A city in the mountains, a historic city, a city of beautiful architecture, a city of young people, a city of enterprising individuals, a city of a hundred industries, a city of culture, a fairytale city.
Bielsko-Biała is a city that impresses at every turn – one of the most beautiful cities in Poland, its unique character attracts tourists from all over the world. Known as “Little Vienna”, Bielsko-Biała owes much of its architectural splendor to Viennese architects who designed parts of the city. During the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it was the second most prosperous city after Vienna. Its Art Nouveau architecture continues to give the city an elegant and unparalleled appearance to this day.
Bielsko-Biała is also a city of entrepreneurial and creative people. In 2024, it was chosen as Poland’s first capital of culture, a testament to its rich artistic tradition.
As a festival guest, you have the chance to explore this city from a whole new perspective, boldly blending art, history, and culture. The Festival Office at Wzgórze Street 14, located next to the Sułkowski Castle—Bielsko-Biała’s most iconic landmark—is an excellent starting point for your visit. In addition to information about festival events, you will also find maps and guides there to help you freely discover the city’s charm.
BIELSKO-BIAŁA | A WALK THROUGH TIME
The Old Town of Bielsko, situated on the City Hill, is the heart of the city, filled with historic tenement houses with arcades that create a unique atmosphere in this space. A perfect starting point is the Festival Office, located next to the Sułkowski Castle. Surrounding the castle is the castle terrace, offering a view of the Polish Theatre building and the historic Post Office. Along Zamkowa Street, near the castle, trams used to run through the area. Bielsko-Biała was the third city in Poland, after Wrocław and Elbląg, to introduce this mode of transport. Opposite the BWA Gallery, at the descent from 3 Maja Street, you can still find the only remnant of the tramway system—a distinctive pole that serves as a tangible memory of this bygone era.
Leaving the Festival Office and heading left, you’ll arrive at one of the four squares of Bielsko’s Old Town, known to locals by its former name, ZWM, given during the communist era. Despite this, the square has retained its historical charm. This space is surrounded by historic townhouses with arcades, a defining architectural feature of the area. Along the way, take note of the intricate details, such as ornate façades, decorative windows, and embellishments that transport you back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Be sure to notice the historic well and the remnants of the municipal weigh station, which reveal glimpses of the city’s past. At the heart of the square, you’ll find a fountain featuring a sculpture of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. From the fountain, a decorative water channel flows, ending at an illuminated miniature model of the square—a unique and captivating centerpiece of this historic location.
Located on the City Hill is the St. Nicholas Cathedral, a remarkable structure that, due to numerous renovations, features elements from a wide range of architectural styles—from Gothic to Modernism. The cathedral is notable for its monumental stained glass windows and the tower, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Beyond its religious function, the cathedral serves as one of the symbols of Bielsko-Biała, often acting as a point of reference for visitors exploring the area.
Not far from Bielsko-Biała’s Old Town, on the route leading from the Festival Office toward the Marathon of Authors Hall, lies a unique historical monument—the Martin Luther Monument. This is the only such monument in Poland, commemorating one of the key figures of Protestantism. It serves not only as a cultural landmark but also as a symbolic point on the city’s map, reflecting the spiritual and intellectual heritage of this part of Europe. Visiting this significant site is highly recommended, especially for those interested in the history of Protestantism and Luther’s profound influence on the development of the church and Western European culture.
On the other hand, by leaving the Festival Office and heading downhill along the Sułkowski Castle, you will reach Chrobry Square, which the locals affectionately call Pigal. This place, full of artistic charm, captivates with its intimate atmosphere. The square is surrounded by picturesque townhouses that create a unique ambiance in this part of the city.
