Dirschau (Tczew): Vistula, bridges and culture

Bridges and the history of the old town

The Vistula bridges are considered a special attraction in Dirschau. The first road bridge was built between 1851 and 1857. At 837 metres long, it was then among the longest bridges in the world. The American Society of Civil Engineers also recognised the Tczew Bridge as an international landmark of civil engineering. The bridges thus bring together a striking town landmark and a remarkable history of bridge building.

The medieval street plan is largely preserved in the old town. The narrow streets that still bear their old names include Garncarska, Kościelna, Podmurna, Rybacka and Zamkowa. Plac Hallera is at the heart of the old town. Those interested in the town's history will find tangible points of reference here: street names, the square and the inherited layout make the historic structure visible in the townscape.

The fortification trail and getting around the town

The fortification trail follows the route of the medieval town wall. It was 1,300 metres long and had five gates and twelve towers. The trail starts on Podmurna Street and leads to a viewpoint and an amphitheatre near Rybacka Street. This connects the history of the fortifications with a walk through the town, with both its starting point and destination specified.

A Tczew section of the Vistula Cycle Route also includes a walk through the old town streets. A section of the international EuroVelo Vistula Cycle Route R9 runs along Pomorska Street, where it connects with the city's existing cycling network. The old town on foot and the cycle route section thus offer two different starting points for planning an active trip.

Museums, churches and exhibitions

The Muzeum Wisły in Tczew is Poland's largest museum devoted to the history of the Vistula. It offers a fitting focus for travellers who want to learn about the river not only as part of the townscape, but also through its history. The parish church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is Dirschau's oldest historic building. It dates from the 13th century and preserves 15th-century frescoes. It serves both as a place of worship and as a gallery of medieval and modern art.

Another historic building is the former Dominican church of St Stanislaus Kostka. It was built in the 14th century in the Gothic style and has a distinctive octagonal tower. The reconstructed Dutch windmill dates from 1890. Its rare five-bladed sails and revolving cap make it a tourist attraction in the Pomeranian landscape.

For changing exhibition themes, there is Fabryka Sztuk, which hosts several dozen different exhibitions each year, including ethnographic displays and exhibitions of old and contemporary art. Together, the museum, churches and exhibition venue offer different ways to explore the town's history and culture.

Green spaces and events by the Vistula

The town park covers about 15 hectares. Its facilities include an amphitheatre and a concert shell. Cultural and patriotic events, picnics, folk festivals and sports competitions take place at Bulwar Nadwiślański. Several playgrounds and a large castle together form a play and recreation complex there. The In Memoriam Festival Grzegorz Ciechowski has been held in Dirschau, the artist's hometown, since 2002.

Discover more places

More destination pages: Zajączkowo, Borkowo, Pelplin, Gniew, Dirschau, Lubiszewo Tczewskie, Malenin, Szpęgawa, Waćmierek, Rudno, Swarożyn.

For the main travel overview: Pomerania.