12 best nature places to visit in Poland

Did you know that there are 17 places in Poland which belong to UNESCO World Heritage? There are 23 National Parks, each with a unique biosphere.

Poland is well-known for its historical cities - Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk and Wroclaw. But there is much more Poland has to offer to international travelers.

It is Polish nature.

Lush, diversified, unique and surprisingly beautiful - this is the nature in Poland. We have it all - mountains, lakes, rivers, seaside, beaches and wild forests.

There are 23 National Parks in Poland in which we can find amazing natural gems. Some of those natural treasures are unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

This is a precious heritage which we should all care for and protect.

So, let's have a look at the best places to visit in Poland. They are scenic getaways, perfect for all nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and all those who want to explore the natural beauty of Poland.

For me, those areas are one of the most beautiful places in Europe.

1. Crooked Forest

Recommended by Karolina from karolinapatryk.com

Located in Nowe Czarnowo near Szczecin city, Krzywy Las (The Crooked Forest) is one of the most unique places in Poland. No one knows why the trees that are growing in the forest near Gryfino have an odd C-shape.

Many conspiracy theories are trying to explain the story behind Krzywy Las. Some people say that some kind of tool must have been used to make the trees grow this way. Others believe it's the work of Aliens. Finally, some believe it's a result of some kind of natural disaster such as a snowstorm.

Scientists are still looking for a piece of evidence to prove one of these theories. Until they find an answer, it's still worth to visit The Crooked Forest. This place is one of the most unique hidden gems in Poland that only a few know about.

If you happen to be in Northern Poland, go off the beaten path and travel to Nowe Czarnowo. Who knows, maybe you will find an answer to the question of why the pine trees are so weird there?

Krzywy Las is excellent to visit all year round but the best time is definitely summer. The easiest way to get there is by car, as the Crooked Forest is located in a rather remote area of West Pomerania.

If you would like to stay close to this unique region the best place would be Szczecin. It's a quaint seaside town with lots of museums and pubs. It's situated on the banks of the Oder River and near the Baltic Sea.

Szczecin is known for its green areas and parks, such as Jasne Błonia, Park Kasprowicza, and the Szczecin Landscape Park. Notable landmarks include the Szczecin Cathedral, Pomeranian Dukes' Castle, Wały Chrobrego (Chrobry Embankment), and the Wały Jagiellońskie (Jagiellonian Embankment).

If staying in Szczecin sounds like a good idea to you, choose Kurkowa Apartments in the city center. This aparthotel is highly rated on Booking.com. Guests are delighted with comfortable and spacious rooms, friendly staff and tasty breakfasts.

2. Bieszczady mountains

Endorsed by Anita from timetravelbee.com

Home to yet another unique National Park and a beautiful example of nature in Poland.

Bieszczady are considered the wildest mountains in the country. There will be some hikers and travellers in the summer but for the rest of the year, it will be just you and nature.

For me, they are the best place for hiking in Poland. Stunning views and solitary paths will surely make you fall in love and want to come back again to Bieszczady.

This beautiful Polish mountain range is located in the southeast corner of Poland and forms part of the Carpathian mountains. The highest peak is Tarnica, reaching 1346 metres.

The most popular trail to Tarnica mountain starts in Wolosate village:

There are several places you must see in Bieszczady Mountains. And they aren't just hiking trails - tourists can enjoy lakes for leisure and water sports, as well as historical wooden orthodox churches.

What's special about Bieszczady is the fact that a lot of artists live there, especially musicians, who run away from the hustle and bustle of cities to live a peaceful life in the mountains. You can meet there some poets or attend a live music concert.

Bieszczady Mountains are quite remote, but you can easily travel there by public transportation from major Polish cities. The best spot to start your trip will be a little village called Ustrzyki Dolne, where most of the famous trails start.

The prices are reasonable and cheaper compared to other tourist places in Poland. Bieszczady are great to visit all year round, as every season has its own beauty. The advantage of a winter visit is even fewer tourists than in the summer, plus there's no avalanche risk in Bieszczady mountains.

One of the most beautiful places in Bieszczady is the Solina Lake. Solina Lake was created as a result of damming the San River. The Solina Dam was constructed to generate hydroelectric power and control water flow. The lake has a surface area of around 22 square kilometers and a maximum depth of approximately 60 meters. Its size makes it one of the largest reservoirs in Poland.

Solina Lake is a great spot for recreational activities. You may enjoy boating, sailing, kayaking, fishing or going on a cruise.

