The route runs along the eastern bank of the Vistula River, starting in the northern part of Praga. The path creates a continuous corridor between the river and the urban area of Praga-Północ. For most of the route, cyclists and walkers move parallel to the river, with open floodplain areas on one side and the residential or industrial zones of Praga set back on the other.
This part of Warsaw feels very different from the tourist centre across the water. Praga has a rougher, more authentic character — post-industrial, working-class, and increasingly popular with artists and young residents.
The initial sections pass through open, grassy areas typical of the semi-natural Vistula riverbanks. The path runs close to the water, with limited built infrastructure and wide views across the floodplain.
Vegetation is mostly unmanaged — grasses, shrubs, and scattered willow trees — which gives the area a natural and expansive character despite its proximity to one of Europe's largest capital cities. The Vistula is one of the last large wild rivers in Europe, and this stretch shows why.
As the route continues south, long, unobstructed views of the Vistula open up. The river appears wide and dynamic, with visible sandbanks and seasonal changes in water level. On the opposite (western) bank, the skyline of central Warsaw becomes visible — the Palace of Culture, glass towers, and the Old Town on the hill — creating a striking contrast between the natural river landscape and the dense urban development across the water.
This is one of the best views of Warsaw available from anywhere in the city, and it's free.
The route ends near the main entrance to the Warsaw Zoo (Ogród Zoologiczny), located in the Praga-Północ district. The zoo was founded in 1928 and quickly became one of the most important zoological institutions in Poland.
During the Second World War, the zoo suffered extensive damage and its grounds were used by the occupying German forces. The zoo is historically associated with the Żabiński family — director Jan Żabiński and his wife Antonina used the zoo's empty cages, tunnels, and buildings to hide and rescue approximately 300 Jewish people during the occupation. Their story was told in the 2017 film The Zookeeper's Wife.
Today, the zoo is a major cultural and recreational destination, home to more than 500 animal species. Ending the route here marks a meaningful transition from the open riverside landscape to a structured urban attraction.