By Paula Swenson
Poland, in north-central
Europe, has a lot to offer. Historic, natural and cultural attractions provide plenty of interesting stops. Well-known sites like Krakow, Gdansk, and Auschwitz are worth visiting, but lesser-known places such as Malbork and the Bialowieza Forest should not be overlooked.
Krakow
Chandelier in St. Kingy chapel, Wieliczka salt mine
Krakow, the jewel of Poland, was its capital until 1596 and remains the cultural capital of the country. It escaped destruction during WWII, and its original old town boasts Europe's largest Market Square. Along with Wawel Castle, 44 museums, 26 theatres and countless galleries of contemporary art, Krakow is also home the second oldest University in Europe.
Near Krakow (10 km) you can visit the Salt Mine of Wieliczka, which has been in operation continuously for over 900 years. One of the astonishing attractions is an underground church in which everything including the light fixtures was carved from salt by the miners.
Wawel Castle
Wawel 5
Krakow, POLAND
(+48 12) 422 51 55
www.wawel.krakow.pl/en/
Wieliczka Salt Mine
10 Danilowicza street
Wieliczka, POLAND
(+48) 122787302
Gdansk
old Hanseatic crane on Gdansk waterfront
Located on the Baltic Sea, Gdansk, also known as Danzig, was a key member of the Hanseatic League of cities. The delightful architecture of the old town, which includes the largest Gothic brick church in the world, reflects this golden time in Gdansk history from 1361 through the 17th century. More recently, in 1980, Gdansk caught the attention of the world as the Solidarity Movement was born in the city's shipyards and communism began to crumble in central and eastern Europe.
Auschwitz
The local people underline that they live in Oswiecim, not in Auschwitz, however most visitors come to encounter one of the scariest places in recent history: the largest of the Nazi Concentration camps, where over 1.5 million people lost their lives.
After visiting the camp, the pleasant, calm old town provides a good counterpoint and you can see the Auschwitz Jewish Centre, which consists of an educational centre, a museum and a synagogue The synagogue is the only one in Poland to survive the war and the first place of worship that was given back to the Jewish community after the war. Auschwitz Museum is located on the outskirts of the city of Oświęcim on national road 933.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
on national road 933
Oświęcim, POLAND
(+48) 33 844 81 00
en.auschwitz.org.pl/m/
Malbork
Malbork Castle
In the early 13th century the Teutonic Knights embarked on a Crusade to convert the people of the Nogat River region to Christianity. In 1309, they moved their headquarters to the brick convent castle known as Malbork. Over the next 40 years it was extensively rebuilt and fortified to become the largest brick Gothic castle in Europe. It is a classic example of a medieval fortification.
Malbork Castle
ul. Starościńska 1
Malbork, POLAND
www.zamek.malbork.pl/en/
+48 55 647-08-00
Bialowieza Forest
European Bison
Bialowieza National Park preserves the largest remaining area of original lowland forest in Europe. This primeval forest covers approximately 105 sq km, where huge 500-year old oak trees shelter wild creatures including wolves, wild boar, elks, stags and lynx. Most importantly, it is home to the largest population of free-living European Bison in the world (about 450). The park and the village of Bialowieza can be found on the border with Belarus, 85 km southeast of Bialystok.
Bialowieza National Park
Park Pałacowy 11
Bialowieza, POLAND
(+48) 85 682-9700
www.bpn.com.pl/
About the Author:
Paula Swenson is a writer, artist and teacher. She has a degree in communication arts and has worked for NPR, NBC and the NEA. Swenson has been writing about art, business, travel and the English language for over 10 years. She also teaches English to business people and travelers from around the globe.
