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Poland by Dale Nolan

Lying at the centre of continental Europe, the striking and ample Republic of Poland is a nation packed with a wealth of natural beauty, history and attractions to explore. This fascinating country boasts stunning beaches and coastland, vast plains and woodlands, dramatic lakes and mountains and a clutch of attractive towns and cities. Once ruled by ancient kings and the iron fist of communism, modern Poland has emerged as a confident and vibrant visitor destination ideally placed for relaxation and adventure alike.

The Slavic people of Poland were first united in the Tenth century by the Polanie tribe and they gave their name to the new kingdom. Some time later they made Krakow their capital and established the first Polish dynasty and by the turn of the Sixteenth century, an alliance with Lithuania saw the creation of one of Europe’s biggest states. However, this Polish renaissance faded and over the following three hundred years much of Poland’s territory was annexed by successive Swedish, German and Russian invasions culminating in it disappearing from maps in 1795. During the World Wars, Poland declared its independence but was invaded and occupied by Nazi and Soviet forces leading to a period of intense destruction and persecution. Following the end of hostilities, Poland became a communist state but eventually in 1990 the nation finally became a free and democratic republic. Today, Poland is now a member of the European Union and has become a popular city break destination.

Most visitors to the nation arrive through Krakow or the Polish capital of Warsaw and these two vibrant cities offer some of Poland’s best experiences.

The beautiful and historic city of Krakow is the republic’s premier tourist draw and the nation’s best-preserved medieval city. Lying on the lush slopes of the Carpathian Mountains, the city attracts hordes of visitors to its world-renowned and compact centre making it one of Eastern Europe’s most popular destinations. The World Heritage-listed city boasts a rich selection of attractive Gothic and Baroque buildings and its pretty churches, cobbled streets and squares make it a romantic place to explore on foot. The pick of Krakow’s finest attractions include its historic Old Town, the lovely Jewish Quarter, the impressive St. Mary’s Basilica and Wawel Castle – the symbol of Polish nationality and home to the striking Royal Castle and Cathedral.

To the centre of the republic and directly north of Krakow stands Poland’s bustling and modern capital. Although nowhere near as aesthetically pleasing as Krakow, cosmopolitan Warsaw has plentiful attractions and activities making it a splendid destination to visit. The Polish capital has undergone a renaissance in recent years and its clutch of Soviet-style blocks now stand side by side with stunning new towers. Wearing a wrapping of serious cool, the city boasts striking palaces, long boulevards, excellent restaurants, hip bars and some very special sights such as the sublime St. John’s Cathedral and the monumental Palace of Culture and Science.

Away from the rewarding cities of Krakow and Warsaw, Poland is also home to a plethora of other remarkable settlements such as the lovely port of Gdansk, lively Lublin, buzzing Poznan with its parks and castles and the historic and pretty town of Zamosc.

Yet despite the glorious revival of Poland’s urban areas, a stay in Poland is much more than the sum of its fantastic city break stays. This vast and attractive country stakes claim to some of the continent’s most breathtaking countryside and its appealing blend of forest, lake, beach and mountain provide an intoxicating range of opportunities to sample.

For those who revel at the thrill of hiking, skiing, rock climbing and snowboarding then Poland’s southern mountains provide some serious sport and are within touching distance of Krakow and Wroclaw. Some of the best areas to explore are amongst the pleasing Tatra and Karkonosze Mountains and within the popular winter resort of Zakopane. The Tatras National Park is particularly rewarding and includes awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks and well-marked trails and is home to the fabulously steep-sided Dunajec Gorge – one of the continent’s loveliest natural features and outstanding for white water rafting and kayaking.

For visitors who prefer things at a slower pace, then the gorgeous Masurian Lakes, sandy Polish beaches and the vast woodlands of the east offer unspoilt surroundings to relax amongst. Along Poland’s extensive coastline are numerous parklands boasting beautiful sand dunes and long beaches and no excursion would be complete without visiting the famous seaside resort of Sopot with its hectic nightlife and café-lined promenade.

To the southeast of here lie the expansive and picturesque lakes and woodlands of the Masurian Region containing over 4000 refreshing lakes perfect for swimming and boat cruises. South of this district stands the awesome and stunning Bialowieza National Park and here visitors can take forest strolls to spot Bison, Lynx and Wolves amongst some of the Europe’s most exciting and untamed wilderness. Further, the lovely Polish coastline, lakes and eastern wilds are within striking distance of Gdansk and the Polish capital providing a welcoming alternative to the nation’s classic city breaks.

No stay in Poland however would be complete without taking a daytrip to one of the nation’s sombre and compelling World War memorials to the Holocaust. The infamous concentration camps of Auschwitz and Treblinka are now carefully preserved testaments to the true horror of war and provide a startling and thought-provoking insight into the true impact of conflict and racial intolerance.

Despite the destructive elements of the wars though, Poland has matured into a fascinating and rapidly modernising destination, which is firmly embracing its new future and position at the centre of Europe.

Those who visit the republic now are inspired by its bustling cities and overcome by the rich diversity and beauty of its countryside making it a rewarding country to stay within. So what are you waiting for? Raise your glass of flavoured Polish Vodka and prepare to be astounded by the possibilities on offer within this wonderful and surprising nation.