ACTIVITIES
1. Cruise on the Brda River
Arriving in Bydgoszcz and not experiencing it from the Brda River is like being in Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. Bydgoszcz thrives along the Brda, consistently modernizing its waterfronts, which reward visitors with incredible experiences.
The city offers a wide range of cruises, from rowboats and small intimate vessels to floating restaurants and houseboats. Kayaks are also available for rent.
2. Mill Island
The revitalized Mill Island is now the heart of Bydgoszcz. When no major events are taking place, it’s a perfect place to relax, sunbathe on the grass, or read a book. Historically, a mint was established here in the 16th century, powered by the Młynówka stream. Surrounded on one side by the Brda and on the other by the Młynówka, the name “Mill Island” is well justified. In addition to Rother Mills, smaller boats dock on the island, and it also houses several buildings of the District Museum, as well as a nearby marina.
3. The Emerging Museum of Bydgoszcz History
The Museum of Bydgoszcz History is a young initiative of the city’s largest museum institution, the Leon Wyczółkowski District Museum. Exhibitions on ethnography and the history of Bydgoszcz are being developed in the historic granaries, which are a symbol of the city, appearing on logos and many souvenir items.
4. History and Modernity in Rother Mills
The grain mills on Mill Island were built in the mid-19th century. Recently, the complex underwent major modernization, transforming it into a meeting place with permanent exhibitions. Today, it hosts the “Knots” exhibition about the history of Bydgoszcz’s water network and the “Mill Machine” exhibition, a kind of science center showing how the grain mills once operated. A viewing terrace is also available for free.
5. Bydgoszcz’s Sacred History
In the city center, you’ll find centuries-old churches with unique histories. The oldest is Bydgoszcz Cathedral, originally founded in 1346, with the current building rebuilt in the 15th century. Though relatively small for a cathedral, it has a distinctive atmosphere and fits beautifully into the riverside landscape of the Brda. The bell tower houses bells from Kamianets-Podilskyi – one of which, according to Henryk Sienkiewicz’s novel Pan Wołodyjowski, rang the alarm in 1672 during the Turkish siege.
The cathedral’s greatest treasure is the painting of Our Lady of Beautiful Love, also known as the Bydgoszcz Madonna. Commissioned in 1466 by starost Jan Kościelecki, the painting is famous for miracles. It was largely hidden until 1922, when parish priest Tadeusz Skarbek-Malczewski rediscovered it. During World War II, it was hidden in Mąkowarsk. In 1966, it was crowned by Blessed Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński, accompanied by Cardinal Karol Wojtyła (later Pope John Paul II), who crowned it again in 1999.
The second oldest existing church in Bydgoszcz is the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known as the Poor Clares Church. A wooden church dedicated to the Holy Spirit stood here in the 15th century. The current brick structure was built in the 16th century, with its historical name linked to the arrival of the Poor Clares. In the 19th century, a clock tower was added, from which the Bydgoszcz bugle call is played daily at noon since 1946. Today, the parish is run by the Franciscan Capuchins.
Many other churches contributed to Bydgoszcz’s history, though not all have survived to the present day.
6. Open-Air Concerts
During the tourist season, Bydgoszcz hosts numerous open-air concerts, reminiscent of the city’s past when artists regularly performed along the Bydgoszcz Canal. Popular series include:
- River of Music (at Opera Nova)
- Canal Culture (along the Bydgoszcz Canal)
- Music Fountain (near the Potop Fountain)
- Multimedia Fountain (by the Pomeranian Philharmonic)
These are free events, making them an attractive option for visitors.
7. Planty Park along the Bydgoszcz Canal and the Canal Museum
Planty Park is a historic promenade with greenery and charming alleys, once a popular recreation area for residents. The Bydgoszcz Canal Museum presents the canal’s history and its importance to the city, as well as organizing exhibitions and educational activities.
8. Visit to Old Fordon
Until 1973, Fordon was an independent town. Its market square, with St. Nicholas Church dating back to the 15th century, represents a distinct heritage worth exploring. The square was recently revitalized with impressive fountains. Nearby, the former Jewish synagogue now serves as a community cinema, mainly for local initiatives. In recent years, a marina on the Vistula River has opened nearby, hosting an increasing number of cruises, with plans for future expansion including an indoor swimming facility.
9. Potop Fountain
The sculpture depicting the biblical Flood was originally created in 1897 by Ferdinand Lepcke. He made three versions: Bydgoszcz, Coburg in Bavaria (his hometown), and Eisleben (melted down during WWII). The Bydgoszcz fountain was destroyed in 1943 but reconstructed in 2014 thanks to the efforts of local residents.
10. Water Tower – Viewing Point and Exhibition Space
Located on Dąbrowski Hill, which played a role during the Kościuszko Uprising, the 45-meter Water Tower can be reached in about a 10-minute walk from the old town. Built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, it was in use until 1990.
Today, it is part of the Waterworks Museum. In addition to exhibits on the history of Bydgoszcz’s water supply, the tower hosts art exhibition openings, and the highlight is the panoramic view of the city from the observation deck. Be prepared for a bit of a climb to reach the top.