Poland

Poland, lying in the center of Europe, is a greatly underrated touristic destination. Cities like Warsaw and Krakow define the modern look of this young democracy of the European Union, while you can easily feel overloaded with history and culture in Wroclaw, Lublin or Oswiecim a major host of probably the greatest tragedy mankind has ever known. You can experience the unique Polish culture, and feel closer to the great people this nation has given to our civilization. Culture and history are not your only options in Poland. You can experience nature with all its wealth, from seaside and lakes to mountains, and get engaged in a variety of different activities. And you can experience all this without straining your budget Poland is among the European countries with the most reasonable prices.

Warsaw
Warsaw is capital city of Poland, but also Warsaw is the biggest city in the country. Situated in the Mazowieckie province, in east central Poland, the city spans the Wisla (Vistula River) and all the main tourist sites are on the left bank, while the right bank contains the increasingly fashionable district of Warsaw.

Krakow
Probably the most beautiful and fascinating city in Poland. The attraction is not just the splendid architecture and the treasures of art reminders of the times when Krakow was a royal capital city but also the unique ambience of the former Jewish district and the masterpieces of Polish Art Nouveau. However old and beautiful it is, Krakow is not limited to its monuments and museums. Thanks to an amazing density and variety of bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants, Krakow sparkles with life.

Great Masurian Lakes
Located in the northern part of Poland, lies the Masurian Lakes Plateau, known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes”. It has the biggest concentration of lakes in Poland, with 15% of area covered by water. These lakes are remnants of the ice age, when all of northeastern Poland and parts of Europe were covered by ice. There are over 4000 lakes in the whole area, linked by rivers and canals to form an intricate system of waterways. The Masurian Lakes area is also home to some of Central Europe’s largest forested areas, and thus a haven of scenic beauty.

Activities and Tours

Bialowieza National Park
The Bialowieza National Park spanning across the borders of Poland and Belarus is nestled amidst the depths of the Bialowieza Primaeval Forest, also known as Belaveskaya Pushcha or Belovezhskaya Pushcha in Belarus and Puszcza Bialowieska in Poland. On the Polish side it covers an area of over 100 square kilometers and is the remnant of the huge forestland that once traversed the length and breadth of the European Plains.

Auschwitz
In this city during the World War II the Nazi established the biggest concentration camp on the occupied areas. This camp was divided into Auschwitz concentration camp for Poles, Russians and other occupied nations like also on Auschwitz Birkenau, a destruction camp for the Jewish nation. According to estimations, Germans exterminated in the camp several millions of people, most of which was the exterminated Jewish nation.

Czartoryski Museum
This museum is one of Kraków's jewels. The star pieces of the collection are Leonardo da Vinci's Lady with the Ermine and Rembrandt's Landscape with the Good Samaritan (1638). Also on display are Turkish weapons and artefacts, including a campaign tent from the 1683 Battle of Vienna.

Malbork Castle
The brick castle of Malbork was the seat of the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order and the biggest structure of that type in medieval Europe. The castle is encircled by defensive walls with gates and towers. The Grand Master’s palace is believed to be the top achievement of the late Gothic style. The representative summer refectory is the most attractive chamber in the castle interiors.

Travel Tip and useful information

Climate
Poland has a moderate climate with both maritime and continental elements. This is due to humid Atlantic air which collides over its territory with dry air from the Eurasian interior. As a result, the weather tends to be capricious and the seasons may look quite different in consecutive years. This is particularly true for winters, which are either wet, of the oceanic type, or less often sunny, of the continental type. Generally, in north and west Poland the climate is predominantly maritime, with gentle, humid winters and cool, rainy summers, while the eastern part of the country has distinctly continental climate with harsh winters and hotter, drier summers.

Time Zone
Current time zone offset: UTC/GMT +2 hours

Population
Of the total population of 38.7 million, 300,000 500,000 are German, 300,000 Ukrainian, 200,000 Belarussians, with Slovaks, Sintis, Romas, Lithuanians, Czechs, Greeks and Macedonians making up the remainder.

Transport
The trains are pretty good and where they don't go the buses do. As well as the plodding government service, private bus companies undercut each other viciously on many intercity routes. Driving your own vehicle around Poland is by far the most convenient option, but don't bring your spiffing new Jaguar, even if you forewent the walnut trim: it's gonna get ripped off.

Currency and credit cards
The Polish obligatory currency is the polish zloty (PLN). The travelers cheques can be exchanged in authorized sale offices (ex. American Express), as well as in some banks. All the famous debit and credit cards are year after year more generally accepted: Acces/Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard, JCB and most popular in Poland Visa. Major banks in Poland do pay out cash.

Dress Code
Owing to rather changeable weather it is best to take a variety of clothing appropriate to the season. In summer remember about rains and pack a rain coat or umbrella. As much as useful can be a raincoat it is also indispensable to take sun glasses and a sun tan oil. Summer in Poland can be very hot however one can expect also chilly days in which the summer clothes may be insufficient.

Safety and security
Tourists should be alert to the risk of robbery in tourist areas in large cities, particularly in the vicinity of hotels, markets and banks. Vigilance against theft should also be exercised at central railway stations in Poland, as well as on overnight long distance trains, and when travelling on public transport between Warsaw's Frederic Chopin Airport and central Warsaw. Avoid walking alone at night.