Poland experienced a dark period during World War II with the construction of the Auschwitz and Majdanek concentration camps where atrocities were perpetrated by the Nazis. After the war, the country went through the difficult years of communism, but the population was able to raise its head despite everything. The vision that tourists have of Poland today is full of color, vitality and modernity. The countryside has kept its Slavic soul and the peaceful life of the villages has kept its former rhythm. The natural diversity is immense. There are many parks like Slowinski or the most ancestral forest in Europe, Bialowieza. The country also possesses great historical and architectural wealth, which can be seen in the fortresses of its major cities, such as Warsaw, Lublin and Krakow.
Completely destroyed by bombing during World War II, the Polish capital was rebuilt and became a city full of charm and enthusiasm. The complete renovation of the city dates back to 1970. Its medieval old town, cleverly renovated, is a must-see. Here you will find the royal palace on Zamkowy Square with its restaurants with terraces. A little further on you will find the colorful houses of the market square (Rynek Starego Miasta). There are several museums in the city, including one dedicated to the composer Frederic Chopin. You will enjoy walking along the banks of the Vistula River on the left bank. In summer, you can enjoy a moment of relaxation on the beaches on the right bank. A wide variety of green spaces are accessible, let’s mention the largest one, Lazienki Park in the embassy district or Śródmieście district. To make sure you don’t miss out on anything in Warsaw, we recommend that you turn to a private Polish guide.
The Bialowieza Forest is one of the few primary forests on the old continent. A primary forest has never been exploited by man and is practically in its original state. Formed 10,000 years ago, the area of this forest covers 140,000 hectares. Bialowieza is located on the border between Poland and Belarus. Many animal species have taken up residence here: golden eagles, deer, bears, beavers, wolves, lynxes and the mythical European bison. The forest area is home to many varieties of trees: pines, ash trees, spruce trees that can reach over 50 meters and oaks that are over 500 years old.
This area is so vast that it offers hikers multiple routes in both summer and winter. You can be equipped with snowshoes or driven by sledges. A 10 kilometer route will allow you to cross a part of the forest. Nevertheless, it is only accompanied by a forest guide that you can really penetrate the heart of the moss-covered woods. Venturing into these deep trails will give you a special feeling. You will feel privileged to walk through this intact ecosystem.
Nicknamed the “land of a thousand lakes”, Masuria is located in the north-east of Poland. Don’t hesitate to come and wander from village to village, entangled between the rivers and canals that link the lakes together, in a green countryside. Where life is dictated by the rhythm of the water, this region is a paradise for anglers or sailing and kayaking enthusiasts who come to navigate the lakes. The inhabitants of Masuria mostly use boats as a means of transportation. This area is ideal for beautiful cruises. They allow you to stop from port to port and to enjoy a serene and preserved nature. For the rest of the excursions, you will be spoiled for choice: on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, all means are possible to cover the forest roads.
Krakow is, without context, the jewel of Poland. It is not surprising that this city is the most visited in the country. To be able to walk in its historical center almost entirely pedestrian is a true happiness. The buildings are in both baroque and gothic styles. Start with the Market Square, called Rynek Glowny, which is the largest square in Europe dating from the Middle Ages. It is the central point of the town and has many restaurants and bars. Then head to the old cobblestone streets of the city, then to Wawel Hill dominated by a 14th-century cathedral and an Italian Renaissance castle.
The former Jewish quarter of Kazimierz has regained a lively pre-war atmosphere. It has become the trendiest part of the city for partying and eating. If you stay in Krakow long enough, don’t hesitate to visit the Wieliczka salt mines dating from the 13th century. Only 15 kilometers from the city, you will discover this fantastic place where galleries, underground lakes and St. Kinga’s chapel, built entirely of salt, are hidden.
The fourth largest city in Poland, Wroclaw, is located in the south in the Lower Silesia region. It is a must-see during a trip to Poland. You will first admire its architecture in a pure gothic style. The major examples of this style are the St. John the Baptist cathedral and its belvedere or the Rynek market place with its colorful facades. One of the original features of Wroclaw is the fact that the Oder River surrounds it on all sides. The center of the city is made up of 12 islands connected by a hundred bridges. The majestic Grunwald Bridge is one of them and is beautifully illuminated at night. The most visited island is the one of Tumski, it conceals an undeniable attraction. You can lose yourself in the narrow streets and discover private courtyards that lead you to beautiful French gardens.
The pride of Wroclaw is the Centennial Hall (Hala Stulecia), an imposing monument built in 1911 in reinforced concrete. It hosts numerous exhibitions and cultural activities. A fairy fountain was inaugurated in 2009 right in front of the hall. It is equipped with 300 jets of water that synchronize with light effects
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