Grudziadz attracts tourists primarily with its granaries. But there are several other great tourist attractions and places in the city that are definitely worth seeing. I therefore invite you to take a tour of Grudziądz.

I like to start my sightseeing from the tourist information centre. After all, where else they will tell you best things to do and see in town? In Grudziądz, this was a great idea. Equipped with some cool brochures and after listening to a real enthusiast who happened to be at work, I set off into the city. With three nights in the city, you can visit Grudziądz, but also Radzyń Chełmiński with its mighty Teutonic castle next door. You can also pop over to Kwidzyn, but for now let’s focus on Grudziądz.

Granaries. The pearl of Grudziądz

The most beautiful place in Grudziadz is the Vistula bank. It is from there that you can best see the complex of historic granaries that was built over several hundred years. Today, in my opinion, one can even drive from the proverbial other end of Poland for this view.

In the old days, when rivers were navigable, they were the backbone of the country. Goods were floated down them. And it was on them that goods produced in other European countries travelled upwards. For centuries, Grudziadz, situated on the Vistula, close to Gdansk, which was the destination port of this river float, benefited from the privilege of a perfect location. However, it was not only Grudziądz that benefited from the privilege, as there was also the mighty Toruń, nearby Chełmno, the would-be capital of the Teutonic Knights, and Gniew with its castle that controlled the Vistula River. The Vistula fed and gave wealth.

For this reason, granaries were built along the river to store grain before it was sent on its way. Granaries in Grudziadz began to be built in the 14th century, and the first in a row was the ‘Bornwald Granary’ from 1351. It was followed by others. The oldest are located right next to the Water Gate. Interestingly, the granaries not only acted as warehouses, but also as defensive walls!

Just look at them and this role basically imposes itself. Eight storeys high, they were quite an obstacle to overcome. After all, in the early days of Grudziadz it had a wall on the side, but over time granaries started to be built right next to it. And, as it were, they naturally took over the defensive function.

It is important to note the interesting fact that the Vistula River flowed really right next to the walls. So close, in fact, that grain was discharged through wooden gutters directly onto river barges, which transported the goods onwards as far as the Vistula’s estuary to the Baltic Sea, i.e. to Gdansk.

The importance of granaries for Grudziadz is evidenced by the fact that in 1504, according to preserved records, there were 14 of them, a hundred years later their number increased to 16. Today it is a complex of 26 buildings facing the Vistula and stretching for several hundred metres!

It is worth coming here in the evening, because as long as there is no emergency or renovation, the buildings are illuminated. It looks truly magical. See for yourself in the photos! And don’t forget that today there are no longer any granaries, but some of them still have a storage function. However, as times change and buildings must also change their function, some of the granaries at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century were converted into flats. Just an interesting form of modern block of flats.

Panorama and the most beautiful view of Grudziadz

However, if you want to see the most beautiful panorama of the city, you will have to decide on a small excursion. Photos of the Grudziadz panorama come out best from the other side of the Vistula River. As I usually travel by public transport and don’t have a car, I decided to rent a bike. Bike hire is at the marina and costs not so much. You can rent it for hours and 2 will be enough.

Then it’s just a 4km ride over the bridge, then to the right and along the dyke, turn onto another road and you’re there! In a straight line across the river it’s about 300m, but there is no ferry to cover this distance. But in my opinion, it is definitely worth the trouble and drive to see Grudziadz from this perspective.

Already going over the bridge, you can see a beautiful panorama, but when you stand against the brick wall of the granaries against the backdrop of the water, it looks truly magical. You can see the best of everything from here. Our attention will certainly not escape the tower on the left. It is called Klimek and is a classic tower of the last defence, also known as a stool. It is the last remnant of the Teutonic castle that once stood on the escarpment. In the opening photo of this article, you can best see the lone tower against the background of the granaries.

Teutonic Castle and Klimek Tower

And if we are already at the Teutonic castle, let’s move across the Vistula to its vicinity. The stronghold stood high on an escarpment and was located outside the city. It was connected to Grudziadz by a separate gate.

The castle was a classic Teutonic castleas we know it from, for example, Malbork. Powerful, brick and well fortified. It was to be a point from which to control the surrounding area.

The Teutonic Knights built it in a few dozen years, specifically from 1260 to 1299. It did not differ in plan from the others, i.e. the southern wing housed the chapel and refectory, and the western wing the bedrooms. The north and east wings, meanwhile, housed outbuildings, a hospital and… brewery.

A 50-metre-deep well was dug in the courtyard. Today, it has been partially excavated, as it measures only 20 metres. But it is unlikely that the whole well needs to be reconstructed. Nobody will draw water from it anyway.

The castle was then defended, conquered, destroyed and rebuilt. Just like a castle. Of course, the biggest damage was done to it by the Swedes, who ravaged almost the whole of Poland during the so-called Swedish Deluge.

The final blow to the castle, however, came from the Prussian ruler Frederick II. In 1801, he ordered the Teutonic castle in Grudziadz to be demolished. The bricks obtained in this way were used to build the citadel. Only the Klimek tower was spared.

