Opole

FACTS AND FIGURES:

  • city population – 128000
  • population of the entire agglomeration – 320000
  • located by the Oder River
  • very well connected with other cities in Poland
  • great road acces: most important the international Dresden-Kiev motorway – the A4
  • A4 motorway offers quick access to the Wrocław or Katowice – Pyrzowice airports
  • convenient and fast railway network
  • top-of-the-line fleet of city buses with WiFi access
  • system of public bicycles and scooters

The city of Opole is located in the south-western part of Poland, about 55 km from the border with Czech Republic and about 250 km from the border with Germany. The city is known throughout the country not only as the capital of the Opole Voivodeship, but also as the song capital of Poland thanks to the National Polish Song Festival that has been taking place here since the 60s.

Opole is one of the oldest Polish cities, having celebrated its 800th anniversary in 2017. Nowadays the city harmoniously blends tradition and modernity, as well as business and science. It is also a university city where during the academic year, every fourth person living in Opole is a student.

The city houses a lot of research institutions, conference venues, R&D centres, start-ups and NGOs. They all work for the benefit of science, development, local population and students. The strong regional economy facilitates the development of the city’s academic offer. Thousands of jobs and great working conditions incentivise students to choose Opole.

The local cultural and sporting venues offers a wide range of activities and ways of spending free time. One can take advantage of the diverse offer of cinemas, theaters, art galleries, museums and philharmonic. Many sporting and recreation venues are also located in the city, including an ice rink, indoor swimming pools and summer swimming pool, athletics stadium with training facilities and a fitness centre, as well as the various bowling alleys, fitness clubs and gyms. Sports Hall Stegu Arena is where large-scale, international sporting events such as basketball, volleyball, handball, floor hockey and futsal games are organised. The venue can also host concerts.

Opole also offers places where you can relax away from all the hustle and bustle. The city has no shortage of green and leisure areas. Bolko Island located on the Oder River houses one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions – the Zoo, which is known as one of the most beautiful zoological gardens in Poland.

Those who enjoy nightlife, will find many opportunities to have fun in the city centre. The Market Square and picturesque streets adjacent to it house dozens of bars, pubs and clubs open until late at night. Thousands of students meet here to have a good time with their friends.

When it comes to food, Opole has you covered with great restaurants and diners. From all kinds of fast food to sophisticated dishes from around the globe, there is something for everyone in their price range.

It is as easy to move around Opole. Public transport in the city is very well organized. A bus ride from one end of the city to the other usually takes no more than 40 minutes. City buses connects all university buildings, and students enjoy a 50% discount on tickets, which are also available in electronic form.

In 2023, Opole was ranked third in the ‘Best Cities to Live in Poland’ ranking conducted by Business Insider Polska. The rating was based on six categories: unemployment, wages, availability of housing and medical care, crime rate and air quality.

All this makes Opole a truly unique place to study in.