Discover the charm of the Polish-German borderland: Weekend in Zgorzelec and Görlitz

Discover the charm of the Polish-German borderland: Weekend in Zgorzelec and Görlitz

June 11, 2025

Gorzelec and Görlitz are unique cities that, although separated by a state border, form a common urban organism full of history, culture and extraordinary attractions. Located on the Lusatian Neisse River, they are the perfect destination for a weekend of discovery and unforgettable experiences. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the most interesting corners of this Polish-German borderland, where at every step you can experience the harmonious fusion of two cultures. Our expedition will begin with a symbolic place - the Old Town Bridge, which connects the two cities and is the perfect starting point for exploring the area. We will show you how to discover the most interesting museums, parks and monuments in just a few days that will make your weekend full of inspiring experiences. From fascinating exhibitions at the Lusatian Museum to family attractions at Tierpark Görlitz, there's something for everyone. Get ready to stroll through charming streets, discover the secrets of medieval architecture and enjoy local cuisine. We will show you how best to plan your time to fully enjoy the charm of both cities and their surroundings. Whether you're a history lover, an adventurer or simply want to spend a relaxing weekend away from the hustle and bustle of large metropolises, Zgorzelec and Görlitz have much to offer you. We invite you to discover the magic of the Polish-German border region!

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The Old Town Bridge and its surroundings - a gateway to two worlds

Our adventure in Zgorzelec and Görlitz begins with a symbolic place - the Old Town Bridge, which connects the two cities. This historic bridge, rebuilt in the early 21st century, is not only a crossing of the Lusatian Neisse River, but also a kind of gateway between Poland and Germany. You can find it in the heart of both cities, at coordinates 51.1545°N, 14.9981°E. Getting there is easy - from the train stations in Zgorzelec and Görlitz, you can get here on foot in about 15 minutes or use local public transportation.

The bridge is open to pedestrians and cyclists 24 hours a day, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the area at any time of day. As you walk across the bridge, take note of the skyline of both cities - on the Polish side you'll see restored townhouses, while on the German side you'll be impressed by the rich architecture of Görlitz's old town.

After crossing the bridge, head to the Jacob Boehme House (Daszyńskiego 12, 59-900 Zgorzelec), which is just a few minutes' walk from the bridge on the Polish side. This 16th-century building, now home to tourist information, is a great place to learn more about the region's history and plan further sightseeing. The house is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free.

Continuing our walk on the Polish side, we head to the Lusatian Museum (Daszyńskiego 15, 59-900 Zgorzelec). This small but extremely interesting museum offers a fascinating journey through the history and culture of the region. Of particular note is the exhibition 'Landscapes of Everyday Life. From the history of the Lusatian village', which brings closer everyday life in the area in centuries past. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), a normal ticket costs about 10 zlotys.

After visiting the museum, take a short walk to the Andrzej Blachaniec Park (Parkowa 3, 59-900 Zgorzelec). It's a perfect place for a moment of rest and relaxation. The park offers beautiful alleys, children's playgrounds and picturesque views of the Lusatian Neisse River. It is open 24 hours a day and is a great place for a picnic or active recreation for the whole family.

At the end of the first day, we suggest returning to the Old Town Bridge to admire the sunset over the river and enjoy the evening view of the illuminated cities. This is a magical moment that will allow you to appreciate the charm of this unique place at the meeting point of two countries.

Görlitz - a pearl of architecture and culture

The second day of our tour will be spent on the German side of the border, discovering the charming corners of Görlitz. We begin with a visit to the Silesian Museum (Brüderstraße 8, 02826 Görlitz), which is housed in a beautiful Renaissance building dating back to 1526. This place offers a fascinating journey through the history and culture of Silesia. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and admission costs 8 euros for adults (children under 16 enter for free). Take advantage of the audio guide available in Polish, which will greatly enrich the tour.

After visiting the museum, head to one of Görlitz's most unusual attractions - the Holy Sepulchre (Heilige-Grab-Straße 79, 02828 Görlitz). This medieval replica of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem is a unique monument in Europe. The complex consists of three chapels and offers an extraordinary spiritual and historical experience. The site is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (until 6:00 p.m. in the summer), and the entrance ticket costs 3 euros.

