Wrocław - a subjective cycling guide

I moved to Wrocław under the pretext of studying in 2017. The city won me over with its unique atmosphere, a thriving cycling culture (compared to what I knew from other Polish cities), and, above all, its people, who are eager to get things done. Even though I've only lived here for a short time and am far from a native Wrocławian, I'd like to share my favorite spots with you and encourage you to experience the "Venice of the North" for yourself.

Cycling in Wrocław. What's worth knowing?

In the "city of a hundred bridges," there are approximately 290 km of cycle paths (2018, data from morizon.pl). The infrastructure isn't perfect, but it's improving year by year. Dense development, however, hampers car traffic. In the very center of Wrocław, drivers travel at 25 km/h. Only in Kraków do they drive slower (average 24 km/h - data from 2017 from korkowo.pl). This is convenient for cyclists for safety reasons. Despite this, a high number of accidents still occur. Be careful. It's better, but still not at the level of Copenhagen.

On a bike, but what kind of bike?

If you're traveling to Wrocław without your own bike, the best option is to use the city bike network. An interesting feature recently introduced is the ability to leave your rented bike outside the station. This comes at an additional cost, but it offers flexibility and convenience previously unheard of. You can find all the necessary information about the city bike network at wroclawskirower.pl or by calling +48 71 738 11 11. If you're bringing your own bike, I recommend installing the widest possible tires. Cobblestones, tram tracks, and often poor road conditions create conditions more suited to gravel than highway riding. I mentioned earlier the low average speed of cars in the city center. Therefore, I recommend equipping yourself with a narrow handlebar—you don't want to break off your mirrors while overtaking cars stuck in traffic.

Cycling places and initiatives worth visiting

Bike Polo Wroclaw

Social Square, 50-153 Wroclaw

Bicycle polo. Sounds strange, right? Ball, bat, opponents, allies, goals... and all of this at a pace far too fast to comprehend. Chaos—that's how you might describe your first taste of this sport. Regardless of whether your coordination improves in later matches, it's still great fun! However, if you lack the courage to try this challenging discipline, I have good news for you: from the audience's perspective, the spectacle is often even more entertaining. A weekly combination of a discussion club, sporting event, barbecue, and party. If you have a sense of humor, a broad sense of self-discipline, and a desire to meet new and interesting people, this is the place for you. Every Tuesday, 9:00 PM. www.facebook.com/BikePoloWroclaw

The bicycle man

Nowowiejska 26, 50-314 Wrocław

It may be a quirk, but whenever I visit a city for the first time, I always look for bicycle shops. I'm not talking about large, global brand showrooms, but rather initiatives run by local enthusiasts. These places undoubtedly reflect the local cycling culture. One such place in Wrocław is a shop and service center with the memorable name "Pan od rower" (Bicycle Shop). Located on Nowowiejska Street, you'll find parts, accessories, and, above all, trusted professionals who will take care of your bike. panodrowerow.pl

Bike Days Bicycle Film Festival

Kazimierza Wielkiego 19a/21, 50-077 Wroclaw ul. Żmigrodzka 243, 51-129 Wroclaw

I have a rather personal connection to this festival. It was because of this event that I first took my bike to Wrocław and discovered the unique atmosphere of this city. It was while returning from the festival's alleyway afterparty that I had a close encounter with the asphalt, and in a city still unfamiliar to me, I was searching for an infirmary in the early morning hours. Finally, it was to the opening show that I took a fantastic girl, whose boyfriend I can now proudly call myself. I wondered how to capture the atmosphere of this event in words, but perhaps the organizers themselves described it most beautifully on their website: “We ride bikes and watch movies. We thought there were many like us. We decided to integrate the community. We treated the words BIKE and CULTURE as synonyms. Hence the Bike Days Bicycle Film Festival.” I can't wait to see what they show this year. bikedays.pl

CRK bicycle room

Jagiellończyka 10C/D, CRK Courtyard

A community initiative definitely worth a closer look. If only to see that the idea of ​​mutual, selfless help is still alive in our times. The bike shop has often helped me when a lack of knowledge or tools hindered my ability to repair my bike. They write about themselves as follows: "Every Monday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, we help repair, lubricate, repair, maintain, and assemble your bikes and bike-related equipment. We provide tools on-site, from basic to electric. We operate according to the DIY principle – we offer help, advice, and collaborative solution development, but we are not a repair shop (...)."

