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Visit The Eagles Nests Of Poland ? ?

If you are passionate about history and want to experience the atmosphere of Poland’s medieval history, then the Eagles’ Nests Landscape Park would be your best choice. Situated on the beautiful, undulating Kraków-Czestochowa Upland, it is a 597 km2 protected area established in 1980 and covers much of the area of the Trail of the Eagles’ Nests, which is a marked trail along a chain of 25 medieval castles. This special name of the Park stems from numerous medieval castles built in the area, which are mostly located on tall rocks and cliffs in the Polish Jura and are compared to eagles’ nests.

Hiking with fun ⛰?‍♀️?‍♂️

For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are many hiking trails and limestone rocks perfect for climbing. One of the best ways to visit the Eagles’ Nests is to hike along the 164 km the Trail of the Eagle’s Nests, which is a marked trail along a chain of 25 medieval castles that starts in Kraków and ends in Czestochowa and is considered as one of the best tourist trails in Poland. Along the way, people can admire many historic castles and a location for the Netflix series The Witcher. For families with children, they will love the fresh air and easy trails here. 

Visit the extraordinary castles ? ?? ?

The castles date mostly to the 14th century, they were constructed probably by the order of King of Poland Casimir the Great and were built to protect Krakow as well as important trading routes against the foreign invaders. Later on, some of the castles passed on into the hands of various aristocratic families. New owners usually refurbished and renovated their medieval fortresses as stately manor-houses and family nests but eventually, the proud Eagle-nest castles largely turned into picturesque ruins. Nonetheless, they remain spectacular landmarks and well worth a visit.

? Among all the castles, the most particular one is Pieskowa Skala Castle, which is one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in Poland that once serviced as a seat of several noble families, located just 40 km from Krakow Old Town and surrounded by the picturesque Polish Jurassic Highland. Today, the castle is known as one of the pearls of the Polish Renaissance featuring the 16th-century arcaded courtyard and observation loggia. It looks fabulous, especially in autumn when surrounded by colorful leaves.

? Ogrodzieniec Castle is another highlight in the trail, which is one of the biggest fortresses in Europe. Located on the peak of the Upland – the Castle Hill, rising at 515,5 m above sea level, the castle is a ruined medieval castle that was originally built in the 14th–15th century. It is perfectly integrated with the area. Three sides of the castle were covered by high rocks, and the circuit was closed by a stone wall, leading through a narrow slot between the rocks. People who visit here will marvel at its wonders. 

Photo by krakow.wiki

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The third-largest castle in Poland, Książ Castle

Known as the third-largest castle in Poland, as well as the largest castle in Lower Silesia, Książ Castle was built at the end of the 13th century by the Silesian Duke Bolko I. It located in northern Wałbrzych, perched on a tall hill, surrounded by a deep valley covered with lush forest. It’s aptly described as ‘Pearl of Silesia’.

Over the centuries, Książ Castle changed hands often and belonged to various states. It was destroyed during the numerous wars, and then was repeatedly remodeled until well into the 20th century, which shape the castle form into what it is today – a colorful castle full of different styles including Romanesque, Baroque, and Renaissance style. This fairy-tale castle we see today took shape during the 16th century. Thanks to the lord of the castle at that time, the affluent Hochberg family, who expanded the castle and significantly contributed to its splendor. After many transformations, Książ Castle finally became more of a stately home than a fortress by taking down the dikes, ditches, moats, part of the defensive walls, and creating a French-style garden.

During World War II, the castle was seized by the Nazis, and they created a system of tunnels underneath the castle, in which the function still remains a mystery. After the war, the castle was started falling into ruin. But luckily, restoration work began soon and the castle has been elaborately restored to its previous grandeur. 

Today, much of the castle is open to visitors, including the elegantly decorated Maximilian’s Hall, which is the best-preserved Baroque banquet room in Silesia, the Princess Daisy apartments in baroque-style, the Games Salon, the Oriental Room. Climbing up the castle tower to admire a delightful view of the surroundings is also a highlight of the castle. Apart from impressive attractions, Książ Castle houses luxury hotel accommodations and fine restaurants. It is also a venue for exhibitions and festivals even weddings.

? Take a virtual tour from the air: www.ksiaz.walbrzych.pl/virtual_tour/en/

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The highest mountain of the Karkonosze Mountains, Śnieżka

Over 1,600 meters above sea level, Mount Śnieżka is situated on the border between the Czech Republic and Poland, the highest mountain in the Karkonosze Mountains and the Sudetes, Stretching along the Polish-Czech border, as well as the tallest peak in the Czech Republic on the border with Poland.