Next, we suggest a stroll through the picturesque streets of the old town of Görlitz, which often serve as a film set for Hollywood productions. Note the richly decorated facades of the townhouses, representing various architectural styles from Gothic to Art Nouveau. Along the way, you can stop at one of the cozy cafes to sample local specialties.

In the afternoon, visit Tierpark Görlitz (Zittauer Str. 43, 02826 Görlitz), an unusual zoo that is ideal for families with children. The park offers not only animal observation, but also interactive experiences such as feeding and stroking some species. The Tierpark is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (until 4:00 p.m. in the winter season), and admission costs €9.90 for adults and €4.90 for children.

At the end of the day, climb one of the city's observation towers, such as the Thicke Turm (Dicke Turm) or the Nikolaiturm (Nikola Tower), for a panoramic view of Görlitz and Zgorzelec at sunset. This is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to appreciate the beauty and harmony of this unique city divided by a border.

Remember that most of the attractions in Görlitz are accessible on foot, but you can also take local public transportation. It's a good idea to get a map of the old town, available at tourist information centers, which will make it easier to orient yourself in the tangle of charming streets.

Exploring the surroundings and practical tips

The third day of our tour will be devoted to exploring the area around Zgorzelec and Görlitz, and we will give you some practical tips to help you fully enjoy your stay in this unique region.

In the morning we suggest a trip to the picturesque Koźlice Waterfall (coordinates: 51.1069°N, 15.0133°E), located about 15 km south of Zgorzelec. It is a charming place, ideal for a walk and contact with nature. Access is easiest by car or bicycle - it's worth renting a unicycle at one of the points in the center of Zgorzelec. The waterfall is accessible all year round, with no entrance fee. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, especially after rain, when the paths can be slippery.

Once you're back in town, be sure to visit the Andrzej Blachaniec Park in Zgorzelec (Parkowa 3, 59-900 Zgorzelec). It's a great place to relax and have a picnic. The park offers walking paths, children's playgrounds and beautiful views of the Lusatian Neisse River. It is open 24 hours a day and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

If you're in the mood for more cultural experiences, we recommend a visit to the Barockhaus - Görlitzer Sammlungen für Geschichte und Kultur (Neißstraße 30, 02826 Görlitz). This fascinating museum presents the history and culture of the region in a beautiful baroque interior. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, admission costs 6 euros.

Practical tips:

  1. transportation: city buses (line P) run between Zgorzelec and Görlitz. A single-trip ticket costs about 3 zloty/1 euro. You can also travel freely on foot - most attractions are within walking distance.

2 Accommodation: You will find a wide range of accommodation options in both cities. We recommend hotels in the center, such as Hotel Silesia in Zgorzelec or Hotel Schwibbogen in Görlitz, which offer a good standard at affordable prices (starting at 200 zloty/50 euros per night).

  1. Gastronomy: It's worth trying local specialties. In Zgorzelec, we recommend the 'Forge of Taste' restaurant (19 Daszyńskiego Street), and in Görlitz the 'Destille' (Nikolaistraße 6) - both serve traditional dishes at affordable prices.

  2. tourist information: you'll find information points at the Jacob Boehme House in Zgorzelec and on Obermarkt 32 in Görlitz. The staff will be happy to help with sightseeing plans and provide up-to-date information on events.

5 Language: In Görlitz, most people in the tourism industry speak English, but it is helpful to know basic phrases in German. In Zgorzelec, you will have no problem communicating in Polish.

6 Payment: While payment cards are widely accepted in Poland, in Germany it is still a good idea to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments.

  1. Sightseeing with children: In addition to the Tierpark Görlitz, we also recommend the 'Fort of Bolko and Lolko' playground in Zgorzelec (Konarskiego Street) - a great place for active recreation for the whole family.

Remember that both Zgorzelec and Görlitz are cities rich in history and culture, but at the same time tourist-friendly and easy to visit. Take your time, savor the atmosphere and discover the charm of the Polish-German border region at your own pace. We wish you a pleasant stay and an unforgettable experience!

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