Poland, a country in eastern Europe, has had a rough go of it throughout the ages, what with being invaded and destroyed numerous times.
During World War Two, many of its residents, especially its considerable Jewish population, were hurried off to Nazi extermination camps, causing immense suffering throughout the country.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Poland
Yet, the Polish spirit did not give up, and the country now offers modern tourists a blend of historic architecture and vibrant cultural events. A rundown of the top tourist destinations in Poland:
1. Malbork
Europe’s largest Gothic fortification, Malbork Castle, was commissioned in the 13th century by the Knights of the Teutonic Order to serve as their headquarters. The city and castle are named after the Virgin Mary, who is also the patron saint of Malbork.
The castle comprises three separate structures, making it the largest brick castle in existence. It took 230 years to complete the castle, and much of it was bombed during WWII. Since then, the castle has undergone extensive restoration.
2. Lublin
East of the Vistula is the historic city of Lublin, which may have had a market square as early as the sixth century. Owing of its strategic position on Poland’s eastern border, the city has been used as a defensive stronghold since its earliest days.
Moreover, it had one of Poland’s greatest Jewish populations. Holy Trinity Chapel, a symbol of Lublin’s ability to bridge Western and Eastern traditions, combines Catholic and Russian-Byzantine designs.
Old Town may look like it’s stuck in the Middle Ages, what with its cobblestone lanes and ancient buildings, but it actually has a thriving arts and nightlife scene.
3. Bialowieza Forest
Primitive woodlands formerly spread throughout much of Europe, but today only the Bialowieza Forest remains. There are border crossings for pedestrians and cyclists in the woodland, which borders the border between Poland and the Republic of Belarus.
The last remaining wild population of European Bison can be found in the Bialowieza Forest in Poland. It’s also home to wolves, lynx, red deer, wild boar, elk, and roe deer, among other animals. There are guided tours accessible on foot or in horse-drawn carriages, and the bison are contained within enclosed enclosures.
4. Torun
Torun, a city on the Vistula River, is perhaps most well-known as the birthplace of astronomer and cosmologist Copernicus. However, the town’s historic market square and Gothic town hall also garner considerable attention, as they were included in National Geographic Polska’s list of the 30 most beautiful places in the world.
Torun was spared bombing during WWII, therefore many of the city’s structures from the Middle Ages have survived.
In the 13th century, work began on the town hall, and by the 14th century, numerous churches had been built, notably the Cathedral of SS. John the Evangelist and John the Baptist. Visit this cathedral if you’re interested in Gothic art or Baroque sculptures and altars.
5. Tatra National Park
Tatra National Park is a beautiful place for tourists to visit in central Poland. The park was established in 1954 and features the Tatra Mountains, which are covered in forests, meadows, and many rock formations.
Six of the park’s 650 caves are available for visitors to explore, so cavers may have a good time exploring them. The 70-meter-tall (230-foot-tall) Wielka Siklawa waterfall is just one of the many attractions in the park.
Hikers will enjoy Tatra, Poland’s most popular national park, and its 170 miles (270 km) of trails. Nearby in Slovakia is another national park with the same name, Tatra National Park.
6. Poznan
Poznan has long been renowned as an academic hub, and it is home to Poland’s third-largest university, thus it may be a good place for international students to visit to meet their Polish counterparts. The Malta International Theatre Festival is just one of numerous international events held in the city each summer.
The Royal-Imperial Road is a tourist-friendly path that passes past several famous landmarks. The artificial lake in Malta features a ski hill, an ice rink, and several swimming pools, making it a desirable destination for athletes.
7. Wroclaw
Wrocaw, the largest city in western Poland, is situated on the Oder River. Since 1945, it has been a part of Poland, but over the ages it has been ruled by Prussia, Poland, Germany, and Bohemia.
While it may not be as well-known as some of Poland’s other tourist destinations, the once-major city of Silesia certainly holds its own when it comes to architectural splendour.
Attractions range from the city’s largest zoo to the historic market square and the imposing Old Town Hall to the observation deck atop St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral. Discover this historic city at your own pace by setting sail on the Oder River.
8. Gdansk
Gdańsk, formerly known as Danzig, is northern Poland’s largest city and the country’s primary seaport due to its location on the Baltic Sea. Once a free state, it later became a part of Germany and Poland before finally being an integral part of Poland following World War II.
The city’s Old Town, made renowned by the Royal Way that Polish kings used to traverse when they visited the city, was reconstructed after the war. St. Mary Church is the largest brick church in the world, and it is located in this city.
9. Warsaw
The Polish capital could be compared to the mythical Phoenix, emerging from the ashes. Warsaw, Poland, a city founded about the 12th century that was nearly wiped out during World War II but has since been restored to its former glory as a historical and cultural hub.
The city is well-known for being Fryderyk Chopin’s birthplace and for having formerly been called the “Paris of the North.” Renaissance astronomer Copernicus also called Poland home when he was born there. The Copernicus Science Center has several interactive exhibits and programmes that visitors of all ages will enjoy.
10. Krakow
Krakow, which was a little town in the seventh century, is now the second largest city in Poland and a hub for the country’s cultural, academic, and commercial life. Schindler’s List is a film about a man who tried to save the lives of the people living in the Krakow Ghetto before the Nazis herded them into concentration camps during World War II.
Krakow, the ancient Polish capital on the Vistula River, is a tourist magnet thanks to its compact Old Town, widely regarded as the greatest in Poland.
