What to see in Poland
Poland Attractions
When sightseeing around Poland you'll find all the hallmarks of European charm in abundance: alpine mountains, historic buildings, resplendent lakes, lush meadows, untainted beaches and, as a less-than-rosy bonus, the setting for some key events from the Second World War.
The capital of Warsaw was the first city to fall to Hitler and had to be almost completely rebuilt after the 1944 invasion. Parts of the Old Town were built to replicate the city as it had stood in the 17th and 18th centuries and is the site of the Historical Museum of Warsaw, a salute to the city's violent past.
About two hours north of Warsaw is the Bialowieza Primaeval Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is one of the last remnants of the European primeval forest. Further north we find another rare vestige of olden Europe, the Gothic Castle in Malbork, the largest and most impressive brick fortress in Europe. There are several other wooden and stone churches, temples and other constructs throughout Poland's vast and glorious countryside, which can be chartered by bus or train.
An overview of the must-sees of Poland would not be complete without a mention of the most significant landmark of the country's violent past, Auschwitz - Hitler's biggest and most notorious concentration camp.
Auschwitz Memorial Museum
The Auschwitz concentration camp is actually made up of three camps - Auschwitz I, Auschwitz II-Birkenau and Auschwitz…
Historical Museum of Warsaw
The History Museum is one of the best of Warsaw's impressive array of museums. Its three storeys are crammed with fascinating…
Kazimierz District and the Old Synagogue
Once a separate town and now an inner suburb of Krakow, the Kazimierz quarter was the centre of Jewish religion, culture…
Main Market Square (Rynek Glówny)
Dating from 1257, the Central Market Square was one of the largest squares in Medieval Europe, and remains the social…
Malbork Castle
Malbork Castle is a classic example of a medieval fortress: it is the world's largest brick castle and one of the most…
Old Town (Starego Miasta)
The busy Old Town provides the historic focal point of Warsaw, having been rebuilt in the original 17th and 18th Century…
Sopot
Although the idea of a beach holiday in Poland might seem about as plausible as a ski trip in the Netherlands, the wonderful…
The Royal Way
Known as the Royal Way, this two-and-a-half mile (4km) route stretches from the Royal Castle in the Old Town to the stately…
Wawel
Overlooking the city is Wawel, a hill topped with the fascinating architectural complex that includes Wawel Castle and…
Westerplatte
Westerplatte, situated at the entrance to the harbour and just a few kilometres from the city of Gdañsk, is where…
Wieliczka Salt Mine
The Salt Mine at Wieliczka is a unique underground complex that has been in continuous use since its construction in…
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