The modern country of Poland now combines many cultural activities and medieval places as a reminder of the colorful past they had. Many tourists come here all year round to experience Poland. This overview of the best places to visit in Poland will be useful for tourists and locals alike.
Krakow ghetto
Up to this day, Krakow remains the second most important city in Poland right after the capital โ Warsaw. One of the most popular tourist attractions here is the Krakow Ghetto. During World War II, this attraction was used to herd Jews before sending them to concentration camps.
Krakow Ghetto is not preserved but you can still experience some part of it. While wandering around the picturesque streets of Krakow, you may wander off to a part that attracts with unique architecture and special-looking streets. Tourists that visit this place should also go to Old Synagogue and Jewish Galicia Museum. These are the top places to visit for a full Krakow Ghetto experience.
Auschwitz Birkenau
This might be one of the most known tourist attractions in Poland. It got its fame after it served as Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi concentration and extermination camp. With the dark history that this place holds, it is no wonder tourists are attracted to it. Located in southern Poland near the town of Oลwiฤcim, Auschwitz served as three camps in one from the year of 1940 to 1945. It served as a prison, extermination, and slave-labor camp.
Up to this day, you can see fortified walls, platforms, barbed wire, barracks, gallows, gas chambers and cremation ovens in this tourist attraction. Historical records tell us that around 1.5 million people were systematically led to death in Auschwitz.
Slowinski sand dunes
An unexpected tourist attraction awaits you in northern Poland. While other sand dunes are usually located in warmer places, this one has formed on the coast of the Baltic Sea in Poland. The dunes are shaped as waves that can reach as high as 30 meters. Their forms vary depending on the season and they are known as the โmoving dunesโ.
These sand dunes are actually part of the Slowinski National Park where tourists can also see the artifacts from Slovicians โ people who used to live here. Open-air museum in the town of Kluki will provide all tourists a good sense of time travel.
Warsaw old market place
Warsaw โ now the capital city of Poland, was founded in the late 13th century. The cityโs central market place was the attraction for Polish culture for more than five centuries. During World War II, the original market place was destroyed. But with the ambitions that Polish people have, it was reconstructed right after the war ended.
A bronze mermaid sculpture is one of the main features in the market place. It is the symbol of Warsaw. This tourist attraction will give you a colorful and vivid experience that will include a mix of locals and Polish culture.
Poznan
Poznan โ known to be the academic center of Poland, this city is a popular place to visit. From oddly colored houses to international events, this place still conquers many hearts of tourists.
It is also the home to Polandโs third-largest university and thus the city swarms with energetic people. Every year many international festivals like the Malta International Theatre Festival take place in this town.
Besides coming to these festivals, any tourist visiting Poznan should take a walk along the Royal Imperial Route. This route was set up to provide access to all major tourist attractions in the city.
Masurian lake district
The Masurian Lake District is home to more than 2โ000 lakes and dozens of rivers. With its extensive water network, it is the most popular tourist attraction among Europeโs lake districts.
Located near the Lithuanian border, this place is full of small picturesque towns like Elk and Gizycko. In summer, this place becomes a popular holiday destination for many locals and tourists alike. Here you can hire a sailing boat, fish, sunbathe or relax in one of the many local resorts.
Malbork
This medieval town is a well-known tourist attraction because of its castle. The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork was built in the 13th century. It served as headquarters for the Knights of the Teutonic Order in Poland.
Besides being a historical attraction, it is also Europeโs largest Gothic fortress. This structure holds three castles in one and is built from bricks, making it the worldโs largest brick castle as well.
A whole 230 years were necessary to build it. This should give you a good sense of how majestic this place is. With the scale that this place provides, it is among the top places to visit in Poland.
Poland provides many possibilities to experience its culture, nature, and past. Which one you will choose is entirely up to you. But no matter where your ways will lead you, know that Poland wonโt leave you empty handed.