10 Reasons to visit Poland

Those who have already travelled to Poland admit that our country offers things that no other country does. As a tour operator specializing in tours around Poland for foreigners, we are in touch with tourists from all over the world on a daily basis. They travel to Poland from all the corners of the world, searching for adventure, sentimental journey or extraordinary history lesson. We always ask for their feedback after they have come back from tours to various Polish destinations. Their responses always put a smile on our faces and fill us with pride. As tourism specialists, we can certainly claim that Poland always exceeds the expectations of travellers. Let us introduce you to 10 reasons why you should visit Poland.

1. Poland is one of the biggest countries in Europe

For some of you it can be quite a surprise that Poland is on the list of the 10 largest European countries. In terms of area, our country stays ahead of the United Kingdom, Italy and Romania. Moreover, Poland is in 36^th most populated country in the world! Consequently, Poland is characterized by diversity in various areas, such as landscape, culture, traditions and lifestyle.

2. Poland has a diverse landscape and beautiful nature

Poland is one of the lucky countries that have mountains, the sea, and lakes within their territory.

We have the Baltic Sea in the north:

the Masurian Lake District occupied by more than 2000 lakes in the north-east of the country:

Carpathians and Sudetes mountains in the south. You can go climbing, skiing and experience the culture of Polish highlanders in the Tatra mountains – the highest mountain range of Carpathians:

Poland even has a desert region in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship:

In addition, Poland takes pride in its unspoiled nature and a rich variety of flora and fauna. Our Bialowieza National Park is the last remaining primeval forest and home to about 25,000 species of animals and more than 1,000 species of plants. Moreover, nearly 30 percent of the country is covered in forests. There is no better place than the Polish countryside to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and be out in nature!

3. Poland has a rich heritage and fascinating history

No matter what city in Poland you are visiting, there are still traces of history you can spot everywhere. You can see various influences of the different time periods in the buildings and monuments or experience Poland’s turbulent history in museums, like Auschwitz Memorial and Museum, Oskar Schindler’s factory, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews or The Warsaw Rising Museum. You can also see Poland’s rich heritage in the Old Towns, thoroughly and faithfully reconstructed after World War II.

4. Polish cities are a mixture of history and modernity

Poland has more than 900 lovely cities and it is quite difficult to see them all. However, your tour will not be complete without visiting at least one of these cities:

KRAKÓW

One of the most beautiful, famous and frequently visited Polish cities. Tourists from all around the world love Kraków because of its unique character, charm and mix of tradition and modernity. You can discover this fascinating city on our Krakow city tours.

WARSAW

The capital of Poland is sometimes called the “Phoenix City” because, like this mythological bird, Warsaw also rose from the ashes. Destroyed during World War II, today Warsaw has a lot to offer. Be sure to check Top 10 places in Warsaw to see. You can book one of our city tours, alternatively try the communism tour, admire the city from the sky and many more.

WROCŁAW

Beautiful monuments, the oldest Polish zoological garden, a lot of green areas, bridges and…dwarfs – you will find all this and much more in WrocLOVE. Our Wroclaw city tour will help you to explore the city.

GDAŃSK

Baltic Sea, amazing architecture and history going back a thousand years – here are the top reasons you should visit Gdańsk. Also, a visit to one of the climatic shops with handmade amber jewelry is a must when you visit Gdańsk. Amber is one of Poland’s biggest treasures and shops offer a wide selection of beautiful amber necklaces, bracelets, rings or earrings.

 5. Polish cuisine is famous all over the world

Polish kiełbasa and pierogi are so famous that they have become official words in foreign dictionaries. Nowhere else in the world will you try such delicious dishes as bigos, żurek or kotlet schabowy. Interestingly enough, the favorite food of many Poles is… potatoes. Polish potatoes are tasty in any form: baked, cooked, in soup or salad, as chips, pancakes or fries. Take a look at some of the traditional Polish dishes:

PIEROGI – polish dumplings made of unleavened dough and filled with sweet or savory fillings. YUMMY!

BIGOS – made of meat and sausage, mushrooms, onions, whole or puréed tomatoes and – the most important ingredient – sauerkraut (in polish: kapusta kiszona).

KOTLET SCHABOWY – breaded pork cutlet, a polish typical Sunday dish similar to Viennese schnitzel.

ŻUREK – traditional soup served for centuries, it includes:  sour rye flour, meat and hard-boiled egg

And for dessert: APPLE PIE, DONUTS, CHEESECAKE or ICE CREAMS!

It is challenging to try all these plentiful dishes at once, but you can at least try, during our food tasting!

6. Polish vodka is legendary!

Hugh Laurie, the English actor who played dr. Gregory House wrote on Twitter: “Yes, alright, Russian vodka is ok if you need to clean the oven. For drinking, it must henceforth be Polish”. If you want to see for yourself whether he is right or wrong, we encourage you to take part in our Polish vodka tasting.

7. Polish people are the best hosts

What are Polish people like? There are many stereotypes. Some people (we completely do not understand why) think that Poles never smile. It’s not true! Just take a stroll down the city streets and you will meet a lot of smiling and joyful people. Besides, Poles are known for being very welcoming and receptive. Polish hospitality is already legendary. We truly believe that – according to the old Polish proverb – Guest coming into the house – God coming into the house which means: A guest in the house is like God in the house. You are always more than welcome in Polish homes! In addition, studies show that Polish people are well educated and know foreign languages. More than 40% of Poles at the age of 30-34 years have attained at least a bachelor’s degree. A survey performed by TNS Polska also shows that 56% of Poles know at least one foreign language.

8. Poland has an impressive list of UNESCO SITES

Poland has 14 unique and outstanding objects inscribed in the UNESCO list. Here are just a few selected locations that you must see while traveling throughout the country:

Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the world’s oldest business ventures – it was opened in the 13th century!

Auschwitz Concentration Camp. The largest concentration camp in Europe has become a symbol of terror, extermination and martyrdom of millions of people.

Białowieża Forest. Almost the entire part of Eastern Europe was once covered by wild forests. The Białowieża Forest is considered to be ”the last untouched wilderness of the continent”. This place has become home to some 12,000 animal species like marten, beaver, wolf, European Bison…

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska. The largest European sanctuary from the 17^th century includes: park, Baroque Basilica, Bernardine Monastery and 42 different chapels. We highly recommend you to visit this place, especially before Easter or in August when the most important religious processions are held.

9. Poland is a land of castles

There are hundreds of castles (429 to be precise) in Poland. They are in various states of conservation, from ruins:

to well-preserved structures:

Look at the photos of Poland’s most picturesque castles and try to choose your favorite one. It’s not easy, is it?

10. Poland has a rich culture and customs

Polish customs can be a memorable event for visitors from all over the world.

Drowning Marzanna – On March 21, according to the old tradition, children go to the nearest river or lake to drown a “Marzanna” – a doll symbolizing the bad, long winter.

Wedding traditions:

1. “OCZEPINY” – the bride takes off her veil and throws it into a crowd of young women – those who catch it will be the next to marry.
2. “POPRAWINY” – the traditional polish wedding lasts 2 days! The second day is known as “poprawiny” – guests are invited for dinner and party.

Śmigus Dyngus – On Easter Monday everybody without any exception (boys, girls, adults) is sprayed with water.

Poland is definitely worth visiting. Check our multiday tours around Poland and contact us if you want to experience an unforgettable adventure!