There is nothing more enjoyable than spending time by the water on a hot summer day. People of Wrocław – apart from traditional lying at the beach – can also go on a cruise on the Oder choosing from various vessels – a ship, historic steamship or gondola.
Nereida, Wiktoria, Goplana, Driada and Gucio – they should remind you of the smell of water, the sun, wind in your hair and pleasant rocking. To get on board, you have to go to one of these five locations:
- Kardynalska Harbour – Włostowic Boulevard, Sand Island at Ostrów Tumski;
- Zwierzyniecka Harbour – 1 Wróblewskiego Street (by Zwierzyniecki Bridge);
- ZOO Harbour – Japanese Gate (second ZOO entrance, behind the terrarium, next to the head office);
- Hala Targowa Harbour – X Dunikowski Boulevard next to the Market Hall;
- Cypel Harbour – Słodowa Island.
Nereida and Wiktoria are genuine steamships – the paddle wheel really works and you can see smoke coming from the chimney! They and Goplana, another historic ship, have three decks – open, roofed and lower – as well as small restaurants with snacks and beverages. Additionally, anyone named Victoria do not have to pay for a cruise on the ship with the same name. If you decide to go on a cruise on one of them, the fun starts at Kardynalska Harbous and continues along the National Museum, under Freedom Bridge, by the Provincial Office, under Grunwald Bridge, next to the Water Tower, Szczytnicki Weir, finally the ship reaches the ZOO Harbour (where you can disembark the ship and go to the zoo) then heads towards Opatowoicka Island and returns to Kardynalska Harbour. The second option is to start at the ZOO Harbour and head towards Opatowicka Island, pass Szczytnicki Weir and the Water Tower, go under Grunwald Bridge and Freedom Bridge, next to Ostrów Tumski and reach Kardynalska Harbour. There, you can finish your cruise and disembark the ship or go back to the ZOO Harbour.
The same conditions can be found on Driada, one of its cruises also starts in Kardynalska Harbour – you will sail near Freedom Bridge, National Museum, Provincial Office, Grunwald Bridge, Water Tower, Szczytniki Lock until your reach Zwierzyniecka Harbour by Zwierzyniecki Bridge until you reach Zwierzyniecka Harbour next to Zwierzyniecki Bridge, where you can disembark or go back to Kardynalska Harbour. The second alternative is boarding in Zwierzycieka Harbour, sailing along Szczytniki Weir, Water Tower, Grunwald Bridge, Provincial Office and National Museum, going under Freedom Bridge and reaching Kardynalska Harbour, where, as usual, you can disembark the ship or return to Zwierzyniecka Harbour.
The gondola called Gucio is charming in its unique amazing way. Unlike others, this tiny vessel has no sound system or restaurant, there is just one roofed deck with two rows of benches. Still, its undoubtedly enchanting character guarantees an unforgettable experience. Its cruises begin in Kardynalska Bridge, leads under Tumski Bridge, Sand Bridge and University Bridge and ends in Cypel Harbour. There, you can disembark Gucio or return to Kardynalska Harbour, sailing next to Hotel Plaza, National Museum and Freedom and Grunwald Bridges, where the fun can stop, or you can continue your cruise next to Tumski Bridge, Sand Bridge, University Birdge and return to Cypel Harbour.
What is more, “Wrocław at Night” is an additional initiative taking place on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (and on request). Seeing Wrocław illuminated by night lights from a ship deck is a truly breathtaking experience. What is worth mentioning, residents of Wrocław and tourists can enjoy cruises on the Oder all year long, not only in spring and summer! Special ticket offers are prepared for families, larger groups and guests in various age groups. You can find a detailed price list and additional information on discounts here.
A cruise on a historic ship is not only a great opportunity to discover the city from a different perspective, but also a perfect moment to slow down a bit, relax and let the current do the rest. Exceptionally beautiful Wrocław is an ideal place for such an experience. You can admire these magical views, forget for a moment about your duties and simply enjoy the moment on board of an amazing ship.
