical Information | Entertainment
OTHER:Bydgoszcz Aeroclub, 28d Biedaszkowo St.
tel. +48 52 373 26 68,
www.aeroklubbydgoski.pl
Alpen-Paintpall, 11 Alpejska St.
tel. +48 608 310 446, www.alpen-paintball.pl
Broadway Bowling & Club
45 Pułaskiego St. tel. +48 52 320 97 22,
www.broadwayclub.eu
Bydgoszcz Kartodrom (kart circuit),
116 Fordońska St., tel. +48 693 529 989,
www.pzm.pl
Olimpic Bowling Center
59 Toruńska St., tel. +48 52 328 90 50,
www.olimpicbc.pl
LaserFight, 100 Dworcowa St.
tel. +48 530 500 412, www.laserfight.pl
Maximus (pool room)
25 Warszawska St., tel. +48 52 330 05 96,
www.club-maximus.pl
Horse Recreation Center
85a Bora Komorowskiego St.,
tel. +48 603 198 594, www.konie.bydgoszcz.pl
Calisthenics Park, 2 Strzelecka St.
Racing Kamat Bydgoszcz, 101 Toruńska St.
(under Tesco), tel. +48 513 812 317
www.gokarty.bydgoszcz.pl
Skatepark – outdoor, Unii Lubelskiej St. by
the Boulevard on the River Brda
Victoria Stable,
54 Ks. A. Szamarzewskiego St.
tel. +48 694 581 633, www.stajniavictoria.com
Myślęcinek:Winter Sports Centre
+48 52 328 00 09 www.myslecinek.pl
seasonal, depends on the weather,
11:00 – 19:00
Horse Recreation Centre
10 Konna St., tel. +48 724 560 016
www.rekreacja.konna.pod.aniolami.pl
Paintball Planet
tel. +48 796 752 638, www.paintball-planet.pl
Wakepark, tel. +48 888 315 888,
www.wakeparkbydgoszcz.pl
Golf Course, tel.+48 507 113 651
Skatepark – indoor, +48 607 087 760,
www.myslecinek.pl
Wakepark in Myślęcinek
182
Playgrounds: Â Magic playground, Magic Chair and
the Beach on Mill Island
 Playground in Jan Kochanowski Park
 Playground at the Bydgoszcz Canal
 Playground in Witos Park
 Playground near the Municipal Lock
Miniature Model of Bydgoszcz Castle
Model made of mini bricks. Along with
a description, it can be admired at 19-21
Grodzka Street, near the mBank office block
(former BRE Bank).
Old Town Miniature model of Bydgoszcz
Miniature model of Bydgoszcz showing the
city’s appearance in the 17th century. The
model is located at the amphitheatre at
Mostowa Street.
Silhouette of Master Twardowski
It appears every day in the window of
tenement house no. 15 in the Old Market
Square at 1:13 am and 9:13 pm.
Children are welcome in many intere-
sting places in Bydgoszcz. There are special
attractions for them where they can enjoy
themselves. The offer includes many creati-
ve activities. Playgrounds and playrooms are
perfect places for playful kiddies. Learning
through play is a motto of many institutions.
For children
Old tram
in Długa Street, open in the summer season
as a tourist information centre
Activities for children
The Bydgoszcz Information Centre offers
books with routes and puzzles for children,
including Master Twardowski’s Code and the
Archer Lady’s Arrow.
The Soap and History of Dirt Museum
13 Długa St., tel. +48 52 515 70 15,
www.muzeummydla.pl (p. 63)
“Motylek” Child Development Academy
16/1 20 Stycznia 1920 St.
tel. +48 506 972 810, www.akademia-motylek.pl
183
Practical Information | For children
Tiny Tot Child Academy, 1c Gackowskiego
St. tel. +48 795 434 558
www.akademiaszkraba.pl
Family Park
246 Fordońska St.
tel. +48 52 321 69 55, www.familypark.pl
Dinusiowo, 28 Marii Konopnickiej St.
(blue pavilion, second floor)
tel. +48 606 206 484
www.dinusiowo.bydgoszcz.pl
REGNUM Education and Culture House
12 A.G. Siedleckiego St. (building of Non-
Public Kindergarten “Przedszkolna Chatka”),
3 Bośniacka St. (building of Elementary
School no. 56)
tel. 52 371 10 51, 793 101 280
www.nowe-pokolenie.pl
Creative Education Foundation
16/1 Kordeckiego St., tel. +48 52 345 81 76
www.fundacjakreatywnejedukacji.org
BABY LAND Play and Education Nook
16/47 Gałczyńskiego St.
tel. +48 886 016 374
www.babyland.bydgoszcz.pl
Kids Play, 140 Fordońska St.
tel. +48 666 33 60 20
www.kidsplay.bydgoszcz.pl
Magic Fun
115 Aleja Jana Pawła II St. (Glinki Shopping
Centre), tel. +48 502 784 043
“Tree House” Playroom
12 Matejki St., tel. +48 501 696 244
www.domeknadrzewie.bydgoszcz.pl
THE ISLAND – Centre for Support of Child
Development, 9 Rupniewskiego St.
