Poland is not a country to pop up in the travel radar of many people. If you have never considered it, here are the top 10 reasons to do so:
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Wroclaw
Wroclaw is the fourth largest city in Poland, and is located in the west side of the country. Its beautiful and colorful architecture make its old town one of the most charming in Europe. The city is located along the Oder River which makes for a very picturesque scenery. Adding to the charm, there are around 300 gnome statues scattered around the city, waiting to be found
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Warsaw
The capital and largest city of Poland, Warsaw was completely destroyed during World War II. However, it has been completely restored and looks as lovely as ever. You can learn about its complex history in any of its excellent museums, including the Warsaw Uprising Museum and the Fryderyk Chopin Museum. Warsaw is also known for its vibrant cultural life and night scene.
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Kraków
Kraków is one of the oldest cities in Poland, and one of its most important cultural centers. In the year 2000, it was named the European Capital of Culture. Wawel Castle and the old market square, along with the old Jewish district, are among the most famous sights. It boasts beautiful architecture and impressive museums, including Oskar Schindler’s Factory.
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Gdansk
Gdansk is located on the Baltic coast, and was an important maritime port during the Middle Ages. It boasts architecture with a mixture of different influences, including Gothic, baroque, and Dutch brick construction. Gdansk is also the place where the Solidarity movement that was so influential in overthrowing the communist regime, was born.
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Wieliczka salt mine
The Wieliczka salt mine is an impressive sight. Located close to Kraków, it dates back to the 13th century. Tourists can explore its corridors interspersed with beautiful sculptures made in rock salt. There are four chapels carved into the mine, made entirely of rock salt as well.
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Bialowieza Forest
The Bialowieza Forest is an ancient woodland located in Eastern Poland. It is one of the last primeval forests in Europe and considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a center of European biodiversity, and maintains populations of lynx and wolf, as well as the largest population of European bison. The most adventurous tourists can book bison and wolf tracking tours.
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Krzywy Las, the crooked forest of Poland
Krzywy Las is a pine grove in north-western Poland, which is full of crooked pine trees shaped like upside-down question marks. It covers an area of approximately 1.7 ha. Although it was created in the 1930s, no one really knows how the trees got that shape or what they were intended for. The mystery only adds to the beauty of this natural space.
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The castles
There are over 100 castles, in varying stages of deterioration, scattered across Poland. Some of the castles you can explore include Krzyżtopór Castle in Ujazd, and the Malbork castle which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations and the largest brick building in the world.
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Polish cuisine
Polish food is hearty and delicious. Pierogis, one of the best known dishes, are dumplings filled with various ingredients which can include meat, potato, bacon and onions. They can be fried or steamed, and are definitely worth breaking your diet for. Also popular are bigos, a stew made with sour cabbage and meat, and gołąbki, or cabbage rolls.
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It is cheap
Being a part of the European Union, but not of the Euro Zone, Poland is arguably cheaper than other European countries. To give you an idea, Eurostat statistics indicated in 2015 that the average cost for food and non-alcoholic beverages in Poland was 63% of the European average (compared to Denmark, where it was 145%).