Christmas Market – Wroclaw, Poland

That time of year when cities are decorated with lights, the first Christmas trees appear in windows, Coca-Cola trucks can be found on the roads, and “All I want for Christimas is you” flies on the radio…. Christmas, Christmas… What would Christmas be without the Christmas Markets?

Taking advantage of the newly opened S8 road (Lodz-Wroclaw), we decided to go to the supposedly best Christmas market in Poland – direction: WROCŁAW.

The opening of the last section of the S8, the road connecting Lodz and Wroclaw, received a big echo in all media. Another fast track, another opportunity for both two cities. A stretch that used to be covered in 3.5 hours can now be covered in 2 hours with ease. It took us exactly 1:50 (from downtown to downtown).

We left on Sunday morning (but not that somehow since dawn ;) ). The road was empty, the ride was super, comfortable, although you can feel the difference in the pavement (we’ll see if the concrete can withstand the announced 50 years).

Sightseeing in Wroclaw

We checked in at the site before 11:00 am. Since it was Sunday, so parking lots were free and we were able to park the car in the very center without any problems. Taking the opportunity, we decided to walk around the city first, see the sights, and leave the fair for the very end – just such an icing on the cake.

To begin with, we headed towards the rotunda of the“Panorama of Racławice“, passing the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul on the way. The museums include St. Adalbert’s Church and the Museum of Architecture. The screenings at the Racławice Panorama start every half hour, also you don’t have to worry about waiting longer to get in. At the rotunda we met the first dwarf and from then on we looked for more ;)

Across the street is Polish Hill, which offers a nice view of Ostrów Tumski. We then walked along the river to Sand Island. We passed the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and walked along the Tumski Bridge. Of course, it was impossible not to notice the padlocks worn by lovers. I wonder if, as in Rome, the padlocks are removed from time to time….

Then we went to Cathedral of St. St. John the Baptist, where there is said to be the largest organ in Poland and one of the largest in Europe. The mass was just finishing, so we were able to see the interior of the building in peace.

From there we decided to head to our destination – City Hall and Market Square. On the way we passed through the New Market Square, where weary wanderers, can sit and even lie down and look at the interesting Christmas tree :)

Walking further, we met more dwarves.

>> See also other attractions in Wroclaw described in our blog.

Christmas Fair on the Wrocław Market Square

We finally arrived at the market, where a multitude of booths, stands and attractions stretched out as part of the Fair. We walked around the square and saw the cloth halls and numerous passageways. Then, wanting to feel the atmosphere of the holidays, we poked around the booths and attractions. You have to admit that the fair was really on a European level!

You can have a very nice time, eat something good, warm up with mulled wine (we recommend with rum!) or hot chocolate, and of course stock up on gifts. The stalls offered Christmas decorations, handicrafts, bags, cheeses, T-shirts as well as soap and jam (literally :) ) Stalls with Hungarian, French, Polish, German, Spanish cuisine and numerous booths with sweets tempted visitors. The photos, unfortunately, cannot fully capture the atmosphere in the Market….

Summary of the visit to Wroclaw

Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t the best, it was a bit drizzling and chilly, but nevertheless we have to admit that we were not the only tourists in Wroclaw – moreover: as Polish tourists we were in the minority. The monuments are well marked, there are a lot of signs and maps at the main attractions, the descriptions are in many languages. Wroclaw really puts a premium on tourism and it works out superbly.

During the walk, our attention was drawn to the city’s infrastructure and traffic organization: plenty of bike lanes, bike locks, roads closed to cars, etc. Is it possible to make a city pedestrian and bicycle friendly? It can be done!

We will certainly be happy to return again, this time in the summer, and we wholeheartedly recommend you to visit the Wroclaw Christmas Market! :)

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