Edward Śmigły-Rydz Bridge, Steel bridge in Włocławek, Poland.
The Edward Śmigły-Rydz Bridge is a steel structure spanning 620 meters across the Vistula River and connecting both sides of Włocławek. It features separate lanes for vehicles and a pedestrian pathway that allow different types of traffic to cross the river safely.
This bridge was completed in 1937 and named after Edward Rydz-Śmigły, who served as Commander-in-Chief of Polish Armed Forces during that time. It was built during a period of significant political change and has remained a key part of Włocławek's infrastructure since then.
The bridge serves as a familiar symbol for Włocławek residents and regularly appears in local artworks and photographs. It shapes daily life and the city skyline as many people cross it routinely to reach either bank.
You can walk across the bridge or cycle over it, with several access points around the structure. A nearby boulevard offers additional pathways for walking or cycling with good views of the river.
Building this structure was a significant engineering feat for its time and demonstrated advanced steel construction techniques of the 1930s. Its original architectural elements remain visible today even though the bridge undergoes regular maintenance and upgrades to meet current safety requirements.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.