Bzura

Bzura is a river in central Poland, a tributary of the Vistula. It rises in the central region and flows generally northeast across the Łódź and Masovian Voivodeships before joining the Vistula. Along its course it passes towns such as Sochaczew and Łowicz, and it forms part of an extensive agricultural lowland.

Hydrology and landscape: The Bzura drains a broad basin that supports farming communities and rural settlements. Its valley features a mix of wetlands, meadows, and cultivated fields, with the river used for local irrigation and small-scale recreation in parts of its course.

Historical significance: The Bzura valley was the site of the Battle of the Bzura during the German invasion of Poland in September 1939. The Polish counteroffensive, conducted from 9 to 19 September, aimed to relieve pressure on the defense of Warsaw but ultimately ended in German victory and led to the withdrawal of Polish forces from the area.

Ecology and heritage: The river and its surroundings host a variety of wildlife and plant communities typical of central Polish riverine landscapes. The Bzura remains a reference point in regional history, geography, and memory of the 1939 campaign.