Towering over the Karkonosze Mountains, Śnieżka captures the attention of interesting hikers from all over the world. There are many marked hiking trails of varying difficulty from the Polish side to the top, each of them providing unforgettable views. You can set off from a Polish town, Karpacz, which is a spa town and ski resort, where you can enjoy the picturesque view over the Karkonosze Mountains and the town. There’s also an option to take a chairlift from Karpacz to Mount Kopa (1,377 m), and then to hike up to the peak of Śnieżka, which significantly shortens the way to the summit. Apart from the baroque Chapel of St. Lawrence that has over 350 years of history and interesting mountain huts along the way, there are a number of attractions on the way from Karpacz to Mount Śnieżka that worth a visit.

Once you arrive at the peak, make sure to visit the famous UFO-like meteorological observatory on Śnieżka, which is consists of three joined discs, each with a different function. The highest disk is home to the meteorological observatory. The middle disk is a technical facility and observatory employee’s rooms. The lowest disk is used as a public service area including a restaurant, restrooms and tourist chill room. In nice weather, It would be a good experience for visitors to climb up to the observation deck near the meteorological observatory to admire the panoramic view of the Karkonosze Mountains.

Photo: www.karpacz.pl

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The most authentic aristocratic residence in Poland, Zamoyski Palace

Poland boasts over 500 castles and 2,5 thousand of palaces around the country, but If you want to visit the most authentic Polish aristocratic residences, make sure to have a look at Zamoyski Palace in Kozłówka. 

Situated about 35 km north of Lublin, this large rococo and neoclassical palace complex were owned by Zamojski’s family, famous Polish magnates. The original palace was founded in 1735-1742 for the Bieliński family, built in late Baroque style with some elements of rococo presenting a merger of European art with old Polish building traditions. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the palace was acquired by the aristocratic Zamoyski Family and rebuilt in Neo-Baroque style. The remodeled apartments are furnished with magnificent ceramic stoves, marble fireplaces, huge chandeliers, an oak parquet floor, a rich collection of paintings, furniture, original porcelain, and countless works of art. Instead of being destroyed by World War 2, all of these fancy furniture and refined interiors are perfectly preserved miraculously. 

Featuring fantastic original interiors and lots of art collections, It is no surprise that Zamoyski Palace is considered as the most monumental and representative magnate residences in Poland. Nowadays the palace houses a museum of Poland’s finest collection of the well-preserved 19th-century everyday objects and around 1000 paintings which almost completely cover the walls. 

Recognized as the best surviving example of an aristocratic residence in Poland, Zamoyski Palace retains the authenticity and fidelity both of its historic interiors and its surroundings, which were honoured with many awards and distinctions.

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Poland’s Golden Destinations awarded by Google Maps

Sixteen destinations in Poland have been awarded Google Maps’ coveted Golden Pin award! ?

The awards are handed out to the one top-rated destination in each of Poland’s 16 provinces, based on the opinions of Google Maps’ users.?

Here is the full list of 16 Golden Pin Destinations in Poland?

How many of them have you visited so far??

  • Marlbork?Malbork Castle, the largest brick castle in the world
  • Szczecin?Chrobry Embankment, the best place to capture the vast panorama of the Odra River and the harbour
  • Stańczyki?Stańczyki Viaducts, among the largest bridges in Poland
  • Bialystok?Branicki Palace, known as the Polish Versailles
  • Toruń?The Living Museum of Gingerbread, the first interactive museum in Europe and you can take part in the making processes of Gingerbread
  • Wroclaw?Africarium, the only themed oceanarium devoted solely to exhibiting the fauna of Africa
  • Międzyrzecz?The Miedzyrzecki Fortified Region, visit the museum of fortifications and the largest European underground bat refuge
  • Kozłówka?Zamoyski Palace and Museum, a picturesque rococo and neoclassical palace complex
  • Ujeździe?Krzyżtopór Castle, a majestic and magnificent ruin
  • Kraków?Wawel Royal Castle, the most historically and culturally significant site in Poland
  • Lodz?Rose Passage, the biggest wall decorated with glass mosaic in Poland
  • Poznan?Citadel Park, a picturesque national historic monument
  • Sanok?The Rural Architecture Museum of Sanok, one of the biggest open-air museums in Poland presenting 19th and early 20th century life in this area
  • Zabrze? Guido Mine, a must-see spot of the European Route of Industrial Heritage
  • Opole? Philharmonic of Poland, one of Poland’s leading Orchestras
  • Warsaw? Lazienki Royal Park, the largest park in Warsaw where the Palace on the Island is located
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A green city, Szczecin

Szczecin is the largest city in northwestern Poland, located near the Baltic Sea at only about 20 km from the German border. There is no better way to capture some of the glamour of the city than by taking a stroll on Waly Chrobrego Promenade with great views on the Oder river and beautiful architectural complexes along the way. 

To the south of the promenade, one can find the Pomeranian Dukes Castle which was originally built in 1346, St. James’ Church which is about 110 meters high, the historical Town Hall and the other attractions in the old town. To the northwest of the promenade, the picturesque Kasprowicza Park is the largest park in the city, situated in an idyllic valley sloping down to the Rusalka Lake. At the edge of the park, come to the incredible Różanka Rose Garden, which features over 9,000 fragrant roses of 99 varieties.

