Located in Central Europe by the long Baltic Sea coastline, Poland is a budget traveller’s paradise. Bordered by countries like the Czech Republic, Germany and Lithuania, the first mention of this country was made by Roman writers in the first century AD. However, the first Polish settlement dates even further back to the 7th century BC. Today, the country is relatively undiscovered and thus remains comparatively quiet. The various Polish cites will greet you with an old-world charm and spectacular vodka at every turn.
Languages Spoken
The official language of Poland is Polish.
Climate
The climate of Poland can be broadly classified as temperate. In the north, the climate is oceanic but becomes gradually warmer and continental towards the south and east. Summers are generally warm, with average temperatures in the range of 18 and 30 °C. Winters are rather cold, with average temperatures between 3 °C (37.4 °F) to −6 °C (21 °F). The annual precipitation is moderate throughout the year.
How To Reach
Depending on which cities you plan to visit, you can take a direct flight ticket to the city of your choice. Most of Europe’s major airlines fly to and from Poland. There are also direct train connections from Berlin, Amsrerdam, Vienna and Moscow. Visitors also have the option of entering Poland by the many roads linking Poland with the neighbouring countries. Additionally, numerous international bus lines connect major Polish cities with their European counterparts. For the slightly adventurous ones, the Polish coast literally has a port at every river mouth. So you can take a cruise or ferry to reach Poland.
Things To Do
- Sample Local Vodka: If Poland is famous for anything, it’s for vodka. And a trip to Poland would be incomplete without sampling some local vodka. One of the most famous Polish vodkas is Żubrówka Bison Grass Vodka, It’s a distinctively Polish treat, so be sure to give this a try.
- Wieliczka Salt Mine: This mine was in continuous operation from the 13th century up until the year 2007. Today, it is a museum dedicated to people digging for salt. An easy day trip from Krakow, the museum has become a popular tourist draw. Tourists take the tiny elevator down to explore the chapels and statues underground.
- Visit Auschwitz: The victims of the Holocaust are remembered at Oświęcim-Birkenau (Auschwitz-Birkenau) concentration camp. A state museum located at a distance of 66km from Cracow, a visit to this place is a sobering experience.Particularly striking are the shoes, collected by the millions, now piled behind a glass display.
- Hiking At The Tatra: With craggy peaks, a diverse wildlife and tranquil lakes, this mountain range offers spectacular hiking opportunities to fans of the outdoors.
- Explore Castles: Poland is home to numerous castles. The Wawel in Krakow is the most visited one. The Malbork Castle, which also happens to be the world’s largest brick castle, just outside of Gdansk, is another popular attraction. Lesser-known Polish castles include Książand the ruins of Chojnik and Krzyżtopór.
For a unique vacation which doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket, plan a holiday to Poland!
