Stage 9: igus:bike – Szczecin – A city on the Oder River and full of contrasts 

Anna Kielar | 22. August 2025

After seaside Gdynia, our route headed to Szczecin – a city that, although not directly on the sea, has always had a strong connection to water and shipping. The capital of Western Pomerania is a surprising contrast: industrial waterfronts meet modernist architecture, and history intertwines with modernity.

3DForce – a center for innovation and technology 

The first point on the map was a visit to 3DForce – a company specializing in the production of high-speed injection molds and automation. It’s a place where engineering meets creativity, and each project demonstrates the dynamic development of digital manufacturing. Recently, 3DForce has also been producing bicycle parts, including shock absorbers, using our iglidur bushings. These solutions are exceptionally durable, completely maintenance-free, and require no lubrication, making them ideal for demanding riding conditions. This is a prime example of how igus components support innovation in the bicycle industry and the mobility of the future.

Szczecin Boulevards – life on the Oder 

Walking towards the Szczecin Boulevards, we felt the city’s character from the river. The quays are full of walkers, cyclists, and cafes, bustling with activity at all hours of the day. It’s a favorite place for locals to relax and the best vantage point for panoramic views of the port.

Dźwigozaury – the symbol of the port city of Szczecin

It’s impossible to ignore the Cranezaurs – the distinctive port cranes that illuminate with colors at night, creating a unique light installation. They are an industrial icon of the city, a reminder of its strong connection to the maritime economy and shipping. 

“This is Krzysztof Jarzyna from Szczecin. The boss of all bosses.”

On a lighter note, we visited the monument to Krzysztof Jarzyna – the legendary character from the cult film “Poranek kojota”. It’s a symbol of the humor and perspective with which the city approaches its own pop culture role.

Our next stop was the monumental Fountain on Wały Chrobrego – a particularly striking spot in summer, when the water jets blend seamlessly with the view of the Oder River and the impressive buildings. It’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Szczecin.

The administrative heart in green color 

In the city center, we visited the Szczecin City Hall – a building that serves as the administrative center and the place where decisions shaping the development of the regional capital are made. Right next to the office is one of Szczecin’s most beautiful recreational spaces – the John Paul II Jasne Błonia Square. This expansive green space features a wide avenue lined with plane trees, a statue of the Pope, and a fountain. It’s a place for walks, outdoor events, and city celebrations.

A bike tour of Szczecin is a great way to experience the city up close. The route led along the Oder River boulevards overlooking the port, through the charming alleys of the city center, and all the way to the prestigious Jasne Błonia meadow. The combination of history, architecture, and nature made for a journey full of excitement and relaxation in the heart of the city.

Our rider: Oskar Filipczak

Oskar has been working at igus since 2025, in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, as a Sales Engineer.

In his private life, he is an avid, “retired” cyclist with medals from the World and European Track Cycling Championships, and a fan of all outdoor physical activities, especially fast ones. In his free time, he is an airsoft gun enthusiast. Together with his partner and dog, he enjoys hiking in the mountainous Beech Forest in Szczecin.

Our rider: Piotr Ciejka

Piotr began his journey with igus in 2019 as a Sales Engineer, supporting clients in the Lubusz and West Pomeranian Voivodeships. In 2024, he took on a new challenge – the Regional Manager for Northwestern Poland, where he is responsible for the following voivodeships: Greater Poland, Pomerania, West Pomerania, Lubusz, and Kuyavian-Pomeranian.

He thrives in a completely new role – he is the new father of a 5-month-old daughter, Ania. After work, he enjoys active recreation: skiing in winter, water sports in summer, and year-round mountain adventures – from simple trails to challenging via ferrata routes. To balance his balance, he also enjoys quiet evenings with a game of poker, which provides him with a dose of competition and a dose of adrenaline.

Map of this stage: