Bydgoszcz: one of Poland's "Venetias"

Bydgoszcz is one of the two - along with Toruń - capitals of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian region with a name that gives foreigners heart palpitations. Situated slightly off the A1 motorway, it is a centre for industry, trade and logistics as well as a road, rail and inland waterway junction. Bydgoszcz also has an international airport and a river port on the Brda.

The city's history can be traced back to the Middle Ages, although settlements existed within the present-day city limits as early as the Bronze Age. Their inhabitants maintained trade contacts with their neighbours thanks to their convenient location near the Vistula crossing. Today, Bydgoszcz is an important academic, scientific and cultural centre and one of the main centres of the IT industry in Poland.

Where to rent a Carwiz car?

In Bydgoszcz, you can find us at Bydgoszcz-Szwederowo airport. Our contact details are +48 666 406 822 and bzg@carwiz.pl.

What to see in Bydgoszcz?

Bydgoszcz has many monuments connected with the city's long history. We recommend the following attractions.

Mill Island

Let's start our tour from the heart of Bydgoszcz! Located in the historical part of the city, the Mill Island is a green enclave in the city centre. The somewhat chaotic historical buildings consisting of mills, grain warehouses and granaries add to the charm of the place. It is now the most visited part of the city, where you can enjoy a good meal or laze on a green lawn on a summer's day. You can also take a look at the museums, of which there is no shortage. Among them: The Gallery of Modern Art, the European Money Centre, the Archaeological Collection, or the Leon Wyczółkowski House.

Bydgoszcz Cathedral

Bydgoszcz's Parish Church is a beautiful Gothic church dedicated to St. Martin and St. Nicholas, built in the second half of the 15th century. It is the city's most valuable monument of Old Polish architecture. Take a look inside and see for yourself what a wonderful and colourful interior it has.

Bydgoszcz was under German occupation for a long time, which gave it the nickname Little Berlin. At that time, efforts were made to emphasise Germanic culture everywhere, and what was Polish was suppressed. However, there is a manifestation of Polishness from that period on the Bydgoszcz Cathedral that has survived to this day. It is an eagle embossed on the gutter of Bydgoszcz Cathedral. It will be interesting to see if you can find it.

Bydgoszcz's Venice

Mill Island's immediate vicinity is an area of the city where historic townhouses and industrial heritage are intertwined. The Młynówka river flows through here. It is a place where you can eat well and drink beer at the local brewery. An ideal place for a stroll at any time of year.

The Water Tower

If you like to look at the city from above, we recommend climbing the water tower. 176 stairs lead up to the lookout point, from where you can admire the panorama of Bydgoszcz. The view is worth the effort. Moreover, to get to the top, you first have to go through the interior of a former water reservoir, which is an additional attraction.

Exploseum

This is something for history lovers. In Bydgoszcz, you can visit a former post-German explosives factory. This Nazi arms factory is now one of the city's most interesting industrial attractions.

Construction of the facility began in 1939. Although it was dismantled by the Red Army in 1943, it remains in good condition today. When entering this complex, one has the impression of entering another world. The reinforced concrete walls, numerous nooks and crannies will send shivers down your spine.

Murals

Something for fans of street art - the murals in Bydgoszcz are one of a kind. They refer to the city's and Poland's history and pop culture, raise social issues and evoke important figures for the city. The murals have been on display throughout the city for several years now and new ones are being created all the time.