Continuing along Mickiewicza Street, we notice magnificent villas and townhouses that captivate with their architecture. In this area, one can truly feel like stepping back in time, strolling along one of the most representative streets of Bielsko-Biała. Among the landmarks, there are gems like the villa of Teodor Sixt from 1883, Hermann Schneider’s villa from 1905, and the family home of Karol Korn. Each of these buildings has its unique character and stands as a testament to the architectural tradition of Bielsko-Biała. It’s also worth stopping by the Banialuka Puppet Theatre, which attracts lovers of theatrical arts, offering performances for both children and adults. This place perfectly fits into the city’s rich cultural landscape.
Another interesting point on our journey is 11 Listopada Street, a key pedestrian artery in Bielsko-Biała, connecting the city center with its western part. This street is lined with townhouses that represent a variety of architectural styles, from classical to modern, creating a unique atmosphere. Walking along this street, we reach the Bridge on the Białka River, which once played a crucial communication role by connecting the two separate cities of Bielsko and Biała. The first structure at this site was built in the 18th century, while the contemporary bridge, constructed in the 1970s, is an integral part of the city.
Continuing further, we reach another square in Bielsko-Biała – the Wojska Polskiego Square (Polish Army Square), which currently serves as one of the central cultural hubs of the city. Here, it is worth taking note of the historic “Frog House”, as well as trying the iconic Eskimo ice cream, which has been delighting the taste buds of locals since 1985.
From here, we take a charming alley leading us towards the Town Hall Square and the symbol of the city – the neorenesque Town Hall. This is one of the most iconic buildings in Bielsko-Biała, right alongside the Sułkowski Castle and St. Nicholas Cathedral, making it an important historical and architectural landmark of the city. Its impressive facade, clock tower, and rich decorations make it one of the most significant spots in Bielsko-Biała, a must-see during your visit.
How many people outside of Poland are familiar with animated series like “Reksio“, “Bolek and Lolek” or “The Abduction of Baltazar Gąbka“? While Bielsko-Biała may not be immediately associated with animation for everyone, it is, in fact, a place where many iconic Polish animated films were created. These beloved classics have accompanied generations of Polish children, and now, they represent an important part of the city’s cultural heritage.
Today, Bielsko-Biała continues to nurture its animation history, with the The OKO Story and Animation Center, located near the Festival Office, standing as the heart of this exceptional tradition. It’s a place where animation enthusiasts can explore the creation of iconic characters like the Spy from the Land of Raindrops, Pampalini, or the well-known Polish character Tola. These and other beloved heroes were created at the Bielsko Film Animation Studio, leaving an indelible mark on Polish pop culture.
In the center of Bielsko-Biała, there are statues of iconic characters from the city’s animations. These charming figures have become popular tourist attractions, drawing both young and old visitors, encouraging them to take photos and reminisce about unforgettable childhood moments. You can find these statues along ul. 11 Listopada near the bridge over the Białka River (Reksio), in front of the Sfera Shopping Center (Bolek and Lolek), at Wojska Polskiego Square (the Wawel Dragon Monument with Bartolomeo Bartolini and Don Pedro), and next to the Town Hall, where the monument of Pampalini with a hippopotamus stands.
A city that was once the birthplace of unforgettable animated characters, Bielsko-Biała continues to thrive with its rich tradition of animated films. It is a true mecca for animation fans and an excellent place to reminisce about the classics that will forever remain in the hearts of many generations.
Bielsko-Biała is a city that enchants not only with its rich history and culture but also with the surrounding nature. Located at the foot of the Silesian and Żywiec Beskids, it offers both residents and tourists many opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. It is worth visiting to experience the closeness of nature, whether by going on hikes, cycling trips, or relaxing walks through picturesque parks.
Bielsko-Biała is a city that effortlessly blends urban architecture with green spaces. Among the most beautiful places worth visiting are Słowacki Park and Włókniarzy Park. These are ideal areas for relaxation – with walking paths, fountains, and spacious lawns that offer a moment of respite. It is in such places that one can feel the unique atmosphere of the city, which successfully combines the dynamics of urban life with a calming environment.
