Lodz Car Hire

Guide of Lodz

Geography

Łódź is located 130 kilometres southwest of Warsaw in the very centre of Poland. Łódź nestles on the northwestern edge of the highlands and in a rather flat low catchment area created by the rivers Vistula and Odra. A landlocked region that has been through a campaign to hide the rivers underground because of pollution, it is not surprising travellers would wonder why Łódź translates to the English word ‘boat’ and the symbol appears in the city’s coat of arms. Previously this city was very much about the use of water with the 18 rivers of Łódź providing transport between the province, particularly for factories, to other countries. However, this situation is now being reversed with new engineering processes restoring rivers so they now contribute functionally to the working of the community.

Climate in Lodz

Łódź climatic conditions are typical of an inland continental country. Prominent winds from the west dictate the temperature, humidity and rainfall range for a good 11 months of the year. Winter can be cold, grey and cloudy with snowfall as temperatures range from -5°C to 1°C. The warmer seasons of May to September have temperatures of 13°C to 24°C. As Łódź utilises the benefits of daylight savings in the summer months there are endless hours that are perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Take care as the nights can be chilly so layering of clothes is required and rainfall levels are greater in July so be prepared.

Culture

Łódź is a city of contrast. Built on 600 years of history involving rule-ship changes and conflict, so the development of the city deserves respect and appreciation. Beginning in the 1300s as a small village, it was not until the 19th century that an industrial revolution and an influx of multinational population seeking better work conditions that Łódź grew into a significant city. Predominately Jews, Polish and Germans powered the successful textile industry. Wars changed the diversity of the population but not the fabric of the city. Now the 3rd largest Polish city Łódź displays the character of a European post-industrial centre. The rejuvenation of Łódź’s urban areas has been recognised internationally. National Geographic Traveller listed Łódź as one of the ‘Best of the World’ most sustainable developed cities to visit. National Geographic highlighted Łódź’s revitalisation efforts to turn old factory complexes into post-industrial parks housing greenery, cultural centres, shopping and culinary experiences. All designed to be sustainable and environmentally friendly to residents and tourists. Whilst reinvention is occurring Łódź still contains numerous evidence of the early 19th and 20th century multicultural impact. Architecturally significant factory owner palaces and working class villas are restored and utilised as offices, institutions and museums.

Things To Do in Lodz

Manufaktura area is a beautiful example of the reconversion of an industrial heritage site. Israel Poznański, a former industrialist of the 19th century, original red brick factories have now been transformed into sustainable complexes that include museums, extensive shopping facilities, entertainment inclusive of cultural events, wide variety of restaurants, a simulated beach and a swimming pool. The Factory Museum exhibits the history of the cotton textile industry through planting, harvesting, factory production, into the fabric store and the involvement of the workers in the daily process. The evidence is preserved in working looms, documents, films and samples of raw products.

Prosperity of the manufacturing industry enabled Poznański to build a palace residence, which has now been converted into the Museum of the City. Architecturally displaying the wealth generated during the 19th century the palace, a combination of neoclassicism with art nouveau decoration, houses a collection that traces the history of Łódź. The body of work displays unique examples of arts and everyday objects, covering music, literature, theatre and fine arts.

While touring Łódź it is worth the effort to walk Piotrkowska promenade with 4 kilometres of converted tenement houses and palaces. Piotrkowska is now a vibrant area of shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, music clubs and festivals which occur regularly all year. Architecturally the facades of the buildings are worth observing as you walk for, they change in style and detail. Festivals along with the Alley of the Stars and the Monuments of Lodz Citizens it is understandable why Łódź was classified by UNESCO as a ‘creative city’.

Łódź is decorated with murals, over the sides of 170 buildings, creating the largest urban gallery in Poland. The contemporary outdoor installations are not only graffiti or street art, but also installations of metal rods, car parts, mirror fragments and even moss. Several murals depict the history of the city or prominent influential residents. Maps of the locations are available through the Łódź tourist office.

Renowned for excellence in film production since the beginning of cinematography, Lodz is home to Poland’s only film school and a museum which contains over 50,000 exhibits devoted to the history of cinema, film technique, poster and stage design. You will be enthralled by how far cinematography has developed.

With all this entertainment a stroll through Zrodliska Park located near the Film Museum is one way to relax. The interior allows the traveller to discover ponds, islands, rose beds, several hundred year old oak trees and valuable monuments. Amenities provided allows one to reflect on the setting or one's travel’s been or to come for there is more to plan.

Eating Out in Lodz

Łódź multicultural diversity caters for everyones culinary preference. Asian, Italian, Spanish, Vegan, Japanese, Indian and Polish European are just some of the cuisine choices on offer. Interesting the local Polish food originally was a combination of Jewish, Russian, German and Polish influences either designed for the average worker or sophisticated for the manufacture owners and business elite. Attainable for the average worker were soups like zalewajka (rye leaven soup with potatoes, onion and spices), prazoki (mashed steamed with flour potatoes) served with pickled cabbage or herrings and pierogi dumplings of dough boiled then fried or baked with a variety of fillings. The upper class industrialist feasted on dishes with veal, mutton, beef and pork. Overtime the recipes have been enhanced to grow with the modern palette and the more abundant produce. Whilst one can find cafes, restaurants, pastry shops, pubs throughout the city some prominent ones are within or close by the regenerated areas. Anatewka in Manufaktura, a Jewish inspired restaurant, highlights a protein, lamb, chicken, veal duck, seafood or chickpea with seasonally inspired accompaniments. Worth considering is the veal in porcini mushroom with potato dumplings or the regional stew of beans, chickpeas, tomatoes and spinach. Piwica Łódźka just off Piotkowska Avenue combines both social class ingredients with local produce to rediscover the flavours and charm of Polish cuisine. Potato dumplings are stuffed with sour cabbage and served in various dishes to please diners. Your menu choice at Karczma u Chochola will be a culinary experience. Savouring the delights of maybe a traditional sour soup with sausage, egg and potatoes or herrings in crème-fraiche or their speciality of homemade bread in a farmer’s oven with in-house butter and cottage cheese could be part of the encounter.

Transport

Łódź Wladyslaw Reymont Airport is located just 6 kilometres from the centre of Łódź. Here there are choices of transport to the city centre. Car hire provides flexibility, three permitted and trusted taxi companies or a bus service that leaves from the main entrance and terminates at Łódź Kaliska Train Station. Within the city area MPK communication coordinates the public transport of trams and buses. The tickets are based on a time system (20, 40 and 60 minutes) with options for one-day and short term varieties such as weekends or 5 days. Łódź introduced a bicycle hire system and allows mixed mode commuting. When choosing a taxi make sure it clearly displays a reliable service indicating all prices. Many tourists who visit Łódź enjoy the comfort and convenience provided when renting a vehicle.