And one more thing - Bieszczady are one of the cheapest tourist destinations in Poland which makes those beautiful mountains one of the best inexpensive places to visit in Europe.

Check out this travel guide if you would like to visit the region of Bieszczady Mountains.

If staying near the Solina Lake in Bieszczady Mountains sounds good for you, choose Sztygarka Hetmańska Resort Solina. Guests appreciate the fantastic location, modern facilities and comfortable rooms.

3. Morskie Oko Lake

Favourite spot of Claire from curiousclaire.co.uk

I loved visiting Poland and the Tatra mountains. They're called "Polish Alps" and now I know why. For me, Tatras are one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe.

I was looking for some easy and beautiful hikes in Poland and decided to choose High Tatras. 

One of the best places to visit in the Tatra mountains is Morskie Oko. This stunning lake can be found in the Tatra National Park and is the largest lake within the Tatra Mountains region.

Tatra mountains are the highest Polish mountain range and also belong to the Carpathian mountains.

The tallest peak towering over Morskie Oko is Rysy reaching 2,499 metres above the surface. It is also the highest mountain in Poland.

Situated along the border of Poland and Slovakia, Rysy peak is a popular hiking destination for locals and tourists, providing stunning views of the breathtaking High Tatra mountains.

The best place to stay if you're looking to hike in this area is the small resort town of Zakopane. From here there is an easy minibus that takes hikers to the Palenica Bialczanska parking lot where the trail starts. The start of the hiking trail is easy. Towards Morskie Oko the trail is mostly paved road and if you're looking to save your legs there is also an option of a horse carriage ride during this part of the trail.

If you're not interested in hiking and just want to see the lake, this is all you have to do. The walk up the hill isn't too steep but can take up to 2 hours to walk. Believe me when I say it's completely worth it. The scenic views of High Tatras will take your breath away.

There is also a small hut here serving refreshments with a seating area so you can grab a cup of coffee and just take in your majestic surroundings.

From here you can either head back down or carry on hiking up along the red trail leading to Rysy. The closer to the peak you get the more challenging the hike becomes. For me, a fairly new hiker, this was too much of a challenge and I was unable to make it to the top of the mountain.

However, if you want some fantastic views of Morskie Oko it's still worth hiking up to the upper lake which is called Czarny Staw Pod Rysami.

Even though there is an overview map we always recommend to buy paper hiking map of Poland & Slovak Tatra.

This will take about 40 minutes and isn't too much of a challenge. But even if you're not planning on making it all the way to the top it's worth continuing up a little further. If you can continue for about another half an hour you will get high enough to see both lakes.

This was as far as I got and it was a challenge for a novice like me but the views from up here made me glad I pushed through and made it as far as I did.

If you wish to stay close to the Tatra mountains, Zakopane will be a good option as it offers a wide range of hotels and attractions. A particularly good choice is Willa Jarosta. Guests are happy with the location close to the famous Krupówki Street, modern apartments and cleanliness.

4. Bialowieża National Park

Proposed by Dorota from bornglobals.com

Bialowieza National Park is a unique place on the map of Europe. Located in northeast Poland, it is famous for its virgin forest - one of the last and biggest forests on our continent which has not been influenced by humans.

Numerous species of plants and animals live in Bialowieza Forest and one of the most interesting is European bison - the heaviest land animal in Europe. Bialowieza Forest has been part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

Parts of the virgin forest are strictly protected and only scientists can visit it. Tourists can only go there in a group of a maximum of 20 people with a guide. However, parts of the forest are available for individual tourists as well. There are walking and cycling trails available and you can check them on this map.

Walking there is a unique experience - I have never seen such a deep, wild forest before. You can truly connect with nature there. For me, Bialowieza National Park is one of the wildest places in Poland.

I visited in the summer but the forest is available all year long. I'd love to go there in autumn to see all the leaves changing colours. In winter you can use the trails for cross-country skiing or visit it on the sledge.

As the region is quite wild, the easiest way to get there is by car.

I highly recommend you to see this unique forest and explore the wildest region of Poland - Podlasie. If you want to know more about the region, check out my post about the best places in Podlasie, Poland.

If you'd like to stay close to Bialowieza National Park, it's best to look for accommodation in Hajnówka.

It's a lovely town located just 20 minutes drive from Bialowieza and there are nice tourist attractions like a waterpark and miniature park.

Enklawa Białowieska Forest & Spa is a highly-rated hotel located in a quiet and peaceful area. Guests are content with delicious breakfast, access to sauna and pool and friendly staff.

