The most beautiful national parks in Poland

The list of Polish national parks includes the following parks: Babiogórski, Białowieski, Biebrzański, Bieszczadzki, Drawieński, Gorczański, Kampinoski, Karkonoski, Magurski, Narwiański, Ojcowski, Pieniński, Poleski, Roztoczański, Słowiński, Świętokrzyski, Tatrzański, Wielkopolski, Wigierski and Wigierski National Parks – “Warta Mouth”, “Bory Tucholskie” and the Table Mountains.

Each of them is worth seeing, because each has its own unique atmosphere and qualities not available elsewhere. We have chosen our top 5!

1. Tatra National Park

The Tatra National Park is not only the king of Polish national parks. This is our national treasure. Even a one-day stay in the Tatras threatens with a strong and lifelong addiction: from fabulous views, from live culture and from adrenaline, which is triggered during hiking on some trails.

2. Białowieża National Park

It is a cross-border park (one part is in Poland and the other in Belarus).  This park is inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. This park combines two rare aspects: the world’s largest population of wild bison and the last primeval forest in Europe. In other words, it is a real treat for those who want to see how the herds of North American bison looked like, whose bison are close relatives. The second group of tourists who should visit the park are archeology lovers. Only here you can feel the atmosphere of the times when the Neolithic population lived in close symbiosis with nature and the forest was their second home.

3. Wigry National Park

The landscape of the Wigry National Park is not the result of a violent cataclysm, but the tedious, almost imperceptible work of glaciers, which once covered the areas of the northern borders of today’s Augustów Forest. These glaciers have visited this part of Poland eight times, each time destroying everything in their path and leaving their deep mark on the landscape. The park’s current appearance is breathtaking. The most valuable part of this secluded oasis of greenery is Lake Wigry, whose depth exceeds 70 meters. It is a paradise for those who love water sports like sailing, fishing or kayaking.

4. Pieniny National Park

The most visited park in Poland. One of the reasons is the famous Dunajec gorge and the opportunity to admire the whitewashed Pieniny peaks from the deck of a raft. While the richness of the plant and animal world cannot be surprising (after all, it is a national park), what distinguishes the Pieniny particularly is their landscape values, and more precisely their uniqueness on a national scale.

5. Ojców National Park

Ojców National Park is a perfect combination of unusual geological forms (e.g. Hercules Mace), caves in which our ancestors hid from predators thousands of years ago and monuments such as castles in Pieskowa Skała and Ojców. The location of so many attractions on such a small area makes it a great way to relax for many residents of Lesser Poland and Silesia. A trip to the southern areas of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland can be safely described as a journey to a completely different world.

 

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Warsaw Gift Guide

Warsaw as the capital is the first place you should definitely visit in Poland. Feel free to contact our office and let us handle it all for you. Sightseeing of a new city isn’t complete without souvenirs of course! Let me suggest you a true Warsaw Gift Guide.

“Do it in Warsaw” is a true inspiration for an interesting way to spend your free time.  It is very alternative and it focuses not only on sightseeing, but mostly on making the best out of every moment in Warsaw – it is also super fun for people who are Warsaw citizens.

As we speak about original guides, here comes one more “Get your head around the city”. This one is more about things we can but in Warsaw, where to eat or drink. Also fun, but less creative.

Crumpled City Map of Warsaw. When I travel, my biggest problem is to hold the map in this way that it won’t tear up or crumple too much. With this gift all of this kind of worries just go away! Light, extremely durable and waterproof map that you can bend without fear of tearing. It is very convenient, handy and the most important – fun!

Next idea is very functional, because who doesn’t start a day with a cup of hot coffee? MamSam creates fun cups with a wide variety of texts on it – you can choose just “Warsaw” or your favorite district, like “Żoliborz” or “Mokotów”. The style of the mugs reminds of polish communism times, where you could drink out of cups like this in all local pubs and restaurants. Now they have become super trendy!

Do you have enough boring socks? You can choose from dozens of versions of the Palace of Culture, graphics with a mermaid or a Chopin monument. And you get them at a machine (just like the ones with water and snacks) in the hall of the Warsaw Library.

Something for food lovers – honey! Since 2013 on top of Warsaw skyscrapers, you can find beehives, it sounds pretty weird, but it is true. You can buy a jar of honey from all districts and I can promise you that each one tastes differently! Not only delicious, but also very eco.

Warsaw is a very touristic city, so everyone will find something perfect for a unique gift.  Contact us, and we promise you won’t regret this marvelous adventure that is about to happen!

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Extraordinary hotels in Poland

Most hotels are very similar and if you are traveling often it’s just getting bored. You start to know exactly how your next room will look like. But what if I would suggest you something you have never seen before?

Places which never stop to amaze and surprise, where everything looks mysterious and memorable. Take a look at polish most bizarre hotels.

