The Warta River in Poznan looks completely different today from how it did just over a decade ago. The Wartostrada path runs along the river, city beaches open in season, and new crossings for walkers and cyclists have appeared over the water. It is a great place for a family stroll, a lazy afternoon with friends and a meeting point for the whole crew before a cruise.
In this guide we have gathered the key riverside spots in the city centre – with practical tips for groups who want to combine time on the bank with a party on a boat.
Wartostrada – Walking and Cycling Along the Warta River in Poznan
The Wartostrada is a network of walking and cycling paths along the Warta, built since 2011. It is made up of two routes with a combined length of 13.6 km, running along both sides of the river – from Lech Bridge (Most Lecha) in the north to Przemysł I Bridge (Most Przemysła I) in the south. The surface is mostly tarmac, and in places there is a strip of natural crushed stone alongside for runners.
The route was built in stages. The first sections to open ran along Szelągowski Park (Park Szelągowski), ul. Nadbrzeże and ul. Ewangelicka; in the following years the paths were joined up on both sides of the river and fitted with energy-efficient lighting, covered bike racks and self-service bike repair stations, among other things. Today it is the easiest way to get from the centre down to the water without squeezing through busy streets.
Thanks to the bridges, it is easy to put together a loop that suits your group:
- a short loop in the centre – Chwaliszewo, Bolesław Chrobry Bridge, Ostrów Tumski and back over the Berdychowo Bridges; just right as a warm-up before the cruise;
- the southern stretch – between Queen Jadwiga Bridge (Most Królowej Jadwigi) and Przemysł I Bridge, through Park nad Wartą (Warta Park) on the Rataje side;
- the northern stretch – along Szelągowski Park, where you get the most greenery and the least city bustle.
Remember that the path is shared by pedestrians and cyclists. When walking as a bigger group, do not take up the whole width of the path – walk in pairs rather than in a broad line.
City Beaches on the Warta in Poznan
In season, city beaches open along the river. The city’s official website, poznan.pl, lists four locations:
| Beach | Where | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Szeląg | Szelągowski Park, ul. Ugory (Winogrady district) | a quieter afternoon surrounded by greenery |
| Chwaliszewo | by the Old Gasworks (Stara Gazownia), near the Old Warta Riverbed (Stare Koryto Warty) | meeting up in the centre, close to Ostrów Tumski |
| Rataje | by Queen Jadwiga Bridge | families and an active afternoon |
| Wilda | ul. Piastowska | the left bank in the southern part of the city |
On the beaches you will usually find deckchairs, hammocks, parasols and pitches for games, and some of them also have barbecue areas. Operators, names and event programmes change every few seasons, though, so check the latest information before you go on the city beaches page on poznan.pl (in Polish).
Important: the beaches on the Warta are for relaxing, not for swimming. If you want a swim in Poznan, head to the designated bathing areas on the lakes, such as Rusałka or Lake Strzeszyn (Jezioro Strzeszyńskie).
Bridges, Ostrów Tumski and Śródka – the Warta in Poznan by Day and After Dark
The Berdychowo Bridges and other crossings
The most interesting new spot on the river is the Berdychowo Bridges (Mosty Berdychowskie) – two footbridges for walkers and cyclists: one over the Warta (165 m) and one over the Cybina (117 m). They link Chwaliszewo, Ostrów Tumski and Berdychowo, and LED lighting is built into their railings, so after dark they form a line of light above the water. From the footbridge over the Warta you can see the river and the buildings of Ostrów Tumski – a natural spot for a group photo.
It is also worth walking across Bolesław Chrobry Bridge (Most Bolesława Chrobrego), which links Chwaliszewo with Ostrów Tumski, and from the island across the pedestrian Bishop Jordan Bridge (Most Biskupa Jordana) to Śródka. The latter, opened in 2007, restored the historic link between the island and the former town of Śródka.
- for daytime photos – around Bolesław Chrobry Bridge, with a view of the cathedral towers;
- for evening photos – the Berdychowo Bridges with their illuminated railings;
- for a quiet walk – Szelągowski Park on the escarpment of the Warta valley, with its magnificent old trees.
