Gliwice Travel Guide

Gliwice Travel Guide - A complete itinerary with the best travel tips and recommendations for Gliwice in Poland, including top things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Introduction to Gliwice

Located in the Silesian Voivodeship, in the southern part of Poland, Gliwice is a vibrant city that attracts tourists thanks to its rich history, unique cultural heritage, and natural beauty. The city is famous for its well-preserved historical center, fascinating museums, green parks, and excellent food. Gliwice is also a great destination for those who love outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring the countryside.

List of Places to Visit in Gliwice

Gliwice offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors. Some of the top places to visit in Gliwice are:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Gliwice Radio Tower - a tall radio tower built between 1934 and 1935 that served as a Nazi propaganda tool during World War II.
  • Museum of Engineering - a museum that exhibits a range of historical vehicles, machines, and technologies.
  • The Old Castle - a castle that houses the Museum of Gliwice, with exhibits on the city’s history and culture.
  • Rynek - the city’s main square; surrounded by the Old Town Hall, the Church of St. Bartholomew, and other beautiful historical buildings.

Natural Attractions of Gliwice: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Gliwice Hills Landscape Park - a protected park that covers an area of 63 sq km and offers scenic views, hiking trails, and outdoor activities.
  • Paprocany Lake - a beautiful lake that offers swimming, sailing, kayaking, and other water sports activities.
  • Pszczyna Landscape Park - another protected park that offers enchanting forest trails, lakes, and historic sites.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gliwice

Gliwice is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its beautiful landscape and excellent hiking and biking trails. Some of the top trails to explore in Gliwice are:

  • Green Trail - an 18km-long trail that runs through Paprocany Lake and the surrounding hills.
  • Red Trail - a 13km-long trail that offers breathtaking views of the Pszczyna Landscape Park and the surrounding forests.
  • Yellow Trail - a 10km-long trail that takes you through the picturesque villages and countryside of the Gliwice region.

Best Things to Do in Gliwice: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the top things to do in Gliwice:

  • Visit the Old Castle - home to the Museum of Gliwice, which showcases the city’s rich history and culture.
  • Explore the Gliwice Radio Tower - a masterpiece of modern engineering and a testament to the city’s past.
  • Explore the Gliwice Canal - a picturesque waterway that offers boat trips and scenic views.
  • Attend the Jazz and Blues Festival - an annual music festival that brings together some of the best musicians from Poland and around the world.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gliwice

If you have a week to explore Gliwice, here’s a suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1: Explore the Old Town and visit the Old Castle.
  • Day 2: Visit the Museum of Engineering and the Gliwice Radio Tower.
  • Day 3: Take a boat trip on the Gliwice Canal and explore the city’s parks.
  • Day 4: Hike the Yellow Trail and explore the villages and countryside of the region.
  • Day 5: Explore the Pszczyna Landscape Park and experience the natural beauty of the area.
  • Day 6: Take a day trip to Krakow, one of the most beautiful cities in Poland.
  • Day 7: Visit the Paprocany Lake and enjoy a day of swimming and water sports activities.

Food and Drink Scene of Gliwice

Gliwice has a rich culinary scene that offers a range of traditional dishes and modern cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Silesian dumplings - a traditional dish made of potato dough, served with meat, gravy, and sauerkraut.
  • Zurek - a sour soup made with rye flour, potatoes, and sausage.
  • Oscypek - a smoked and salty cheese made from sheep’s milk.

Local Beverages

  • Zywiec beer - a popular Polish beer that’s brewed in the nearby town of Zywiec.
  • Kwas chlebowy - a traditional Polish drink made from fermented bread.
  • Wodka - a clear vodka that’s very popular in Poland and is usually served chilled.

Where to Stay in Gliwice: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Gliwice boasts a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some recommendations:

  • Hotel Diament Plaza Gliwice - a four-star hotel located in the heart of the city.
  • Hotel Royal - a three-star hotel that offers comfortable rooms and a great location.
  • Hostel Gliwice - a budget-friendly hostel that offers private rooms and dorms.

What to Buy in Gliwice: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Gliwice is home to many traditional crafts and local products that make great souvenirs. Here are some recommendations:

  • Amber jewelry - a beautiful and valuable natural product that’s popular in Poland.
  • Silesian pottery - traditional handmade pottery that’s unique to the region.
  • Traditional wooden toys - handmade toys that are a favorite among children and adults alike.

Local Culture and Customs of Gliwice

Gliwice has a rich cultural heritage that’s deeply rooted in the region’s history and traditions. Some of the most important customs and traditions include:

  • The Silesian dialect - a distinctive dialect that’s spoken in the region.
  • The Silesian dance - a traditional dance that’s performed at weddings and other celebrations.
  • Religious traditions - Gliwice has a rich Catholic heritage that’s celebrated through various religious events and ceremonies.

Best Time to Visit Gliwice

The best time to visit Gliwice is from May to September, when the weather is pleasant and sunny, and the city is packed with festivals and events. The Christmas season is also a great time to visit Gliwice, as the city is beautifully decorated and offers many Christmas markets and events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gliwice

Here are some useful tips to help you enjoy your stay in Gliwice:

Do:

  • Learn a few phrases in the local dialect - this will help you connect with the locals and show your appreciation for their culture.
  • Try the local cuisine - Polish cuisine is delicious and offers a range of unique flavors and dishes. Don’t be afraid to try something new.
  • Respect religious customs - Gliwice has a rich Catholic heritage, and it’s important to be respectful of religious events and practices.

Don’t:

  • Speak loudly in public places - Poles tend to speak in a quieter voice than other nationalities, so keep that in mind when speaking in public.
  • Use offensive language - Offensive language is never acceptable and can lead to negative reactions from locals.
  • Forget to tip - Tipping is expected in Polish restaurants and cafes, and leaving a small tip is a sign of appreciation.

Safety and Health

Safety in Gliwice

Gliwice is generally a safe destination, with low crime rates and locals who are friendly and welcoming. However, it’s always important to take basic safety precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping an eye on your valuables.

Health in Gliwice

Gliwice has a range of medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, that offer high-quality medical care. It’s always recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Getting to Gliwice: Transportation Options and Logistics

Gliwice is easily accessible by various means of transportation.

Airports Near Gliwice

  • Katowice International Airport - the closest airport, located 40km from Gliwice.
  • Krakow Airport - located 80km from Gliwice.

Bus Stations Near Gliwice

  • Gliwice Bus Station - located in the city center, with connections to major Polish cities.
  • Katowice Bus Station - located 25km from Gliwice, with connections to major European destinations.

Other Options

  • Train - Gliwice has a modern and efficient railway station that offers connections to major cities in Poland and Europe.
  • Car - Gliwice is well-connected to the Polish motorway network, and car rental services are readily available.

How to Get Around in Gliwice

Gliwice is a small city that’s easy to navigate on foot or by bike. The city also has a reliable public transportation system that consists of buses and trams. Taxis are also readily available.

Where to Go Next from Gliwice: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Gliwice is a great base for exploring the surrounding areas and nearby destinations. Here are some suggestions:

  • Krakow - one of the most beautiful cities in Poland, located about 120km from Gliwice.
  • Wroclaw - a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, located about 200km from Gliwice.
  • Prague - the capital city of the Czech Republic, located about 300km from Gliwice.

Conclusion

Gliwice is a fascinating city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s rich heritage, experience outdoor adventures, or enjoy delicious food and drink, Gliwice has plenty to offer. Use this guide to plan your perfect trip to Gliwice and enjoy all that the city has to offer.

Market square with the town hall Market square with the town hall The radio tower of Gliwice The radio tower of Gliwice