10 Best Places to Visit in Poland

10 Best Places to Visit in Poland
Last updated on December 23, 2016 in Poland 6 Comments

Life has not been easy for Poland, an eastern European country that has been invaded and destroyed many times over the centuries. The country suffered mightily in World War II when many of its citizens, including its large Jewish population, were hustled off to Nazi concentration camps. The Polish spirit, however, refused to die and today the country combines medieval architecture with lively cultural activities to meet the needs of modern tourists. An overview of the best places to visit in Poland:

10. Malbork (Where to Stay)
wikipedia/DerHexer
The medieval town of Malbork, perhaps better known by the German name of Marienburg, is most well-known for its castle, which was ordered built in the 13th century by the Knights of the Teutonic Order as their headquarters, Europe’s largest Gothic fortress is named after the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of the city and castle. The castle is actually three castles, making it the world’s largest brick castle. It took 230 years to build the castle, a majority of which was destroyed during World War II. Much of the castle has been restored since then.


9. Lublin (Where to Stay)
wikipedia/Lukaszprzy
Lublin, located east of the Vistula, is another ancient city with a market place that may have dated back to the sixth century. Because it is located on Poland’s eastern border, it became, early on, a line of defense against various invaders that destroyed the city over the centuries. It also was home to one of the largest Jewish communities in Poland. Evidence of Lublin connecting Western and Eastern cultures can be found at the Holy Trinity Chapel that blends Catholic and Russian-Byzantine styles. But don’t be fooled by the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture of the Old Town, as it boasts a lively arts and nightclub scene.


8. Bialowieza Forest
flickr/vlod007
The Bialowieza Forest is a large remnant of the primeval forests that once covered much of Europe. The forest straddles the border between Poland and the Republic of Belarus, and there are border crossings for tourists on foot or on bicycles. The Bialowieza Forest is the only place where European Bison still remain free and living in the forest as they once did throughout Europe. Wolves, Lynx, Red Deer, Wild Boar, Elk and Roe Deer are among its other inhabitants. While the bison are kept within fenced areas, guided tours are available either on foot or in horse-drawn carriages.


7. Torun (Where to Stay)

Torun, located on the Vistula River, is best known, perhaps, as the birthplace of Copernicus, but it’s just as well known for its old market place and Gothic town hall that the National Geographic Polska put on its list of the 30 most beautiful places in the world. As Torun escaped bombing during World War II, the city still boasts numerous buildings that date back to the Middle Ages. Construction on the town hall started in the 13th century, with many churches, including the Cathedral of SS. John the Evangelist and John the Baptist, dating back to the 14th century. This church is a must-see for travelers interested in Gothic paintings and sculptures, and Baroque altars.

6. Tatra National Park
flickr/PolandMFA
Travelers who crave scenic beauty will find it in Tatra National Park, located in southcentral Poland. Established in 1954, the park is mainly forests, meadows and numerous rock formations covering the Tatra Mountains. Spelunkers may enjoy touring six of the park’s 650 caves that are open to the public. The park also offers more than 30 alpine lakes as well as the Wielka Siklawa waterfall that is 70 meters (230 feet) high. Tatra, the most visited national park in Poland, will delight hikers with its 270 km (170 miles) of trails. There is a similar national park in the neighboring part of Slovakia, also called the Tatra National Park.


5. Poznan (Where to Stay)
flickr/Malgorzata Gaudysinska
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