Exploring Wroclaw: These are the 12 most beautiful sights

Wrocław, or Wrocław in Polish, is the capital of Lower Silesia. Around 670,000 people live in this western Polish city on the Oder River, about 270 kilometers east of Dresden and thus not far from the borders with Germany and the Czech Republic. Wrocław enchants with an exciting mix of history and medieval flair on the one hand, and modernity and student energy on the other. We'll tell you which sights you shouldn't miss during your visit to Wrocław .

The best place to start exploring Wrocław is in the Old Town and the city's heart: the historic market square. In Poland, these squares are always called Rynek (large square). The Rynek is considered not only the most beautiful square in Wrocław, but also one of the most impressive of its kind in Europe.

Wrocław is considered the most beautiful city in Poland.

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The Rynek is the city's magnificent square and famous for its Renaissance and Baroque patrician houses, whose facades are painted in pastel colors. In the center are the magnificent Cloth Halls, where precious cloth was traded in the Middle Ages. Strictly speaking, the Rynek consists of two squares separated by a row of houses: the Salt Square and the Church Square.

In the alleys of the Old Town surrounding the market square, you can stroll past boutiques, galleries, and cafés, some of which are picturesque courtyards. Plac Solny, the Salt Market, is particularly beautiful for flower lovers, where fresh flowers are constantly being sold.

Another eye-catcher on the market square is the late 13th-century Gothic town hall, with its beautifully decorated facade full of figures and ornaments. Inside, you'll find the City Museum, which tells the story of Wrocław's history—and is one of the city's superlatives.

The market square is a highlight of Wroclaw.

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In the basement of the historic building is the more than 700-year-old Schweidnitz Cellar. The restaurant has been in almost continuous operation since 1273, making it the oldest restaurant in present-day Poland. A well-known saying still holds true today: "If you haven't been to the Schweidnitz Cellar, you haven't been to Wrocław!"

Once upon a time, famous guests such as Frédéric Chopin, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Kaiser Wilhelm I and Otto von Bismarck came; today, numerous tourists come to taste Polish specialties and the local beer.

An extraordinary and historic duo of buildings stands enthroned at the northwest corner of the main square. Here, two tiny altarist houses, connected by an arched gateway, date back to the 15th century. In the Middle Ages, the houses were inhabited by altarists who looked after the altar in what is now St. Elisabeth's Church.

The house of Hansel and Gretel in the old town of Wrocław at night.

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Because the building resembles two children holding hands, lost among tall buildings, it was given the post-war name "Hansel and Gretel" (Polish: Jaś i Małgosia). The name is now official.

Water is the element in Wrocław. The city is characterized by rivers and numerous canals. The Oder River divides Wrocław into two parts, and four tributaries of the Oder flow through the city: the Oława River, the Ślęza River, the Widawa River, and the Bystrzyca River.

The most famous bridge in Wrocław is the Cathedral Bridge, which provides access to the famous Cathedral Island.

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It's no wonder there are more than 100 bridges – and the city is also called the "Venice of the North." The most famous bridge is the Most Tumski, the Cathedral Bridge, with its dark green steel frame. Built in the 19th century, it provides access to the famous Cathedral Island. The Grunwaldzki Bridge (formerly the Imperial Bridge) holds a record: At 112 meters, it is the longest suspension bridge in Poland!

Just a few minutes' walk from the Old Town, you'll reach one of Wrocław's most idyllic corners: Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island). After crossing the Cathedral Bridge and leaving behind the statues of John the Baptist and St. Hedwig, you'll feel transported to a world of past centuries – Cathedral Island is, in fact, the oldest part of Wrocław. Because so many churches stand in such a small area, Cathedral Island is also called the "religious heart of the city."

The Cathedral Island of Wrocław is the oldest part of the city.

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The cathedral's origins are said to date back to the tenth century, when a fortified royal residence was built there. Later, the area became an ecclesiastical center – which it remains to this day. The top attraction is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, with its nearly 100-meter-high twin towers, a Gothic masterpiece visible from afar. For panoramic views of the Old Town, you can take the elevator to the top.

A hidden bridge in Wrocław doesn't lead over water, but up into the air. Those who climb the 250 steps in St. Magdalene Church reach the Bridge of Penitents, located about 45 meters above the ground between the church's two towers. From here, you'll have arguably the most beautiful view of Wrocław.

Between the towers of the Magdalene Church is the Bridge of Penitents at a height of about 45 meters.

