The Bridge of Penitents in Wrocław – tickets, opening hours, stairs and the legend

The Penitents’ Bridge in Wrocław, also known as the Witches’ Bridge, is one of the most recognisable viewpoints in the city centre. Located high between the towers of the Gothic Church of St Mary Magdalene, it offers not only a panoramic view of the Market Square and Ostrów Tumski, but also the unique atmosphere of the legend of Tekla and Martynka. It is a place where history meets mystery, and the panorama of Wrocław’s rooftops impresses at any time of day.

In this guide, you will find practical information: tickets, opening hours, prices, how to get there and the number of steps you need to climb to reach the bridge. You will also learn where the name “Penitents’ Bridge” comes from and why tourists consider it one of the most interesting places to visit in the capital of Lower Silesia.

Check tickets, opening hours and the legend – all in one guide to prepare for your visit and make the most of your time in Wrocław.

🕒 Opening hours of the Penitents’ Bridge

Summer and winter season – when is the best time to visit?

The Penitents’ Bridge is open daily, all year round, with opening hours depending on the season:

• April–October: 10:00–20:00

• November–March: 10:00–18:00

Practical tip: the quietest times are usually right after opening and during the last hour before closing. For photos and city panoramas, the golden hour works best.

Is the bridge open all year?

Yes — the Penitents’ Bridge (Witches’ Bridge) operates all year round. However, remember that in strong wind, icy conditions or storms access may be temporarily suspended for safety reasons.

Note: in exceptional situations, the opening hours may change (e.g. weather conditions, maintenance work). Before your visit, it is worth checking the current information on the parish website.

🎟️ Tickets and prices for the Penitents’ Bridge 2025

Penitents’ Bridge price list 2025

Entry to the Penitents’ Bridge (Witches’ Bridge) is ticketed, and prices have remained stable for several years. It is one of the more affordable attractions in the centre of Wrocław.

Where to buy tickets (online or at the ticket office)?

Tickets for the Penitents’ Bridge can be purchased directly at the ticket office of St Mary Magdalene Church at ul. Szewska 10. Payment is possible by card or cash. On the parish website (katedramm.pl) you can find information about entry, but online ticket purchase is not available through general platforms such as eBilet.

Tip: in the summer season, it is worth booking group tickets in advance to avoid queues. Individual visitors usually buy their ticket on site just before entering.

📍 Location and access – how to get to the Penitents’ Bridge?

Address and nearest tram stops

Address: ul. Szewska 10, 50-122 Wrocław – the Church (Polish Catholic Cathedral) of St Mary Magdalene, right in the centre, 3–4 minutes on foot from the Market Square.

• Nearest stops: Oławska and Wita Stwosza.
• Trams: 3, 6, 7, 24 (line 0 additionally runs on weekends).
• Buses (around Galeria Dominikańska): incl. D, K, 110, 114, 106, 103.

Parking nearby and walking from the Market Square

Due to the strict city centre, street parking is limited. The most convenient option is to use the parking at Galeria Dominikańska or other nearby paid car parks and walk (approx. 5–7 minutes). From the Market Square, the walk usually takes 3–4 minutes via Oławska or Wita Stwosza streets.

Map:

🧗 How many steps lead to the Penitents’ Bridge?

Exact number of steps and difficulty of the climb

There are exactly 247 steps leading to the Penitents’ Bridge – narrow and winding, inside the tower of the cathedral. It is a classic spiral ascent with no shortcuts, so it is worth wearing stable footwear and planning a short rest along the way. The climb usually takes 5–10 minutes depending on fitness and foot traffic on the stairs.

Is the place accessible for children and seniors?

The climb is possible for older children and seniors in good condition, but requires caution (narrow steps, passing spaces). Prams and small bikes cannot enter, and people with fear of heights or claustrophobia may feel uncomfortable. Children should only enter under adult supervision.

Note (accessibility): there is no lift in the tower; the route has 247 steps and is not accessible for wheelchair users or visitors with severely limited mobility.

🗺️ Sightseeing step by step – what does the entrance look like?

The route and duration of the visit

Visiting the Penitents’ Bridge is straightforward: you buy a ticket at St Mary Magdalene Church (ul. Szewska 10), then climb the tower where the spiral staircase leads directly to the bridge. Movement is one-way with passing points on the landings.

1. Entrance – from the church side, following the signs for visitors.
2. Spiral stairs – narrow, stone, with a handrail; passing spaces along the way.
3. Exit to the bridge – a short, secured passage between the towers.
4. Return – via the same staircase, according to staff instructions.

How long does it take? A typical ascent takes about 5–10 minutes, and spending time on the bridge plus taking photos another 5 minutes. In total, it is worth reserving 10–15 minutes for the entire visit, slightly more during the busy season.

What you will see along the way (interior of the Gothic church)

The climb is accompanied by elements of the brick Gothic tower structure: narrow window openings, stone steps and sections of historic walls. It is a rare insight into medieval construction techniques – before you step out onto the bridge, you can closely observe the brick texture and the gentle arches of the interior passages.

Note: the ascent is spiral and steep; plan short breaks. The standard sightseeing time is 10–15 minutes. The stairs are narrow, so hold the handrail and adjust your pace to other visitors.

👁️ Viewpoint – what can you see from the Penitents’ Bridge?

Panorama of the Old Town and Market Square

The Penitents’ Bridge offers one of the most interesting panoramic views of Wrocław. From a height of about 45 metres, you can clearly see the rooftops of the Old Town, the layout of medieval streets and the characteristic architecture of the Market Square. The town hall with its tower and the colourful tenement houses surrounding the main square look particularly impressive. This view is often described by tourists as “a miniature of the city from a bird’s-eye perspective”.

