What to see in Poland

Krakow, a historical royal capital, is probably the most beautiful and fascinating city in Poland. Apart from the Wawel Hill, Old Town, St Mary's Church with its famous medieval altar and numerous monuments, there are still plenty of places worth visiting. An amazing variety of restaurants, pubs and clubs make Krakow sparkle with life. The beauty and popularity of the former Jewish district of Kazimierz, numerous cultural events and charming atmosphere attracts ten of thousands visitors in every season.

Located at the foot of the splendid Tatra mountains, Zakopane is the winter sports capital of Poland and its most famous resort. A wide range of slopes will satisfy the most demanding skiers, whereas deep valleys, rocky peaks covered with snow and amazing sights will certainly please every visitor's eyes. A walk along Krup˘wki, the central mall makes you better experience the original folk culture.

Malbork boasts the biggest medieval castle in Europe, encircled by huge defensive walls with gates and towers. Once it consisted of three parts: the outer one, which is ruined and not open for visits, the Middle Castle and the Upper Castle. The largest Gothic fortress in Europe, which was the seat of the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order is a great example of monumental architecture.

Bialowieza Forest is widely known as the bison's habitat, an animal extinct elsewhere. This National Park is the oldest primeval forest in Europe, a strict nature reserve that can be entered only with a guide. Apart from admiring wonderful sights and visiting many animals' natural environment, you can go here for a ride on a narrow-gauge train.

Pieniny mountain range is located in southern Poland and is famous for spectacular Dunajec rafting trips and diversity of landscape - many rock formations with the most famous trail to Trzy Korony (Three Crowns, after the characteristic three summits). A tourist coming here can not miss visiting castles - a lovely and well-preserved 14th-century castle in Niedzica and extensive ruins of a royal castle in Czorsztyn.

Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot are three beautiful cities in the north of Poland called "TriCity", located on the shore of the Baltic Sea. The most popular seaside resort is probably Sopot, with its longest wooden pier and busy main pedestrian mall. The sea and a great number of sports and cultural events make the TriCity a number one holiday destination.

The Hel Peninsula with its most frequented spots of Wladyslawo, Jastarnia and Hel is a very popular holiday resort. After sunbathing, tourists can visit the lighthouse of the Rozewie Cape, take a walk along the seashore or visit one of the numerous restaurants or bars bustling with life during high season.

The largest of the Nazi concentration camps built by Germans in occupied Poland and operated by SS. The first prisoners were Polish resistance fighters; later it became the center for extermination of European Jews. Auschwitz Memorial Museum and Auschwitz Jewish Center, consisting of an educational center, a museum, and a synagogue - all of them remind us of the victims of the Holocaust. A must see, so we do not forget where hatred, superiority ideology, and fanaticism leads.

Bieszczady Mountains is a rather wild, still undiscovered region of forests and high open meadows. The picturesque landscapes together with excellent grounds for hiking trips, winter sports, horse rides and relaxing strolls make it an ideal holiday destination. A paradise for lovers of nature, those who want to escape from overwhelming noise and everyday life.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the world's oldest mining sites still in operation. The underground tourist route leads through galleries and chambers on three levels, including the splendidly adorned Chapel of the Blessed Kinga at the depth of 101 meters. Unique sculptures, all carved in rock salt decorate a mysterious labyrinth of 300 kilometers of halls and corridors.

Wroclaw, called "the city of one hundred bridges" lies on several islands and, as a capital of Lower Silesia amazes with its great Gothic and Baroque architecture. The city is picturesquely located on several rivers, has a wonderful Old City with beautiful monumental churches and old buildings. Apart from its unique location and wonderful architecture, Wroclaw boasts busy nightlife which attracts innumerable visitors from all over Poland and abroad.

Biebrza, located in Northeast Poland is the largest national park in Poland. Unique in Europe for its highly diversified fauna, as well as its marshes and peat lands. A great wildlife refugee combined with amazing sights.

The Masuria is a picturesque land of no less than 3,000 bigger and smaller lakes. One of the best choices for those who love nature, tranquility, sailing, fishing and wandering around. It is mainly a holiday destination, but apart from the water sports you may explore there a multitude of historical places- for example some castles, Baroque church in Swieta Lipka and Hitler's wartime headquarters.