Nature & National Parks of Poland

Gdansk has a rich and volatile history, due mostly to its position at the mouth of the Vistula River on the Baltic Sea. That has been bad news for the city’s inhabitants throughout history, but today it’s good news for visitors. With its rare blend of historic architectural styles from varied cultures, Gdansk offers reminders of Polish, Prussian, and Napoleonic rulers. While some of the city recalls Poland, other parts will remind you of Amsterdam and other port cities from the north of Europe. You’ll have a great time exploring all the various corners of the city on foot, but there’s much more to do here than just look at interesting buildings. Old Town and Westplatte are two areas you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Long Market, where you can find many local arts and crafts. And outside of the city, Malbork Castle is one of the most popular day trips. History will come alive for you here as you explore the different tours and museums on the castle grounds. Or you could go a little farther afield with a tri-city day trip including visits to Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia, all of which have a unique charm that’s even more impressive when compared with the other nearby cities.

Mikolajki is located near Poland's largest lake, deep within the Masurian Lake District, a harmonious mix of forests and thousands of lakes connected by a series of canals. Not surprisingly, the town itself is located on a lake by the same name, and features plenty of restaurants and cafes that follow the water. Mikolajki itself is cute, and has served as a resort town for generations, but its main draw are the endless lakes around, which can easily be explored by rental boat or kayak or even by following the lakeside paths and promenades.

Venture to the village of Kiermusy, located in the heart of Biebrza, Poland's largest natural park. This wet wonderland surrounds the Narew River, and the marshes and bogs it nourishes, which in turn house many rare birds, moose, and even bison. This quiet region is even home to ethnic minorities, such as Old Believers (Russian Orthodox who fled Russia centuries ago to preserve their old ways and doctrines) and villages that still speak Belarusian, a language on its last legs even in Belarus itself. Kiermusy is small, but a popular place for visitors, thanks to its small castle, manor, and bison breeding farm, which is used to keep Europe's bison population genetically diverse.

Built around a royal hunting lodge, the village of Bialowieza sits in the heart of the Bialowieza Forest, on Poland's border with Belarus. This is Europe's last primeval, untamed forest, straddling the Polish-Belarusian border. Home to large herds of Europe's largest animal, the European bison, this UNESCO-listed forest also hid Soviet and Polish partisan bands during World War II. Locals take protection seriously, and visits to the most primeval portion are limited to scientific expeditions, and guided tours of up to 20 people led by official guides.

Warsaw, the capital of Poland and its largest city, has bounced back from the devastation of World War II, reconstructing the historic center, and earning UNESCO World Heritage status in the process. This is a bustling metropolis with a charm that’s distinct from other cities in Poland. Here you’ll find art museums and theaters galore, with lively performances and exhibitions throughout the year, as well as frequent festivals of all sorts. The culinary scene here is top-notch, with several well-respected restaurants offering classics of Polish cuisine and modern masterpieces from European gastronomy. Warsaw has distinct neighborhoods that are perfect for exploring on foot, but it’s also fun to get an appreciation for the size of the city by being chauffeured. You can explore different layers of Warsaw’s history, from World War II to its Jewish heritage and communist past. You’ll definitely want to sample the local cuisine while you explore the city, and there’s no shortage of opportunities to do so, from street stalls to fine dining. When you’re ready to go farther afield, the region surrounding Warsaw offers gorgeous lakes, castles and other notable cities and villages. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy your time in this vibrant city.

A thriving trade town during the Renaissance, Kazimierz Dolny stopped growing during the 17th century, which helped keep its charming Old Town intact and looking like it hasn't been touched in more than 400 years (even if the castle has been in ruins for nearly 500 years). Today, Kazimierz Dolny is a popular destination for Polish travelers, drawn to its film festival, architecture, and artist's colony. By World War II, Jews formed nearly half of the town's population, including many of its artists.

Krakow may not be the largest city in Poland, but it is by far the most popular with travelers. Less industrial than Warsaw, Krakow was once Poland’s royal capital, and unlike the rest of the country, came out of World War II with its gorgeous architecture mostly unscathed. One glance at the city’s perfectly preserved and restored Old Town and it will be abundantly clear why Krakow is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This compact historical district houses the largest square in Europe, where you can stroll, shop from the market, and sample some tasty Polish delicacies. Krakow’s cultural life is rich and there are more than enough classical and jazz concerts to attend during your stay. Just walk through Old Town any evening and you’ll find warmly lit cafes, restaurants and bars. Some of the most prominent sites in and around the city are linked with the grim, albeit highly important historical facts, as evidenced by the memorials in the Jewish Kazimierz district and the Auschwitz concentration camp located nearby - chilling and vivid reminders of World War II. You can also explore Poland’s natural wonders from Krakow, with visits to the atmospheric Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Tatra Mountains all comfortable day trips.

Three million visitors can’t be wrong. That’s how many people come to Zakopane every year, making it Poland’s most popular holiday destination. Many come for skiing, but this is a natural paradise all year round. You’ll find hiking trails and ski slopes, and opportunities for climbing, ice skating, rafting and paragliding. Even just walking through the hills and into the charming little town of Zakopane is an enchanting experience in itself. It will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The center of the city is where the most commercial shops are, and it can be a bit hectic compared to the surroundings. But besides enjoying nature, there are numerous cafes and bars to help you get into the spirit of the nightlife. Zakopane also has several museums as well as villas and mansions that are built in the unique local style. If you’re looking for authentic Polish cuisine, you’ve come to the right place, as you’ll find several themed restaurants serving up classic dishes.