Wroclaw Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Wroclaw

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Overview

Things to do

Suitability

Country Info (Poland)

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Wroclaw is a large city in SW Poland in the historic region of Silesia. It is actually a city built on numerous islands which are connected by over 100 bridges. Wroclaw boasts fascinating architecture, many rivers and bridges, and a lively and metropolitan cultural scene.

Like many big cities in Central Europe, It has had a troubled past, having seen much violence and devastation. However, modern day Wroclaw has been wonderfully restored and can now be counted amongst the highlights of Poland and of all Central Europe. As Poland rushes into further integration with the rest of Europe, now is the time to visit before the tourist hordes (and high prices) arrive. At present, most tourists are only Polish and German. There are also many Japanese and Korean businessmen and their families living in Wroclaw now.

The Rynek (or central square) - is the architectural centre-point of Wroclaw, and its most obvious attraction. It is one of the biggest town squares in Europe, and is lined on all sides with photogenic and interesting buildings. Centre of tourist life, place where tourists drink beer.

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - Dating from the 13th century, featuring stunning architecture and the largest church organ in Poland.

Racławice Panorama - Perhaps the most-visited tourist site in Wrocław, it consists of a large canvas painting wrapped around a viewing rotunda. It creates a 360 degree view of the Battle of Racławice (1794) between Russian troops and Polish insurrectionists. Visits are conducted in tour groups roughly every half-hour and foreign-language audio guides are available.

Town Hall - Construction of the town hall began in the 14th century. It was one of the few major buildings in Wroclaw to survive World War 2, and it now serves as the Museum of Burgher Art. The interior features stunning Gothic interiors.

Ostrow Tumski - A group of islands on the Oder River with beautiful Cathedrals and a few hundred year old buildings.

St. Elizabeth's Church - On the NE side of the Rynek, this is a large and imposing medieval building with a 90m high tower with spectacular views over the old town.

Eastern Park - Is located on the bank of Oława river is a masterpiece of design, but left forgotten for decades. After few years of restoration it's now a true gem especially worth visiting in April when wetland flowers are blooming or autumn when vegetation turns into picturesque blend of reds, yellows and gold.

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Population: 38.635.100
Languages: Polish 98% (2002)
Currency: zloty
Currency code: PLN
Local Times:
Poland - Warsaw

Country Dialling Code: +48
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 Parallel circular prongs

2 parallel circular prongs with a female earth connector

Set in the heart of Europe, Poland is a multifaceted country where the Capital and medieval towns are trawled by contemporary city slickers, and where horse-drawn carts negotiate country lanes in areas where the new millennium appears to have got lost somewhere down the road. The country has a long Baltic Sea coastline and is bordered by Belarus, the Czech Republic, Germany, Lithuania, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast), Slovakia, and Ukraine.

Poland's history is a turbulent one with countless agressors leaving their mark. From the tales of romantic medieval knights and battles, kings and magnificent castles, to the terror, horrors and destruction of World War II. Yet Poland, a country crushed so many times, has become indestructible and now stands determined against communism with a booming economy and modern outlook.

Despite the country’s forward thinking, its past can't be ignored, particularly when it reminds you at every corner. Warsaw may be embracing the New World cuisine, café culture and clubs, bars that are open all night long, but you’ll still see peasant women selling flowers in its tastefully and beautifully reconstructed Old Town. Drive across the country’s north expanse and you’ll experience a string of 14th-century Gothic castles, such as the magnificent example at Malbork, the last remains of the once powerful Teutonic Knights. Catch a cheap flight to Kraków or Wrocław and you’ll arrive in delightful medieval centres. Or choose almost any major city, from Poznań to Lublin– and many of Poland's small towns – and you’ll experience the fragility of freedom with the extermination camps created by Nazi Germany, derelict Jewish cemeteries, and dark political prisons, all a horrific reminder of the earlier part of the 20th century.

Now a fully fledged member of the EU, Poland is enjoying the rewards and relishing the challenges. Money has begun to flow into the country, allowing for repairing of roads, erection of new shopping malls and beautiful streets. For many however, the changes aren't quick enough with Poland still having an unemployment rate twice as high as some of its EU compatriots, and its young, educated citizens are leaving in droves for pastures new and more prosperus.

While the country experiences rapid modernisation, Poland's countryside continues to retain its rustic appeal. The southern end of the country is dominated by tree-clad mountains and horse-drawn carts farming the fields is a common sight. Countryside life spreads from the outskirts of urban centres as far as the eye can see, and sections of primeval forest in the NE shelter herds of wild bison. The crystal clear waters of the Great Masurian Lakes provide an irresistible playground for kayakers and sailors, whilst the long sandy beaches of the Baltic coast provide ample opportunity for summer seaside holidays or weekend breaks.

Wroclaw Travel Guide

Wroclaw Suitability Profile