Poland

Poland is a country in Central Europe. The country has a long Baltic Sea and is bordered by Belarus, Czech Republic, Germany, Lithuania, Russia, Slovakia and Ukraine. During WWII, the country has experienced vast destructions but managed to preserve much of its cultural wealth. UNESCO World Heritage inscribed about 14 heritage sites in Poland.

When to go

Weather

With temperate climate throughout the country the climate is oceanic in the north and changes to continental to the south. Summers are generally warm with average temperatures between 17˚C and 20˚C. Winters are cold with average temperatures between 3˚C and -6˚C. Rainfall occurs throughout the year although summer in the east is drier.

Major attractions in Poland

• Białowieża National Park – UNESCO World Heritage site
• Tatra National Park
• Wawel Castle
• Wooden Churches of Southern Lesser Poland
• Churches of Peace
• Jasna Góra Monastery
• Muskau Park
• Malbork Castle
• Supreme Court in Warsaw
• Staszic Palace – home to the Polish Academy of Sciences
• Main Municipal Post Office
• Main Market Square

Events & Festivals

• Lotos Jazz Festival
• Jewish Culture
• International Chopin Festival
• Sopot International Song Festival
• Rawa Blues Festival
• Warsaw International Film Festival
• Ludwig van Beethoven Easter Festival
• The Red PIC-NIC – mock celebration of life in Communist Poland
• Night of Museums in Warsaw
• Warsaw Open
• EuroPride – Gay and Lesbian festival
• Sonisphere – Rock and Metal music festival
• Heineken Open’er Festival
• Coke Live Music Festival – R&B, pop and hip-hop music
• International Highland Folk Festival – one of the biggest and oldest folk events

Health and safety

Water

Drinking water is “ok” in Poland and many tourists prefer to buy bottled water. Beware that some “still” bottled water still contains some carbon dioxide although not visible.

Crime

Poland is generally safe and you will experience much less crime than in places such as Paris or Rome. Normal travel rules should be followed such as not leaving valuables in plain sight, showing money or expensive things and be suspicious of strangers asking for money or trying to sell you something. Do not be afraid to seek help from the Police (Policja) or Municipal Guards (Straz Miejska).

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