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Poland is well known for its historical cities like Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk and Wroclaw. But there is more to the country than just historical monuments and cultural heritage. There are 23 National Parks across the country that have stunning scenery and amazing wildlife undisturbed. All the parks are scenic getaways with diverse landscapes that are perfect for all nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and those who want to explore the natural beauty of Poland. And some of those natural treasures are unique that you can’t find anywhere else. Let’s just have a look at these natural wonders in Poland! ?

Crooked Forest

In north-western Poland, close to the German border, there’s a grove of 400 oddly-shaped pine trees that were planted in the village located 40 km south of Szczecin. Each pine tree bends sharply and kind of looks like shepherd’s crooks, all pointing in the same direction — north. The strange shape of the grove earned it the title of “The Crooked Forest” and became one of the nine most amazing forests in the world (according to Daily Mail). Visitors from all over the world come to admire this magical scenery and immerse themself in nature. So far, there is no definitive answer that can explain this phenomenon.

Moving sand dunes

The moving sand dunes lie between Lake Łebsko and the Baltic Sea and are well known for being one of the largest of their kind in Europe. It’s probably the biggest attraction of Słowiński National Park. Sand deposited by the sea first settles on the beach and then, propelled by winds, shifts to the Łebska Spit, creating a stunning desert landscape with dunes 30-40 meters high. Climbing up the Rowokół hill, the highest peak of the park, you can take in the sweeping views from the watchtower.

Morskie Oko lake

Morskie Oko lake, which means “Eye of the Sea” in English, is the largest lake in the Tatra Mountains that can be found in the scenic Tatra National Park. Gaze into Lake Morskie Oko and admire the reflection of the highest polish peak (Rysy, reaching 2,503 m) on the surface. This blue-green alpine lake is truly a wonder of nature, which is formed during the sculpting processes of the last ice age, in which you can easily find trout through the clear water.

Błędów desert

Dubbed the Polish Sahara, the Błędów Desert is an improbable area of shifting sands that spreads over 32 square kilometers on the Silesian Highlands in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. Błędów Desert is the biggest desert in Central Europe that was deposited thousands of years ago by a melting glacier. Although it’s viewed as a marvel of nature, the Błędów Desert was rather a result of human activity.

Masurian Lakes District

Known as “The land of a thousand lakes”, Masuria is a picturesque region located in northeast Poland. With more than 2,000 lakes surrounded by lush forests and unspoiled countryside, this region is a paradise for sailing enthusiasts as well as water sports enthusiasts. Its natural beauty, clean air, and silence captivated all who visit here. If you are fed up with being at home and eager to immerse yourself in nature with clear water and fresh air, then Masuria is the best spot for you.

Hercules’ Club

Hercules’ Club is a 25 meters tall limestone column situated in Ojców National Park near southern Poland. Abundant in uniquely shaped and eerie rock formations, numerous caves, picturesque castles and strongholds, the area has been enchanting its by-chance visitors for ages.

Paradise Cave

Paradise Cave is a horizontal limestone cave in Poland located in the hill Malik, to the south of Kielce, Świętokrzyskie. The cave has a length of 240 m and a vertical range of 9.5 m; however, only 180 m and 2 entrances are open to visitors. Its corridors lead through five chambers ornamented with stalactites, stalagmites and columns of rock created over thousands of years. Only fifteen people are admitted to enter the cave every fifteen minutes and only under a guide’s protection.

Warsaw is like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Although more than 85% of Warsaw’s historic center was razed to the ground during WWII, the Old Town was painstakingly rebuilt using old photographs and paintings as a reference, so visitors can enjoy its former glory today. A labyrinth of winding cobbled stone street, ornate tenement facades and picturesque squares with plenty of Medieval charm, it’s easy to understand why the Old Town is the exquisite gem in Warsaw’s crown. With fragments that survived the war, each of the buildings has its own story to tell of Warsaw’s history.