5. Beskid Wyspowy

Beskid Wyspowy is a bit underrated mountain range in southern Poland. Located just a 1.5-hour drive from Krakow, it's not an obvious place to visit but it's one of the most picturesque day trips from Kraków.

The majority of travelers visiting Krakow head to Zakopane, Auschwitz and Wieliczka Salt Mine but it's Beskid Wyspowy which is actually one the best places to visit near Krakow.

It belongs to the Beskidy mountains - a broad but not very high Polish mountain range.

Beskid Wyspowy is perfect for people who have just started their hiking adventure. This range is a picturesque green hills stretching from Rabka-Zdrój to Nowy Sącz (total length: 75 kilometres). The highest summit Mogielica reaches just 1171 metres, but there's a wooden view tower on the top which adds 20 metres to the panorama.

The fastest circular trail to Mogielica mountain:

The landscape isn't as stunning as in the Tatra mountains, and the peaks are isolated and have quite big prominence. This region is also devoid of mountain resorts. On the face of it, this range doesn't offer many attractions.

But, still, the Beskidy Mountains are awesome!

If you're looking for a place to let your hair down, these mountains are just for you!

Beskid Wyspowy is beautiful at any time of the year, even off the high season. In November 2018 I hiked to Lubon Wielki. When I reached the peak, I saw one of the most stunning mountain sunsets I've ever seen! And during the whole 4-hour hike I met just two persons.

Another time while I was hiking to Mogielica peak (it was a part of my „project” – reach the highest peaks of the Polish mountain ranges), I enjoyed empty trails, beautiful autumn colours and amazing views - perfect chillout! What I like about Beskid Wyspowy is that it's so close to Krakow, yet there are so few tourists.

The best way to get to Beskid Wyspowy is to take the bus from the Krakow city center. Private bus carriers offer plenty of connections to the main towns in Beskid Wyspowy. There are the most shuttles to Mszana Dolna. A one-way ticket from Krakow costs around 15 – 18 PLN and the transfer lasts about 1.5 hours. 

I think that all seasons are good for discovering this region – it just depends on your preferences. The trails aren’t very demanding, so even in winter a moderately fit person should be able to ascend all peaks of Beskid Wyspowy without any troubles.

Prices in Beskid Wyspowy are a bit lower compared to other Polish tourist regions. You shouldn’t have issues with finding accommodation at a reasonable cost (even during the summertime).

Check out this travel guide if you would like to visit the Beskid Wyspowy Mountains.

If you'd like to stay in a mountain resort, you might want to choose Rabka-Zdrój.

It's a quaint little town located between Beskid Wyspowy and Gorce National Park. You’ll find there a beautiful Zdrojowy Park, “Rabkoland” amusement park and a few interesting museums. You may also try mineral waters known for their healing properties.

In Rabka-Zdrój choose Hotel Wiosna. Guests are delighted with spacious rooms, helpful staff and access to SPA facilities.

6. Kasprowy Wierch

Endorsed by Juozapas from nomadjoseph.com

Visiting Tatra National Park is definitely a must-do thing if you are interested in hiking in Poland. What's more, I think the Tatra mountains are one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe.

I love this place because of the amazing mountains where you can hike, drytool, ice climb in winter and stay in lovely mountain huts. Mountain biking isn't allowed in Tatras, with the exception of the Chocholowska Valley and Droga Pod Reglami routes.

As I am from Lithuania, this is the closest mountain range to my country by land. A lot of hikers and mountaineers from Lithuania visit Tatras to enjoy the mountain spirit.

One of the best places to visit in the Tatra mountains is Kasprowy Wierch. Located in Western Tatras, it reaches 1987 metres and is accessible by cable car. The cable car is very popular among tourists, so it's best to arrive early in the morning to avoid queues. Opening hours are 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM. Tickets can also be bought online.

If you're into hiking, there are a few trails leading to Kasprowy Wierch. The most popular option is the green trail which starts in Kuznice. You can climb down the same trail, or hike one of the most spectacular Tatra National Park trails - a red trail which leads on the ridge:

Even though there is an overview map we always recommend to buy paper hiking map of Poland & Slovak Tatra.

The best month to visit the Tatra mountains is September. There are fewer tourists on the trails than in the summertime, and also the weather is more stable. There's a low probability of snow or ice on the trails and hikers get to admire the autumn landscape with its abundant colours.

