Tips for trips: Lodz for recreation
WHAT COLOUR WOULD YOU USE TO DESCRIBE LODZ? GREY, RED, OR MAYBE... GREEN? FIND OUT, THAT THE NATURE OF THE BIG CITY CAN MAKE AN IMPRESSION! GREENERY, INCLUDING PARKS, GARDENS AND GREEN SQUARES, COVERS 1/3 OF THE CITY AREA. LODZ HAS ONE OF THE BIGGEST MUNICIPAL FOREST IN EUROPE AND ONE OF THE MOST MODERN PALM HOUSES. DON’T MISS A PARK WHOSE NAME MEANS... HEALTH (ZDROWIE)!
SATURDAY WITH NATURE
Start the day with nordic walking in Łagiewniki forest – one of the largest forest located within city limits in Europe. But look before you leap and remember, that it is
really big, with an area of more than 1,200 ha (2,965 ac). Be watchful, as with some luck you can easily meet wild boars or deers. In summer you can rent a kayak,
pedalo or row boat to explore Arturówek lake, take a rest on a beach, or visit a rope course if you seek adrenaline. Lodz is a really green city with ca 40 parks.
The oldest one is Źródliska park founded in 1840. Few years ago it was awarded as the most beautiful park in Poland in a competition organized byan American gardening
company.
Therefore it’s essential to see it. Moreover, in the park there’s the Palm House, which inherited its collection from industrialists and imperial officials. Some of the palm trees are more than 130 years old and achieve height of 18 m (59 ft)! At the end of the day visit Zdrowie park which offers at least a couple of scenarios for your pleasant evening: a romantic sunset among blooming magnolias in the botanical garden, terrific downhill at Kamikadze – the highest water slide in Poland, or a relaxing visit to World of Saunas (the two latter attractions are provided by Fala Aquapark).
SUNDAY IN THE OLD FACTORY
Poznański’s empire has become the heart of the city again. In the 19th century thousands of people worked in the factory at Ogrodowa St. Now their descendants come there for completely different purposes... After revitalization, the red brick industrial buildings have been turned into places of culture, entertainment and leisure. Manufaktura has become a landmark of Lodz.
How to relax in a shopping mall in the city centre? Well, Manufaktura is much more than shops and boutiques. This town within the city has a 3 ha (7 ac, slightly less than
Market Square in Cracow with its 10 ac) large market square, that hosts concerts, a sandy beach with a volleyball court in summer, an ice rink in winter and the longest fountain in Europe. History of this place is presented in an interesting way in the Museum of the Factory. It’s also worth to visit the neighbouring palace, where Izrael
Poznański used to live in the majestic interiors. Today this so-called “Louvre of Lodz” houses the Museum of Lodz City. Stratosfera climbing centre and Grakula bowling alley wait for all active people. Art lovers can visit Cinema City with 15 screens including a 3D one, Mały Theatre and ms² – branch of the Museum of Art. Essentially visit Experimentarium - an interactive centre of science, where you can check up your intellectual abilities and test your sense of humour. A unique attraction is swimming in a former fire water tank, located on the roof of Manufaktura.
Now it serves as a swimming pool of andel’s Hotel Łódź and provides an excellent view of the city. After this, have a good time by a dinner in a friends circle in Manufaktura. Variety of restaurants present there serve dishes from all over the world Is one day enough for recreation in the former factory?
