8 Famous Places to See in Poland
Poland is formally the Republic of Poland, and it is a beautiful country to explore in Central Europe. It is home to dramatic mountains, national parks, coastlines, and natural wonders like the oldest salt mine in the world. Moreover, the country features 16 administrative provinces, covering 312,696 km square area.
In short, Poland is the dream destination for travelers, honeymooners, backpackers, and specifically architecture lovers. No matter if you are a history, art, or nature enthusiast, Poland will offer you everything from your travel interests. In addition, the best time to visit Poland is between May and October.
If you are planning a trip to Poland, check out the eight famous places to see in Poland.
Malbork Castle, Malbork
The Teutonic Knights built the Malbork Castle in the 13th century. Initially, the site was a small fortification and later expanded over centuries. However, eventually, it became a giant structure, and once, it was Europe’s largest gothic building. Most importantly, the castle is still the world’s largest castle by land area.
The magnificent castle is now a museum, featuring original rooms in great condition. In addition, major highlights include a medieval kitchen along with a fireplace of six-meter and a private toilet. You can plan a memorable trip to Poland and consider the deals on booking the Air Canada vacations packages.
Warsaw Old Market Place, Warsaw
Old Market Place is the oldest part of the region, dating back to the 13th century. However, the Nazis ruined 85% of the area during World War II. Since then, the site has been restored to look the way it did when it was first constructed. Moreover, tourists can see a mix of Renaissance buildings, medieval architecture, and merchant apartments in the city’s famous square.
Today, the Market Square features beautiful cafes and restaurants along with souvenir stalls. However, the main foundation of the Historical Museum of Warsaw also lies here. The museum is home to a popular art collection that you cannot miss exploring.
Lazienki Park
Lazienki Park is one of the largest urban parks in Poland. Moreover, the park covers 76 hectares of the city center. Initially, it was a bath park for a nobleman in the 17th century. But today, it has turned into an incredible Palace, open for public visit. Tourists will find a classical theater, a number of smaller palaces, and structures that now are museums or art galleries. Additionally, you will find a classicist temple dedicated to the goddess Diana.
There is a large statue of Polish composer Frederic Chopin standing on the park’s grounds. Moreover, German forces willingly ruined the statue as they entered Poland during WWII and reconstructed it in 1958. You cannot miss free piano concerts at the foot of the statue every Sunday afternoon.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
One of the other famous places to see in Poland is Wieliczka Salt Mine is of the 13th century. Moreover, it is one of the world’s oldest and longest-operating salt mines, and it stopped commercial operations in 1996. Since then, the mine has become a popular tourist attraction in Poland. The new home of the Wieliczka Salt Mine features four chapels, corridors, and statues.
In addition, there are some deep as 327 meters underground mines. They let visitors come in and discover chambers, walking past statues and alongside beautiful architectural marvels. The major highlight inside the mine is St.Kinga, a 12-meter-high chamber, including the elaborate chandeliers and furniture.
Morskie Oko Lake, Tatra National Park
Morskie Oko Lake lies quite deep within the beautiful Tatra National Park, featuring rugged mountains and pine trees. It requires long hiking through dramatic forests. Additionally, the lake changes its color throughout the year and transforms from a darker blue shade to a lighter turquoise color. Moreover, the place is among the favorites of millions of travelers who visit the park worldwide.
The national park extends through Poland and Slovakia. The park’s major part is easily hikeable, featuring 270 kilometers of trails of different lengths that are quite challenging. Moreover, the park is home to 600 caves, now-covered peaks, and charming waterfalls. One of the most popular waterfalls is the 70-meter-tall Wielka Siklawa.
Warsaw Rising Museum
Warsaw Rising Museum is dedicated to the Warsaw uprising of 1944, where the Polish Resistance fought the German occupation. It was a remarkable effort by a barely armed group of non-combatants trying to fight. Moreover, the uprising lasted for 63 days and caused massive casualties on both sides. In addition, the museum had contributed enough to all this.
The major exhibitions include several rooms and events through films, recreations, interactive displays, and artifacts. Here you can see the underground newspapers and posters. Moreover, there are a replica of the sewer tunnels, an insurgent hospital, and a print shop.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Camps, Oswiecim
The Auschwitz I and II-Birkenau concentration camps are unique attractions to see in Poland. Moreover, the place is accessible from the west of Krakow and gives an insight into the past of the camps. Over 900,000 Jews from German countries were kept in the camps between 1942 and 1944. Moreover, the group included political prisoners, Roma, and several other ethnicities. There were less than 10% of people survived the torture.
The Soviet forces were advanced at the end of the war as the Nazis ruined the chambers. They destroyed and burned down the major part of the concentration camps. In addition, the camps include over 300 barracks and hundreds of other buildings and crematoriums. Consequently, you can hire a guided tour to explore the major highlights.
Crooked Forest, Gryfino
Crooked Forest lies outside of the small town of Gryfino. Moreover, the forest is home to plenty of pine trees growing at a 90-degree angle. The trees bend northward and give an interesting view to visitors. Originally, the pines were planted in the area in the 1930s. However, it took ten years until the trunks started to reflect their unique characteristic bent.
Apart from theories, there is a strong argument on whether the curvature was artificially created or it is natural. In addition, you can come here for hiking in the silent forest. Check out the American Airlines vacations packages if you are looking for holiday deals on a Poland tour. You will grab exclusive discounts and money-saving deals on flight tickets and hotel stays.
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