If you're planning on visiting Tatras in the summer, you might want to book your accommodation in advance. Most people choose Zakopane as their base for mountain trips. It's a lively tourist resort with lots of shops, hotels and transportation options. Buses from Warsaw, Krakow and other big cities in Poland run to Zakopane every few hours. PolskiBus might be your best option.

One of the best places to stay in Zakopane is Willa Jarosta. Located close to the Krupówki Street in Zakopane center, it offers spacious and modern apartments. 

7. Masurian Lakes District

Masurian Lakeland is located in northeast Poland and is also called The Land of Thousand Lakes. This name is no exaggeration - there are about 2600 lakes in the region! They cover almost 30% of the Masurian Lake District. This fact makes Masurian lakes one of the most unique places in Poland.

If you are a nature admirer, you will consider this area one of the most beautiful spots in Europe.

The biggest lake is Sniardwy and the longest one is Jeziorak. Other popular Masurian lakes are Mamry, Niegocin, Mikolajskie, Beldany and Nidzkie Lake.

All the lakes are connected with canals which create one impressive water route that reaches 120 kilometres.

Masurian Lakes region isn't only a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Cyclists will find here 23 bike trails of total length of 1000 kilometres. If we add cycling paths in Masurian towns we get wide possibilities to practise this sport.

The most popular bike trail is Green Velo - the longest cycling trail in Poland. It's 2000 kilometres long and leads through picturesque areas of eastern Poland. No need for a mountain bike - the trail runs along quiet asphalt roads. You will find more info about this trail here.

Animal lovers should head to Puszcza Borecka forest. It's home to bison, elks, lynxes, deers, badgers and many kinds of birds. Flora is also abundant here - there are about 300 kinds of plants, some of which are protected by law.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the Masurian Lakes District is Wilczy Szaniec (Wolf's Lair) in Gierloz village. It used to be Hitler's headquarters. Hidden deep in a dense forest, it was a perfect location to make evil plans. The Nazis blew up the whole complex at the end of the war but did not manage to destroy everything. Now travelers can visit bunkers and the remaining fortifications.

The most popular tourist resorts are Mikolajki and Gizycko. They are great options if you're looking for accommodation in a lively town with lots of tourist attractions.

Those charming towns tend to get crowded in the summertime, so tourists looking for a less touristy, quiet getaway might want to stay in villages like Wysoka Wies, Stare Juchy or Warchały.

If you would like to stay in a comfortable hotel located on the lake shores, choose Natura Mazur Resort & Conference in Warchały village. Guests are delighted with the private beach, great selection of food and beautiful views.

8. Słowinski National Park

Located on the Polish seaside in the region of Pomerania, just a 2-hour drive from Gdańsk.

Słowinski National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Poland. Many consider it also the most unique part of the Polish seaside. It's designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

It's also one of the biggest moving sand dunes regions in Europe. The area can move for up to 10 metres per year devouring all the trees and plants on its way. The shifting sands can bury entire forests, creating a unique blend of coastal and forest landscapes.

This National Park is perfect for those who like walking, and cycling and appreciate the fresh air. There are over 170 kilometres of trails!

The main trail leading through Słowinski National Park starts in Czolpino village. Before we get to the sea, we need to walk a few kilometres. We can get back on the blue trail in the forest, or after we reach the coastline, we can turn left and walk to Czerwona Szopa restaurant and continue on asphalt road.

The biggest of the dunes is Łącka Góra - it reaches 40 metres. The amazing landscape visible from the top of the dune will reward the effort of the climb.

In Słowinski National Park there's also a possibility of fishing and kitesurfing - it's allowed on Gardno and Łebsko lakes.

When we are in the area, it's worth visiting the Czołpino lighthouse. This 25-metre-high building is open for tourists who can climb up to the top and admire the breathtaking view of the Baltic Sea.

The best time to visit Słowinski National Park is early autumn. Heathers blossom in the forests, trails are peaceful and quiet, and you have all the beaches just for yourself. Also, accommodation prices drop after summer ends.

If you'd like to stay close to Słowinski National Park and enjoy the Polish seaside, it's best to stay in Łeba. It's an interesting tourist resort which offers lots of attractions.

If you prefer quieter places, look for accommodation in Smołdziński Las or Rowy villages.

Rowy is a charming fishing village with a seaside atmosphere. It serves as a gateway to the national park, and visitors can enjoy its coastal charm and sample local seafood. For your stay choose Rosa Style. Guests appreciate modern facilities, a heated swimming pool and super friendly staff.