Wrocław Bicycle Couriers / Just Cycle Service

Haukego-Bosaka 27/1B, 50-447 Wrocław

A courier company, a bicycle repair shop, cargo bikes, road bike setups… There's a lot going on here. A perfect example of how, with a little dedication, you can turn your passion into a source of income. courierzyrowerowi.wroclaw.pl

Wrocław Velodrome named after Werner Józef Grundmann

ul. Żmigrodzka 243, 51-129 Wroclaw

There's a cycling track in Wrocław. Didn't you know? The Open Rides initiative was created in 2015 precisely to remind people of its existence. If you'd like to test your skills on the fastest concrete track in Poland, you have the opportunity, even without a suitable bike. Two "Hultaj" track bikes are available for free rental. Rides are organized every Thursday, between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Three-hour rides cost 20 PLN. The experience? Apparently unforgettable. This year, I plan to finally test it out myself. It's worth mentioning that it's one of the shortest and most technically challenging velodromes in Europe. For more information, please visit the website: wroclawskiwelodrom.wordpress.com

Selected (typical) tourist attractions

Four Domes Pavilion and Centennial Hall

Wystawowa 1, 51-001 Wroclaw

Whether you're passionate about art or simply looking for a beautiful backdrop for a new Instagram photo, the Four Domes Pavilion is for you. The permanent exhibition features collections of Polish art from the second half of the 20th and 21st centuries. All necessary information is available on the website: mnwr.pl Right next door is the Centennial Hall, built between 1911 and 1913 according to a design by Max Berg and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. Add to this Szczytnicki Park, with its Japanese Garden, Spire, and Pergola, and you have an ideal weekend destination.

Market Square and surrounding area

Rynek 1, 11-400 Wroclaw

One of the largest in Europe. I won't go into detail here – you'll find plenty of information about the history of this place in classic guidebooks. I'll just add that cycling in the market square outside the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. may result in a fine. There's talk of permanently lifting the ban, but time will tell what decisions will be made on this matter.

The embankments on the Oder

A popular spot among Wrocław residents, it's perfect for a barbecue or a picnic with friends. In recent years, the area has been modernized. Beach bars, such as "HotSpot," open there in the summer. I'll add that the city's most popular attractions are easy to explore by bike, as they're not too far apart. This makes Wrocław a great place for a weekend getaway when you can't afford long hours in the saddle but still want to experience a wide range of things. Let's say you want to visit, for example, the Oder River embankments, the Centennial Hall and its surroundings, and the Market Square in one go. The distance? A mere 13 km... and remember, this is a very flat city.

What to eat? Where to sleep?

Cycling equates to energy expenditure. It's important to replenish those calories somehow. Regardless of your culinary preferences or your favorite drink, you're sure to find a place in the city of a hundred bridges that will delight you. Besides the market square, it's worth visiting Świętego Antoniego Street for good food and drinks, and exploring the embankment (Wojciech Bogusławskiego Street). Places worth checking out? Piec Na Szewska, Soczewka, Falla, Szynkarnia, Osiem Misek, Vega, Panczo, Mango Mama, Pizzeria Si… And that's just a small sampling of what Wrocław has to offer. Budget accommodations in the city center start at just 35 PLN per person. Locomotive Hostel, Grampa's Hostel, and Bemma Hostel are among the most noteworthy. The latter boasts on its website that it is pet-friendly and offers bike rentals.

That's all? Absolutely not – this is just the beginning!

Southern Park, Powstańców Śląskich Street, Wyspy; Piasek, Słodowa, and Tamka

The legendary Ostrów Tumski, the oldest part of Wrocław. The Market Hall and the Stephan Tower, further examples of outstanding German utilitarian architecture. The tenement houses and cobblestones of the culturally revitalizing Nadodrze district and Przedmieście Oławskie (the so-called Bermuda Triangle), the boulevards along the Odra River, the Wrocław neon signs, the National Forum of Music, the University of Technology campus with its cable car… Each new place brings to mind another, one I haven't written about yet. The history of Wrocław itself, its fate during and after World War II, is the subject of dozens, if not hundreds, of articles. Now it's your turn. Come and discover this city anew, in your own way. I'll leave you with some photos at the end, and see you on a bike! Author: Mateusz Pławski Curious about how others rate Wrocław's cycling scene? We recommend this interesting article on the Morizon blog.