Ostrów Tumski, Sky Tower and other landmarks

Looking further, you can spot Ostrów Tumski with the Cathedral of St John the Baptist and the skyscrapers of the southern part of the city, including Sky Tower. In good weather, the Odra River with its bridges and green riverside areas is also visible. Thanks to its central location, the bridge offers a view of both the historic heart of Wrocław and its modern skyline.

The Penitents’ Bridge view looks best at sunset, when the city is bathed in warm light. At that moment, the panorama of Wrocław gains a truly unique atmosphere.

🧙‍♀️ The legend of Tekla and Martynka – the Witches’ Bridge

Who was Tekla and what was her penance?

The Penitents’ Bridge in Wrocław has its own legend, which gave rise to the name Witches’ Bridge. According to the tale, a towns girl named Tekla was a young woman who, instead of helping at home and working, spent her time dressing up, gossiping and being idle. For her laziness, she was punished by her father – she was to do lifelong penance, sweeping the bridge high between the towers of St Mary Magdalene Church. Her fate became a warning to other young women not to waste their lives on frivolous pursuits.

How do Martynka and the dwarves remind us of the legend?

Over time, another figure was added to Tekla’s story – the witch Martynka, who was said to appear on the bridge and take pity on the condemned girl. She helped Tekla break her symbolic chains and free herself from eternal punishment. Today, the legend of Tekla and Martynka is one of Wrocław’s best-known tales, shared with tourists during visits to the bridge.

The modern symbol of this story is the pair of Tekla and Martynka dwarves placed at the entrance to the tower. These miniature figurines remind visitors of the legend and are a popular photo spot. Thanks to them, the Witches’ Bridge Wrocław has gained an even stronger connection to the city’s folklore and the popular dwarf trail.

📜 History and reconstruction of the Penitents’ Bridge

Gothic bridge from 1481

The Penitents’ Bridge dates back to the 15th century – it was built in 1481 as a technical connector between the two towers of St Mary Magdalene Church. Its function was to facilitate communication and the maintenance of the towers, not to provide views. Nevertheless, legends quickly began to grow around this unusual passage. The structure was typical of Gothic architecture: a narrow brick bridge high above the city’s rooftops, forming an integral part of the monumental church.

War damage and reconstruction in 2001

During World War II, the bridge was severely damaged – as was much of the church. For decades it did not exist, and the towers stood separately. Only in 2001, after long preparations and analysis of archival plans and photographs, was the bridge reconstructed. The reconstruction was carried out with great care, using traditional materials and methods, thanks to which the original character of the passage was restored.

Today, the history of the Penitents’ Bridge can be felt directly – walking along it, you come into contact with a fragment of medieval architecture rebuilt authentically. It is one of the few examples in Europe of such an inter-tower bridge accessible to visitors. The 2001 reconstruction made the place a symbol of Wrocław’s revival and one of its most unique attractions.

⭐ Tourist reviews – is it worth going up?

Google and Tripadvisor ratings

The Penitents’ Bridge is rated very highly – on Google the average is around 4.7/5, and Tripadvisor is dominated by positive reviews. Tourists emphasise the unique atmosphere, the view of the Old Town rooftops and the legend of Tekla and Martynka. Many visitors also appreciate that it is less crowded than more popular viewpoints, allowing a peaceful admiration of the city panorama.

Average rating and summary

Average visitor rating: 8.4 / 10 ⭐

Is it worth it? Definitely yes. Despite the demanding stairs, the bridge rewards you with a unique view and the atmosphere of the legend, making it one of the most original attractions in Wrocław.

📌 Interesting facts about the Penitents’ Bridge

• Bridge height – it is located about 45 metres above the ground, offering an excellent view of the Old Town panorama.
• The only such bridge in Poland – the Penitents’ Bridge is a unique viewpoint in Poland, rarely found even in Europe.
• Tekla and Martynka dwarves – the figurines at the entrance remind visitors of the legend and are part of the popular dwarf trail.
• The name “Witches’ Bridge” – comes from the story of Tekla and Martynka, one of Wrocław’s most famous city legends.
• Gothic structure – the bridge was built in the 15th century as a technical passage between the towers of St Mary Magdalene Church.
• Post-war reconstruction – it was rebuilt only in 2001 based on archival plans and photographs.
• City panorama – from the bridge you can see the Market Square, Ostrów Tumski, the Odra River and modern skyscrapers, including Sky Tower.
• Attraction in the centre of Wrocław – its location just a few minutes from the Market Square makes it easily accessible to tourists.

Thanks to these facts, the Penitents’ Bridge is one of the most distinctive attractions of Wrocław and at the same time a unique viewpoint in Poland.

🔗 The Penitents’ Bridge and other attractions in Wrocław

Other viewpoints in the city centre

Although the Penitents’ Bridge is considered one of the most atmospheric viewpoints, you will find other places worth visiting in the very centre as well. Among them are the tower of the Cathedral of St John the Baptist on Ostrów Tumski or the observation deck at Sky Tower. Each of them offers a different perspective on the city – from Gothic towers to the modern skyline.

What to see nearby (Market Square, Ostrów Tumski)

It is worth combining a visit to the bridge with a short walk around the area. It is only a few minutes’ walk from the Market Square, one of the most beautiful in Poland, and from Ostrów Tumski – the oldest part of Wrocław with its Gothic cathedral and the romantic Tumski Bridge. It’s the perfect addition to a trip for those who want to fully experience the charm of the city’s historic centre.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)