9. Eagles' Nests Landscape Park

Another natural wonder in southern Poland. It forms part of Polish Jurassic Highland (also known as Krakow-Czestochowa Upland). It's located only half an hour drive from Czestochowa and about 2-hour drive from Krakow.

The specific name of this landscape park derives from numerous medieval castles built in the area. They are located on inaccessible lime hills and are compared to eagles' nests.

Eagles' Nests Landscape Park is geologically a very interesting region. The landscape is enriched with Jurassic landforms: lime inselbergs, karst valleys and caves.

There are many hiking trails and limestone rocks perfect for climbing. Families with children will certainly appreciate fresh air and undemanding trails. This region offers one of the best hikes in Poland!

But the region isn't only favoured by rock climbers, hikers and cyclists. Castles enthusiasts love it too!

In Eagles' Nests Landscape Park there is one of the biggest fortresses in Europe - Ogrodzieniec Castle. It's also the most popular landmark in the region, so if we wish to visit it in the summer, it's best to arrive in the morning. Ogrodzieniec Castle is open for tourists from April until November.

Other famous castles are located in Mirów, Bobolice, Morsk and Smoleń villages.

Architecture lovers should also see the fortified monastery in Wancerzowo village, the Paulites convent in Zarki and the wooden church in Zrębice village.

Eagles' Nests Landscape Park is a fantastic option for hiking near Kraków. The park offers a network of well-marked hiking trails that connect various castles and scenic viewpoints.

If you're staying in Kraków and would like to go on a trip to the Polish Jurassic Highland, check out this guided tour on GetYourGuide.com

10. Rudawy Janowickie

Rudawy Janowickie is a mountain range that belongs to Sudety. Located in southwest Poland, Rudawy Janowickie is just a 2-hour drive from Wroclaw.

Rudawy Janowickie is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Poland. Not only mountain hikers will be delighted here - in Rudawy Janowickie there are many other attractions for families with children and travellers looking for relaxation and peace.

This mountain range is low - the highest peak reaches just 945 metres. But it's one of the most scenic places in the Sudety mountains. In Rudawy Janowickie there are many outstanding rock formations and beautiful lakes. The area is perfect for a relaxing walk as there are lots of hiking trails.

Because of its exceptional beauty and the fact this area is home to many endangered plant species, Rudawy Janowickie belongs to Rudawski Ecological Park.

The most popular attraction in Rudawy Janowickie is the colourful lakes. You can check their location here. Those are 4 excavation lakes created in the XVIII century, each one of a different colour: yellow, purple, blue and black. Such unique water colouring is caused by the chemical composition of the excavation pits. Perfect place for a family trip!

Other places worth seeing in the region are:

• Skalnik - the highest mountain in Rudawy Janowickie. The trail is nice and easy, and definitely worth the effort. The panorama from Skalnik Mountain is amazing!

• Bolczow castle - ruins of XIV century fortress. Located in Janowice Wielkie village. There's a nice forest path leading to the castle. It's even allowed to set a campfire there.
• Sokoliki - a beautiful complex of granite inselbergs situated on Sokolik mountain (628 metres). On the biggest rock formation, there is a viewing platform accessible to tourists. Sokoliki is frequented also by climbers, as the inselbergs are perfect for this kind of adventure. You can check their location here.
• Krzyzna Gora - if you decide to hike to Sokolik mountain, it's worth walking to Krzyzna Gora too. Picturesque mountain with a viewing platform on the top. Easy to hike to (only 654 metres) and located close to Szwajcarka mountain hut.
• Miedzianka brewery - small craft brewery located in Janowice Wielkie. Visitors get familiar with traditional methods of brewing beer, and can also try seasonal food at brewery's restaurant.

If you'd like to stay close to Rudawy Janowickie and also visit one of the most beautiful cities in Poland, finding accommodation in Wrocław will be a good idea.

You can find available hotels here:

If you prefer to stay in a mountain resort close to Rudawy Janowickie (just half an hour's drive), you might want to choose Karpacz.

It's a scenic mountain resort located in Karkonosze at the foot of Śniezka mountain. If you like mountains and appreciate a great landscape, then Karpacz might be one of the best places to visit in Poland for you.

For your stay in Karpacz choose Greno Hotel & Spa

https://www.booking.com/hotel/pl/greno.en.html?aid=1575106&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA

11. Bory Tucholskie

Also known as Tuchola Forest. It's yet another beautiful National Park and one of the places to visit in Poland if you're looking for a quiet, natural getaway.

