Bike touring Poland: from South to North - Europe bike tour
This is a bike tour through Poland. It's an attempt to cross a fairly large country, from south to north, passing through medial towns and endless fields, all the way up to the Baltic Sea. This being my first visit to Poland and knowing so little about this country, only one thing was certain for me: I needed to start in Krakow and try to reach Gdansk in the Pomeranian region. Yes, Pomeranian like the dog by the Baltic Sea. I saw three possible routes: the West Route, the Central Route through Warsaw, or the East Route. After asking some Polish cyclists I've met on Facebook,
I learned this: the Green Velo Trail is more about nature and beautiful landscapes. Okay, nice! The problem is that it's the longest and I might not have time to finish it in 2 weeks The Central Route includes Warsaw, which has a strong advantage over the others but people told me that in a radius of 200 km there is really nothing to see. The West Route on the other hand should be flatter and I should expect to see many beautiful cities. This means I could really immerse myself in the Polish diverse culture. Being myself a guy from Eastern Europe the decision was fairly easy to make and I chose what I always choose: the Western path. So here I am, trying to explore Poland's historical twists and
turns, but with so many detours along the way, let's just hope I won't end up spinning in circles like a Pomeranian dog chasing its tail. Let's begin, my ride will start Krakow [Music] Before we dive into the videos, I need to share a little hiccup I had along the way. Halfway through my journey, one of my SD cards got corrupted and I lost some of the videos I shot from my bike. Frustrating? Absolutely! But since my goal is just to spark your curiosity about Poland, I decided to keep going anyway. To fill in the gaps, I've included later on some shots I captured on my phone. So, if you're enjoying the material so far, it won't get any better so
go ahead and hit that like button now, before I'll need to get too creative to compensate for the lost videos. I'm in Stare Miasto, which is Polish for Old Town. In front of me you can see the town hall Tower, a 55m Tower which in 1703, due to a massive windstorm it started leaning 55cm. Another interesting landmark is the St Mary's Basilica with its two uneven Towers. The taller and shorter towers were constructed by rival brothers. Their intense competition took
a dark turn, culminating in one taking the life of the other. The main landmark in Krakow I think is the Cloth Hall, which is said to be the first shopping mall in Poland from the 14th century. Okay, now let's head to Kazimiers neighborhood. Although this area
dates back to King Kazimir the Great in the 15th century, it proudly embraces its eastern European vine. I said it proudly embraces because my feeling is that some of the buildings were left untouched, especially to keep this Eastern European vibe. Okay no old Ladas or Skodas at this time but I would not have been surprise to spot a few. Now let's cross this bridge over Vistula river into another neighborhood. It was known during the infamous Nazi occupation as the Jewish Ghetto There I will pass by two very important places in Korakow's history. First there's the Jewish ghetto
Memorial in Ghetto Heros square. The 70 empty chairs scattered across the square serve as a haunting reminder of the 70,000 Jewish residents forced from their homes during World War II, as part of the Nazi's so-called Final Solution. Each chair symbolises 1,000 lives lost highlighting the immense scale of the tragedy. Not far from here is Oskar Schindler's factory, now a museum. This is where the real events behind Schindler's List unfolded during the Nazis Final Solution. Schindler, an unlikely hero used his factory to save 1,000 Jews from certain death. His actions remind us that even in the darkest times humanity
and goodness can emerge from the most unexpected people. If you haven't seen the movie, or if it's been a while, it's worth watching or rewatching to fully grasp the gravity of what happened here Before planning this trip I didn't know much about Poland. As I told you in the beginning of my video, I only vaguely knew where to find on the map cities like Warsaw, Krakow and Gdansk. While drafting the route, I was surprised to discover that in modern day Poland lies the town of Oswiecim, formerly known by its German name, Auschwitz. I had no idea prior to this trip that Auschwitz is in today's modern day Poland. But ignorance isn't something to be ashamed of, it's something to overcome. As I continue looking into this dark chapter of history I find that my words feel increasingly inadequate So instead, I'll stop talking leave you with some troubling realities of what happened here.
