Owińska Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge

The Owińska footbridge (Owińska is pronounced roughly "oh-VEEN-skah") is a striking cable-stayed pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Warta River just north of Poznań, in western Poland. Opened in 2023, it has a viewing tower built into its structure, giving you a bird's-eye view of the river valley and a former Cistercian convent. It is one of the easiest and most rewarding things to do near Poznań if you enjoy cycling, walking or modern architecture.

A crossing with an 800-year backstory

People have crossed the Warta here for centuries: a ferry linked Radojewo and Owińska from the 13th century until the 1940s. A new bridge was first proposed in 1999, but construction only started after a contract was signed in October 2021. The footbridge opened to the public on July 18, 2023, with an official ceremony on July 28. Nearly 10,000 people crossed it in its first ten days.

The project cost about PLN 27.1 million (Polish zloty) and was funded jointly by the city of Poznań, Poznań County and the municipalities of Czerwonak and Suchy Las, with support from EU funds.

The bridge and viewing tower

• Length: about 130 m (430 ft), or around 200 m including the approach ramps.
• Main span over the river: 83 m, with the deck about 10 m above the water.
• Width: just under 4 m, enough for walkers and cyclists to pass comfortably.
• A tilted pylon carries the cables holding up the deck.
• The tower has viewing platforms at 15 m and 25 m above the river.

An info kiosk stands on the deck, and the bridge uses the YourWay navigation system for blind and partially sighted visitors.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially as part of a bike ride or a half-day trip from Poznań. From the top platform you look over river bends, wetland woods and the Baroque convent complex of Owińska. Crossing takes minutes, but allow 30–60 minutes with the tower and photos. The tower is reached by stairs only. Morning and late-afternoon light are best for pictures.

Nearby you can explore:

• the former Cistercian convent and a sensory park for blind visitors,
• the Bartek oak, a protected natural monument,
• the edge of Puszcza Zielonka, a large forest park popular with cyclists,
• a lakeside swimming area and kayak landing.

Opening hours and access

As of October 2026, the bridge and tower are public spaces with free access. The approximate address is ul. Cysterek, 62-005 Owińska, in the municipality of Czerwonak. Remember that the deck is shared with cyclists, so step aside when taking photos.

How to get there

Owińska lies roughly 15 km north of central Poznań, which has an international airport and fast trains to Warsaw and Berlin.

• By train: regional Koleje Wielkopolskie trains to Owińska station, then about a 25-minute walk.
• By bus: lines 312 and 342 from Rondo Śródka in Poznań to the Owińska Parkowa stop, then about 10 minutes on foot.
• By car: the nearest parking is on Plac Przemysława, around a 7-minute walk.
• By bike: the bridge links the Warta riverside trail (Nadwarciański Szlak Rowerowy) on the west bank with the Cistercian trail (Szlak Cysterski) towards the Zielonka Forest on the east bank. An easier option than the riverside path is to ride along the tram line to the Błażeja terminus in Naramowice, then via Boranta, Rubież and Bożywoja streets to Nadwarciańska Street; from there it is about 7 km to the bridge, partly paved and partly gravel. Return by train or bus from Owińska.
• GPS: 52.50913, 16.97098.