Short characteristics

This 53-kilometer loop leads both through the very heart of the city and across quiet meadows and through the forests located off the beaten track. It is a section of the Odra River Bicycle Trail – an obligatory route for every bicycle lover. In 2005 it was marked blue and it is a 300km long linear route. Currently (as of 2020), the trail is mostly poorly marked and – what is worse – not updated in the field. And all this in a situation where many new bridges have been built and tens of kilometres of perfectly level roads have been laid out on the embankments.

Compared to other sections of the Odra River Trail, there is no close contact with nature but there are a lot of charming stretches and this is a route leading partly across the middle of the city. Despite all this, it is amazingly smooth and conflict-free. You can ride it quickly efficiently and without constant strain of attention. Therefore, it meets the basic requirement of a recreational route. The section along the Widawa river is almost entirely led on the gravel embankments. And so is the section in the Lesicki Forest and between the Redzinski and the Millennium bridges. The rest of the route are bicycle paths in the city centre and forest dirt roads. Out of 53 km, only 4 km are on car roads and even these are rather quiet. Of course, there are a lot of collision intersections where you need to watch out and in the very centre of Wroclaw -pay special attention to the pedestrian traffic. There is also the largest number of cultural attractions – wherever you go, there is a museum!

Since there are many train stations near the route, you can start or finish the ride in many different places depending on your preferences. The natural places for a peaceful rest are the Redzinski Forest and the Opatowicka Island.

The photos of the route and its description starting from the Millennium Bridge are arranged clockwise.

Millennium Bridge – Swiniary

This section leads mainly through the forests. For the enthusiasts of history: if you stray away from the route, the Osobowice district and the local forest hide many secrets. Then, in turn, there is the Redzinski forest, where you can forget about the proximity of the metropolis.

Swiniary – Klokoczycki Bridge

It is a varied section where you sometimes cycle across the meadows or through the forests and sometimes on the edges of housing estates. From Swiniary to Soltysowicki Brigde there is no possibility of escaping by train. Later on, you can choose from 3 more different stations on the way.

Klokoczycki Bridge – Bartoszowicki Weir

Riding across the east districts of Wroclaw, you keep cycling along the embankment over the Widawka river usually surrounded by meadows and woods all the way to Swojczyce only rarely passing any regular buildings.

Bartoszowicki Weir – ZOO

Because it has been impossible to cross the Opatowicka sluice since its renovation, we had to modify the original route. You can ride this section to the ZOO along the embankment of the Odra river. Beware that at weekends it can be very crowded. There are plenty of bars by the water and you also pass parks, housing estates and water sports facilities. Before the entrance to the Zwierzyniecki Footbridge, we recommend taking a look at the Japanese Gate, which is the back entrance to the ZOO. It is located about 20m from the footbridge.

ZOO – Jana Pawla (John Paul) II square

You ride along the Na Grobli Street, which leads you to the city centre, where you will find several attractions awaiting. Then, there is the bike lane next to the Wolnosci Square which takes you to the National Museum. Although the heart is eager to continue along the Dunikowski Boulevards (the best view of the city!), the path turns to the Slowacki Park. You have to be very careful when crossing the entrance and exit of the Olawska Subway under the Olawska Street – it is very narrow, winding and with very limited visibility. Optionally, if you do not feel too confident or you have, for example, a bicycle with a trailer, you can cross the street on the surface a bit earlier at the intersection of the Podwale and Traugutta Streets. Further on, up to Jana Pawla II Square the route runs along the moat and along the Old Town Promenade built on the site of the former city fortifications. There are lots of great places to see along the way.

Jana Pawla (John Paul) II Square- Millennium Bridge

This one is definitely the least visually attractive part of the loop. You ride most of it along a busy thoroughfare passing nearby blocks of flats.

More information about routes in this area can be found on the website : szlakodry.pl