From horses to modernity – 150 years of Wrocław trams
Jolanta PAWNIK
Wrocław boasts one of the oldest tram networks in Europe, dating back to 1877. The history of its trams is not just a tale of technology, but also of the city’s ambition to take its place among Europe’s great metropolises in the second half of the 19th century. This August marks the 80th anniversary of the relaunch of the first tram line after World War II, writes Jolanta PAWNIK
.The first horse-drawn tram appeared on the streets of Wrocław on 10 July 1877. These carts, pulled by pairs of horses, provided a vital link between the city center and its suburbs, offering a convenient alternative for pedestrians and traditional carriages. Initially, this innovative mode of transport captivated the public’s imagination, but as its popularity surged, horse-drawn trams quickly became a common sight in daily life. By 1892, Wrocław boasted dozens of horse-drawn carriages, yet the burgeoning population necessitated a significant overhaul of the transport system. It became clear that modernization was essential, particularly with the advent of electric power gaining traction across the continent.
The pivotal moment came in 1892 with the establishment of the Elektrische Strassenbahn Breslau company. Just a year later, the city launched its first electric line connecting Grabiszyn to Rakowiec, marking a milestone of European significance. Wrocław emerged as one of the early adopters of electric trams in Europe, far ahead of cities like Warsaw, which introduced electric trams in 1908, and Kraków in 1901. By 1900, Wrocław had already developed a fully electrified tram network, solidifying its position as a pioneer in modern transportation.
The transition to electrification not only enhanced passenger comfort but also transformed the urban landscape. Trams, no longer reliant on horse-drawn power, could operate at higher speeds and frequencies. This evolution brought with it essential infrastructure upgrades, including new depots, tracks, and traction networks. The tram became a symbol of modernity, showcasing Wrocław’s commitment to progress alongside other major European cities like Berlin and Vienna. In 1911, the city streamlined its tram services by merging all private tram companies into a single municipal entity, ensuring consistent quality in passenger service.
By the interwar period, Wrocław’s tram network was nothing short of impressive. By 1939, the system boasted 23 lines that provided extensive coverage across the city, efficiently connecting the city center to burgeoning suburbs and exhibition grounds. During this time, trams became an essential part of daily life for thousands of Wrocław residents, seamlessly integrating into the urban environment.
However, World War II brought significant disruption to this flourishing network. The conflict ravaged much of the city’s infrastructure, leaving only about 100 of the 900 trams that had operated before the war intact. Nevertheless, just months after the war’s conclusion, trams began to return to Wrocław’s streets. These initial post-war trams were makeshift, often crafted from salvaged parts, but they marked the beginning of a revival in public transport. The first line to resume operations began on 22 August 1945, connecting Staszica Square to Grunwaldzki Square with a lone Linke-Hofmann tramcar that had survived the turmoil. In the subsequent weeks and months, additional connections were established, gradually restoring the tram network and signaling the city’s resurgence.
.Over the following decades, Wrocław’s tram system underwent modernization, preserving the best of pre-war solutions while embracing new technologies. Today, the tram network spans over 250 kilometers and features 25 lines. It includes both the iconic ‘Konstale’ trams, produced during the communist era, and contemporary low-floor vehicles sourced from around the globe. These trams efficiently link the city center with new housing developments, academic institutions, and major transport hubs. The city continues to invest in expanding the network, with the latest 7-kilometer section, which traverses Popowice and connects to the bus and tram route (TAT) to Nowy Dwór, officially opened in September 2023.
