If you’re yearning for a fulfilling vacation to wind down from months of hard work, Poland is one of the best countries you can visit. Follow the path once taken by the pilgrims and relish breathtaking historical landmarks, beautiful sceneries, and exotic traditions for an experience of a lifetime.
While in Poland, if you are a fan of internet gaming, you can have a few minutes of fun on platforms like Vulkan-Vegas.pl. Spin some reels or enjoy table games online as you relax in your hotel room, preparing for your next adventure in the beautiful country.
However, before you pack your bags for Poland, there are a few things that you must do to prepare for your journey. Let’s start with showing you how to get the Poland tourist visa, then look at some of the most exciting locations to visit, and of course, a few local traditions you can be a part of.
How to Get the Poland Tourist Visa
Before you visit Poland, you need to get a tourist visa. Poland offers two types of tourist visas. They include:
- The Schengen Visa: Use this visa to travel to Poland, which is part of the Schengen agreement. The visa is valid for only 90 days.
- National ‘D’ Visa: Apply for this multiple-entry visa if you want to stay longer in Poland. This visa is valid for 365 days.
Some of the visa requirements and travel documents you must-have when applying for a tourist visa include:
- Two passport photos (depending on the visa you are applying for, ensure your passport is valid by more than three months);
- A copy of a fully and correctly filled application form;
- A copy of your tour ticket;
- Proof that you have enough money to support your vacation;
- Medical insurance that has a cover of at least 30,000 pounds;
- A cover letter highlighting the purpose of your visit and itinerary ;
- Bank statement for the last three months;
- Evidence of your civil statuses such as a marriage certificate, children’s birth certificate, and ration card if applicable.
World Heritage Sites
Poland boasts of a 1,000-year-old history, rich cultural heritage and traditions, and a legacy of past centuries such as historical mementos, monuments of architecture, and great works of art. Some of Poland’s buildings on the World Cultural and Natural Heritage list include the silver mine at Rnowskie Gory, Historic Center of Kraków, the brick castle of Malbork, Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, Old City of Zamość, Wooden Churches of Southern Malopolska, and the pilgrimage park of the Bernardine complex in Kalwaria Zebrzydowska.
Castles and Palaces
Many monuments of bygone centuries in Poland remain untouched, and those destroyed during wars have been restored or reconstructed. The preserved and/or restored structures are now homes to museums, luxurious hotels with spas, outdoor or cultural events venues, and educational centers.
After an afternoon walking around a castle or a palace, you can take a break and sit down under a fairy-tale gazebo surrounded by well-manicured French or English gardens. Some of the castles you may find intriguing include the Teutonic Knights Castles, the Royal Castle of Warsaw, and the Ksiaz Castle.
Best Cities to Visit in Poland
The most fascinating tourist cities in Poland include:
- Krakow: The historical capital of kings who resided at Wawel castle. In addition, it is Poland’s cultural and entertainment center because of the numerous museums, bars, and restaurants that you will find.
- Kazimierz Dolny: If you are creative, you should not miss exploring this small historical town sitting on the Vistula Riverbanks and getting a taste of the rural culture and traditional music.
- Chelmno: A town that has not been influenced by modern architecture and is also referred to as the Polish city of love. Here, you can walk hand in hand with your loved ones and pick out some romantic spots such as the Stare Planty built almost 200 years ago.
National Parks
Embark on a safari in any of the 23 national parks in Poland, where you can hike or see animals like the bison, lynx, the brown bear, and white-backed woodpecker. Trek over 105 miles to discover peat bogs, coastal lakes, woods, and meadows in the Slowinski National Park. There’s also the Biebrzanski National Park, which is listed as a World Heritage Site and is one of the few remaining ancient forests in Europe and home to the world’s largest bison population. Other national parks you can go to include Biebrzanski National Park and Ojcowski National Park.
Rich Traditions
Poland is rich in traditions, and you should partake in some of them for the most authentic Polish experience. As the home of Pope John Paul II, if you are Catholic, there are plenty of traditions you can join depending on when you travel. For example, during Easter holiday celebrations, you can hand paint the Polish version of an Easter egg called Pisanki. On Palm Sunday, feel free to join the local people at the market square of Lipnica Murowana and compete to make the tallest plaited palm.
Suppose you are in Poland on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday? In that case, you should participate in the Fat Thursday celebrations by buying some favorite local pastries such as donuts, cakes, and sweets at confectioneries. As for Christmas, you should visit one of the many Christmas markets, drink mulled wine, buy ornaments and enjoy the remarkable Christmas décor.
When do you plan to travel? Whichever time of the year it is, there’s always a breathtaking tradition you can be part of!