tel. +48 52 524 31 73
www.wyspa.bydgoszcz.pl
MyślęcinekRope Park
173-175 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 664131682
www.parklinowy.bydgoszcz.pl
Amusement Park – The Lost World,
Macroworld, Paleontological Museum
173-175 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 664131682, www.myslecinek.pl
ZOO
(with aquarium, terrarium and mini ZOO)
173 Gdańska St.,
tel. +48 52 328 00 08 int. 39
www.zoo.bydgoszcz.com
Magic Chair at the playground on Mill Island
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Tourist equipment rentals
Bydgoszcz Information Centre
2 Batorego St., tel. +48 52 340 45 50
Prices: 3 PLN/h, 40 PLN/24h
Deposit: 100 PLN for a bike
ID required
(ID or passport)
Take a look at Bydgoszcz from a
different perspective. From a bike – not only
the traditional, from a pedal boat, kayak, or
dragon boat – the city will certainly look
different.
“Sawmax” Bikes and Rolls Rental Office
tel. +48 607 087 760
Myślęcinek – in front of the entrance to the
Skatepark, at the pedestrian street heading
to the ZOO
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: 14:00-20:00
Saturday - Sunday: 12:00-20:00
Price list:
- Dutch-type traditional bicycle:
6 PLN /h, 35 PLN/day
- 4-person family bicycle: 20 PLN/h
- 2-person go-kart: 12 PLN/h
- 1-person bicycle – go-kart: 10 PLN/h
- Adjustable rollerblades: 6 PLN/h
- body protectors – pads: 2 PLN/h
two documents required, which will
be copied and returned
City Rent a Bike Hotel City, 6 3 Maja St
tel. + 48 52 325 25 00
Prices: 6 PLN/h, 36 PLN/12h, deposit:100 PLN
Prices for hotel guests: 3 PLN/h, 24 PLN/12h
two photo IDs are required
Bydgoszcz Marina , 2 Tamka St.
tel. +48 52 58 59 601
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: 14:00-19:00
Weekends: 12:00-19:00
July-August
Monday-Friday: 12:00-19:00
Saturday: 11:00-20:00
Sunday: 11:00-19:00
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.Sept.-May
9-18 9-18 9-18 9-18 9-18 10-16 10-16
Mon. Tue. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun.June-Aug.
9-19 9-19 9-19 9-19 9-19 10-16 10-16
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Price list:
- 1 person kayak:
10 PLN first hour, next hour 8 PLN
- 2-person kayak:
12 PLN first hour, next hour 0 PLN
- 3-person canoe:
15 PLN first hour, next hour10 PLN
- 4-person rowing boat:
20 PLN first hour, next hour18 PLN
- Dragon boats:150 PLN/hour + steersman
- 3-person Coxswain -15 PLN/h
- pedal boats / motorized- 30 min 50 PLN,
1h- 85 PLN
- pedal boats - 30 min - 30 PLN, 1h - 50 PLN
KS Gwiazda Sports Club
45 Bronikowskiego St., tel.+48 52 3797801
Open in the summer season
(May - September)
Price list:
- Rowing boat:100 PLN/h + steersman
- Pedal boat:10 PLN/h or 25 PLN/24h
Stanica Wodna PTTK Janowo
8 Biwakowa St.
tel. +48 52 321 50 00 lub +48 609 757 995
Price list:
- 2-person kayak, laminate:
8 PLN/h or 25 PLN/all day
- rowing boat:
10 PLN/h or 35 PLN/all day
- pedal boat:10 PLN/h
Kamper Park
79 Żeglarska St., tel. +48 501 340 669
Price list:
- pedal boat: 45 PLN/ 24h
- bicycle: 3 PLN/h
Folwark Kujawski
155 Toruńska St.
tel. +48 669 323 033
Price list:
- kayak: 30 PLN/24h
- pedal boat: 13 PLN/h
- Bicycle: 3 PLN/h
Practical Information | Tourist equipment rentals
The longest kayak in the world during the water festival “Set your Heading on Bydgoszcz”
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Shopping
Shopping centres:RONDO Shopping Centre
1 Kruszwicka St.
tel.: +48 52 326 36 54, www.chrondo.pl
Monday-Saturday: 8:00-22:00
Sunday: 9:00-21:00
Focus Mall Bydgoszcz
39-47 Jagiellońska St.
tel. +48 52 554 35 00
www.focusmall-bydgoszcz.pl
Monday-Sunday: 9:00-21:00
Cinema City Monday-Sunday: 9:30-22:45
Pomorska Shopping Centre
141 Fordońska St.
www.galeriapomorska.pl
Monday-Saturday: 9:00-21:00
Sunday: 10:00-20:00
Auchan Bydgoszcz
3 Mariana Rejewskiego St.
tel. +48 52 323 86 44
www.auchanbydgoszcz.pl
Monday-Saturday: 9:00-21:00
Sunday: 9:30-20:00
Recognized international brands have
their stores in Bydgoszcz. A walk on old
trade routes – such as Gdańska, Długa and
Dworcowa – is a perfect opportunity to
combine shopping with sightseeing. There is
something for everyone looking for unique
souvenirs. Antique shops hide real treasures,
while art galleries offer artworks made by
Bydgoszcz artists for sale.