  1. Author’s Room in Warsaw is a paradise for design lovers. It is unusual for many reasons. It is placed in a historic tenement house in the city center and consists of only 4 rooms each designed in a unique style. Everything here is thought through, there is no place for accidental objects – not only furniture or fittings, but even bathrobes, cosmetics and cutlery have been specially selected and created by Polish artists.
  2. Salt Mines in Wieliczka and Bochnia– yes, I know you have heard of sightseeing tour in these places, but they offer rooms as well! In Wieliczka you can spend the night at a depth of 150 meters in the Słowacki Chamber. In Bochnia, there are chambers available, located even 250 meters underground. It is pretty cold down there (16 degrees Celsius) but think of it as a good SPA and wellness area – the unique micro climate has a very positive effect on the respiratory system and strengthens immunity.
  3. Wool Factory (Fabryka Wełny), Pabianice– This place has a fascinating history, it has been built by German industrialists in the 19th. The Pabianice factory was also one of the locations in the film “Promised Land” by Andrzej Wajda. After 1989 – like many industrial facilities in the Lodz region it has been closed. And years later a hotel opened here. Wool Factory hotel has a standard of four stars and apart from accommodation in the post-industrial atmospheric spaces, it also offers the possibility of using the conference and entertainment center.
  4. In the trees (W drzewach) in Nałęczów is a real-life dream of every child. Who didn’t want to live in a tree house as a kid?! This place is also perfect for people who can only truly relax surrounded by nature. In a quiet, wooden house among trees you can really escape from your everyday life.
  5. HT Houseboats, Mielno – you can decide whether to choose a hotel or a boat? Well we found an option tailored to your needs. A hotel was created at Lake Jamno in Mielno, allowing guests to constantly contact the water. The object consists of wooden houses, placed on water. Each of the houses has a panoramic window with a view of the lake and its own terrace. Some cottages have a fireplace and a sauna, could you imagine something better?

Maybe while choosing your next hotel think about something extraordinary? There is so much more on the market than just huge hotel chains, which look just the same no matter in which country you’re staying.

Picture source: www.fabrykawelny.pl

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Ice cream heavens in Warsaw

 There is no better season than Summer – sun, cold drinks, long walks, late sunsets and outdoor cinemas. It sounds like a dream come true, but there is one thing missing in this counting – ICE CREAM! At the current temperature, you can’t stand a day without a scoop of cold ice cream.

While being in Warsaw there are a few ice cream heavens you definitely must visit! Everyone can find something perfect, no matter if you are young or old, vegan or not, team sorbet or team cream.

  1. “Roszki” – the best cream ice cream in the world! No kidding! You can choose a classic one like cream flavor (36% fresh cream) or go crazy with something new like mascarpone combined with Jagermeister. And for all the kids (and adults as well) you can even choose the color of your ice cream cone.
  2. “Frank” – you still didn’t have chance to eat breakfast? Well, let me suggest you an ice cream sandwich! This place was created by two sisters from New York and they have started their business by selling ice cream at a local market. You can choose both ice cream flavor as well as cookie dough!
  3. “La Bomboniera” – well let me just say – Molto Bene! Italian bakery, where you can now also get ice creams which taste like straight from Sicily. Don’t underestimate their sorbets, they are truly delicious.
  4. “Ulica Baśniowa” translates as Fairytale Street and it surely is. Located in a beautiful and green district ice cream café serves a lot of flavors. You can try also the sugar free kind or cremino (cake ice cream). Definitely a must, but be aware that whole Warsaw knows how good they are, so the queue can be sometimes really long, but it is totally worth it!
  5. “Syrenka” is something for vegans. You can buy them in several cafés and shops. They are produced on the basis of coconut milk and cashew – this combination makes them very creamy and delicious. The flavors are unique, for example black coconut, peanut butter and double chocolate.

There is nothing left to say. Just Smacznego and let me know which is your favorite ice cream spot!

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Most Popular Museums in Poland

In the whole world there are plenty of fascinating and interesting museums. Everybody knows Luvr in Paris, MoMa in New York or National Gallery in London. But did you know that Poland has also some amazing ones? Thanks to the difficult history, talented artists and powerful kings, after many decades and centuries, you can now admire their work and legacy.