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The late Gothic church was built in the 14th century on the site of its Romanesque and Gothic predecessors. The name "Bridge of the Penitents" It arose because of a legend: It is said that on the bridge, one can encounter the souls of young women who preferred to party and have fun with men rather than take care of the household and children. As punishment, they were forced to walk across the narrow bridge.

Are you surprised to see small bronze figures scattered all over Wrocław? These are the famous "Wrocław Dwarves," an unofficial symbol of the city. In Polish, these nearly 30-centimeter-tall figures are called "Krasnale" or "Krasnoludki."

Their history began in the 1980s and is closely linked to the "Orange Alternative" civil rights movement, which protested against the communist regime. The dwarves were created as a symbol of resistance against oppression and established by a group of artists. Over the years, this tradition has become a creative legacy with ever-changing figures. There are now said to be nearly a thousand of them.

There are around 600 dwarf figures in Wroclaw – each of which has a story.

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You'll spot them not only on windowsills, but also in flowerbeds, on house walls, or on lampposts. Each one tells its own unique story: Sometimes two dwarves try to get a large, round stone rolling; sometimes a dwarf pours himself a glass of schnapps; sometimes a dwarf sits in a wheelchair and asks for more accessibility. There are even apps and city maps that let you go on a "dwarf exploration" – in addition to guided dwarf tours!

At 212 meters high, the Sky Tower is not only the tallest building in Wrocław, but also one of the tallest in all of Poland. It's one of the city's landmarks—and arguably the most visible. The Sky Tower opened in 2012 and has an observation deck on the 49th floor, which you can reach by elevator in less than a minute.

The Sky Tower in Wroclaw offers the best view of the city.

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From the top, you'll get the most beautiful panoramic views of the city and its surroundings—especially at sunset! The Sky Tower also houses a shopping mall and a dining area, among other amenities.

The Centennial Hall (Hala Stulecia) in Wrocław is not located in the city center, but in the Śródmieście district, but the detour is worth it: The hall, also known as the "Cathedral of Democracy," is one of Wrocław's most impressive buildings. It was built between 1911 and 1913 as an innovative structure at the time and is the work of the architect Max Berg. A notable feature is the enormous domed structure, made entirely of reinforced concrete and capable of seating up to 20,000 people.

The Jahrhunderthalle is also known for its great light shows.

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Even today, the Hala Stulecia is considered a technical masterpiece and one of the first and most important examples of modern reinforced concrete construction of the 20th century. The building can accommodate almost 20,000 visitors. Since 2006, the Centennial Hall has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hall is used for concerts, trade fairs, and other events, but inside you'll also find a permanent exhibition about the building's history.

A highlight is the pond in front of the hall and the "Wrocławska Fountain": a modern sound, light, and water installation. During the water features, the water flowing from 300 jets appears to dance to the sound of the music. The nightly shows are additionally accompanied by a light show.

In the heart of the city, you'll stumble upon a baroque gem: the University of Wrocław, picturesquely situated on the banks of the Oder River. Founded in 1702, it is considered one of the oldest universities in Central Europe and one of the most important in Poland. Not only that, but its impressive architecture makes it a top attraction: It boasts a 171-meter-long baroque façade.

The University of Wrocław has a beautiful interior.

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Inside, it's worth visiting the University Museum, which also includes several historical rooms. These include the so-called Aula Leopoldina, the "largest preserved Baroque hall in Poland." Completed in 1732, it is a real eye-catcher for its unique stucco work and frescoes. Also worth seeing is the Mathematical Tower, with its 42-meter-high observation deck overlooking the city center and the Oder River.

The university's Botanical Garden, located behind the Cathedral Island, is the city's green lung, with its rare plants, ponds, and tranquil surroundings, allowing you to switch off from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while while strolling through the city.

The Botanical Garden in Wrocław is an oasis of peace.

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Covering almost 7.5 hectares, it contains approximately 11,500 plants, ranging from alpine plants to rock, aquatic, and marsh plants. Occasionally, the Botanical Garden also hosts events such as the May Day celebrations or the Pumpkin Festival. The Botanical Garden has been a listed monument since 1974.

If you're interested in art, the National Museum in Wrocław is a highlight of your city trip. There, you'll delve deeply into the art and history of Silesia. The collection includes more than 200,000 objects, including works of art from Silesia, Poland, and throughout Europe, ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day.

The National Museum in Wrocław is a must-see for art and history fans.

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Highlights include sacred works of art from the Middle Ages and Baroque paintings, as well as the Four-Dome Pavilion. The historic building, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a wide variety of contemporary works of art.

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