Tesco
101 Toruńska St.
tel. +48 52 375 78 00
www.tesco.pl
24/7
Drukarnia Fashion House
1 Jagiellońska St.
tel. +48 52 321 38 08
www.drukarniadommody.pl
Monday-Saturday: 9:00-21:00
Sunday: 10:00-21:00
Glinki Shopping Centre
115 Jana Pawła Av.
tel. +48 52 375 74 07
www.galeriaglinki.pl
Monday-Saturday: 9:00-21:00
Sunday: 10:00-20:00
BATORY Retail Park
1B Fabryczna St.
tel. +48 58 661 75 58
www.batory.com.pl
Monday-Saturday: 9:00-21:00
Sunday: 9:00-21:00
187
Practical Information | Shopping
Souvenirs and handicrafts:Bydgoszcz Information Centre
2 Batorego St., tel. +48 52 340 45 50
Gosia Travel, 15 Długa St.
tel. +48 52 345 65 59
Cepelia, 17 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 52 322 17 28
Alix Gallery, 26 Jezuicka St.
tel. +48 52 322 25 39
Folk and Non-professional Art Gallery
18 Stary Rynek St.
tel. +48 52 322 22 36
Second-hand bookshops:Wiesław Dreas Scientific Antique Shop
3 Stary Rynek St.
tel. +48 52 322 19 7
www.ban-dreas.pl
Antique House, 42 Gdańska St.
tel. +48 52 322 38 86
Elibri Antique and Book Shop
5 Warszawska St.
tel. +48 608 209 777, www.antykwariat.org.pl
Julia Antique Shop, 2 Matejki St.
tel. +48 52 322 23 44, www.antykwariat-julia.pl
188
Touroperators
Bydgoszcz is a city in which a pleasant
surprise awaits visitors behind every corner.
Interesting places can be seen during
self-guided tours or services offered by
professional guides. Tour organizers will show
the local must-sees and take tourists to all
the interesting places that are worth seeing.
Visite.pl Daria Kieraszewicz, 4/6 Batorego St.
 guides
 tours across Bydgoszcz
 tours across the region
 conference service
 city games
tel. +48 52 521 47 96,
+48 607 566 388,
+48 609 185 352, www.visite.pl
PTTK Brda Trail, 1/I Sienkiewicza St.
 guides
 tours across Bydgoszcz
 organization of kayak trips
tel. +48 322 35 89,
+48 501 598 502, www.pttk.bydgoszcz.pl
Uranos, Robert Bazela
 organization of kayak trips
tel. +48 669 323 033
www.splywy.bydgoszcz.pl
Activitas, Barbara Galińska
 organization of kayak trips
tel. +48 607 590 350, www.acyivitas.com.pl
Bydgoszcz Kayaks
 organization of kayak trips
tel. +48 790 224 226
www.bydgoskiekajaki.pl
PTU “Wiking”, Grzegorz Piłat
 organization of kayak trips
88/3-4 Smoleńska St.
tel. +48 608 477 748
www.kajaki.net.pl
189
Practical Information | Tourist Attractions:
190
For more information visit: www.visitbydgoszcz.pl
191
Old Market Square
Mill Island - Museum Island
Children Playing with Goose Fountain
Mostowa Street
18th Meridian
Master Twardowski
Museum of Soap and History of Dirt
Town walls
Man Crossing the River
Church of Poor Clares
Bydgoszcz Cathedral
Bydgoszcz Venice
Casimir the Great Statue
Granaries - Leon Wyczółkowski District Museum
Main Post Office
City Hall
Water Tower
Water Tram
Covered Market
Lloyd Palace
Bydgoszcz Canal
1
9
9
5
13
18
3
11
7
15
20
2
2
10
6
6
14
14
19
4
4
12
17
8
16
21
Tourist Attractions:
”Starofarny” Cemetery22
12
Practical Information | Tourist Attractions
192
Head Office of Radio PiK
1 Plac Wolności Street
Archer Lady Statue
Wolności Square
Andrzej Szwalbe Statue
Saint Vincent á Paulo Basilica
Sielanka District
Pod Orłem Hotel
Cieszkowskiego Street
Wincenty Witos Park
Botanical Garden
Deluge Fountain
Music District
Bench of Marian Rejewski
Myślęcinek Forest Park
30
26
34
24
32
28
36
23
31
27
35
25
25
33
33
29
37
17
21
15
193
Practical Information | Tourist Attractions
194