POLAND

TRAVEL IN POLAND

Poland's beguiling combination of millennium old architecture, fascinating history and 21st century verve is attracting more and more travellers from around the world. Attractions like Warsaw’s legendary nightlife, the storybook charm of Kraków and the many magnificent cathedrals and medieval castles that dot the country are helping Poland gain a deserved reputation as one of Europe’s must-sees.

FAST FACTS

Language: Polish
Currency: Złoty
Electricity: 230v
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Poland.
Dialling Code: +48
Time Zone: (GMT+01:00)

ABOUT CONTIKI

From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.

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Wieliczka Salt Mine

Wieliczka may be the oldest working salt mine in the world, but it's most famous for the various statues, mythical figures and works of art carved directly into its walls by generations of miners. Highlights include a replica of Leonardo's The Last Supper and the cavernous Chapel of St. Kinga, over 100m below ground. A moody, unforgettable experience.
Malbork Castle

Situated on the banks of the Nogat River in Northern Poland, this gigantic brick castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval fortified monasteries in existence. It's also the largest castle in the world in terms of surface area, and paying it a visit ranks as a Poland travel essential!
See the bison roam free in Białowieża National Park

Nestled away in Northeastern Poland straddling the border with Belarus is the Bialowieza forest, one of the last surviving stretches of ancient woodland in Europe. Here you'll find Bialowieza National Park, a beautiful forest preserve where you can hike, cycle and catch sight of the European bison in its native environment.
Stroll the Krakow Market Square

Chief amongst Kraków’s architectural attractions is magnificent Rynek Główny, the city's main square. Dating back to the 13th century, it's one of the largest in Europe and home to some of the city's finest buildings, including St. Mary's Basilica, the Cloth Hall and the 10th century Church of St. Adalbert. Stroll around the square, wander through the Cloth Market and linger over coffee in one of the bustling cafes - definitely one of the best things to do in Krakow!
Hit the trails in the Tatras and conquer Rysy

Part of the greater Carpathian range, the magnificent Tatra Mountains straddle the border between Poland and Slovenia. Here you'll find some of the most stunning scenery in either of the two countries, and the trek to the top of border-spanning Mt. Rysy is the perfect way to take in the views. Don't forget your camera!

Things to do in Poland

A chequered history and rich culture make Poland rich pickings for adventurous travellers. Read on for our top Poland travel picks.

Nowa Muzyka
Katowice

Poland's first festival of electronic music takes place in the impressively industrial setting of an old coal mine in Katowice. Entertainment comes courtesy of a selection of the biggest electronic artists from around the globe.

For more information on the Nowa Muzyka, click here.
Juwenalia
Kraków
Each May, Kraków's authorities give the city's sizeable student population the green light to behave however it sees fit. The result? Several days of non-stop partying, BBQs, concerts and general carnage. Alka-Seltzer comes as standard issue.

For more information on the Juwenalia festival, click here.
Open'er Festival
Gdynia

Held on a military airfield near the Baltic Sea port of Gdansk, this large open-air event regularly tops the lists of Europe's best festivals. A line-up of some of the biggest names in pop, electronic music, hip-hop and rock make this a Poland travel essential.

For more information on the Open'er Festival, click here.
Woodstock Festival
Kostrzyn nad Odrą

This free open-air rock festival is the largest of its kind in Europe. It's held annually in early August in Western Poland near the German border, and features a roster of leading Polish acts as well as some big international names. Get those horns ready.

For more information on the Woodstock Festival, click here.
Wianki
Kraków

This ancient Pagan midsummer celebration has gradually morphed into one of Poland's biggest music events. Expect fireworks, traditional foods and a varied lineup of musical entertainment alongside the traditional floating of wreaths down the Vistula River.

For more information on Wianki, click here.

Top 5 Festivals in Poland

From the local and traditional to the large and internationally renowned, festivals are a big part of any good Poland travel experience. Our pick of the best Poland festivals.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum
The events of the Holocaust were amongst the most horrifying in human history, and made Auschwitz and Birkenau two of the most notorious names in existence. A visit to these former Nazi death camps is a chilling way to grasp the sheer scale of the slaughter that occurred here.

For more information on the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, click here.
Warsaw Uprising Museum
The Warsaw Uprising Museum opened in 2004, on the 60th anniversary of the Polish resistance's famed attempt to free Warsaw from German occupation. It features a collection of photographs, film, and sound recordings documenting life before, during and after the events.

For more information on the Warsaw Uprising Museum, click here.
Galeria Raster
Warsaw
The Raster Gallery was founded by two art critics in 2001, and has gone on to become one of the most internationally recognised galleries in Poland. It showcases works by a broad range of Polish and international contemporary artists.

For more information on the Galeria Raster, click here.
Królikarnia
Warsaw
This magnificent 18th century palace has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, but its luck appears to have changed and it's now home to Poland's largest collection of sculpture, with works dating from 15th century to present day.

For more information on the Królikarnia, click here.
National Museum
Kraków
NMK is the largest and oldest museum in the country. Amongst its staggering 800,000 exhibits you'll find everything from Greek and Byzantine coins to 20th century Polish art.

For more information on the National Museum, click here.

Top 5 Museums and Galleries in Poland

Poland's stellar offering of museums and galleries mean that lovers of history and the arts are well catered for. We've put together a top 5 to get you going.

Pierogi
This Polish staple is a thin-skinned dumpling resembling ravioli. Sauerkraut, meat and mushrooms are typical fillings, but expect to chow down on endless varieties during your stay.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Królestwo Pierożka, Świętego Filipa 25, 31-150 Kraków}
Bigos
This hearty and traditional meat stew is based on sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, mushrooms and kiełbasa, with a changing cast of additional ingredients. Mashed potato is the usual accompaniment, but rye bread works well too.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Podwale 25 - Kompania Piwna, Podwale 25, Warszawa}
Rosół
This clear chicken soup is the most popular in the country. Simple and delicious, it's made with leeks, carrot, onion and parsley and served with homemade noodles.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Kogel Mogel, Sienna 12, 31-002 Kraków}
Placki ziemniaczane
These grated potato pancakes are popular throughout the country. They often contain onion, parsnips and other vegetables, and are fried until golden and delightfully crisp.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Domowe Przysmaki, Sławkowska 24A, Kraków}
Pączki
Behold, your new favourite dessert. These traditional Polish delights are similar to doughnuts, with plum or rose -hip jam as typical fillings.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Cukiernia Michałek, Krupnicza 6, Kraków}

Food in Poland

Traditionally hearty, Polish cuisine is proof that you can do a lot with cabbage, pork, beetroot and mushrooms. Particular ingredients include ogórek kiszony, a salted sour cucumber, and kiełbasa, a Polish sausage that comes in many varieties. Let's not forget some of the best vodka you'll ever taste in your life!

What To Pack?

A camera - Whether it's the architectural delights of Krakow or the beauty of the Tatra Mountains, there's a lot to aim your camera at here.

Alka seltzer - Polish vodka is good. Very good! There may be a hangover or two in store.

An umbrella - Changeable weather means the prospect of rain is never far away, even in summer.

Comfortable shoes - Want to get the best out of cities like Krakow and Gdansk? Prepare to cover some ground on foot.

An adapter plug - Poland uses the European standard 2-pin plug. Any appliances that run on USA voltage will need a transformer.

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