The ride takes me to Katowiche, a city of contrast that welcomes me with some really nice bike paths. Heading into the city center, it's impossible to miss the stark contrasts that define Katowice. Once a coal mining powerhouse, the city has reinvented itself as a hub of creativity, blending its industrial roots, with a modern vibrant culture, bringing in lots of foreign investments and funding. End quote from Trip Advisor. Nearby the architectural contrasts become even more striking On one side there's Spodek Arena, a bold brutally structure shaped like a UFO and an icon of Katowice past. Right next to it the Katowice International Conference Center, a building with grass on the roof looking straight from a hobbit movie. I imagine Frodo in the ET having a coffee in downtown Katowice. The next major city planned for my tour is Wroclaw. It's 210 km away so I'll need to break the distance
in half, and get there in 2 days time. As I'm all packed up and set up to start I received a storm alert on my phone asking me to take shelter so I check in with my Polish friends expecting some survival advice and they tell me exactly this: "it's better to go to Wroclaw and take a break for a day, see Old Town etc. It's awesome!" Wait! I thought the whole point of bike touring was to suffer heroically, take blurry pictures and dramatically question life choices at every uphill climb. But my dear Poland is more flat than hilly and insists on spoiling me. I guess I'll just have to bravely accept this fate 10 euros! 8 for me 2 for the bike, got me not only a safe passage by train to avoid the storms, but a ticket to Disneyland! Some might say: take the quiet path! Avoid the touristy places! Don't go there, it's a tourist trap! But if there's one city in Europe I'd want to be trapped in it's the this one. I haven't seen anything like this before. Founded a thousand years ago, Wroclaw has a history as rich as its stunning architecture Originally established by Duke Mieszko the I of Poland, it grew into a vital tradehub surviving Mongol invasions, shifting borders, and centuries of transformation. And you can feel the history
in every street, in every building. The city center is breathtaking. Massive market squares, colorful buildings, charming cobblestone streets and an atmosphere that makes you feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale. But what really makes of Wroclaw unique is its layout. Known as the city of 100 bridges, the Oder river waves through it a network of islands that give it a distinct almost dreamlike character. And the layers of history here are incredible. Over the centuries Wroclaw
has been ruled by Poland, Bohemia, Austria, Prussia and Germany, each living behind a piece of their culture, their architecture and their stories. One of the most incredible spots is Ostrow Tumski, the oldest part of the city. Strolling through it feels like stepping into another era. Stunning Cathedrals, gas lanterns still lit by hand every evening, and a quiet timeless atmosphere that's so hard to find anywhere elsewhere. Wroclaw isn't just about the past, it's a city of resilience and reinvention. After being heavily damaged in World War II, it was meticulously rebuilt restoring its market square and historic landmarks to their former glory. If you would have 10 cities for your bucket list in Europe, make sure to include Wroclaw.
Today is all about nature. After exploring Wroclaw, it's time to hit the road again. My plan is to ride to Gostyn, a small city about 115 km away But the real highlight of the day is waiting for me halfway in Ruda Sulowska. This small village sits on the edge of Barycz Valley Landscape Park, one of Poland's most important natural reserves. Known for it's vast wetlands lakes and rich biodiversity This area is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. Over 270 bird species live here including the massive white tailed eagle and the black stork. If one of these birds starts following me I just hope it's the eagle ...
Ruda Sulowska is also famous for its traditional carp farming, a practice that dates back over 800 years. The local ponds are part of Poland's greatest fisheries, making the region a top spot for fresh local cuisine. After so many days of city life, I can't wait to ride through open landscapes, quiet forests and endless water channels. Okay, that last video you saw, with me enjoying some fresh tomatoes in the open fields of Poland, is the last one before my SD cars got corrupted. I realised the issue only in Gdansk, but just in time to take
some shots that there. So if you've made it so far, please bear with me through this part. I also want to see this through. Colorful Poznan! This wonderful city is actually considered to be the birth place of Polish statehood, founded under the Piast dynasty over a thousand years ago. Once upon a time it even served as a capital of the Polish state Then, 500 years later two stubborn goats this decided to steal the spotlight in 1551 as a new town hall clock was being installed. These goats escaped a feast, climbed the tower and started butting heads earning themselves a permanent place in Poznan's history and they haven't stopped since. Every day at noon for centuries they have
been faithfully clashing horns keeping this quirky tradition alive for generations to enjoy After Poznan I'm heading to Torun, a 160 km ride. This time I'm taking the train again. No storms or other excuses just a necessary choice to make sure I have time and energy to really experience these incredible cities. And trust me, Torun is worth every saved kilometer. Besides, this will allow me to do a tour outside the city to see places like this, or like this. This this city is a UNESCO world heritage site backed with medieval charm Gothic architecture and the history shaped by both science and conquest. It was here in 1473 that Nicolaus
Copernicus was born, the man who dared to tell the world that Earth wasn't the center of the universe. Sure, the Greeks and other civilizations already coined the idea of heliocentrism, but Copernicus was the guy who actually did the math, wrote it down, and made his theory Renaissance approved. In simpler words he just applied something out of the ordinary even by today's standards: science.
