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Europe’s last well-preserved primeval forest

???Białowieża Forest is the last remaining fragments of Europe’s primeval forest that once stretched across the European Plain. You can visit this one of Europe’s natural treasures from the Polish side. The Białowieża National Park situated in the north-east part of Poland and covers a part of the Białowieża Forest extending over 100 square kilometres.

?? The Białowieża National Park was established in 1932, is blessed with a wide variety of flora and fauna – from 809 vascular plants species to over 3 thousand cryptogams and fungi species; from 59 mammal species to over 250 bird.

? The symbol of the park is the European Bison, the biggest European land mammal, which was almost completely eliminated In the 18th century until the first reserve was established in 1929 to save bisons from extinction. In the first half of the 20th century, the park turned out to be the most important sanctuary. Nowadays there are about 500 bisons living in the Polish part of Białowieża Forest, which is the biggest wild population of this species in the world. Besides the European bison, there are also many rare species that can be identified only in Białowieża Forest or few places worldwide. If you want to take a close look at bisons and other wildlife, the Białowieża National Park is an ideal place for you to travel.

?The Białowieża National Park is the only Polish natural property designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and it is also recognized as the most important central zone of Białowieża Forest Biosphere Reserve.

The top things to do in Białowieża National Park.

?Come face to face with bison ?

The first place on a list of “must-see” attractions is the European bison Show Reserve, a modern and large enclosed animal park that is surrounded by natural vegetation, where visitors can see the king of the forest – the bison! Is the best chance to observe these legendary creatures In semi-natural conditions. Besides, the reserve also holds several other species including elks, deer, roe deer, wild boars, wolves and lynx that you may observe them as well. With flat roads and good facilities, the reserve is easily here accessible for families with pushchairs and wheelchairs. It’s worth remembering that the best time to visit is in the morning, when the sun is not very hot and animals do not rest out of sight to avoid the sun.

?Bird watching in the Forest ?

The Białowieża Forest lies on the border of two different woodland zones – the mixed deciduous and the boreal ones which a variety of birds are attracted to. Visitors can find many bird species such as woodpeckers (10 species of woodpeckers), owls, eagles, flycatchers and the smallest European birds: goldcrest and firecrest. Since many species of birds are increasing their range, it’s easier to watch them in various parts of the forest. Little tip. If you want to watch some special birds, an experienced guide could help you design the appropriate travel route.

?Visit Nature and Forest Museum ⛪️

Nature and Forest Museum is the oldest museum in the Polish national parks, its traditions date back to the interwar period. The museum presents exhibitions relating to the park’s flora and fauna, the history of park, and the archaeology and ethnography of the region. Visitors can see nearly all species of animals and plants that exist in the forest, take a close look at those creatures and learned about their lifestyle in the forest.

?Cycling in the Forest ?

The Białowieża Forest is an ideal place for bikers with flat gravel roads and no cars at all. There are many routes to choose from, along with different length and complexity. But I highly recommend the perfectly marked and organized Green Velo trail that goes across the whole eastern part of Poland. 

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Land of a thousand lakes – Masurian Lake District

There is a region in northeastern Poland, which is known for its 2,000 lakes, and that is the so-called “A land of a thousand lakes” – Masuria (Mazury in Polish).

This picturesque region covers 10000 km², of which Masurian lake district covers 486 km² where over 15% of the area is covered by water and another 30% by forest. Around 10,000 years ago, the glaciers covering the lake district started to melt and gradually formed the landscape we see today.

In Masuria there are plenty of activities you can join in, from kayaking along the picturesque Krutynia River, to cycling and horse riding among thick forests. It’s also awesome to rent a boat sailing on the Poland’s biggest lake and enjoy a whole day out with family in the sun.In addition to water sports, you may explore a multitude of historical places here. There are Teutonic castles, beautiful historic churches and palaces as well as Hitler’s former Second World War military headquarters. If you want to experience local life you may stay as a guest on a small holding or farm in villages where you can tase some of local organic food and the price is very reasonable.

The beauty of nature, clean water and fresh air as well as historic places, all of this make Masuria one of the best summer resorts in Europe.

? If you want to go further to explore Poland, contact us to get more inspiration for travel.

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Warsaw Uprising Run

You might see some movies about Warsaw Uprising, but do you know there’s an awesome anniversary event in Warsaw as well, which is to honor the Warsaw insurgents and heroic people fighting for their capital in 1944.

