Poland is an interesting place to visit, yet most tourists only go to the most famous cities and sites, completely missing out on the true beauty of this country. From incredible subterranean salt mines and medieval castles, to phenomenal natural locations, Poland is truly a traveler’s dream.
Warsaw
Most people who visit Poland will find themselves at some point in Warsaw, Poland’s capital and the largest city in the country. Visitors to Warsaw will find a fascinating combination of medieval architecture, parks, museums and historical buildings, as well as a wild nightlife scene. The city was established in the 9th century C.E., and is now home to more than 3 million inhabitants.
Malbork
The town of Malbork is located in the north of Poland and offers visitors stunning vistas that seem as if they were taken straight out of a fairytale. Malbork is also home to one of Europe’s most beautiful castles, which also happens to be Europe’s largest brick and mortar castle. The castle was built in 1274 and is named after Holy Mary – Maria. During WWII the area saw a great deal of fighting, which resulted in the destruction of half of this ancient castle. Despite the extensive restoration work on the castle, the old cathedral remains in ruins.
Wawel Castle
Krakow’s Wawel Castle is actually a compound made of several buildings that were built under the order of Casimir the Great, who ruled Poland in the middle of the 14th century. The castle is home to a huge art collection, an impressive treasury room and an ancient armory, as well as enormous halls that were dug underground and are filled with priceless antiques. This is one of Krakow’s most fascinating attractions – a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
Krakow’s Main Market Square
Krakow is the 2nd largest city in Poland and offers many tourist attractions, but even if you’re only staying for the night, make sure you spend your evening at Europe’s oldest and largest market square. The area is surrounded by historical buildings and grand churches, as well as cafes and restaurants. The square’s most prominent aspect, though, is the Hall of Fabrics – a 14th century building that was the center of Krakow’s flourishing textile trade during those times.
Jaskinia Niedzwiedzia
This spectacular stalactite cave is the perfect place for people who wish to add some underground exploration to their trip. The cave is located under Sudety Ridge and offers a world of natural wonders, such as great caverns, subterranean rivers and waterfalls, and even a museum of fossils preserved in the cave.
Tatra Mountains
Most of Poland rests on a relatively flat terrain, with an average surface height of 173 meters (567 feet). In the south of the country, however, on the border with Slovakia, you can find the Tatra Mountain Range. While most of the Tatra Mountains are located in Slovakia, the ridges in Poland’s area offer spectacular views, as well as the ski town of Zakopane, known as “the winter capital of Poland”. If you want to see more of the Tatra Mountains, click here & here.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
On the outskirts of the city of Krakow you can find one of the oldest salt mines in the world. The Wieliczka mine started operating in the 13th century and runs to this very day. If you’re asking yourself “What’s so special about a salt mine?”, you’re going to be surprised to find just how impressive and elaborate this place is. Some of the larger halls were converted into ballrooms, cathedrals, and even a salt statue museum.
