About Łódź
Łódź is located in the central part of Poland, about 130 km (81 miles) southwest of Warsaw. The city lies along the Łódka river and is part of Poland’s historical and industrial region.
Łódź is a vibrant city in central Poland, known for its rich industrial history, cultural significance, and modern revitalization efforts. As the third-largest city in Poland, with a population of over 600,000, it has transformed from a 19th-century textile manufacturing hub to a contemporary cultural and educational center.
Historical Background
The city’s name, Łódź, means "boat" in Polish, which reflects its location on the river Łódka. Initially, Łódź was a small settlement, but during the 19th century, it became one of the largest textile manufacturing centers in Europe. The city attracted workers from across Poland and beyond, leading to rapid industrial growth. As a result, Łódź's population exploded, and it became a melting pot of different cultures, including Polish, Jewish, and German communities. This diversity had a lasting impact on the city’s development and cultural identity.
Łódź experienced significant hardship during World War II. The city had a large Jewish population, and in 1940, the Nazis established the Łódź Ghetto, one of the largest in Nazi-occupied Poland. Thousands of Jews from across Europe were relocated to the ghetto, where many perished in forced labor or were deported to extermination camps. After the war, the city went through a period of reconstruction and further industrialization under Communist rule.
Industrial Legacy
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Łódź was nicknamed the “Polish Manchester” due to its booming textile industry. Large textile factories, many of which were owned by Jewish entrepreneurs, dotted the cityscape. Iconic figures like Izrael Poznański, a Jewish industrialist, built lavish palaces and mansions, which remain landmarks today, such as the Poznański Palace. The industrial age left behind a number of impressive factories and factory worker housing, many of which have been preserved and repurposed in recent years.
Modern Łódź
In recent decades, Łódź has reinvented itself as a cultural and educational hub. The city is home to one of Poland’s most prominent universities, the University of Łódź, and several renowned art and design institutions, such as the Academy of Fine Arts. It is also a center for film, hosting the famous Łódź Film School, which has produced notable filmmakers like Roman Polanski and Andrzej Wajda.
The city has also gained recognition for its revitalization projects. Old textile factories, such as the Manufaktura complex, have been converted into shopping malls, hotels, offices, and cultural spaces, blending the city’s industrial heritage with modern commercial life. This redevelopment has brought new life to Łódź, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
General info
- Language: Polish. In addition to Polish, many Poles speak foreign languages, especially English, German, and Russian.
- Time zone: Central European Time Zone (CET)
- Visa: Poland is a member of the European Union (EU) and part of the Schengen Area. This means that its visa policies align with those of the EU and the Schengen Area rules, and the visa requirements for entry into Poland depend largely on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the length of your stay.
- Currency and Exchange rates: The official currency of Poland is the Polish złoty (abbreviated PLN), which is denoted by the symbol zł.
1 USD (United States Dollar) ≈ 4.00 to 4.50 PLN
1 EUR (Euro) ≈ 4.50 to 4.80 PLN
1 GBP (British Pound) ≈ 5.20 to 5.80 PLN
1 CHF (Swiss Franc) ≈ 4.60 to 5.00 PLN
1 RUB (Russian Ruble) ≈ 0.05 to 0.08 PLN
Note: Cash vs Card: While credit cards are widely accepted in cities, it's recommended to carry cash for small transactions, particularly in less touristy areas.
- Average temperature and expected weather during EUC: In Łódź, Poland, the average temperature in July typically falls within the following range:
Daytime highs: Around 24°C to 27°C (75°F to 81°F)
Nighttime lows: Around 14°C to 17°C (57°F to 63°F)
Warm and pleasant: July is generally warm, but not excessively hot, making it an ideal time to visit for outdoor activities and sightseeing in the city. It's one of the warmest months of the year in Łódź.
Occasional rain: While July is typically a dry month, there may be occasional short rain showers or thunderstorms, particularly in the latter half of the month. It's always a good idea to carry an umbrella just in case.
Sunshine: The city experiences long days with plenty of sunshine, often from early morning until late in the evening, providing ample opportunity for outdoor exploration.
- Phone code (calls from abroad): +48
- Exit code (calls to homeland): +00
- Emergency and police numbers: In Poland, emergency numbers are standardized across the European Union, so they are the same as in many other EU countries (112). Here are the key emergency numbers you need to know:
Police: 997
Fire Department: 998
Ambulance / Medical Emergency: 999
Emergency Road Assistance: 981
Municipal Guard: 986
Note: Operators may answer in Polish, but in major cities or tourist areas, they may also speak English. It's helpful to know a few basic phrases in Polish, or you can request an interpreter if needed.