A cultural and scenic perspective of Poland

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Kraków Cloth Hall -

Kraków's historical gems extend to the stunning Renaissance-era Cloth Hall. It's one of the city's most iconic structures and is also protected by UNESCO.

 

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Wawel Cathedral -

Wawel Cathedral is nearly 1,000 years old. Part of the Wawel castle complex, the building was spared the wartime destruction suffered elsewhere in Poland and stands as one of the finest examples of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture in Europe.

 

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Schindler's Factory -

Another Second World War-era must-see attraction is Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory. Now housing two museums, the building was used as a location by Steven Spielberg during the filming of 'Schindler's List' (1993). Pictured is the original office used by the German industrialist's secretary to write out the famous list.

 

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Wolf's Lair, Gierloz -

War historians and the curious make their way to Gierloz in the Mansurian Woods to gaze upon the remains of the Wolf's Lair, Hitler's East Prussian headquarters during the Second World War. It was here on July 20, 1944 that an assassination attempt was made on the Nazi leader's life.

 

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Tatra National Park -

Escape the rattle and hum of urban life by trekking into Tatra National Park. The region is known for its lakes, especially Morskie Oko (pictured). UNESCO has declared the park a biosphere reserve.

 

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Slowinski National Park -

Make for Slowinski National Park and believe you're treading across a Central European desert. Not quite, perhaps. But the enormous sand dunes the park is famous for are nonetheless bizarrely breathtaking.

 

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Bialowieza Forest Reserve -

Poland's lush, verdant Bialowieza Forest Reserve is home to 800 European Bison. The forest itself enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status.

 

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Biskupin archaeological site -

Journey into the past by exploring the Biskupin archaeological grounds. This open-air museum stands over the site of a prehistoric settlement. A replica Bronze Age fort lends authenticity.

 

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Wroclaw -

Wroclaw in southwestern Poland is all ancient gables and spires. Linger here and absorb numerous historical landmarks, including the market square, Cathedral Island (pictured), Wrocław Opera, the National Museum, and the Centennial Hall, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

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Bieszczady Mountains -

In the back country, meanwhile, seasoned hikers will enjoy their sojourn into the Bieszczady Mountains. The forested range continues into Slovakia and Ukraine.

 

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Ojcow National Park -

It's always worth wandering into Ojcow National Park for a selfie near the weathered Skała Biała Ręka, known in English as the White Hand Rock.

 

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Leba -

The Baltic seaside town of Leba welcomes thousands of sunseekers in summer. But arrive here out of season and the vast expanse of beach is virtually yours.

 

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Isle of Usedom -

Likewise, the Baltic Sea island of Usedom is a favorite vacation destination for locals in high summer. The island is anchored between Germany and Poland, in the country's historic Pomerania region.

 

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Gdańsk -

The Baltic Sea port of Gdańsk made international headlines in 1981 as the seat of Lech Wałęsa's pro-democracy Solidarity movement. Wałęsa later became a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and president of Poland. Notable visitor attractions include the Abbot's Palace, National Museum, and the recently opened Museum of the Second World War.

 

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Zalipie Village -

For a quaint and quirky diversion, stroll through Zalipie Village in southern Poland and admire the painted cottages and their decorative motifs.

 

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Torun -

Round off your Poland city run by taking in the Legoland veneer that is Torun. Actually, this is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, valued for its Brick Gothic, Mannerist, and Baroque architecture.

 

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Karpacz -

Bear in mind that Poland is a fantastic winter destination. Karpacz, a town in the Karkonosze Mountains in southwestern Poland, is one of the country's leading ski resorts. It's defined by Mount Sniezka, which appears as a huge icing-flecked cake after snowfall.