Diocese Day: traffic restrictions
Young people from all over the world will be arriving in Wroclaw from 20 July. Between ten and twenty thousand people are expected to arrive in the city to join concerts, religious ceremonies and other events.
Traffic restrictions are expected to culminate on Saturday 23 July. Before noon, Ostrów Tumski is expected to hold a spiritual event to gather both all WYD participants and young people from Wroclaw and surrounding areas. In the afternoon, around 1 pm, Masses in the vernacular will be celebrated in several churches in Ostrów Tumski and the immediate vicinity. Young people are expected to attend the service in large numbers. Traffic restrictions may be put in place around Ostrów Tumski and its access roads.
On 23 July, in the afternoon, the Wroclaw Stadium is going to hold a live music show called "Singing Europe" featuring WYD participants, their host families, the residents of Wroclaw as well as the residents of Świdnica and Legnica Dioceses. The event, which is scheduled just before the pilgrims leave for Krakow, brings Diocese Day to a climax. The event is scheduled to begin at 6 pm. After the show, most of the participants will probably return to their homes by public transport. However, the volunteers and WYD host families are also invited to the event, which is why some traffic restrictions may occur after the show.
Monday 25 July is likewise expected to bring traffic restrictions. All Diocese Day participants from Wroclaw will be leaving for Trzebnica to attend a Mass at Saint Hedvig's Sanctuary on the day. Traffic is expected to increase between Wroclaw and Trzebnica. The pilgrims will be leaving Trzebnica for Krakow in the afternoon.
World Youth Day: Krakow 2016
Traffic restrictions in Krakow and surrounding areas will be put in place as of 23 July. If you are planning to travel to Krakow in your own car, you may want to check traffic restrictions, closed streets and car parks at the Krakow City Office web page: click.
Those of you who decide to drive a car are strongly encouraged to consult traffic organisation and use public transport in the city. Transportwise, Krakow will be divided into three zones and two additional zones that are closed for traffic, which is why you will not be able to enter some parts of the city without a suitable ID.
Maps and leaflets have also been prepared for the pilgrims. Prior to your departure, you may want to check where to park your car and which areas are accessible to pedestrians only.
From Wroclaw to Krakow: how to travel?
If you have not registered with World Youth Day, you still have a chance to join central WYD events without prior registration. Events in the Błonia Commons (Thursday, Friday) are available primarily for registered participants. Unregistered participants will be offered to join the event in external (open) sectors and in Jordana Park. No access cards to the Błonia Commons will be provided to unregistered participants. No such restrictions will be in force during meetings with Pope Francis at the Campus Misericordiae in Brzegi (Saturday, Sunday). However, registered pilgrims will be offered access to sections that are located closer to the altar. Free access cards will be distributed to unregistered participants. The card secures access to selected sectors for the Saturday Vigil and the Sunday Eucharist.
The General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) has published a map of recommended access roads to help you reach Krakow during WYD. Travellers from Wroclaw are recommended to choose A4 (motorway), but they can also take S8 to Syców and Kępno and continue with DK11 to Kluczbork and Lublińsk. You can later switch to DK46 to Częstochowa and take DK1 to return to A4.No roadworks will be carried out during summer holiday on A4 between Brzezimierz and Brzeg. The roadworks are expected to resume at the beginning of September. The overhaul will have come to an end by mid-October 2016.
Those of you who have registered with WYD will eligible for a special railway offer called PKP Intercity Bilet ŚDM Kraków 2016 (PKP Intercity WYD Krakow 2016 Ticket). The ticket is available at 149 PLN for 3 journeys of your choice in TLK or IC trains (second class, seats). The offer is available between 16 July and 15 August. In order to confirm your eligibility, you need to register with WYD and obtain your individual pilgrim number. WYD Krakow 2016 tickets are available through the e-IC sales system exclusively.As you arrive in Krakow, please bear in mind that pedestrian traffic organisation may be liable to change. It is recommended that you turn up at the station ahead of time.