Located in northern Poland in the region of Pomerania between the Brda and Wda rivers, it's just a 1.5-hour drive from Gdańsk.

Bory Tucholskie is one of the biggest forest complexes in Poland. In 2010 it was designated by UNESCO as Tuchola Forest Biosphere Reserve.

The region attracts all kinds of nature lovers - there are countless forest paths and about 900 lakes! There are also many unique species of flora and fauna, some of them endangered (e.x. Drosera, Lycopodiophyta, Nymphaea alba). Tuchola Forest is perfect for birdwatching - capercaillie, heron, crane, and eagle owl are examples of typical inhabitants of those vast forests.

Bory Tucholskie National Park is divided into several protected areas:

• Tucholski Landscape Park
• Wdecki Landscape Park
• Wdzydzki Landscape Park
• Zaborski Landscape Park
• “Bagna Nad Stążką” nature reserve - the biggest peatland in Tuchola Forest with picturesque educational path "Jelenia Wyspa"
• “Bagno Grzybna” nature reserve - vast peatland
  
• “Doliny Rzeki Brdy” - Brda river nature reserve with the educational path in Woziwód village
• “Źródła rzeki Stążki” - Stążka river nature reserve
• “Jeziorka Kozie” nature reserve - forest lakes with small islands, a lovely place
• “Cisy nad Czerską Strugą” nature reserve - primary yew forest
• “Ustronie” nature reserve - old-growth mixed forest

Bory Tucholskie isn't only about forests and lakes - there are many historical attractions and picturesque villages:

• Tuchola - the main town in Bory Tucholskie. It's the oldest settlement in Poland. Charming Old Town with 19th-century townhouses. Tuchola Forest Museum (not only history and natural environment but also folk art exhibitions).
• Rudzki Most village - there's a WW2 Monument in the forest commemorating the collective murder of local patriots.
• Chojnice town - it belonged to Teutonic Knights from 1309 to 1466 who made this town a medieval fortress. There are antique walls, towers and gates.
• Wdzydze Kiszewskie - a tourist resort located over Gołuń Lake. There's Kashubian Ethnographic Park - the oldest antique building museum in Poland.
• Charzykowy - a lovely village located over Charzykowskie lake. Perfect for water sports enthusiasts.
• Wiele - one of the most popular tourist resorts in the Bory Tucholskie region. Situated over Wieleskie and Ciepłe lakes. In Wiele village, there's the International Folklore Festival held each year. A perfect event for Polish culture aficionados
• Osiek - a peaceful village located over the biggest lake in the region - Kałębie Lake. There's a Neogothic Church from the 19th century and ruins of the Teutonic Knights castle

To summarize, if you're looking for a slow life and slow food go to Tuchola forest.

If you would like to stay close to Bory Tucholskie, choose OTTON-Charzykowy Hotel in the village of Charzykowy. Located on the lake shores it's a perfect option for nature lovers. Guests are delighted with beautiful decor, comfortable rooms and delicious food.

12. Roztocze National Park

Roztoczański National Park, another example of astounding nature in Poland, is part of the hilly geographic region - Roztocze.

It's located in southeast Poland and is one of those places that hasn't been affected by civilization very much.

You can take a walk in virgin forests on paths that haven't been touched by humans. You'll breathe forest-scented fresh air which will make you feel more alive and energetic. You will see crystal-clear lakes and rivers. Roztocze is a perfect place for mental and physical regeneration.

Roztocze National Park was created in 1974. It covers 8 483 hectares. It's home to many animals, some of which include Polish konik, elk, roe deer, stag, boar, wolf, and lynx. Let's not forget about smaller species - in Roztocze there are many types of snails, amphibians, insects and birds. Roztocze is famous for its beetle population - there are about 2000 types of beetles!

The region of Roztocze is a paradise for hikers. There are lots of paths leading through dense beautiful forests and many viewpoints on the hills.