?‍♀️ Every year on July 27th, thousands of runners come together to honor the memory of Warsaw Uprising by completing a 10 km or 5 km running race in Warsaw. Last year was the 29th time, more than 13,000 people participated in the race to commemorate the efforts of thousands of people who stood up against the Nazi German occupiers. While due to the ongoing epidemic, a virtual run will replace the outdoor activities hold in Warsaw this year, which is an event “for new times”.

? It also means that everyone around the world could take part in the race, which will be held on the last weekend of July. There is also an optional package for participators including a commemorative medal, a pin and a band for commemoration purposes.

? Warsaw is a city full of life, you can find lots of activities here, such as biking along the Vistula river, making polish dumplings, enjoying Chopin Concert, or more adventurous activities like indoor skydiving and Bungee jumping.

? Check out our Warsaw City Break to make the best of your time in Warsaw.

Photo by skeeze from Pixabay

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Visit famous film locations in Poland

Did you know that there are many famous movies shot in Poland? ?

1.The Chronicles of Narnia

The Chronicles of Narnia series of films is based on novels, which tells an adventure story in the world of Narnia. Some scenes in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) and Prince Caspian (2008) were filmed in the Stolowe Mountains and the Bledne Skaly labyrinth. The shooting was filmed at Dunajec River Valley, Siemianowka Lake and the Tatra Mountains. 

2. Schindler’s List

As one of the most famous movies of the ’90s, “Schindler’s List” tells the story that a German businessman Oskar Schindler manages to save Jews by employing them in his factories in Nazi-occupied Poland. It was shot in a variety of locations, Krakow provides many impressive locations for war and occupation scenes such as Oscar Schindler’s Factory, the Main Square in Krakow, Krakow Glowny Railway station and the old Jewish quarter Kazimierz. Nowadays, these locations have become an integral part of Krakow’s tourism.

3. The Pianist

Based on the autobiographical novel of Holocaust survivor, “the pianist” recreates the tragic historical scene seen through the eyes of a Polish-Jewish musician struggling to survive in the Jewish ghetto of Warsaw. The film was shot mostly around Warsaw which is the capital of Poland, including the Saski Hotel in Warsaw, Krakowskie Przedmiescie Street, Zabkowska and Stalowa Streets in Praga District.

4. Ida

Ida is the first Polish movie to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, which tells about a young woman about to take her vows as a Catholic nun uncovers a family secret. It was shot in various places in Poland, including the city of Łódź which was designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Film in 2017.

5. Out of Reach

Out of Reach is an American action film, it’s about a former covert agent trying to resume his friend, a 13 years old orphan from Poland. The film was shot in Warsaw, there are many must-see attractions used for scenes from the film including the Palace of Science and Culture, University of Warsaw Library, Warsaw Old Town and Warsaw University of Technology.

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First Michelin Star Restaurant in Krakow ⭐️

Restaurant Bottiglieria 1881 became the first restaurant in Krakow which earned Michelin Star in the latest Michelin Guide. Congratulations ?

Bottiglieria 1881 has been operating in Krakow since 2013, it’s know for their authentic cuisine using high quality of local products. Bottiglieria 1881 is the first restaurant in Krakow and the third in Poland which earned Michelin star following Atelier Amaro and Senses restaurant in Warsaw.⭐️

Besides, five restaurants in Poland was awarded the Bib Gourmand for good food at moderate prices, including Butchery and Wine, Kieliszki na Hożej, Alewino and Brasserie Warszawska in Warsaw as well as Zazie in Kraków.?

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Legend of the Warsaw Mermaid ?‍♀️

Many visitors to Warsaw’s Old Town may ask why is there a statue of a mermaid in here? The similar figure has appeared on Warsaw’s coat of arms since 1390. The first presentation of a mermaid dates to 1622 and there are several legends about it.

Legend has it that there was a sea mermaid who swam up the Wisła (Vistula) River and came to the banks of the Wisła River. She saw the Old Town and fell in love with the harmonious surroundings, she then decided to stay.

The fishermen were angry at the meddlesome creature who meddled with their nets and released their fish and planned to catch it, but once they saw the mermaid and heard her siren song they were moved so much and could not harbor any hate for her any longer. However, one day, the mermaid was captured and imprisoned by a rich merchant. Her crying was heard by a brave fisherman’s son who with his friends released her and punished the evil merchant severely. 

“I will never forget your deed” said the mermaid. “I can’t be coming to sing for you any longer, but whenever your people would meet overwhelming troubles, I will be ready with my shield and sword to protect you, just like you protected my freedom”. From that moment, she became the city’s guardian and protector in times of need. 

