The 5 most beautiful car journeys in Poland - from the sea to the mountains
Once upon a time in a galaxy far, far away.... or rather not so long ago and in Poland, driving was a nightmare. Poorly potholed roads, old cars, problems with good quality petrol - that's how it was even 20 years ago.
Today, thanks to millions of euros invested in roads and infrastructure, driving in Poland is great. That is why we are inviting you to join us on five car journeys that will show you the most beautiful corners of Poland. Whether you are heading north or south, each of these routes will allow you to experience the extraordinary beauty of Poland. Pack your bags, get in the car and set off on an unforgettable journey!
Baltic route: Gdansk - Sopot - Gdynia - Hel
We start our journey in the Tricity, which is the heart of the Polish coast. Gdańsk, with its historic Old Town and beautiful Long Market, is where history meets modernity. We then head to Sopot, known for the longest wooden pier in Europe and the charming Bohaterów Monte Cassino promenade, full of cafes, restaurants and clubs. We end our route in Gdynia, a dynamically developing city that impresses with its modern architecture and beautiful beaches.
From Gdynia, it is worth travelling to the Hel Peninsula - a narrow strip of land that offers unique views and the opportunity to swim in both the Baltic Sea and the Bay of Puck. In Hel, you can visit the sealarium and the Museum of Coastal Defence, which will introduce you to the history of the region.
source: Oderwany
Masurian Route: Olsztyn - Mikolajki - Gizycko
Masuria, known as the Land of a Thousand Lakes, is a paradise for lovers of nature and water sports. We start our route in Olsztyn, the capital of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. The city offers many attractions, such as the Warmińsko Kapitula Castle, a planetarium, a city forest and several lakes.
The next stop is Mikolajki, known as the Pearl of Masuria. This charming town is an ideal base for lake cruises, as well as for active leisure pursuits such as sailing, canoeing and fishing. From here, we head to Giżycko, which is famous for its Boyen Fortress and the rotating bridge over the Luczanski Canal. Giżycko is also the perfect place to relax on Lake Niegocin.
source: Oderwany
Lower Silesian Route: Wrocław - Książ Castle - Karpacz
Lower Silesia is a region full of historical and natural attractions. The route starts in Wrocław, the city of a hundred bridges, where you should see the Market Square, Ostrów Tumski and Wrocław's dwarves. We then head to Wałbrzych to visit the Książ Castle, the third largest castle in Poland, surrounded by a beautiful landscape park.
From Walbrzych we drive to Karpacz, picturesquely located at the foot of Śnieżka, the highest peak in the Karkonosze Mountains. Karpacz offers many tourist attractions, such as the Wang Temple, the Crow Rocks or the Orlinek Ski Jump. For mountain hiking enthusiasts, it is an ideal base for exploring the Karkonosze.
source: freepik
The Roztocze Route: Zamość - Roztocze National Park - Krasnobród
The Roztocze is a land full of greenery, with picturesque ravines, forests and rivers. The route starts in Zamość, the pearl of the Renaissance, whose Old Town was inscribed on the UNESCO list. The city impresses with its urban layout, beautiful townhouses and impressive town hall.
Next, we head to the Roztocze National Park, where you can admire unique geological formations such as the loess gorges and the ‘Beech Mountain’ nature reserve. The park offers numerous hiking and cycling trails, as well as opportunities to observe wildlife.
We end our route in Krasnobród, a town of charming chapels and numerous monuments of folk culture. It is worth visiting the Marian Sanctuary and taking advantage of the numerous walking and cycling paths that lead through the most beautiful corners of the town.
source: freepik
Tatra Mountains Route: Zakopane - Bukowina Tatrzańska - Szczawnica
We start our last journey in the mountains in Zakopane, the winter capital of Poland. Zakopane offers plenty of attractions all year round - from strolling along Krupówki, to a visit to Gubałówka, numerous stalls with highlander handicrafts and cheese, beautiful views of the Tatra Mountains. Then we go to Bukowina Tatrzańska, known for its traditional highland architecture. Visit the local thermal baths, which will provide relaxation after mountain hiking.
The last stop is Szczawnica, a charming spa in the Pieniny Mountains. Here you can go rafting on the Dunajec River, enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Pieniny National Park and visit the Niedzica Castle, which is one of the most beautiful castles in Poland.
source: freepik