Las Łagiewnicki, Poland

## Overview Tucked within the sprawling greenery of Las Łagiewnicki — one of the largest urban forests in Europe — this public drinking spring in Łódź, Poland, has long been a quiet draw for locals seeking natural water. Las Łagiewnicki (Łagiewniki Forest) covers over 1,200 hectares of protected woodland on the northern edge of Łódź, and this spring sits near a small historic church along Wycieczkowa road, close to the Brzoza River. The spring water is dispensed through two outlets attached to a green hydrant-like structure located just outside the entrance of the church. Visitors have reported that the water flows at a steady, decent rate — enough to fill a 5-gallon container in just a few minutes. The hydrant may need to be manually activated, as the water does not flow continuously. People have been collecting water here for years, though no official lab tests confirming water purity are publicly available, so visitors fill their containers at their own risk. The site is freely accessible to the public around the clock, with no fees or limits on how much water you can collect. The nature preserve itself is open 24 hours, though visiting after dark is not recommended as the forest paths are unlit and can feel isolated. ## Directions The spring is located at approximately **51.844851, 19.478979** (the older spring outlet near the small church). The address is **Wycieczkowa 77, 91-521 Łódź, Poland**. **Driving from central Łódź (approx. 12–13 km):** 1. Head north from **Route 14** (Aleja Włókniarzy / Zgierska). 2. At the intersection near the **Church of Sts. Therese of the Child Jesus and Jana Bosko**, take a right and continue on Route 14. 3. Cross the **first intersection with Route 72**. 4. Pass the **second crossing with Route 72** without turning. 5. Just after a **petrol station on your left**, take a **sharp left turn**. 6. Continue along **Wycieczkowa road** for a few kilometers until you reach the **Brzoza River**. 7. Cross the river and **park your vehicle on the right side** of the road. 8. Walk a few meters to the right to reach the small church — it should be visible from the road. **Important tips for finding the spring:** - If you reach a **parking lot on your left** and then an intersection after crossing the Brzoza River, you've gone too far — turn back. - There are **two similar-looking churches** in the area, which can be confusing. Look for the one with a **green water hydrant visible from just outside the door**. - The GPS coordinates above correspond to the older church outlet and are accurate on Google Maps. ## What to Expect You'll find the spring in a peaceful, forested setting within Las Łagiewnicki nature preserve. The green hydrant-like structure with two water outlets stands near a small church and is easy to spot once you know what to look for. The surrounding area features walking and hiking trails through dense woodland — a popular escape for Łódź residents year-round. The water flow is reliable and reasonably fast, making it practical to fill multiple large containers in a single visit. Since the hydrant may require manual activation (turning a handle or lever), don't be alarmed if water isn't flowing when you first arrive — check for a valve or tap mechanism. The Brzoza River crossing and nearby forest trails make this a pleasant spot to combine a water-collecting trip with a nature walk. Bring containers of any size, and be prepared for a short walk from the roadside parking area. In autumn and winter, the forest paths can be muddy, so sturdy footwear is recommended.