In Poland, we’re really lucky – many of our cities are on rivers, or near lakes, and that makes it so much easier to survive hot summer days.
That’s why we’ve decided to give you a snapshot of what’s out there water-wise in Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław.
Kraków – attractions on the Vistula
Kraków in the sun – a great way to spend summer. Bike rides and strolls along the Vistula are not the only option when it comes to making the most of Kraków in summer. Take a look at Bagry – everyone loves this guarded lake beach, especially since there’s a brine graduation tower, too. There’s disabled access so everyone can enjoy it! Love team sports? There’s a volleyball court, and kids love the playground. The Przylasek Rusiecki Lake Swimming Area. There’s a sandy beach and a gorgeous pier, too. But that’s not all – there’s a beach ball court, fun and games for the kids, and there’s even a floating pool.
If you want to feel the wind in your hair and relax with a view of the city, take a boat cruise on the Vistula, or hire a motor boat, or water bikes.
If you want to get out of Kraków for a bit – check out Kryspinowskie and Dobczyckie Lakes. You can go sailing – hire a sail boat or learn to sail – there are sailing schools offering courses for beginners.
Warsaw – water sports on the Vistula
Like Kraków, Warsaw is right on the river. Apart from walks and bike trips, there are places ideal for relaxing after work, or on weekends.
Parents and children will be more than happy after a visit to Bajka Park in Błonie, a multifunctional playground shaded by trees, with streams and fountains to play in. It’s gorgeous on hot days! Resting is also possible near Warsaw. Żyrardowski Reservoir with its wide beach and guarded swimming area is exactly what you need to relax. And it's such a scenic place. You can enjoy the water sports, too.
If you’re looking for something to get the adrenaline going, you don’t have to travel far at all. Have a go at wakeboarding! Wakeparks have everything you need, so you don’t even have to worry about equipment.
Wrocław – leisure on the water
In the heart of Lower Silesia, the city of 100+ bridges has plenty of attractions on the water waiting for you. Port Osobowice or Gondola Bay at the National Museum is great for kayaking. If you love wakeboarding, you have to check out the Glinanki swimming area in a disused clay pit.
If you’re in Wrocław you can’t miss one of the most unique places in Europe - Odra Centrum, which has been open since 2013. This is where Wrocław locals and tourists met during environment events such as educational kayaking/rafting trips, workshops, river-cleaning and cultural events – there’s something for everyone. And all this with spectacular views of the Odra!
Fancy a spot of sailing? Just 30 km from the city, there’s Mietkowskie Lake. Can’t sail? Check out the beginner courses and learn from scratch.
One of Lower Silesia’s unique attractions is rafting. The Bardzki Gorge rafting trip is truly breath taking – not only because of the natural beauty alone. Bardo lies on the edge of the Sudetes mountain range, and is the gateway to the Kłodzko Valley. It’s worth staying here longer!
But before you hop in the water, remember to check out the safety rules and regulations, and the available services of local sports clubs or equipment hire.
Spectacular views of the city from the water – sounds like the perfect plan for a free afternoon or weekends. But remember to use your head!