If you are reading this you probably would like to know what are the top things to do in Bardo in Poland. If you are wondering what to do in Bardo and what this pretty town is known for, we invite you to read further. We spent a lovely time there, so we hope to encourage you to spend in Bardo at least one day.
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Why should you visit Bardo?
Bardo is a small and very picturesque town located in southwestern Poland in the Lower Silesia Voivodeship. Less than 3,000 people live in Bardo, and the town itself is pretty small, so it is a great idea to spend there one or two days. The town is located in the Bardzkie Mountains and is one of the most important pilgrimage centers in the Lower Silesia region.
Best time to visit Bardo
The best time to visit Bardo is spring, summer and early autumn. The days are long, the weather is warm and sunny. You can then take full advantage of all the attractions in and around the city (e.g. mountain hiking and pontoon rafting).
Where to stay in Bardo (Poland)
In Bardo itself, there are not many properties where you can stay overnight. On the website booking.com, you can find information about only a few places available for tourists. We decided to stay in Hotel Bardo. Read our short review below:
Hotel Bardo
Hotel Bardo is a new 3-star hotel located approximately 1 km from the city center. It is located in the on the outskirts of the city in a quiet place surrounded by trees. In many places in the hotel you can enjoy beautiful views of the Bardzkie Mountains and the forest.
We enjoyed various hotel amenities such as swimming pool, saunas, fitness center, spa, children’s playroom and a large selection of outdoor activities (gym, playground, barbecue area). We also liked a breakfast served every morning.
Click here to check the prices and availability.
How to get to Bardo?
Train
The most convenient way to get to Bardo is by train from Wrocław (Wrocław Główny station). The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, and trains run every hour. One way trip cost around 18 PLN ($5).
Click here to check the timetables.
Bus
Buses to Bardo leave from Wrocław every hour. The journey takes about an hour and a half, and tickets can be bought from 10 PLN ($2.5).
Click here to check the timetables and prices.
Things to Do in Bardo
Visiting the Bardo city center and its tourist attractions can take up to 2 hours. Many interesting places are located on hills and mountain trails.
Minor Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The basilica is the biggest tourist attraction in Bardo and one of the Lower Silesia’s gems. In the alter, behind the glass pane, there is located probably the oldest (approximately 800/1000 years old) figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Poland. Pilgrims, just like centuries ago, come there and on their knees and ask for the protection of the Virgin Mary.
Inside the temple, there are also beautiful baroque altars and paintings by Michael Willman as well as a monumental pipe organ. Apart from weekends, the basilica in Bardo is quiet, and there are only a few tourists there. The entrance is free of charge.
Nativity scene
The panoramic Christmas nativity scene is located in the back of the basilica, and to go there, you need to look for a separate entrance with the inscription “Szopka.” Before you enter, you probably will need to ask for a key. It should be collected at the gate of the nearby monastery. In the surroundings of the Christmas nativity scene, there are 53 figures related to the history of Poland and the Lower Silesia region. Most of them were made by hand, they have carved faces and sewn outfits.
The nativity scene can be viewed on weekdays from 9.00 to 17.00 (from November to the end of March from 9.00 to 16.00); on Sundays and holidays from 10.30 to 14.30. The entrance fee is 5 PLN.
Gingerbread factory signboard
There is a small but very interesting signboard on the way between the basilica and the stone bridge (Główna street).
In this place, there used to be a gingerbread house. Famous local gingerbread from Bardo was produced and sold to all of Europe. Although the bakery has not survived to this day, in 2014, a group of enthusiasts decided to recreate the gingerbread shop sign and remind of the several hundred years old gingerbread baking tradition.
Stone bridge
The construction of the stone bridge was completed in the XVI century. Earlier, a wooden bridge stood here for several centuries. At the end of World War II, the bridge was blown up by German troops and then rebuilt in 1950. The statue of Jan Niepomucen placed on the bridge is a replica of the original sculpture that was lost during World War II.
Hiking in the Bardzkie Mountains
The Bardzkie Mountains are one of the least known and least visited mountain ranges in the Sudetes. There is one hiking trail and a few cycling ones. We decided to have a stroll there and climb the Kłodzka Góra peak (763 meters above sea level). Along the way, you can meet many exciting places.
One of them is Kalwaria Mountain (582 meters above sea level) with a chapel from the 15th century. Along the way, there is also the historic Way of the Cross and the healing spring of the Virgin Mary. According to legend, hundreds of years ago, water from this spring has restored the sight of a Czech.
Rafting
We haven’t tried rafting in Bardo, but as it is one of the most popular activities in the region, we must mention it. The specific water topology in the Bardo area means that between March and October, the water level in these areas is higher, and it is a perfect place for rafting.
Nysa Kłodzka flowing through the Bardo is a calm, but very pleasant mountain river. More rapid crossings sometimes disturb the gentle current. Rafting here is considered recreational.
Interesting facts about Bardo (Poland)
- The name Bardo comes from the pre-Slavonic word bŕ̥do (“hill”)
- Olga Tokarczuk, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2018, is an honorary resident of the city. She is also the author of the story: “Bardo. Szopka” about the nativity scene located in the town.
Tourist Office
The Tourist Information Office in Bardo is located at Plac Wolności 4 in the heart of the town. There you can buy various promotional materials, maps and learn about upcoming cultural events.
The Tourist Office is open in the season from April to September every day from 10 AM to 6 PM and on weekends from 10 AM to 4 PM.
