Kepa Bazarowa

Kepa Bazarowa is a low, wooded island in the Vistula opposite Torun's old town. It is not a sight in itself so much as the place to see the sight. From its bank you get the classic panorama of the medieval waterfront, the walls, towers and church spires lined up along the far shore. The island is a protected nature reserve, kept as riverside willow woodland.

The old town is best seen from across the river, and this is where you stand to see it. Torun's brick skyline was made to be read from the water, and the island gives you the full width of it in one frame, from the cathedral tower to the town hall and the gates. It is also a quiet, green break from the streets, with birdsong and the sound of the river instead of crowds.

A path leads onto the island and around it, level and shaded, with the view back to the old town as the reward. This is walking and looking rather than ticking off attractions. Bring a camera and, in summer, something against the mosquitoes that come with any riverside wood. As a nature reserve the island asks that you keep to the paths and leave the woodland as you find it.

Half an hour is enough for the walk across and the main view. Allow an hour if you want to circle the island slowly or wait for the light to change over the town.

Clear weather makes the panorama, and the evening makes it best of all, when the walls and spires are floodlit and the low sun warms the brick. Late spring to early autumn is the comfortable window. In winter the bare trees open up the view but the paths can be wet or icy.

The island is reached by the road bridge just west of the old town, a short walk from the centre. It pairs naturally with a stroll along the Vistula boulevard on the town side before or after you cross. See the Torun guide for how the riverbank fits the rest of the city.

Everything on the town side is a few minutes away once you cross back:

• The old town itself, straight ahead beyond the walls.
• The Leaning Tower, set into the riverside fortifications.
• The Teutonic castle ruins at the eastern edge of the old town.

From the town side you are too close and too low to see the skyline whole. The island puts the river between you and the old town, which is the distance the panorama needs.

No. The island is open ground reached on foot across the bridge, free to visit at any time. There are no facilities, so bring what you need.