Popular Tourist Sights in Poland

Poland is a country of stunning architecture, natural wonders, and unique historic sights. Its top cities include Krakow, Warsaw, Wroclaw, and Gdansk.

One of the best places to see in Poland is Wawel Royal Castle. The castle is a mix of medieval and Baroque details, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

1. Wawel Royal Castle

One of the most popular tourist sights in Poland is Wawel Royal Castle, which was the former seat of Polish royalty from the 11th to 16th centuries. This ancient seat of power was a center of government, coronations and royal funerals in medieval times.

The hill on which the castle stands is believed to be a site of human settlements as early as the Paleolithic era, making it one of the oldest and most significant archaeological sites in the country. The fortified walls surrounding the castle are filled with a wealth of historical treasures, most of which can be explored on a guided tour.

Although it has seen plenty of changes over time, Wawel Castle remains an impressive place to visit for visitors interested in the past. Its opulent State Rooms, the Crown Treasury and Armory, and the Cathedral are all must-see highlights of this castle.

You can also take a stroll around the arcaded Renaissance-era courtyard. The castle has a number of exhibition sections including Representative Royal Chambers and Private Royal Apartments, Crown Treasury and Armory, Oriental Art, and Lost Wawel. Each requires separate, entry-timed tickets so it’s best to purchase them in advance online if possible.

In addition to its vast collection of paintings and graphics, tapestries, sculptures, fabrics, goldsmiths, military items, porcelain and furniture, the castle houses a museum that showcases eastern art. The museum boasts impressive collections of works from Turkey, Crimea, and the Caucasus.

Another interesting wing is the Crown Treasury and Armory, which houses a number of historic weapons and crown jewels. These include the Szczerbiec, the coronation sword of Polish kings from 1320 to 1764.

Aside from its extensive museum, the Wawel castle also features a series of monuments and statues that represent Poland’s most important monarchs. Some of these are the Sigismund Tower and the Sigismund Bell.

The castle was home to numerous Polish kings, and its extensive size made it a centre of political power. However, over the years foreign invaders and the Swedish, Prussian and Austrian occupations gradually destroyed the castle’s heritage.

You can visit the castle on a walking tour with Rosotravel. We recommend taking a tour with a local guide to ensure you cover all of the highlights and understand their history.

Tourists consider renting a car one of the best ways to enjoy all that Poland has to offer. Renting an economy class car in Krakow Airport will cost about 15 euros per day, in Wroclaw Airport - about 16 euros per day.

2. Bialowieza Forest

The Bialowieza Forest is one of the most popular tourist sights in Poland, and for good reason. It’s one of Europe’s last remaining primeval forests and has become increasingly popular for those seeking a more authentic, natural experience in Europe.

The forest is a Unesco World Heritage Site and attracts thousands of tourists each year. It’s also home to a number of relict species, such as the hermit beetle and three-toed woodpecker.

Visitors can explore the forest on their own, or by joining a tour that includes visits to the Palace Park, the Bison Breeding Centre and the Natural-Forest Museum. You’ll see a range of wild animals that live in the forest and learn about them through a series of informative talks, videos and displays.

During the trip, you’ll learn about the history of the forest and why it is so important to Polish culture. The Natural-Forest Museum is one of the oldest and most modern museums in Poland, featuring an extensive range of exhibits.

You can also find out about the forest’s biodiversity and how it’s protected by various laws. You’ll see different types of wildlife including birds, mammals, insects and reptiles.

As a result of its unique history of protection, the forest is a safe refuge for relict species that have become homeless because their habitats have been destroyed. As such, the forest is a vital source of biodiversity and it’s an incredible place to visit for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts alike.

There are a few ways to see the forest and it is best to hire a guide in order to get the most out of your time. A guide will help you navigate your way through the forest, explain some of the history and give you some tips on how to spot some of the more rare animals.

Another excellent option is to take a draisine ride through the forest, which you can do for free. These are traditional wooden carriages that run through the forest and offer you a wonderful, gentle experience.

The forest is a very special place and should not be missed by any visitor to Poland. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is destined to be one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, with its natural beauty, unique animals and historic importance making it a must-visit.

3. Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of Poland’s most popular tourist sights and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a one-of-a-kind underground world that was created hundreds of years ago and is still active today. It’s a must-see attraction for travelers visiting Krakow and it can be easily added to your itinerary in this city.

When you arrive at the entrance, your guide will start your tour of the famous subterranean labyrinth by introducing the history of this unique monument. The tour will take you to a series of chambers and tunnels carved entirely out of salt, which are truly spectacular and a sight to behold.

If you’re a first-time visitor, it’s recommended to choose the ’Tourist Route’ of this famous attraction, which covers all the main sights in the mines. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour from Krakow that’ll give you more time to explore the mines and learn about their rich history.

During your visit to the mines, you’ll pass through various chambers that have been shaped completely out of salt and are filled with incredible sculptures. You’ll also see an underground lake and the Chapel of St. Kinga, where even the chandeliers are fashioned out of salt crystals.

You’ll also discover a room dedicated to King Casimir the Great, who legislated on the administration of the mines and improved the working conditions for miners. There’s a statue of this monarch and you can also see machines that were used to transport salt during the 17th century.

Another highlight of the tour is the ’Pilgrims’ Route’, which takes you deeper into the subterranean passages of this unique salt mine. This route includes several places of worship that were shaped out of salt and are dedicated to the Christian religion.

It is also possible to join a group tour that includes transfers from your hotel and admission to the salt mines, making it a great option for those who’d like to avoid the long queues at the ticket office and save a bit of money. These tours can be booked online, and they usually last a little over an hour.

4. Zalipie Painted Village

If you’re looking for a unique and beautiful destination to visit during your trip to Poland, then consider visiting the village of Zalipie. Located in the southern part of the country, this beautiful place isn’t renowned for its luxury hotels or impressive attractions, but for its unique folk art and stunning painted cottages.

The village is home to small wooden cottages which are decorated with colorful floral motifs and motifs from Polish folk art. It is considered to be one of the most picturesque and enchanting tourist sights in Poland, and is regularly featured on international media.

This tradition is unique to Zalipie, and it has been around since the 19th century. It began when women started painting their houses in order to cover the black marks that remained from the smoky smoke produced by a wood stove. These stains were visible even through the paint, so painting a flowery pattern over them was an easy way to hide the defects.

Over time, the painting of flowers on the walls became more elaborate. They were inspired by nature and local folklore, which helped them develop a more vibrant and colourful style.

Many people find it very inspiring to see how the villagers use floral paintings to beautify their homes and make them more comfortable. They also believe that the flowery paintings ward off evil spirits.

There are about 20 painted houses in Zalipie, and they are covered with beautiful floral motifs. They are situated in the village’s beautiful gardens, which are bursting with color.

The most famous example of this original folk art is the homestead of Felicja Curylowa, a local artist whose work has been recognized worldwide. She is a legend among the village’s painters, and her house is now a museum where you can admire her beautiful floral paintings on every surface.

It is worth taking a tour around the village to get a better idea of the unique traditions that locals have kept intact for generations. It is a great way to learn more about the history and unique culture of this beautiful Polish village.