  1. The Museum of the Palace of King Jan III in Wilanów – if you are visiting Warsaw it is a great opportunity to visit this museum. It is not only a magnificent building with lots of sculptures and painting. It has a wonderful and big garden, which is an ideal spot for a long walk during the summer season. Every year almost 3 million people visit this museum!
  2. The Royal Łazienki Museum – its mesmerizing gardens have appeared in many books and novels. Thanks to its location in the Warsaw city center, locals come here often to relax after a long day in work. Museum is combined here with a lot of attractions, there are organized many concerts, exhibitions and meeting. You can also sail a real gondola on the pond in front of the Palace on the Island. For sport amateurs there is a stable where you can have a horse ride. Definitely a magical place!
  3. Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum in Oświęcim. This museum is well-known also abroad. It is a reminder of the horrible war experiences. To visit this museum you have to prepare yourself.It is not easy to be here but is worth it. It is a place which warns you, that people are capable of the worst in the name of an ideology.
  4. Wawel Royal Castle in Cracow – while visiting Cracow, this is ‘a must”. You won’t find here giant gardens (like in Wilanów), but a chapel, courtyard and a cathedral which will take your breath away. The Cathedral is a very important place, because it is filled with priceless works of art, including tombstones of kings. An absolute masterpiece of Renaissance art is also the Sigismund Chapel. Entering the walled castle complex is a journey in time – you can feel the spirit of a really ancient age.
  5. The Cracow Saltworks Museum in Wieliczka is something you have probably never experienced. The Wieliczka Salt Mine was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978 as one of the first 12 objects in the world. The deepest corridor of the Wieliczka mine is located 327 meters underground, and the total length of all underground pavements reaches 300 kilometers. Visiting the Wieliczka mine, you can see not only pits but also real works of art, like salt sculptures or chapels. Fun fact – in the Chapel of Saint Kinga you can even get married.

As you can see, museum don’t have to be boring and visited only in rainy days. They are fun, beautiful and perfect for families. You can enjoy yourself in their gardens or just stop by to slow down a bit and focus on the moment.

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Perfect Mother’s Day in Warsaw

Mothers are the most important human beings in our lives. They support us through our whole life, stand by us and love us no matter what. They deserve to be treated as princesses the entire year, but there is one totally special day just for all the brave Moms – the Mother’s Day. In Poland, we celebrate this day on 26thof May.

I am sure that not only I have a huge problem with getting to an idea for a unique gift every year. Flowers and something sweet are a must, but what else? Well, let me help you and introduce you to my “Perfect Mother’s Day in Warsaw” Guide.

First things first – breakfast! Warsaw is a real breakfast capital, there are more and more spots, where you can have a fancy meal in a beautiful spot. Let’s start the day in an  luxurious restaurant located in one of the most important hotels in Poland – Bristol. It has opened in 1901 and over the years a lot of politicians and famous people have stayed there. The architecture is truly unforgettable and it will definitely help you and your mom get in a great mood for the whole day.

While being in the heart of Warsaw, you can have a nice walk and admire the Royal Castle and the Old Town. Feel the real atmosphere of Poland and it is really easy, when you are surrounded by these marvelous buildings. Beside sightseeing the most popular places, I suggest to just get lost in the small streets, it can be really magical!

It is a celebration day so there have to be presents! I would suggest buying something made by polish local people, just like Risk Made in Warsaw. High quality material, beautiful and unique design and very friendly staff is the key to their success. These clothes are made for any age and any size – perfect for Mother and Daughter!

You can also pop into a great cosmetic store – JEJU with only natural products, a lot of them are being made in Poland. If you are read our articles, you might know this place from the Cracow issue.

For lunch take your Mom for a real dumpling feast – Le’pię is a fun variation about this polish traditional meal. It is a very cozy and small restaurant with delicious food.

What sounds more like mother day than a SPA session! Natur Lov is a place like no other, your Mom will have finally a moment of full relaxation. The SPA owner uses only natural cosmetics and treats each client very individually. You can enjoy the pure calmness and be able to forget about the whole world.

Warsaw is full of beautiful squares and parks. Spend some time in Łazienki park, feed the squirrels or have a coffee at the Grzybowska Square with a view on the mix of the old church and new skyscrapers. If you are interested in giving your mom flowers and by the way see some locals, go and check out Hala Mirowska – you can find there not only fresh and colorful bouquets, but also fishes, meat, fruit and vegetables.

After this long tour through the nicest parts of Warsaw, you will probably start to feel hungry – grab a taxi and go straight to Stary Dom Restaurant, which in polish means “The Old House” and inside it really is! You can feel like at your grandparents house with lots of dark brown furniture and flowers everywhere. If you want to taste real polish cuisine – this the place to be! You should definitely order a tartare, because the chef will come to your table and prepare it right next to you.

With full stomachs go to Weles, a secret bar hidden in one of the streets in city center for the last cocktail and relax after a whole day of attractions. Cheers to all Moms!

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Top 5 Most Stunning Polish Castles

In Poland there are almost 420 castles, and although most of them are ruined, there are several dozen which look like in an old fairy tale. Maybe Walt Disney was inspired by the German Neuschwanstein castle, but we can promise you that the polish ones are as adorable as the ones abroad, or even more!