Ostrów Tumski, Śródka and Brama Poznania
A walk along the Warta is easy to combine with the oldest part of the city. Ostrów Tumski (Cathedral Island) is the only island on the Warta that survives within the city limits of Poznan, surrounded by the main channel of the river and a narrower arm called the Cybina. This is where you will find the Archcathedral Basilica of St Peter and St Paul – Poland’s oldest cathedral and the burial place of the country’s first rulers.
On the eastern side of the island, by the Cybina on ul. Gdańska, is Brama Poznania (Porta Posnania) – a heritage centre that tells the story of Ostrów Tumski and the beginnings of the Polish state. Beyond it lies Śródka, a separate town until 1800 and today a cosy neighbourhood with Śródka Market Square (Rynek Śródecki) and the mural “Opowieść śródecka” (The Tale of Śródka). It is a good stop for families and groups who want to show guests from out of town a bit of Poznan’s history.
Getting to the Warta and Preparing Your Group
The easiest way to reach Ostrów Tumski and Chwaliszewo is by tram – lines run over Bolesław Chrobry Bridge, which has a separate tram track. Trams also cross St Roch Bridge (Most św. Rocha), Queen Jadwiga Bridge and Przemysł I Bridge, so you can reach Rataje and Park nad Wartą by public transport too. Guests from outside Poznan will arrive at Poznań Główny, the main railway station, or fly into Poznań Ławica airport, while drivers can use the A2 motorway and the S5 and S11 expressways.
With a larger group, agree on one meeting point that is easy to find for people from out of town – for example at the entrance to a bridge, not “somewhere on the boulevard”. Send everyone a map pin and a time with 15 minutes to spare. For an afternoon by the river you will want a hat, sun cream and water, and something warmer for the evening. We have put together everything else – from the guest list to confirming your booking – in our boat party planning checklist.
The Warta River in Poznan and a Cruise – Combining a Walk with a Party
The riverbank works brilliantly as the first item on the programme. Three tried-and-tested plans:
- A walk and photos – an hour on the Wartostrada or on the Berdychowo Bridges, followed by two hours on the boat.
- Afternoon on the beach, evening on the water – deckchairs and games during the day, a cruise at sunset.
- History and a party – Ostrów Tumski and Śródka for the older guests, then a cruise together for the whole family.
The boarding point, start time and route are agreed when you book – once you know them, it is easy to choose a walk nearby. You hire the boat for 2 hours, and packages in Poznan cost from €16 per person (Basic), from €20 per person (Star) and from €31 per person (VIP) for groups of 30 or more; smaller groups get an individual quote. You will find the details on the BoatParty Poznan page, and a description of what you can see from the deck in our post Poznan river cruise on the Warta – route and views.
One rule for the riverbank: drinking alcohol in public places – including the boulevards and beaches, outside licensed bar terraces – is generally prohibited in Poland. Save the toasts for the deck and take water on your walk. For what else to pack, see our guide what to bring on a party cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions – the Warta River in Poznan
How long is the Wartostrada?
The Wartostrada consists of two routes with a combined length of 13.6 km. They run along both sides of the Warta, between Lech Bridge in the north and Przemysł I Bridge in the south.
Can you swim at the city beaches on the Warta?
No – the beaches on the Warta are for relaxing, not for swimming. For a swim, choose one of the designated bathing areas on Poznan’s lakes.
Where can we take a group photo by the Warta in Poznan?
The Berdychowo Bridges make a great backdrop, especially after dark when the railings are lit up, as does the area around Bolesław Chrobry Bridge with its view of Ostrów Tumski.
Can you drink alcohol on the boulevards along the Warta?
As a rule, no – Poland bans drinking alcohol in public places, including the boulevards and beaches outside licensed bar terraces. It is better to raise your glasses on a private boat.
The Warta River in Poznan – Summary
The Wartostrada, the city beaches and the new footbridges mean you can easily spend a whole afternoon by the Warta, and a cruise is the natural way to round off a day like that. Pick a date, count your guests and send us an enquiry – we will prepare an initial cruise offer tailored to your group.
Book your private boat party
A private cruise in Poznan just for your group: two hours on the water, music and views. Send us an enquiry and we will prepare an offer.
