Wartostrada in Poznań

The Wartostrada is a network of paved walking and cycling paths along both banks of the Warta River, letting you cross Poznań by the water, away from the streets. The whole route along the Warta and Cybina rivers is about 14 km long and runs between the Przemysł I Bridge and the Lech Bridge, passing the Gate of Poznań, Ostrów Tumski island and Szelągowski Park along the way.

How it was built

Construction began in 2011 and went ahead section by section. By 2014 there were stretches along Szelągowski Park and Nadbrzeże and Ewangelicka Streets. In 2016 a 2.34 km section from the Główna to the Cybina river opened on the east bank, followed by further sections, including a stretch of almost two kilometres on the west bank from the Przemysł I Bridge to the Queen Jadwiga Bridge. An EU-funded project added energy-saving lighting, CCTV, covered bike racks, self-service bike repair stations and two counters for cyclists. Renovation of the section between the Queen Jadwiga and Przemysł I bridges was completed in January 2022.

What you will see along the way

• The Gate of Poznań and Ostrów Tumski with the cathedral – from the east bank the cathedral's silhouette rises above the riverside meadows.
• Szelągowski Park to the north and the green floodplain along the river.
• The link to Lake Malta along the Cybina – an easy way to extend a riverside walk to the lake.
• The area around Czartoria Street and the Bolesław Chrobry Bridge, where the route comes closest to the Old Town.

The surface is mostly asphalt, with a natural gravel verge for runners in places. Most sections are lit and covered by CCTV.

Watch out for high water

The Wartostrada runs through the river valley, partly on the floodplain. When the Warta is high, some sections can flood and be closed – after heavy rain, check the city's announcements and respect closures. Walkers, runners and cyclists share the same space here, so take care when passing.

Tripto tip

For a walk, choose the eastern section from the Queen Jadwiga Bridge to the Cybina – about 1.8 km one way, with views of Ostrów Tumski. By bike, a loop along both banks linked by bridges works well; the whole Wartostrada takes 1–1.5 hours at a relaxed pace. It is free and open at all times, and the lighting makes it suitable for an evening ride.