Dobrzynka River

Dobrzynka is a river flowing through Pabianice, a left tributary of the Ner, 25.4 kilometres long. Its sources are in the village of Górki Małe, at a height of around 250 metres above sea level, and it flows into the Ner within Łódź's boundaries, at the city's south-western edge. Within Pabianice itself, it is lined by a waterfront promenade accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.

Where it flows from and where it leads

The Dobrzynka's course begins in Górki Małe, from where the river flows towards Pabianice and further towards Łódź. The confluence with the Ner is located at Łódź's south-western boundary. Along the way the river crosses the city, creating a strip of greenery now used for walks.

Former name and role for the city

The river was originally called Nerzec. In the past, fish were caught in it with nets and it was used for transport by boat. For the development of Pabianice's textile industry, Dobrzynka played a similar role as the Łódka river did for neighbouring Łódź: it powered mills and factories built along its banks. Traces of this industrial past of the city can be seen today when walking around Pabianice's monuments.

Water condition today

The upper section of the river remains clean. The lower course was heavily polluted for many years, but water quality has improved significantly since the communist era thanks to wastewater treatment plants. Local press described this improvement directly as the river's return to life.

Sereczyn and the former wharf

In Sereczyn, on modernised ponds created by the river, there was once a recreational fishing wharf, using buildings left after a former mill. This is one of the traces of Dobrzynka's economic history, alongside mills and textile factories that once stood along its banks.

Waterfront promenade and park by the river

Along Dobrzynka, between ulica Grobelna and ulica Marchlewskiego, runs a waterfront promenade open to residents around the clock. By the river lies Park im. Słowackiego [Słowacki Park], established in 1901 and expanded in 1936 to approximately 4 hectares. Together with the nearby Park Wolności [Freedom Park], it forms a strip of greenery that Pabianice residents use for walks, jogging and rest by the water.

Practical information

• Address: waterfront promenade along the river, from ul. Grobelna to ul. Marchlewskiego, Pabianice
• Getting there: on foot or by bicycle, promenade accessible to pedestrians and cyclists without barriers
• What to expect: a walk along the water, proximity to city parks, no single point address as the river is a linear feature