Nowadays the mermaid of Warsaw is a symbol of Warsaw, you can find numerous mermaid statues here, specifically the most famous version standing in the Old Town Square. This statue is regarded as the “official” depiction of the iconic guardian mermaid and is the one that sightseeing tours stop at.

? Book a tour here to find various mermaids in Warsaw ?‍♀️ Warsaw City Break ?‍♀️  

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WARSAW and GDAŃSK were listed as safest destinations to visit in Europe !

As Europe begins to ease and lift travel restrictions, European Best Destinations selected a list of safest destinations to visit in Europe. Two Polish cities of Warsaw and Gdańsk were among those chosen.

Poland was 20 times less affected than some European countries, it has more hospital beds per inhabitants than the majority of European countries. Moreover sanitary measures have been implemented to welcome travelers in hotels, restaurants and shops. A lot of museum and famous attraction are reopening to visitors.

Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland. There are a lot of interesting monuments in Warsaw, as the Royal Castle, the historical Old Town, the Royal Wilanów and the Royal Baths Park. Find the best attractions to visit in Warsaw from our website https://www.visitpoland.com/dmc-warsaw

Gdansk is a beautiful city located on the Baltic Sea. There are one of the most iconic harbourfronts in Europe, the most photographed streets and squares and one of the three largest brick churches in the world. Find the best places to visit in Gdańsk from https://www.visitpoland.com/dmc-gdansk

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Polish airline to resume domestic flights on June 1

From June 1st, 2020, LOT Polish Airlines will resume passenger flights from Warsaw to other major Polish cities. The new flight schedule allows for 30 flights every day, involves 8 domestic airports as fellows:

• Warsaw to Gdansk, three times a day;

• Warsaw to Krakow, Poznan, Rzeszow, Szczecin, Wroclaw and Zielona Gora, twice a day;

• Krakow to Gdansk, once a day.

People in Poland will have more travel options between cities after 31 May. Besides, after the country’s borders are reopened, Poland will start restoring international connections within the European Union with the countries that have lifted epidemic restrictions. The first international flights are expected to resume in mid-July.

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The music will never stop ?

? The Chopin Concerts can date back to1959, are one of the oldest music events in the capital city and draw thousands of residents and tourists. Every summer, people come to Łazienki Park gathering around the statue of Frederic Chopin and enjoying the outdoor recitals performed by the finest Polish pianists for free. People like siting on benches or on the grass to enjoy music and relax.

Due to the coronavirus epidemic, this year’s 61st Season of Chopin Concerts in Warsaw’s Łazienki Park will not be held by Chopin’s monument. Starting from May 17th, they will be held online for the first time ever. The recitals will be recorded at the Old Orangery in the Royal Łazienki and post on Facebook and YouTube, as well as the Royal Łazienki Museum’s website. But the good news is, you can enjoy Chopin concert in the Internet anywhere in the world.

The inaugural concert was given by Karol Radziwonowicz, a distinguished pianist who has been performing in the world’s most important music halls for many years. The next installments of the series include outstanding Polish pianists, such as Aleksandra Świgut, Bronisława Kawalla, Piotr Pawlak, Joanna Ławrynowicz, Jacek Kortus and Maria Gabryś-Heyke.

Find more: https://www.lazienki-krolewskie.pl/en/wydarzenia/koncert-chopinowski

Picture source: Warszawa Chopina Project

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The foreground of the Wilanów Palace in a new setting

Four connected buildings, three squares, a park on the “beach”, lots of greenery, cars underground, garden and roof terraces, lively public squares, a cinema, theater, restaurants, pubs, and a ban on large-format advertising. These are the plans for the reconstruction of the Foreground of the Wilanów Palace.

One of the main assumptions of the project is to limit the placement of advertisements, the use of precious materials, glass facades and wood. The concept of developing this important part of Wilanów, originally dominated by a gigantic, closed, anti-city, concrete shopping mall, has changed significantly. This is largely due to several years of social work and the involvement of residents and local associations.

The project made a huge impression on the citizens of Wilanów. The pictures look really great. Visualization and the final result are often something different, but the direction in which the project went is pretty interesting. The very fact of maintaining a large space from residential buildings gives a nice effect and does not overwhelm like the original plan.

Does the foreground of the Wilanów Palace have a chance to become a place vibrant with life, green, open, friendly, not burdensome for local residents, a place everyone can be proud of? It all depends to a large extent on the provisions of the new Municipal Spatial Development Plan.

Picture source: Wilanów Przyjazny

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