I collected here the most interesting routes in the area:

• Central Roztocze trail (blue) - the longest and most popular route. Central Roztocze trail (Szlak Centralny) goes through Middle and West Roztocze. Total length: 143.5 km. On this route, you'll have a chance to see Roztocze National Park, Piekielko and Wapielnia gorges, Kamien mountain and Slavic burgwall in Sasiadka village.
• Roztoczanski trail (yellow) - another fantastic option for hikers. Roztoczanski yellow trail is 52 km long and the majority of it leads through beautiful forest. On the way, you will see a quarry in Żelebsko village and a lovely roadside shrine near Trzesiny village.
• Krawedziowy trail (red) - total length: 52.5 km. It goes from Middle Roztocze to Biłgorajska Plateau. It's full of sightseeing attractions: Florianka forest settlement, Górecko Stare picturesque village, an avenue of old oaks and a shrine on the water in Górecko Kościelne. On the route, there are nature reserves with small waterfalls.
• Szumow trail (blue) - many travelers consider it the most beautiful trail in Roztocze. On the blue Szumów trail, you'll get to listen to the calming swoosh of the Tanwia river and admire its small waterfalls. The route leads along the Tanwia and Jeleń rivers - on the way you'll visit Szumy Nad Tanwia nature reserve. Total length: 17 km. It's best to start the hike at a train station in Susiec village.
• Ziemia Jozefowska trail (green) - this route goes through Solska Forest. Total length: 42.5 km. On the way, there are some fortifications from WWII so it may also be interesting for history aficionados.
• Saint Albert trail (green) - this path leads across Southeast Roztocze. Total length: 46 km. The vast majority of the route leads through gorgeous forests, the most eye-pleasing of them is the "Sołkije" juniper nature reserve. On the way, there are also ruins of an old Basilian monster located on the Monastyr hill near Werchrata village.

Non-hiking attractions in Roztocze:

• The Roztocze National Park Museum & Centre for Education - a fantastic place both for children and adults. It consists of outdoor and indoor exhibitions (entry to the indoor exhibitions is paid). In this unique museum, you'll get to know the flora and fauna of the Roztocze region. It's interactive, educational, full of riddles and fun tasks to do. All the exhibits are described in Polish, English and Ukrainian. The artificial animals look very authentic!
• Park Żywiołów - an interesting amusement park in Budy village, close to Zamość. Consists of indoor exhibitions ("Empiria") and outdoor recreational space. In the indoor part, you'll get to experience all the elements - there are modern and unique exhibitions that allow you to touch, see and/or feel the earth, water, air, fire, and aether. There are also 3 escape rooms. In the outdoor part, you can try archery, see a miniature park, visit spacetime valley or enjoy a bit of free time while your kids have fun at the playground. You can buy tickets here.

• Conservation breeding of Konik Polski (Polish pony) in Florianka - a great place for families with kids and people who love horses. Located in Roztocze National Park - you can walk or bicycle there, no cars allowed.
• Echo Ponds bathing beach - there are beautiful 4 ponds located in Zwierzyniec. It's an ideal place for a relaxing day. You can relax on the beach, swim, walk on wooden footbridges, or bicycle on nearby trails. There is a food truck in the summer, toilets and benches. Please note there's no water in those ponds in winter.
• Kayaking - in Roztocze there are 4 rivers suitable for water sports - Wieprz, Tanew, Łada and Bukowa. You will find several canoe & kayak tour agencies in Zwierzyniec.
• Artificial lake in Krasnobród - another pretty place where you can enjoy sandy beach. Water sports, restaurants, pedal boats - there's everything you need to wind down.

It's worth noting that traveling to this part of Poland is very cheap - prices in the east are lower than in the rest of the country.

If you would like to enjoy Roztocze National Park to the fullest, I recommend staying in Zamość. It's a pleasant town full of monuments. Zamość Old Town is part of UNESCO World Heritage.

Also, the prices in Zamość are low - it's one of the best places in Poland if you're looking for budget accommodation in an interesting off-the-beaten-track region.

For your stay in Zamość choose Hotel Arte. It's located in Zamość Old Town and is highly rated on Booking.com. Guests appreciate comfortable rooms, friendly staff and abundant breakfast.

What's the weather in Poland?

There are four seasons in Poland, each one recognizably different. Some people even say there are five seasons in Poland - they include Polish Autumn as the fifth one.

Polish Autumn, in other parts of the world known as the Indian Summer, happens at the end of September and it often proves to be the best time to travel through Poland:

• fewer tourists
• lower prices (travel Europe cheap!)
• mild temperatures
• beautiful golden light and changing colours of leaves 

All those facts make autumn a perfect time to explore Poland.

Winter is cold and usually snowy. Days are short and there's a little sun. Warm clothing is indispensable.

Weather in spring is rather unpredictable – you can get a whole range of atmospheric conditions from frosty mornings, through sunny and warm noon to the cloudy sky in the evening. And a few rainy days in a row.

Summer hits the hardest in July - temperatures soar over 30°C then. But June is usually very warm too. Summer months may not be the best time to visit Polish cities - it's just too hot and too crowded.

