Zgorzelec: Urban history along the Nysa Łużycka

Przedmieście Nyskie: historic houses and a ceramic relief

The Muzeum Łużyckie is located in Przedmieście Nyskie, amid historic tenement houses along the Nysa Łużycka. Its location in the old district combines a visit to the museum with a view of its architectural setting. Another distinctive feature is the colourful WAZE ceramic bas-relief: it was installed in 1998 on the wall of a concrete elevator next to the former Dreiradmühle. The relief’s location thus also points to a former structure in its immediate surroundings. Together, the houses, museum and relief offer different ways to explore the history of this district—through its buildings, exhibitions and a work of art in public space.

Across the Nysa Łużycka to Görlitz

The Most Staromiejski connects the banks of the Nysa Łużycka and leads directly to the old town of Görlitz in Germany. This crossing over the river is therefore one of the distinctive landmarks for a stay in Zgorzelec: you can combine the history of the Polish city with a visit to Görlitz’s old town. The river is not just part of the place name and cityscape; the bridge also provides a direct link between the two banks.

Houses, museum and memorial sites

The Muzeum Łużyckie’s exhibitions are devoted to the city, its history and the culture of Upper Lusatia. Those interested in these subjects will find a different perspective there than at the memorial sites around the city. The house associated with Jakub Böhme is another link to a notable resident: Böhme (1575–1624) was a mystic and 17th-century Protestant theologian.

Today’s Miejski Dom Kultury also reflects several layers of history. The building was constructed between 1898 and 1902; formerly called Górnołużycka Hala Pamięci, it now houses the Miejski Dom Kultury. A plaque on one of its front walls commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Zgorzelec on 6 July 1950. The treaty established the border along the Oder and Neisse rivers. This building thus brings together architectural history and the memory of a specific historical event.

Another memorial site lies on the southern outskirts of the city on Łużycka Street, at the former site of Stalag VIII A. A stone obelisk with a relief and commemorative plaque stands there. After the war, the site of the Stalag VIII A cemetery became a national memorial. This place offers a different way to engage with the past than the museum and the district: the focus is on the former camp site and its development into a memorial.

The Way of St James and parkrun

Zgorzelec lies on the Polish section of the Way of St James, which leads to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. For travellers interested in pilgrimage routes, this connection is another aspect of the town. It adds a spiritual dimension to the themes of urban history and culture, without requiring a particular itinerary.

The parkrun in Nadnyski Park offers a regular opportunity to get active. It was launched on 7 September 2026 and takes place every Saturday at 9 a.m. as a free 5-kilometre event. It is open to all ages, fitness levels and running speeds. This gives you the option of adding a group run to your stay, while the historic sites, museum and bridge link appeal to other interests.

Which aspects of Zgorzelec interest you?

The Way of St James and parkrun each offer a different focus: one points to a long-distance pilgrimage route, the other to a regular weekly event in Nadnyski Park.

More places at the same level

Bierna, Trójca, Bogatynia, Dłużyna Dolna, Jędrzychowice, Pieńsk, Ruszów, Sławnikowice

For the higher-level travel overview: Zgorzelecki.