Poland is more than just a transit country to the rest of Europe. The country has both beautiful cities with a long history and stunning natural scenery: mountains and national parks, coastlines and lake regions. Unlike many other destinations, Poland is a relatively short drive away, so it is well suited for those who have decided to rent a minibus and travel in it.
The secret of experienced travel companions – Northern Poland
When traveling from Estonia to Poland by minibus, the Masurian Lake District and the Baltic Sea coast in northern Poland should be added to the list of the first destinations. Many tourists skip the entire region, but northern Poland hides well-hidden secrets that are revealed to those who take the time. For example, the Słowiński National Park, which is especially famous for its sand dunes and which you would not expect from Poland, or Masuria with its more than two thousand lakes and numerous villages and towns.
And of course, Gdansk, located on the Baltic Sea coast. The city, which is more than 1000 years old, was one of the member cities of the famous Hanseatic League, and this association of merchants and cities has left its positive mark on the city. The architecture of the city is quite different from other Polish cities, and this is especially noticeable when you walk around the Długa Targ market square in the center of the city. Gdansk has certainly earned the title of the most beautiful city on the Baltic Sea. When leaving Gdansk, it is a good idea to drive past Malbork Castle. Built in the Gothic style, Malbork Castle is the largest castle in the world, at least in terms of area, so even a short visit offers fairy-tale impressions.
Cities with a long history adorn the entire country
Another city over a thousand years old is Wrocław in the south. A city that has been visited by many different nationalities, each of whom has left something for the city. The oldest part of Wrocław is the Dark Island and the Gothic town hall there, but one of Poland's most powerful zoos is also worth visiting, the complex of which also includes an oceanarium dedicated to African fauna.
The Lower Silesian region has a very colorful present thanks to its colorful history. Here are three very different examples, which can make a car trip truly memorable by visiting. On a hilltop surrounded by forest is Książ Castle, not all of whose secrets have yet been discovered. The small chapel in Czermna, founded in 1776, is distinguished from other places of worship by the fact that the walls and ceiling of the church are decorated with 3000 skulls and other bones. If that's a bit too much, a better choice might be the Nordic stave church near Karpacz, originally built in Norway but transported to Poland in the 19th century.
Why not take a peek underground?
The Wieliczka Salt Mine, located near Krakow, is one of Poland's most famous tourist attractions. The salt mine began operating in the 13th century and salt was mined there until 2007. The mine has 2050 caves and was mined to a depth of up to 327 meters. Tourists can go down to a depth of 135 meters and explore 22 chambers: wonderful sculptures, carvings made in salt rock, underground lakes and caves resembling cathedrals. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a cultural site.
Not far from Wieliczka is a possible alternative: the Bochnia Salt Mine, one of the oldest in the world and the oldest in Poland. A bit more like a mine, but still offering unique experiences such as a chance to ride a mine train, cross a flooded cave by boat, and even spend the night in a mine!
When you come back to earth from the mines, you can't miss the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp, which has now been converted into a museum. It's certainly not the most fun visit, but it's a history lesson, so you should add a visit to the camp to your plans. And while you're in the area, take a look around Lower Silesia. For example, you can take a cable car to the top of the Adam Małysz ski jump, which offers a wonderful view of the Beskids, and ski fans will be interested in the Wisła Ski Museum.
Something for everyone in one country
In northern Poland, there is the Masurian Lake District and the Baltic Sea coast. Southern Poland, on the other hand, is more mountainous, and the Tatra Mountains are also a mecca for skiers and snowboarders. It is also worth exploring Polish nature in the summer, when the snow has long melted. On the nature side, the Karkonosze National Park deserves a mention, of course, as it is a good place to take a short break from a car trip. The park has many cycling trails suitable for different levels, allowing you to experience nature more directly, regardless of your cycling experience.
Białowieża National Park, located on the border with Belarus, is part of the Białowieża Primeval Forest and has also been reintroduced to the Red Book of European bison. The national park, which consists of three zones, is a truly unique area where you can hike, cycle and visit a museum. Białowieża National Park also includes the Beloveżje Primeval Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can rent a minibus for your trip. www.rendibuss.ee