Dog-Friendly Torun: Parks, Forests and the Riverside Walk
Torun has plenty to offer dogs: the Philadelphia Boulevard promenade along the Vistula with views of the Gothic Old Town, the historic City Park, and the vast Barbarka Forest with nature trails just outside the city. A lead is required on all public land - fenced off-lead areas exist in several neighbourhoods. Rules can change, so always check before you go.
Torun is the city of Copernicus, gingerbread, and a Gothic Old Town on the UNESCO World Heritage list - but for dogs, it is also a pretty solid city to explore. A riverside boulevard with views of medieval walls, a large forest just outside the city, and open green space across different neighbourhoods. The pack has options here.
Philadelphia Boulevard - riverside walk with a view
This is the most iconic dog walk in Torun. The Philadelphia Boulevard (Bulwar Filadelfijski) runs along the Vistula River at the edge of the Old Town - a roughly 1.8 km route past historic city walls, gates, and towers. The view of the Gothic skyline from the riverbank is one of the best in Poland.
Dogs are welcome throughout. A lead is required - the promenade is popular and busy, especially in summer. Go early in the morning or in the evening if you want your dog to sniff the old brickwork without the tourist crowds.
Near the boulevard you will find the jetty for the "Katarzynka" ferry to Kepa Bazarowa. That green island is a nature reserve - dog access may be restricted due to its protected status. Check the current reserve rules before boarding.
City Park - 25 hectares of historic green space
Park Miejski im. Rapackiego in the Bydgoskie Przedmiescie district is the oldest and largest park in Torun - 25 hectares dating back to 1817, listed as a heritage monument. You will find a pond with swans, tree-lined avenues, sculptures, and well-kept garden areas here.
Dogs are allowed on a lead. It is a solid everyday option for owners on the right bank - calm, well-maintained, without being overwhelming. From the park you can continue the walk towards the Jordanki area and the botanical gardens.
While you are in the area, walk along the Planty - a green strip following the line of the old city fortifications. A shaded, quiet route accessible for dogs on a lead.
Barbarka Forest - nature trails outside the city
Barbarka is the largest forest complex near Torun, a few kilometres from the centre. Four marked nature trails start from the Barbarka Forest Settlement (Osada Lesna Barbarka), running through the forest to ponds, 19th-century forts from the Torun Fortress system, and historic sites. The trails are well-signed and cover varied terrain.
Dogs are allowed on a lead. The forest is open year-round - birdsong in spring and summer, mushrooms in autumn, snowy tracks in winter. Pack water - not every trail has a water source nearby.
Barbarka is also a good base for longer cycling and walking routes towards Przysiek and Zlotoria. If you are after a real day out away from the city, this is the direction to head.
Off-lead in the city
A lead is required on all public land in Torun. If you need a space where your dog can run free, the city has fenced off-lead areas in several neighbourhoods - including near Park Tysiaclecia on the left bank, Park Warynskiego, and the Rubinkowo district. Find current locations and reviews from other owners on the DOGOUT map.
Park Stulecia - the newer open space
The Park 100-lecia Powrotu Torunia do Wolnej Polski near ul. Lyskowskiego is a newer park on the right bank with open lawns and a monument to Jozef Pilsudski. It is less crowded than the centre - a good option if you prefer calmer walks with fewer passersby.
Walking through the Old Town with a dog
The Torun Old Town is UNESCO-listed - and you can walk through it with a dog. Narrow streets with Gothic townhouses, the main market square with the Copernicus monument, atmospheric courtyards. It is more of a cultural stroll than a sporting one, but dogs handle it well with a lead and an eye on the tourist crowd.
Along the Old Town streets you will find outdoor cafe terraces, many of which welcome dogs. We do not list specific venues without current verification - policies change. For tips on spotting a genuinely dog-friendly spot, see our guide to dog-friendly cafes and restaurants.
Make the most of your walk
Once you know the spots, every walk can be something better than a loop around the block. Our guide on how to make dog walks better has practical ideas. And if you are travelling around Poland with your dog, see our full guide to where to go with your dog for more cities.
Get out there. Torun's medieval walls and riverbank are waiting - and so is your dog. Open the DOGOUT map, find a route or a spot near you, and go.
Frequently asked questions
- Where can dogs run off-lead in Torun?
- In fenced off-lead areas - including near Park Tysiaclecia on the left bank, Park Warynskiego in the Jakubskie Przedmiescie district, and the Rubinkowo neighbourhood. Check the DOGOUT map for the full current list.
- Can I walk my dog along the Philadelphia Boulevard in Torun?
- Yes, the Philadelphia Boulevard is open to dogs. A lead is required - the promenade is busy, especially in summer, so keep your dog close along the riverside path.
- Can dogs enter Barbarka Forest near Torun?
- Yes, Barbarka Forest is accessible for dogs on a lead. It is a large forest complex with several marked nature trails starting from the Barbarka Forest Settlement - a great option for a longer walk outside the city.
- Are dogs allowed on Kepa Bazarowa island in Torun?
- Kepa Bazarowa is a nature reserve. Due to its protected status, access may be restricted or prohibited for dogs. Check the current reserve rules before visiting.
- How do I find off-lead areas in Torun?
- Torun has fenced off-lead areas in several neighbourhoods. Open the DOGOUT map to find spots near you with reviews from other owners.
- Are dogs allowed in City Park (Park Miejski) in Torun?
- Yes, the City Park in the Bydgoskie Przedmiescie district is open to dogs on a lead. The park covers 25 hectares and is one of the oldest municipal parks in Poland.