They show us an amazing architecture variety, you can find among them medieval fortresses, elegant residences, but also fancy buildings from a fairy tale or legend. Throughout centuries, they have inspired artists and played a big role in cinematography. Their beauty and history still fascinates thousands of people all around the world. The historical castles and rich cultural heritage of our country are today reminiscent of fortified castles and representative palaces.

  1. Malbork Castle

Sightseeing of this monumental building will keep you busy for at least few hours. The whole area is over 20 ha, there are actually three castles (High, Medium and Low), and over 4.5 million bricks were used to build them.  From 1309, the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order resided there and as it can be seen he could enjoy a lot of luxury as for his times. He had, among others underfloor heating or a secluded toilet.  You can go back in time, thanks to their numerous of historical reconstructions.

  1. Castle in Moszna

It looks totally like from a Disney fairytale! Combination of 3 architecture styles, 99 towers, a beautiful large pond and rooms for every day of the year (365!). It is located only 35 kilometers from Opole and it has used to be the residence of the Silesian family Tiele-Winckler. Not only the building is worth visiting, but also the enormous park – about 200 hectare(!). The castle has been extended with an additional wing just before the World War I. For many years it has been used by the Center for Neurotic Therapy. It doesn’t sound unusual, because there is no better place to relax and get in great mood.

  1. Czocha Castle

This castle is known from many films, series and even music videos. This place looks like it has been created specially for spectacular shots – with a moat, thick walls, a photogenic courtyard and a huge tower. It has also very mysterious history.  It was created in the mid-13th century by the order of the Czech King Wenceslaus I and for the next centuries he witnessed numerous sieges, bloody counts and macabre crimes. But through the World War II it had also been a very difficult period at the castle. Nazi created there a laboratory where they have carried out various experiments with new types of weapons.

  1. Książ Castle

It is the third largest – and, according to many people, the most beautiful castle complex in Poland. Built at the end of the 13th century by the Silesian Piasts and repeatedly rebuilt in subsequent centuries, the place is stunning with stylistic diversity. During the last war, one of the secret quarters of Adolf Hitler was located here, and priceless treasures were stored in underground labyrinths, including collections of the Berlin State Library. It is famous for the unearthly beauty of the duchess Maria Teresa Hochberg von Pless, who is affectionately called Daisy. She was the wife of the last owner of the Duke’s estates. She hosted many famous guests, such as: Winston Churchill (privately her nephew), Emperor Franz Joseph, and even Indian Maharaja.

  1. Dunajec Castle in Niedzica

The history of this place is full of mystery. After World War II in the castle has been found a suspicious document written in the ancient script called “kipu”.  It was supposed to be a kind of leading map to a hidden place with treasure left here by the descendants of the Inca ruler, Tupac Amaru II. Why did the Indians from Machu Picchu decide to go all the way here? Well, Tupac’s nephew – and the only rightful heir to the Andean empire – married the daughter of a Hungarian aristocrat, whose family was then owned by the Niedzica fortress. The treasures were found to this day, so maybe you will be the lucky one?

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Polish Tatra Mountains

Tatras, Polish Tatry is the highest range of Carpathian Mountains.

It lies along Poland’s border with Slovakia, with the ascent of Rysy, Poland’s highest peak.
Polish Tatra Mountains are an excellent base for hiking in summer and skiing in winter. The mountains reveal some of the top trails for hiking and can be reached from the lively town located at foot of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane. A cable car will take you up to, one of the most beautiful places in the Tatras: Mt Gubalowka, facing the amazing beauty of Zakopane.The other attraction of the region is a raft trip down the Dunajec river gorge. Krupowki Street in Zakopane, will give you a chance to buy great Polish traditional souvenirs.
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Interesting facts about Polish cities

Want to learn interesting facts about the largest cities in Poland?

Some of those cities are well known, some of them you might never heard of.

Do you know, which is the third largest city in Poland? Which Polish city would you call the most beautiful and unique city in the world? Would you know which one is the oldest city in Poland?

Find out the answers to these questions here https://bit.ly/2A5KsTx

Enjoy reading!

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Nicolaus Copernicus – The man who moved the Earth

Copernicus was an internationally recognised Polish astronomer and mathematician, best known for the theory that the sun is at the centre of the universe. 

His concept of a heliocentric solar system, in which sun rather than the earth is the centre of the solar system had a significant impact later on worker’s view of the universe, however was rejected by the Catholic church. 

He studied astronomy at the University of Cracow in Poland and it might to be hard to believe, but he wasn’t a scrupulous student. He started his study four years later, that the average student and it took him almost 9 years to graduate. He was multilingual and could speak Latin, Polish, German, Italian and Greek. His name was inspired by the name of his village.

More interesting facts about Nicolaus Copernicus here: https://bit.ly/2RO6LnO 

 

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