I’ve returned from Europe! I visited a good friend in the Netherlands for a couple days and then made my way to Poland, in Central Europe. It was my first sojourn to this wonderful county — a destination that was not only fabulous to explore but one that I hope to revisit and wander further. I dubbed this my “Poland Sampler Trip” as I quickly realized Poland has much more to offer and that I only “sampled” it. I truly believe it is a country that can leave you enamoured: a nation with a thousand-year history, rich culture, modern conveniences, incredible food, and warm people with great resilience.
I will create some further posts about this trip down the line; however, here is a pictoral tour of my time in Poland. I began in Poznań, in the west of the country, and squeezed in a day-trip to historic Toruń. I then made my way southwest to Wrocław, followed by time in the nation’s second largest city Kraków. Afterward, I headed to Warsaw to wander the captial city’s streets and sights.
Poznań
Located in the west of Poland (just over 2 hours via train from Berlin), Poznań is city of over 500,000 with a lovely old town centre. The city is in the region of where Poland was founded in 1253 CE. My time was mostly spent in the Old Town and I was immediately taken with it. Poznań is one of the places in the world that I feel an extra-special fondness for – no other reason than that it evoked a sense of beauty and wonder for me.
Toruń (Day Trip)
Toruń is found in north-central Poland and is one of the oldest cities in Poland. It has the recognition of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, who showed that the earth revolves around the sun. It is also known for its long-history of gingerbread. Toruń is one of the cities that was not destroyed in WW II.
Wrocław
In the southwest of Poland, Wrocław has had a long and varied history with settlements dating back to the 6th century. Today it is Poland’s third largest city with a large student population due to the University of Wrocław that has produced a number of Nobel Prize winners. The city is also known for its large number of “krasnale” (dwarf or gnome) statues scattered about.
Kraków
Poland’s second largest city and likely the most visited, Kraków, is a wonderful place to visit. This former capital city is a great location to use as a base to see the areas around the city and further south. The original Old Town was one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is the largest square in Europe. It’s buildings are all orginal as it was spared destruction during WW II. The Kazimierez (Jewish Quarter) neighbourhood is a haven for foodies as it has an abundance of delicious food options – seriously I could just eat my way through that area.
Kraków Day Trips
Wieliczka Salt Mine
An incredible network of tunnels that show the history of the this salt mine through the centuries, it transports you back in time. Also on the original UNESCO World Heritage Site list, this museum shows off its history with carved salt statues, a functioning church, event spaces, and more. It was is a unique musuem for certain.
Auschwitz-birkenau museum
A somber yet important place to visit, Auschwitz-Birkenau is a museum located on the grounds of the former World War II Nazi German concentration camp. The musuem can be tough to see yet is a reminder of the horrors of war and genocide in which nobody wins.
Warsaw
Warsaw! The capital and most populous city in Poland. I thoroughly enjoyed wandering about Warsaw, be it by foot or public transport. It’s Old Town was perfect for meandering, as I took in many of the shops and sights. Fully rebuilt after being completely destroyed during in WW II, it too is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I learned of Polish Vodka in the Old Praga neighbourhood, took in incredible views from atop various buildings, discovered the strength of the Polish people at the Warsaw Rising Museum, and enjoyed an evening of Chopin’s music by candlelight.
Warsaw, the symbol of the city
That is my trip in a snapshot! Is Poland a place you have considered for a trip? Have you been there yourself? Please, leave a comment. And stay tuned for more posts on this wonderful country and this beautiful world of ours!
All photos taken and owned by Eeva Valiharju / Wanders the World
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