A Travel Guide for Schengen Countries: Picturesque Poland

Poland is filled with awe-inspiring architecture, magnificent landscapes, and unending history, written over every inch of the country. Having been at the center of the epic war, Poland conjures the images of its remarkable survival in countless monuments and memorials.

Notwithstanding the deep historical scars, present day Poland is a fusion of thriving large cities and peaceful villages. It radiates charming ambience and enamors travelers galore to explore more than 1000 years of history.

Why Visit Poland

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Poland has undergone drastic image transformation in the last decade. Modern architecture layered between the tinges of old-world charm defies the monotony.

Visit the major cities dotted with vibrant tourist attractions that are the country's cultural and economic centers. The country's pleasant atmosphere permeates its quaint cobblestoned streets and majestic squares making it a haven for culture lovers.

When to Visit

Poland has four distinct seasons. You can expect raised prices during the peak season, typically in the months of March-May and September-October.

While Poland is an ideal summer destination, tourists often visit in winters to dodge the crowds. Its vivid winter landscape competes with the likes of Switzerland and Italy. A mecca for the snowboarders, its mountains accommodate several thrilling ski resorts.

Schengen Visa for Poland

Every tourist needs to possess a Schengen Visa to travel to Poland. Considered as a boon for tourists, the Schengen Pact is the result of cooperation between 26 European countries. These countries have eliminated individual visa requirements, thereby minimizing border control. The Pact ensures tourists and citizens enjoy hassle-free movement within the member countries on a common visa. Simply put, a Schengen Visa lets one travel to any member country without applying for multiple visas.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen Visa, one needs to download the Visa Application Form, which is easily available online. Submit the duly filled form along with valid documentation to the destination country's embassy in India. Remember, the form needs to be filled carefully stating the reason for your visit. It also needs to be supported with your recent financial statement. Also, availing the right travel insurance plan is mandatory for securing a visa approval for a Schengen country.

How to Travel

Poland is internationally well connected via bus, train and flight routes. The busiest airport for international flights, Warsaw-Frederic Chopin Airport, is abuzz with airlines flying at low-budget rates. Get around various cities within Poland by train or taxi that offers convenient travel at a low cost.

Where to Stay

With over 200 campsites, 150 official year-round hostels (450 in the summer), and hotels for every budget need, Poland will compel you to extend your trip. Whether you are a luxe-savvy traveler or student backpacker, you can choose from a range of top-rated hotels and independent hostels to enhance your travelling experience.

Things to Do

• Warsaw
  Known as the Paris of the East, Warsaw boasts of modern skyscrapers and quaint cobbled streets. Revel in the vibrant music culture of Warsaw and uncover the rich history concealed in every exhibit of the museums. Visit the Royal Castle, Wilanow Palace and old town square for a dose of medieval Poland.
• Krakow
  Poland's medieval capital, Krakow scintillates with life. Having escaped any demolitions during the war, the streets and monuments of Krakow are perfectly preserved. Do not miss the Wawel Castle and the main market square in Old Town Krakow that is still the city's cultural hub.
• Auschwitz-Birkenau
  The largest concentration camp during World War II, Auschwitz-Birkenau is a memorial and museum devoted to the innumerable murders during the war. Pay homage to the victims of the holocaust and learn more about the tragic history behind the grim buildings.
• Wieliczka Salt Mine
  Wieliczka Salt Mine offers a glimpse into the past. Until 2007, it was one of the oldest operating mines. It illustrates the historic stages of the evolution of mining techniques in the Europe during the medieval century. Marvel at the labyrinth of passages leading to caverns, underground lakes, chapels, and sculptures carved from the crystalline rock salts.
• Gdansk Old Town
  Centuries of being a prosperous naval town made Gdansk a vibrant city of surprising un-Polish architecture. Be marveled by the brick-red churches, stop by a cafe and taste the lip-smacking potato pancakes, or savor a Makowiec (traditional poppy seed pastry) for dessert. Enjoy the tranquility of the dockside gardens or take an intriguing cruise ride up the river to explore the old town.
• Other Must-Visits
  • Slowinski National Park : Situated on the Baltic coast, the Park features moving sand dunes, local fauna and migratory birds
  • Bialowieza Forest : One the last remaining primeval forests of Europe, it is also home to the European Bison, one of the only two extant bison species
  • Masurian Lakeland : Vivid landscape of more than 2000 lakes; ideal for kayaking or swimming
  • Malbork Castle : Castle of the Teutonic order in Malbork

Do's & Don'ts in Poland

• Beware of the fraudulent currency exchange bureaus rampant in the hot tourist spots.
• Carry Polish ztoty coins with you as Poland has many coin denominations. Most roadside vendors will demand change and refuse to sell products if you run out of it.
• While using a public washroom, understand the signs that indicate the gender; triangle is for men and circle is for women.

Enjoy Poland to the fullest with a peace of mind that a comprehensive travel plan offers.

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