But Torun isn't just a city of science, it's a city of change. Founded in 1233 by the Teutonic Knights It served as a stronghold until the 15th century when the town's people raised against the Teutonic Order, dismantling parts of the Fortress. One of the city's most striking features is the Tower of the Cathedral of St John the Baptist and St John the Evangelist, with its very specific roof shape It resembles very much a place I have visited last year in Romania, the Fortified Church of Viscri. I'm not an expert that I didn't find many answers on the internet, but there must be some kind of connection between the Cathedral of Torun and the Fortified Church of Viscri from Romania If this Sparks your curiosity about Romania you can go ahead and check out my other video. After exploring Torun, my next destination is Malbork Castle. And trust me, this isn't just another medieval fortress. Malbork is the largest brick castle in the world and one of the finest
examples of medieval military architecture. Built in 1274 Malbork wasn't just a defensive stronghold, it was the headquarters of the Teutonic Order, a powerful group of warrior monks who ruled vast territories in medieval Europe. Their influence stretched across Prussia, Poland and the Baltic region, shaping the history of Eastern Europe for centuries. Initially they operated
as a hospital order like the Knights Templar, aiding Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land before shifting their focus to military campaigns in Eastern Europe. Their mission, to Christianise the Pagan Prussian tribes and expand their own state creating one of the most powerful military orders of the Middle Ages. One interesting fact is that the Teutonic Knights have invented the first European Passport. The Order issued letters of safe conduct to travelers and merchants, acting as an early form of a passport in medieval Europe. These documents allowed safe passage through Teutonic controlled lands, making trade and diplomacy easier in the otherwise dangerous world. Malbork isn't just a historical site, it's a medieval giant, a fortress of power, and a place where history still echoes through its walls. If you're ever in Poland, this is one
of those places you absolutely must visit it's an unforgettable experience. This, my friends, is the last stretch of the road. I'm only moments away from reaching the Baltic Sea, with an overwhelming feeling of joy. I will just stay quiet for a bit before getting back to the Wikipedia fun facts about the wonderful city of Gdansk. Yes, it happened! Now let's get back to Gdansk. Unlike any other city on theis trip, Gdansk stands out with its Hanseatic architecture, rich maritime legacy, and vibrant history, woven into every street. Walking
through the city, you can feel the influence of the Hanseatic League, a powerful medieval trade alliance that once connected over 200 cities across northern Europe, from Germany and The Netherlands to Poland and Scandinavia. As a major port in the Hanseatic League, Gdansk was Poland's gateway to the world trading grain, timber and furs with cities like Lubeck, Hamburg, and Riga. The city's merchant houses, warehouses and their facades along Dlugi Targ (Long Market), showcase its Hanseatic wealth making it feel more like a northern European trading hub, than a traditional Polish city. One of the most striking symbols of this past is the Gdansk crane Zura, towering over the river bank. Built in the 15th
century, this massive wooden structure was once the largest port crane in medieval Europe, capable of lifting up to two tons at a time. Interestingly, its design closely resembles Scandinavian port cranes, found in cities like Stockholm and Bergen But Gdansk's history is not just one of trade. It has also seen conflict and revolution. This is the city where World War II began. On September 1st 1939
German forces launched their invasion of Poland by attacking Westerplatte a small Polish military outpost post just outside the city. The battle lasted for 7 days marking the start of a war that would devastate much of Europe. By the end of the war end, over 90% of Gdansk's Old Town was reduced to rubble Gdansk was painstakingly restored to resemble its medieval Hanseatic past, using old paintings, records and photographs as guides. But Gdansk didn't just survive the war, it played a pivotal role in shaping the modern history of Europe. In 1980 the solidarity movement was born in Gdansk Shipyard, led by Lech Walesa. What started as a shipyard workers strike, quickly grew into the first independent trade union in the Soviet block, setting off a chain of events that led to the fall of communism in Eastern Europe As my final stop in Poland, I couldn't have chosen a better place to end this journey, a city where history meets the sea, where past and present blend seamlessly and where every street tells a story. From the charming Kwakow, to the colorful canals of Wroclaw, to the his historic heart of Poznan, the scientific legacy of Torun, the mighty fortress of Malbork, and now the Baltic shores of Gdansk, this journey through Poland has been truly amazing. Each city has its own story, its own history, and
its own charm. Poland is a country that has seen it all. Great kingdoms, devastating wars, revolutions and rebirths, shaping the course of European history along the war. Yet through it all, it remains a place of resilience, beauty and surprises. Whether it's the colorful Square markets the
legendary castles or the endless cycling routes through nature, Poland is more than just a place on the map, it's an experience, and one I'll never forget! Poland's vast and mostly flat landscape has made this trip a dream for a cycling enthusiast, allowing me to cover long distances with ease and experience the country's diverse scenery, at my own pace. Thank you, Poland! This was my personal experience and I'm sure I have merely scratched the surface. I would be really happy to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Whether you are Portuguese, Swedish or Bulgarian, I would like to hear the stories from your Europe. But for God's sake, please do it in English
2025-02-21 04:13