Although even it is not original, as it was blown up by the Germans in 1945. What we see today dates from 2014, when the tower was rebuilt, preserving the old brick pattern. Inside there is a staircase leading up to the top, and during the walk there is an opportunity to see images of old Grudziadz in paintings and photographs. The climb is rewarded by a view of the Vistula River flowing at the foot of the town, the bridge across it and the church tower against a backdrop of trees. It’s beautiful here, and what’s coolest is that the view is free as there is no entrance fee.

Grudziądz market square

The market square was once certainly beautiful. Today, of course, it also acts as the heart of the city, but it is no longer as picturesque as it once was. Unfortunately, the Second World War left its mark here and many of the old townhouses were destroyed. After the war, the townhouses were rebuilt in a style reminiscent of the Baroque. In the middle of the square, there used to be a Gothic town hall, but it was demolished in 1851.

In the middle stands proudly the Polish Soldier Monument. Until 1939 the Independence Monument stood here, as you can guess, it was destroyed in 1939….

Well, the market is changing, as in any town with centuries of history. Death sentences used to be carried out on it, the surrounding houses were wooden, then brick (from around the 17th century). Today, however, concrete has appeared. A sign of the times.

But on the plus side, it has to be said that the square has nice trees and is not an empty, paved pan. There are pubs and restaurants all around and it is here that the life of the town goes on until the late hours.

Today, as a curiosity, there are trams running through the Grudziadz market square and this brought a smile to my face, as it reminds me of my beloved Lviv. Another curiosity is that Nicolaus Copernicus is squatting on one of the benches in the corner, but here he is not in the pose of an astronomer but of an economist. For it was in Grudziadz in 1522 that he delivered his famous treatise on money. Among other things, about how bad money drives out good money.

What else to see in Grudziadz?

I admit that I have some kind of weakness for Grudziadz, I just felt good there. In my opinion the city has incredible potential for tourism, because this granary complex is an architectural marvel and should be included on the World Heritage List (I nean UNESCO). So far the granaries are on the Polish list of Monuments of History. And there are such wonders as the Wieliczka Salt Mine, Pelplin Cathedral, Świdnica with its monuments, Przemyśl with its Austro-Hungarian atmosphere, Łańcut castle and many, many more.

And although the interior of the local basilica didn’t throw me off my guard, from the outside this 13th century temple is impressive. And when you’re next door, you’ll definitely notice the statue of a lancer with a girl. Well, in the inter-war period, lancers were stationed in Grudziadz. And, as we all know, behind a uniform there is always a dress code. Behind the statue, there is a descent to the Vistula marshes.

You must also visit Mickiewicza Street, where there is a neo-Gothic post office building. It dates from 1883 and was built for the Imperial Post Office. A beautiful building!

And don’t forget another silent witness to history, the remains of the city walls. They used to surround the city with a double ring. However, at the end of the 19th century, almost all of them were demolished because they obstructed the city’s development. Fortunately, a corner section has survived to this day and gives an idea of their power.

As a chronicler’s duty, I will say that there used to be four gates leading into the city: Water Gate, Torun Gate, Side Gate and Łasińska Gate. The Castle Gate led to the castle, of course. The Water gate has survived to the present day, although what we see is still a reconstruction after the war damage. Besides, it has a medieval character only on the Vistula side.

The best café with a view

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a weakness for good coffee. No wonder, then, that upon arrival I immediately went looking for coffee. They had just opened Fado Café, a strikingly colourful beautiful establishment right next to the market. I ordered a coffee, a double espresso, as always. But well, I barely drank it. For coffee, the place doesn’t get my recommendation, but maybe their other drinks are better.

Equally, the coffee at the Continents cafe will not find my recommendation. A pleasant and nice place, but the coffee didn’t suit me either.

For that, I definitely recommend the Old Town Café (photo above), which is located just below the ruins of the Teutonic Castle. If I had to pick the cosiest place in Grudziadz, it would be this one. Good coffee, good cakes…. but above all, a beautiful garden overlooking the Vistula. I have a weakness for this place and I admit that I used to go there not only for coffee, but also for juices and beer. All this to soak up the atmosphere and watch that wonderful view of the flowing Vistula.

Restaurant and where to have lunch in Grudziadz

And if you get hungry, I recommend the „Loft” restaurant. Very tasty sirloins in mushroom sauce with potatoes. Delicious! And if you add to this the efficient service which, despite rush hour, manages to serve guests, then I applaud you!

Oh, and if you fancy a steak, in this case I recommend going underground, i.e. visiting the basement of the Majero Steak House premises. It may not have been the best steak I have ever had in my life, but it was certainly very tasty! So I have no regrets and would happily return.

Unfortunately, I can’t comment on the breakfasts, as I ate them at the hotel.

Hotels in Grudziadz

I was surprised to find that there are not many hotels in Grudziadz. However, this is a town that cannot complain about mass tourism and certainly does. Therefore, the available accommodation is sufficient for those tourists who come to visit the attractions of Grudziadz. When looking for accommodation, I usually look around for something in the old town, but this time there was nothing like that. Therefore, I chose the Ibis Style Hotel about a kilometre from the granaries and market square. All in all, it’s a stone’s throw, and it meant I was closer to the train station and to the buses. But I don’t regret it either, because the hotel was really comfortable, clean and the breakfast tasty.

Of course, if you shop around for accommodation beforehand, you can certainly find a good hotel closer to the old town. You can check your options at, for example, this link.