Checking weather forecasts before your Poland travel will give you a good idea of how to pack.

Safety in the mountains

Before any mountain hike, we need to prepare well and remember about safety. Even in low Polish mountain range like Beskidy mountains or Sudety weather can change abruptly and make our experience miserable.

When there's sunny and warm weather in central Poland there might be still a lot of snow in the mountains.

Let's have a look at the below articles and enjoy a safe hiking trip in Poland:

• choose proper map
• stay safe during winter hikes
• choose well your backpack
• take all necessary hiking gear
• avoid these common mistakes in the mountains
  
  

Travel map of Poland

Having a paper map is good for a few important reasons, especially when you're out exploring Polish villages, mountains and National Parks. Here's why:

✅ Paper maps don't need batteries like phones or electronic devices do. So, even if your gadgets run out of battery, you can still use a paper map to find your way.

✅ In places where there's no internet or a weak signal, a paper map comes in handy. It doesn't rely on technology, making it reliable in remote or off-the-grid locations.

✅ Maps (especially laminated ones) handle rain and low temperatures much better than electronic devices. All in all, it's less hurtful to ruin a map rather than a smartphone.

You may buy a reliable travel map of Poland on Amazon.com here:

If you plan to visit Poland for longer than just several days and see many places, you may need to use paper travel guide.

This paper guidebook by Lonely Planet will help you travel Poland with ease and create your perfect trip with exciting itineraries:

Changing money in Poland

Polish currency is Złoty (PLN) and not the Euro.

One Złoty is worth about 0.23 EUR and 0.25 US dollars. Polish currency is the main factor which makes Poland one of the most popular cheap places to travel in Europe.

If you’re visiting big cities like Warsaw or Gdansk it's easy to find a place to exchange or withdraw your money and pay with a card in pubs and restaurants.

But when you're exploring Polish nature and taking a road trip through less-touristy areas, it might take some time to find an exchange office. You can use your credit card in many places but you shouldn’t rely on it. It's better to have at least a little bit of cash with you.

It's a good idea to explore Poland with some cash on you, ideally that you’ve already exchanged in your own country.

Transportation in Poland

Travelling by train in Poland slowly gets better. It's good if you travel between big cities like Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk, etc. Visiting hidden gems in Poland and travelling by trail is difficult and time-consuming as often villages don't have a train station.

If you decide trains are for you, you can check the timetable and purchase your ticket in advance online here.

There are a few bus services like FlixBus or Polonus - you may check routes and tickets on ComparaBUS.

The most convenient way to travel Poland is to rent a car, especially if you're planning to visit some of the above-mentioned off-the-beaten-track places. If you'd like to start hiking from a small village or travel from the airport to a small town, getting there by hitchhiking or public transportation will most likely take you ages.

If you'd like to visit easily some of the most beautiful places in Poland, you will find good deals on car hire here. When we need to rent a car we always use Rental Cars and never had any issues with them.

Other beautiful places in Poland

Poland not only offers diverse landscapes but also a rich history and unique cultures specific to particular regions.

Here are some beautiful places in Poland that you might consider visiting:

🌇 Gdańsk - beautiful seaside city, my personal favourite. Totally different from other cities in Poland.

🌇 Wrocław - located in southwest Poland on the Oder River. Famous for bridges and dwarves.

🌇 Poznań - a bit underrated among international travellers. It hides a lot of national gems.

🌇 Warsaw - the capital of Poland brimming with attractions.

🌇 Kraków & Zakopane - 5-day itinerary.

⛰️ Babia Góra National Park - great option for hiking near Kraków.

⛰️ Silesian Beskidy Mountains - discover hidden gems in Poland.

⛰️ Easy hikes in High Tatras - a list of hiking trails suitable for everyone in the highest mountains in Poland.

⛰️ The most famous hiking trails in Tatra Mountains, Poland.

✅ Day trips from Kraków - the amazing south of Poland.

✅ 12 attractions of Poland you need to see - absolute must-see places in the country.

Nature in Poland is diverse and abundant. From pristine forests and majestic mountains to serene lakes and meandering rivers, Poland's natural landscapes offer a wide range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether you're interested in hiking, wildlife watching, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the countryside, Poland nature has something to offer in every season.

Travel Poland and have a great adventure! 🧡

→ 6 best Tatra Mountains resorts

→ High Tatras hiking trails

→ Most beautiful places in Europe

→ Skiing in Poland - Szczyrk mountain resort