Opole

The Krajowy Festiwal Piosenki Polskiej has been held at the Amfiteatr Tysiąclecia since 1963. The Muzeum Polskiej Piosenki is also based there. For outdoor exercise, options include Wyspa Bolko and the boulevards along the Opolska Wenecja, which are about 1.3 kilometres long. Another option is Opole Zoo, with animal areas and activities for children.

Polish song takes centre stage at the Muzeum Polskiej Piosenki: the exhibition provides an overview of its history from the 1920s to the present day. Its timeline therefore spans the early decades of modern song through to the present. Visitors can record a song in recording booths and have it sent to them by email as a keepsake. The museum also hosts artist meet-and-greets, concerts, museum classes and educational activities for the youngest visitors.

The Muzeum Śląska Opolskiego focuses on other aspects of history. Objects on display include a model of Opole from the mid-18th century and finds from the prehistoric settlement at Ostrówek in Opole. There is also Tułowice porcelain and a collection of works by Jan Cybis. The exhibits offer a range of perspectives, from the city’s history and early traces of settlement to porcelain and art.

The Wieża Piastowska is another of the city’s notable historic landmarks. It is a defensive structure and one of the oldest of its kind in Poland. A guided tour lasts about 40 minutes and includes climbing the tower. The Zamek Górny, meanwhile, was a castle within Opole’s medieval city walls, near the Brama Gosławicka.

Wyspa Bolko has been a city park since 1910 and is suitable for walking, cycling, inline skating and running, as well as other outdoor activities. Pedestrians and cyclists can reach the island from Wyspa Pasieka via a bridge over the Odra. This connection is especially useful if you would like to include an outdoor excursion in your time in Opole.

The boulevards along the Opolska Wenecja offer another way to get active. The route is about 1.3 kilometres long and is suitable for cycling, running and Nordic walking. The Opolska Wenecja runs along the Młynówka Canal, which separates Opole city centre from the villa district of Wyspa Pasieka. The canal area and the city park are different options to consider when deciding whether to focus your stay more on outdoor exercise or the city’s cultural offerings.

Opole Zoological Garden was founded in the 1930s. Its areas include a giraffe house, a gorilla enclosure, a pool for California sea lions, a lemur island and an amphibian pavilion. Kraina Bioróżnorodności is an exotic greenhouse with a bird aviary. During animal feeding sessions, visitors can see gorillas, California sea lions and pelicans, among other animals.

For children, the zoo has playgrounds, a mini climbing park and a mini zoo. This makes a visit to the zoo a distinct option alongside museums and outdoor activities. If you are travelling with people of different ages, you can also include activities for children in your choice of experiences.

When did the Polish song festival in Opole begin?

The Krajowy Festiwal Piosenki Polskiej has been held at the Amfiteatr Tysiąclecia since 1963.

What period does the exhibition at the Muzeum Polskiej Piosenki cover?

It provides an overview of the history of Polish song from the 1920s to the present day.

How long does a tour of the Wieża Piastowska last?

The tour lasts about 40 minutes and includes climbing the tower.

What activities for children are available at Opole Zoo?

There are playgrounds, a mini climbing park and a mini zoo for children.

For the main travel overview: Opole.