Pilgrimage Netherlands Czestochowa (Poland) 13th day

Today you will walk a bit along the Oder (Odra) The route goes through Wrocław, one of the most beautiful cities in Poland.

Eighty percent of all buildings were lost or severely damaged at the end of the war. In the first years after the war, the decay would continue. Only in the 1950s was a large-scale restoration program undertaken, when it was definitively established that the former Breslau would become the Polish city of Wrocław. Meanwhile, Wrocław had been handed over to the Polish authorities. The German population, of which 300,000 remained, was expropriated and declared foreign, to be subsequently transported to the west.

Now Wrocław has a vibrant center that you definitely should not miss. In Wrocław, a waypoint (waypoint) has been placed where you turn right and can proceed straight to the city center (2.7 km). A bit around, but you must have at least visited the market. Even if it’s just to have a cup of coffee (with a lot of cream) and soak up the atmosphere.

It is advisable to eat or shop in Bierutów. There is no restaurant in Wilków, but there is a kitchen.

This pilgrimage from Eindhoven (Netherlands) to Częstochowa in Poland was mapped out using Google Maps.

In the Netherlands, the found cycling paths are of good quality. In Germany and Poland, the journey goes along agricultural roads and bike paths. The bike paths are often nothing more than a gravel path. Even forest paths are not avoided. A robust bike that can take a beating is highly recommended. A sturdy randonneur suffices, but for this route, an MTB is actually the best.

On August 15th, the Assumption of Mary is celebrated with great festivity. Try to be in Częstochowa a few days before that date. You will be surprised by the thousands of pilgrims who arrive singing and making music to not miss the solemn Eucharistic celebration.

Conditionally, the journey does not ask much of the cyclist, aside from the sometimes poor paths.

Where the bike paths go through the city, it is advisable to just stay on the roadway because in the city it often goes from sidewalk to sidewalk.

The bike trip is a low-budget journey that goes from campsite to campsite in Germany. In Poland, it varies between campsites and simple B&Bs.

The landscape is not varied as it follows the 51st latitude. You will pass through quite a few natural areas that are worth getting off for.