One of the great attractions of Bielsko-Biała is its proximity to the mountains. The city lies at the foot of the Silesian Beskids, making it an excellent base for hiking along the nearby trails. From easy walks to more challenging mountain hikes, there is something for every level of adventurer. One of the most popular routes in the area is the trail to Szyndzielnia. From this point, you can enjoy a stunning view of the city and the surrounding mountain ranges, and the trail winds through forests that beautifully blend with the panorama of the Silesian Beskids. For those looking for shorter routes, the trail to Kozia Góra is a perfect choice, offering an introduction to the mountain landscape.
In addition to its beautiful parks, Bielsko-Biała is home to unique nature reserves, such as “Stok Szyndzielni” and “Jaworzyna”, which are part of the protected areas of the Silesian Beskids. It is also worth noting the numerous natural monuments in the area, which serve as a testament to the rich fauna and flora of this region. These natural monuments include not only individual trees but also groups of trees and interesting geological formations.
Just a short distance from the city center lies the Wapienica Valley, one of the most picturesque spots in Bielsko-Biała. This area captivates with its wild nature – here, you can encounter rare plant species and wildlife. For those who enjoy active recreation, it is a true oasis, perfect for hiking as well as cycling.
Bielsko-Biała, although a dynamically developing city, has preserved spaces that provide a sense of closeness to nature. Residents and tourists can enjoy access to beautiful green areas as well as stunning mountain views, which constantly remind them of how unique this place is.
BIELSKO-BIAŁA | INTERESTING FACTS
Bielsko-Biała | Small Car Factory (FSM): In Bielsko-Biała, one of the most iconic cars in Polish history was produced – the Fiat 126p, known to everyone as the “Maluch”. The Small Car Factory was one of the most important industrial centers in the region. In 1973, it began the production of this car, which became a symbol of Polish motoring.
Bielsko-Biała | The Only Glider Manufacturer in Poland: Bielsko-Biała is a city with a rich aviation history. It is home to the once sole glider manufacturer in Poland – the SZD (Glider Works “Bielsko”) company, which began glider production in the 1940s.
Bielsko-Biała | Edmund Wojtyła, Brother of Pope John Paul II: Edmund Wojtyła, the brother of Pope John Paul II, lived and worked in Bielsko-Biała. He was a doctor who tragically passed away at a young age due to scarlet fever. Edmund Wojtyła became known as a person devoted to his work and to the people of the city. His life is an important part of the rich history of Bielsko-Biała.
Bielsko-Biała | The First Dam in Poland: Bielsko-Biała is home to the first dam built on Polish soil, constructed in the 1930s. It is one of the key infrastructural points in the region, designed to regulate water levels and protect against flooding.
Bielsko-Biała | Two Cities: For many years, Bielsko and Biała were separate cities until their merger in 1951. Bielsko was an industrial city, while Biała was a center for trade and administration. Although they now form one city, the distinctiveness of both parts can still be seen in the architecture and traditions.
Bielsko-Biała | Szyndzielnia Cable Railway: The Szyndzielnia Cable Railway, launched in 1953, was the second of its kind in Poland. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region, offering breathtaking views of the city and the Beskidy Mountains. A trip to the top of Szyndzielnia is a must to enjoy the panoramic view of Bielsko-Biała.
Bielsko-Biała | Capital of Sledding: For a long time, the city was the center of sledding in Poland. It had professionally prepared sledding tracks, and the competitions held there attracted the best athletes. Bielsko-Biała experienced its golden era in this sport, with numerous successes both domestically and internationally.
Bielsko-Biała | Sebastian Kawa – Glider Racing Champion: Sebastian Kawa, born in Bielsko-Biała, is one of the best glider pilots in the world. A multiple world champion in gliding, he is also a record-holder in high-altitude flying. Kawa has become a symbol of the city, and his achievements enhance the image of Bielsko-Biała as an aviation hub.
Bielsko-Biała | Panorama Swimming Pool: The Panorama Swimming Pool in Bielsko-Biała is one of the oldest swimming pools in Poland, opened in 1938. To this day, it remains a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The facility is well-loved by water sports enthusiasts.