Poland Where urban culture meets outdoor exploration
Vibrant cities, astonishing salt mines, rugged mountains, Baltic beaches, atmospheric bars and a history of resistance: Poland is all this and so much more. Of course, as one of the largest countries in Europe, Poland’s sheer size can seem overwhelming but Cosa’s detailed itineraries and expert local knowledge will ensure that you see the very best the country has to offer. And wherever you go, expect lots (and lots) of warming vodka – Poland’s national tipple. Na Zdrowie!
Where it is
Eastern Europe
When to go
May to October
Why go there
Historic cities
Fabulous national parks
Comforting cuisine
What to see
Warsaw
Krakow
Tatras Mountains
Past into the present
Warsaw was virtually annihilated during World War II. However, the Polish capital’s old and new towns have both been faithfully reconstructed and today the city pulses with energy.
Beauty and the beast
Ancient Krakow delights with its captivating mix of history and architecture but it does have a dark side. Make the sombre journey to Auschwitz to honour the victims of the Holocaust.
Getting outside
If outdoor pursuits are your thing, then head for the Tatras Mountains – the only alpine range in Poland and the starting point for unforgettable hiking trails.
Going underground
Delve down to discover Wielicka’s ancient salt mine, a Unesco heritage site. Here you can walk through dazzling corridors and chambers carved out of rock salt over 700 years ago.
Travel in Poland
Poland is big (larger than Italy or the UK) but largely flat so travelling around is relatively easy. Its size means the weather can vary in different regions – and it can rain anywhere, at any time of year – so our advice is to dress like an onion and pack lots of layers. Polish is the national language (although English is widely spoken in urban areas) and it’s a hard one to learn – owing to its seven-case declension system, complex genders and tricky pronunciations.
Poland facts
Situated in the heart of Europe and bordered by seven countries, Poland has a troubled recent past. The nation regained independence in 1918, only to be invaded in 1939 by Germany and the Soviet Union. Post-war Poland endured five decades as a satellite of Moscow, that only ended in 1989, paving the way for a more hopeful future. Today Poland is a proud member of the EU, and with 38 million inhabitants, it’s the fifth most populous nation in the bloc.
Time zone
UTC +1
Flight time
2 hours from Switzerland
Local currency
Polish zloty
Dialling code
+48
