Welcome to Poland - a Country That Surprises, Moves, and Inspires
Learn 10 mind-blowing facts coupled with 10 breathtaking visuals
By Google Arts & Culture
Trail towards Świnica by Paweł Uchorczak Polish Association of Rural Women's Clubs
A dream destination for hikers
From the misty Beskid Żywiecki to the craggy granite peaks of the Tatras , Poland’s mountains are as diverse as they are dramatic. In this project, we’ll take you on a rafting adventure through the Pieniny and up to the snow-clad slopes of Gorce . Any mountain-loving soul will love it!
The "Land of a Thousand Lakes"
That's the nickname of the Masurian Lake District. In total, Poland has over 10,000 lakes, particularly concentrated here. Discover the "dry lakes" or dive in Wigry Lake the Podlaskie Voivodeship.
Home to 25 national parks
Covering about 1% of the country , Poland’s national parks protect a wide range of ecosystems. Explore Wigry National Park , renowned for its pristine lakes and the historic Wigry Camaldolese Monastery or hike in the Stołowe Mountains National Park , famous for its unique table-like rock formations .
The stunning Hel Peninsula by Paweł Uchorczak
A seaside paradise
Along 500km of southern Baltic coast, Poland boasts golden beaches, charming towns like Gdańsk and natural wonders like the moving sand dunes . One of its most famous spots is the Hel Peninsula - a windswept strip of land so stunning t's often jokingly called “Heaven spelled like Hell".
MIlicz Ponds: Wildlife
A stopover for feathered friends
Grab your binoculars! The country serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds along the East Atlantic Flyway, making it a significant destination for birdwatchers. Get to know the Polish Society for the Protection of Birds or watch the birds breading in the Barycz Valley .
Stalactites peeking through the water by M_Gospodarek#2 The Bear Cave
Riddled with over 4,000 caves...
Dare to go underground? The Tatra Mountains alone house over 1,000 caves. In the Sudetes, the longest cave systen is the Bear Cave in Kletno . It's said to be one of the richest caves in terms of dripfrom . A truly mesmerising view.
... and one of world’s deepest underground tourist routes
The Wieliczka Salt Mine boasts a route that takes you 135 meters (443 ft) underground , complete with chapels, sculptures, and a salt lake. Take a moment to discover these beautiful, historic salt cellars from Wieliczka .
Aerial view of the Centennial Hall (UNESCO)
Home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites...
Stepping into the cities, you can discover some gems of urban heritage, including the historic center of Kraków , Old Town in Zamość , Medieval Town in Toruń , Wieliczka Salt Mine , Cenntenial Hall in Wrocław , or the Evangelical Church of Peace in Jawor .
... and over 1,000 castles, runins, and palace complexes
Many of them true historical landmarks! Did you know that Lower Silesia, in south-western Poland, is one of the most castle-dense regions in Europe? Discover Karpniki Castle, now converted to a hotel , built atop an extinct volcano, Grodziec Castle , or this neo-Gothic pearl of Lower Silesia .
Bolesławiec Pottery: 300-year-old pottery
A country with a 300-year-old pottery tradition
You must have seen it somewhere! Renowned for its distinctive hand-painted designs, Polish pottery often features blue and white patterns. Dating back to the 14th century, Bolesławiec pottery is considered a symbol of Polish craftsmanship , admired for its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Gingerbread Box (Gustav Weese)
One of the marzipan hubs of Europe
The city of Toruń is famous not only for being Copernicus’ birthplace but also for its delicious pierniki (gingerbread) and marzipan, with recipes dating back to the Middle Ages. Fancy a bite?
Chocolate soup Polish Association of Rural Women's Clubs
Heaven for potato ♥ lovers
Poland ranks among the world’s top consumers of potatoes, with around 100 kg per capita per year. Potatoes are a staple in Polish cuisine , featured in a variety of hearty dishes, including pierogi (dumplings), placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes), or kopytka (potato dumplings).
Wrocław: a city of dwarves
A home for gnomes
Last but not least, we still have something to surprise you. In Wrocław , the capital of Lower Silesia , you’ll find over 600 tiny bronze gnome statues scattered throughout the city . Originally a symbol of social resistance, they now form a whimsical urban attraction. See for yourself!
Interested in Natural history?
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