The city’s tumultuous past was reflected not only in architecture, but visitors can also learn about its history in the Museum of Warsaw. Located on the northern side of the Old Town Market Square, the Museum occupies 11 historic tenement houses with the sheer volume of objects that tell Warsaw’s dramatic history in innovative ways. Over 7,000 original objects were categorized into 21 thematic rooms ranging from photographs and postcards to clothing and patriotic items, making the museum a great place to visit, especially for history buffs. Besides the countless exhibits, the buildings themselves are historic. Fun fact, despite severe damage during the war, the original spatial layout, seventeenth-century wooden ceilings, details in the hallways and paintings have remained. After an eventful walk, don’t forget to climb up to the fifth floor where is a perfect place to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Market Square and the Old Town.

Since Poland started to reopen museums last week, there are plenty of unique museums that are well worth a visit, like the Museum of Warsaw, which definitely should be added to your travel bucket list.?

Photo: Muzeum Warszawy

Located on the eastern border of Poland, ?Krasiczyn castle is one of the greatest treasures of the Renaissance in Poland. Beautifully situated in the picturesque valley of the San River, this white castle is a splendorous, baronial mansion surrounded by a lush park and lake that used to be inhabited by several Polish noble families.

The work on the castle started in 1580 and lasted for 53 years until 1633. The castle originally worked as a fortified stronghold to protect the southern border of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Thanks to the next owner, Marcin Krasicki, who extended the castle and transformed it into a sophisticated residence in the Renaissance and Mannerist style we see today.

The castle is an imposing four-sided construction that consists of two residential wings and two curtain walls crowned with an openwork attic. The walls of the castle are oriented towards the four corners of the world, and the four towers at the corner are named after Divine, Papal, Royal and Noble, which reflects the hierarchy of the world at that time. After extensive renovation work, the interior has been redecorated and furnished again, while the exterior facades preserved its original characters that the Renaissance graffiti decorations on the castle walls are clearly visible.

Today the castle is a must-visit attraction in the village of Krasiczyn and a hotel that offers delicious cuisine, comfortable accommodation as well as a wedding venue. Moreover, the beautiful surroundings also attract people who are keen on biking, hiking, horse riding and those who just want to relax and enjoy nature.

Photo: krasiczyn.com.pl

From May 15, face masks would no longer be mandatory in public places, as long as you keep a distance of 1.5 m from other people, announced by Poland’s Health minister. Meanwhile, shopping centers, restaurants, hotels and museums are set to gradually reopen in early May. By then, people can enjoy fresh air without a mask and nice food and drinks in the open air with a beautiful view. Tourists will be able to visit various museums, to admire castles and palaces, to try the local cuisine, to indulge in incredible sights and fascinating cultures as well as to get a good night’s rest in a comfortable hotel.

Are you missing traveling? It’s time to start planning your next trip to Poland, in such a beautiful season of flowers.??? ??

Photo: Kraków PL

With Easter coming up, many Polish families started preparing their homes for Easter with spring cleaning, shopping, and preparing foods associated with this holiday. One of the most tempting traditions is that of baking traditional Easter cake, called Mazurek, which is served only during Easter and you won’t find it another time of the year. Mazurek is a very sweet, flat cake topped with fruit jam, dried fruit, nuts, caramel, or chocolate. It’s usually beautifully decorated with Easter symbols like hares, pussy willows, and Easter greetings, making it more like a piece of art than a cake. Although Mazurek is considered one of the unique seasonal national desserts in Poland, its recipe came to Poland most likely from Turkey and begun circulating in the 17th century.

Recently, a special Mazurek made by ladies from the “Wereszczynianki” farmer’s wives’ association attracted much attention because of its uncommon size. This Mazurek is 2.36 meters long and was made of nine parts joined together, which is probably win The Sweet Mazurek competition this year.

If you have a sweet tooth, you will love this Mazurek. Moreover, there are a lot of delicious Polish cakes and pastries that you can find not just during the holiday season, but all year round! ?

Photo: ciastkozercy / instagram