Szczecin boasts many historical sites which are well worth a visit. Not only that, but it’s also home to three vast local forests and one of the biggest lakes in Poland, Lake Dabie. A quarter of the city’s area is covered by water, you can enjoy both the natural scenery and the city sights by experiencing sailing, canoe or prefer motorboats, there is a lot of ways to discover the charm of Szczecin. 

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Katowice, one of the UNESCO Cities of Music

Katowice, one of the most vibrant and modern cities in Poland, is the gateway to Silesia and has no lack of appealing attractions. Situated on the banks of the small river Rawa, Katowice is a product of the industrial boom in the 19th-century that you can still find plenty of historical architectures that were built at that time. 

One of the highlights is the Industrial Monuments Route in Nikiszowiec district, which is a historical settlement that all made of the red brick and was only housing for mining families. This settlement consists of 9 buildings representing Silesian “familiok” architecture, each one has a square or triangle form with the level of floors limited to three, surrounding large inside courtyards. It is one of Poland’s official national Historic Monuments and there is a big chance it is going to join UNESCO’s World Heritage List in the future. 

Katowice is also one of the most interesting musical cities in the world. It is home to the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra and is also the place holding the biggest indoor blues festival in the world, Rawa Blues Festival. With its musical soul of the city, Katowice was named a UNESCO City of Music as part of the UNESCO Creative Cities initiative in 2015.

Katowice is definitely the destination for cultural visitors, and it’s convenient to visit, less than an hour’s drive from Krakow.?

Photo by Polish Tourism Organization

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Polish Maldives

Known as “Polish Maldives”, Park Grodek is located in Jaworzno, 30 km east of Katowice. It is a spectacular place with lush greenery and a stunning lake, featuring the azure water, steep cliffs, and tiny islands, which make visitors feel almost as if they are going on an exotic holiday. Take a stroll on the winding wooden footbridge, admire the view of the lake with its bright blue turquoise water which is so crystal clear that one can see the bottom. Thanks to the convenient bike paths, here is also a popular destination for cyclists. If you are planning to travel to Katowice, don’t forget to stop by here to spend a pleasant time. 

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The Jewel of Warmia — Frombork

Malbork Castle is an outstanding example of a medieval fortress and was designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1997. With its unique gothic architectural complex and rich collections related to Malbork, the castle is well worth a visit. 

Known as “The Jewel of Warmia”,  Frombork is an enchanting town, situated on the northeast edge of coastal Poland. There are many historical sites, including the most interesting attraction, Formbork cathedral, which is a Roman Catholic church established by the Warmian bishops in the 13th century and located on the Cathedral Hill. 

✨ ? ? This medieval cathedral complex was classified as one of the highest class monuments, and it was also the home to the famous astronomer and mathematician Nicolaus Copernicus who wrote the epochal work ‘On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres’ and spent the latter half of his life in Frombork. You can find Copernicus-related attractions everywhere in the town, among the most attractive is Nicolaus Copernicus Museum where you can learn more about his life and work. Stroll the cathedral hill, admire the beautiful views from the tower where he used to lodge, observe the rotary motion of the Earth at Foucault’s Pendulum in the Radziejowski’s Tower, which is the tallest building of the Cathedral Hill. 

Situated in the south-eastern corner of the Cathedral Hill, Bishops’ Palace is the most important building of the area. It’s the gem of gothic-baroque architecture decorated with fascinating stained glass windows, inside you can also view lavish baroque altars and stunning 17th-century organs made by Daniel Nitrowski which is one of the most famous organs in Poland.

With imposing Cathedral Hill and breathtaking sea view, Frombork is undoubtedly worth a visit.

photo by muzeum.frombork.pl

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Malbork Castle – The largest brick castle in the world

Malbork Castle is an outstanding example of a medieval fortress and was designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1997. With its unique gothic architectural complex and rich collections related to Malbork, the castle is well worth a visit. 

Known for its huge medieval castle, Malbork is a town in northern Poland founded in the 13th century by the Knights of the Teutonic Order. Malbork Castle was the headquarters of the Order, situated on a peninsula between two rivers. It is a classic example of a medieval fortress and the largest brick castle in the world. After several times of expansion,  the castle eventually covers over 20 hectares comprising a tripartite layout of the High Castle, the Middle Castle, and the Outer Bailey, separated by multiple dry moats and towers. The castle once housed up to 3000 “brothers in arms” and its largest chamber at 450 sq meters, no wonder it was recognized as the largest fortress built in the Middle Ages. During World War II, over half of the castle was destroyed. After the war, the castle has been mostly reconstructed and still remains the largest brick complex in Europe. 

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