Poland is a country that has a long history, interesting culture and beautiful scenery that has started to attract more and more tourists. Regardless of whether you fancy hills and mountains, beautiful lakes or picturesque medieval cities, in Poland you will find something interesting for every tourist. If you are intending to visit and appreciate the scenic nature of this Central European wonder, then, it is important that you learn about the Poland visa process. With a visa, you can explore the best of Poland and start your adventure to some of Europe’s most beautiful sites.
Before exploring the best natural sites in Poland, one should check the legal requirements for traveling to Poland. According to nationality, travel purpose and duration of the stay, the visa application and acquisition process in Poland may be slightly different for different individuals. For tourism, business, or family visit, having the right visa will make a visit to this beautiful country as smooth as a butter. After your visa is granted, you will be able to discover the Natural side of Poland including the lake region of Masurian and the Carpathian Mountains including the Tatra ones.
Here are the top 7 natural landscapes to see in Poland:
1. Tatra Mountains
Located in the extreme southeast of the country on the border with Slovakia, the Tatra Mountains are the highest in Poland and present breathtaking tops of the Alps. The Tatras are a part of the Central European Carpathian which is famous for hiking, skiing and mountaineering. The tourists can go hiking, see stunning cliffs, steep slopes and clean water of the lakes, such as the Morskie Oko. Tatra National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that has a rich fauna list and such large predators as bear, lynx, and eagle. Tatra mountains are definitely for those who like an active vacation, or those who just want to take a break from the lowland landscape.
2. Bialowieża Forest
Bialowieża is one of the last and largest remaining parts of the primeval forest in Europe, which is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage that covers the area of Poland and Belarus. This is one of the oldest forests in Europe, in which for thousands of years human impact has been minimal, and it is home to endangered species such as the European bison. The forest can be travelled on foot, bicycle or with the help of a guide and seeing the great space full of tall trees, thickets, and various animals. Bird watching enthusiasts will find it quite ideal since it provides an insight of what the world used to be like.
3. Masurian Lake District
The Masurian Lake District is a region in the northeast of Poland and is made up of a maze of more than 2,000 lakes, forests and numerous small villages. It provides excellent opportunities for sailing, kayaking or fishing on the water, and for hiking and cycling along the beautiful countryside. Masurian Lakes are called literally “The land of Thousand Lake” and being surrounded by the water and woods it is one of the most calm places to visit in Poland. Although there are many towns that can serve as a base for tourism, the town of Giżycko with its beautiful lakes and historical sites is one of the most frequently visited places.
4. Wolin National Park
Located at the shores of the Baltic Sea, Wolin National Park is a combination of cliffs and forests and sandy beaches. The park is located in wetland, meadow, forested hills, and other habitats of which the wildlife inhabitants are deer, wild boar, and many birds. A spectacularly dramatic coastline of the park has cliffs that can be as high as 90 meters above the sea level and stunning views of the sea. Amongst such attractions there is a point of interest called cliffs – a viewpoint on top of the Baltic. Also the quietness of the beaches, as well as the beautiful small town of Wolin makes this park a perfect destination for nature and shore lovers.
5. Karkonosze Mountains
The mountain range in which the Karkonosze Mountains are found is the Krkonošsko-jesenická Mountain Range, which is found in the south-western part of Poland, on the border of the Czech Republic. A rock formations, alpine meadows and forests are all found in the Karkonosze, and it is considered as one of the best hiking destinations in Poland. The region is also known for the variety of flora and fauna, vegetation and wildlife, plants and animals some of which are endemic. The most famous trek is to the top of Śnieżka – the highest mount of the range where tourists can enjoy breathtaking views of Poland and Czech Republic. The Karkonosze National Park also offers waterfalls, rivers and beautiful valleys which attract a number of tourists for tourism activities.
6. Bieszczady Mountains
Those who want to avoid contact with other people may go to Bieszczady Mountains in the southeast of Poland. These are the wild mountainous region that has large unspoiled areas of hilly tracts, forests, and meadow lands. This area is also very diverse: wolves, lynx, and bears can be met in Bieszczady. Tourism activities include hiking and wildlife viewing since the trails take you through steep valleys and provide great views of the area. The Bieszczady are perfect for tourists who are eager to find some peace, unmatched beauty of the wilderness, and tired of overcrowded tourist attractions.
7. Slowinski National Park
Found on the Baltic Sea shore in the north of Poland, Slowinski National Park offers specific sand dunes, some of which are up to forty meters high. These are one of the park’s most unusual attractions and they have formed a constantly moving sandy range of hills that are so variable that it seems as if they are changing with the wind. The park also includes forests, lakes and a variety of species of animals and birds which are on the list of endangered species. Hikers and bikers can be at liberty to move within the park and take a look at the dunes and coastal features of the area. The lighthouse at the park is located in the dune line and provides visitors with an excellent vantage point of the surrounding territory.
Conclusion
Poland is a country blessed with natural attractions that suit all the physical activities that one might want to undertake. From the high mountains of Tatra to the quiet lakes of Masurian District and wild Bieszczady, Poland’s natural sites are a must-see for anyone interested in the sightseeing in Europe. No matter if you are a passionate trekker, nature lover or wildlife photographer, or you just need to have a break and get away from the civilization, you will be surprised by Polish nature and will have a great time.
