Burial of Polish resistance fighters in 1944 at Dreszer Park Warsaw

Park Dreszera

Park Dreszera Visiting Guide: Warsaw, Poland — Tickets, Hours, and Attractions

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Park Dreszera, officially named General Gustaw Orlicz-Dreszer Park, is a green sanctuary in Warsaw’s Mokotów district. This modernist park, founded in the late 1930s and named for a Polish military hero, combines historical significance, thoughtful landscape architecture, and a vibrant cultural calendar. Whether you are interested in Warsaw’s history, seeking family-friendly recreation, or simply wish to relax amidst mature trees and elegant promenades, Park Dreszera offers a uniquely enriching experience (ZZW Warsaw, Warsaw City Hall, Go2Warsaw).

This comprehensive guide details Park Dreszera’s history, layout, visitor facilities, commemorative features, and practical tips for making the most of your visit.

Park Dreszera in Warsaw, 1938, historic black and white photo

Introduction
Historical Overview
Practical Information
Park Layout and Features
Commemorative and Cultural Significance
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Recommendations
References

Historical Overview

Origins and Establishment

Park Dreszera was conceived during Warsaw’s interwar modernization, and opened in 1938. Landscape architect Zygmunt Hellwig designed its geometric layout, blending wide promenades, thematic garden “rooms,” and mature tree-lined avenues. The park is named after General Gustaw Orlicz-Dreszer, a national hero who died in 1936. It sits on land formerly occupied by Fort M-Che, integrating 19th-century military remnants into a modernist vision.

Wartime Impact and Restoration

World War II brought devastation: trees were felled for firewood, and the grounds were severely damaged. During the 1944 Warsaw Uprising, the park became a site of fierce fighting and a temporary cemetery. After the war, Park Dreszera was restored (reopening in 1951), and a section was converted into a children’s recreation zone. The park’s original name, briefly changed during the communist era, was reinstated in 2012 (Warsaw City Hall).

Modern Developments

A major revitalization in 2007 added new amenities—fountains, playgrounds, lighting, and improved landscaping—while preserving the park’s historic charm. Today, Park Dreszera remains a lively community space hosting concerts, commemorations, and seasonal events (ZZW Warsaw).

Practical Information

Visiting Hours and Admission

Hours: Open daily, year-round, from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Admission: Free entry; special events may require tickets.

Accessibility

Wheelchair and stroller access: Wide, paved pathways and entrance ramps make the park accessible.
Restrooms: Accessible public toilets are located near the playground.
Seating: Benches are spread throughout the park.

Getting There

Public Transport: The park is easily reached by trams (10, 17), nearby buses, and is a 15-minute walk from the Wilanowska metro station.
Cycling: Bike racks available at entrances.
Parking: Limited street parking is available in the surrounding area.
Address: Bordered by Ursynowska, Puławska, Odyńca, and Krasickiego Streets (Google Maps).

Facilities and Amenities

Playground: Modern, fenced, and child-friendly.
Outdoor gym: Open-air equipment for recreational exercise.
Dog-friendly: Dogs are allowed on a leash; waste bins provided.
Drinking fountains: Available, especially in summer.
Lighting: Paths are well-lit for safety after dusk.

Park Map and Visuals

Park Layout and Features

Entrances and Spatial Organization

Park Dreszera’s rectangular plan is defined by two main entrances (from ulica Puławska and ulica Krasickiego) and four side entrances. The central promenade connects both ends, providing a broad, elegant walkway. The park’s design emphasizes symmetry, open lawns, and shaded avenues.

Garden Rooms and Pathways

The park is divided into three main “garden rooms,” each with a unique atmosphere:

Central area: Features the modernist fountain and serves as a gathering spot.
Western section: Offers secluded benches and shaded relaxation.
Eastern section: Open lawns and trees ideal for families and informal activities.

The park is known for its mature lindens, horse chestnuts, and varied shrubbery, providing color and shade year-round.

Monuments and Memorials

General Orlicz-Dreszer Mausoleum: The central tomb of the park’s namesake, a symbol of national gratitude (Warsaw City Hall).
Monument of Fighting Mokotów 1944 (“Mokotów Walczący 1944”): Honors resistance fighters of the Warsaw Uprising, featuring the iconic Kotwica symbol (The Crazy Tourist).
Memorial stones and plaques: Mark sites of wartime executions and significant events.

Event Spaces and Cultural Activities

Amphitheater: Hosts concerts, theater, and community festivals, especially during summer (Go2Warsaw).
Jazz Festival: Free Saturday jazz concerts in summer.
Open-air cinema: Occasional film screenings.
Commemorative ceremonies: Annual events on Polish Armed Forces Day (August 15) and Warsaw Uprising anniversaries.

Commemorative and Cultural Significance

General Orlicz-Dreszer Mausoleum

This modernist tomb is the focal point for annual military and civic ceremonies, most notably on Polish Armed Forces Day. It anchors the park’s role as both a place of reflection and community gathering.

WWII and Warsaw Uprising Memorials

Park Dreszera became a symbol of Warsaw’s wartime resilience. Its monuments and plaques honor Home Army soldiers and civilians who died in Mokotów during WWII, and are focal points for annual remembrance events (The Crazy Tourist).

Community Role and Events

The park’s amphitheater, restored to its 1930s form, hosts a variety of cultural events—concerts, theater, and festivals—that blend historical remembrance with contemporary Warsaw culture. School groups and local residents use the park for education and relaxation, strengthening community bonds (WhiteMAD).

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Best Times to Visit: Spring and autumn for blooms and foliage; summer for concerts and festivals.
Dining: While the park itself has no cafes, Mokotów offers numerous options nearby, such as the Boston Port restaurant (Fodor’s).
Nearby Attractions:
- II Ogród Jordanowski: Recreation area for children.
- Małkowskich Square and the Vistula Escarpment: Ideal for scenic walks.
- Łazienki Królewskie: Renowned park and palace complex a short tram ride away (Łazienki Park).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Park Dreszera’s opening hours?
A: Open daily, 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, year-round.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No, the park is free to enter.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Yes, dogs are welcome but must be leashed.

Q: Is Park Dreszera accessible?
A: Yes, main paths and facilities are wheelchair and stroller-friendly.

Q: Are there food and drink services inside the park?
A: No, but many cafes and restaurants are found nearby in Mokotów.

Q: Are events and guided tours available?
A: The park hosts annual concerts and commemorations; guided tours can be arranged via tour operators or local cultural centers.

Summary and Recommendations

Park Dreszera is a living monument to Warsaw’s resilience, offering a harmonious blend of historical remembrance, modernist design, and lively community life. Its accessible layout, free admission, and diverse programming make it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages and interests. To enrich your experience, consider attending a cultural event, joining a guided tour, or simply enjoying a peaceful stroll through the park’s leafy avenues. For the latest updates, consult the official city websites and explore interactive audio guides via the Audiala app (Audiala).