Explore Bydgoszcz, Poland | Unlock the hidden treasures of travel
Poland, a land full of history and unique customs, hides a city that looks like a medieval painting - Bydgoszcz. It is known as the Polish version of "Little Venice". It is a city born from water and beautiful because of water. Nourished by the Bada River and the Vistula River, it exudes charming charm. If you are longing for a trip away from the hustle and bustle and encounter romance and tranquility, then Bydgoszcz is definitely your best choice.
1. Best time to travel
Poland is located in the north, and the climate of Bydgoszcz is also affected by this. The average temperature throughout the year is around 6 or 7 degrees. It is relatively cool in summer, with temperatures generally ranging from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. It is a good time to travel, with plenty of sunshine and the city surrounded by lush greenery, creating a picturesque scenery. Winter is relatively cold, with an average temperature of -2-1℃ from December to February of the following year. However, the city covered in snow has a unique charm. Friends who like snow❄️ scenery and winter atmosphere can also choose to go there at this time. However, May to September is the most comfortable season in Bydgoszcz, with warm weather and more outdoor activities, making it more suitable for most tourists.
2. Must-see attractions
Bydgoszcz Cathedral: A famous landmark of the city, it is the oldest church and building in the city, integrating Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and other architectural styles. The church was originally a wooden building, which later burned down, and the current brick church was built between 1466 and 1502. The hall has a nave and two side aisles, the chancel is closed on three sides, and the square tower on the south is very distinctive. The main entrance has an ornate oak door with the initials of the residents of Bydgoszcz. The painting of "Madonna and the Rose" on the high altar of the church is not to be missed. It has a history of 6 centuries. The crowned Madonna holds a baby in her left hand and a rose in her right hand, shining with gold.
Mill Island: The most picturesque place in the old town, nestling in the Bader River, full of fascinating historical sites. In the Middle Ages, this was a gathering place for millers who used the water flow of the river for production. Today, you can visit the white granary to learn about the flour processing process in the 18th century; feel the changes in industry in the Energy Museum transformed from a century-old hydroelectric power plant; and taste local beer and sausages in the wooden mill tavern, which has been in business since 1835.
Msileczynek Park: the largest urban park in Poland, only 5 km from the city center. It covers an area of about 8,300,000 square meters, of which 5,000,000 square meters are forests with a wide variety of plants. This place is not only a "green lung", but also a good place for leisure and entertainment. The park houses the only zoo in Poland, where more than 1,000 animals live and children can get close to the animals. There are also botanical gardens with 820 species of trees, shrubs and flowers, 460 of which occur naturally. The park also has a golf course, an extreme bike 🚲 track, a fishing 🎣 reservoir, a horse riding 🐴 center, etc. You can also camp 🏕️, ski in winter ⛷️, and canoe in summer 🛶, which is full of fun all year round.
Take a water tram cruise: One of the local features, there are two water tourist routes, Svonezna and Staromierska, which are carried by environmentally friendly boats powered by solar energy. It operates every day in summer and basically stops in winter. Walk along the river, admire the scenery on both sides, feel the pulse of the city, and experience the century-old municipal sluice. The whole process of "opening the sluice, closing the sluice, raising the water level, and lowering the water level" lasts about 20 minutes and is very interesting.
3. Nearby delicacies
Polish dumplings🥟(pierogi): The Polish dumplings in Bydgoszcz are a must-try delicacy. There are many fillings to choose from, such as the classic potato🥔cheese🧀 filling, which is rich and mellow; there are also sauerkraut filling, meat filling, etc., paired with sour cream, a bite, full of happiness. Authentic pierogi can be found in many local restaurants and eateries.
Potato Pancakes: Potatoes are ground and fried, and are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They can be paired with various sauces, such as tomato sauce, mayonnaise, etc. They are simple and delicious. They are one of the common local snacks and can be found in street food stalls or restaurants.
Bread: Poland has a wide variety of bread, and Bydgoszcz is no exception. There are long baguettes🍞, as well as breads of various unique shapes and flavors. Some also add nuts, raisins, etc. to increase the taste and flavor. Freshly baked bread is available in supermarkets and bakeries.
IV. Notes
Language: Locals mainly speak Polish, and English is generally popular. Some tourist attractions and restaurant staff may speak English, but communication may be difficult in some small places. You can download some translation software to facilitate communication.
Transportation: The city has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses 🚌, trams 🚎 and water trams. Tickets can be purchased on the jakdojade app or at ticket machines at transport stations. If you want to explore the city more freely, you can also choose to ride a bicycle. The city has complete bicycle rental facilities.
Business hours: The business atmosphere in Bydgoszcz is relatively weak. There are not many people on the streets on weekdays. Many small shops along the street do not have big signs and may close after 3 pm. If you want to dine at night, it is recommended to go to the mall 🏬 or find out the restaurant's opening hours in advance.
Visa: You need to apply for a Schengen visa to travel to Poland. Prepare relevant materials in advance, such as passport, photos, itinerary, hotel reservation proof, proof of funds, etc., and follow the visa application process. Before applying, minors (under 18 years old) must prepare their student ID and the original letter of certification issued by the school. When traveling alone or with one parent, a notarized certificate must be issued by both parents or legal guardians and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.