7 Summer Destinations in Poland
Summer doesn’t have to be synonymous with beach time. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the warm weather months in urban surroundings. The Polish cities mentioned below offer lots to do in the summertime, like open-air film screenings or mini-golf.
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The Gothic House in Puławy, 2007, photo: Krzysztof Chojnacki / East News
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This city is well-known for its historical associations with aristocratic families like the Czartoryskis and Lubomirskis. At the turn of the 19th century, Duchess Izabella Czartoryska founded a magnificent English-style garden, and its original design is still preserved today. The 74-acre park holds a picturesque escarpment on the River Wisła, grottos, countless plant species, a palace and a classical orangery.
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Inowrocław, photo: Łukasz Dejnarowicz/Forum
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Sometimes called ‘Salt City’, Inowrocław is located in an area where salt has been mined since the second century CE. Now mostly considered a spa town, its graduation tower remains one of its most noticeable landmarks. Not only does the tower infuse the surrounding air with healthy minerals, it is also beautifully illuminated at night and has a viewing terrace from which you can admire the cityscape. Additionally, the surrounding park offers tennis courts, mini-golf, an outdoor swimming pool with a man-made river and other attractions.
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Roztocze National Park, photo: Marek Lasyk / Reporter / East News
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The history of this charming town dates back to the 16th century, when the aristocratic Zamoyski family built a hunting residence there. Since 2000, Zwierzyniec has been home to a film festival ‒ traditionally held in August ‒ where the films are screened outdoors. Nature lovers will also enjoy a visit to the neighbouring Roztocze National Park.
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Gdańsk Old Town, photo: Eye Sizun/Getty Images
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This seashore city is a great summer destination for many reasons. It is possible to rent a yacht and sail in Puck Bay, one of the most picturesque areas of the Baltic Sea. Gdańsk can also be visited by ship, since most of its historical neighbourhood faces the waterfront. Being the sixth largest city in Poland, it obviously has a lot to offer in terms of clubs, cafés and restaurants. The legendary Open’er Festival takes place in the adjoining city of Gdynia.
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Pszczyna Castle, photo: Adrian Slazok / Reporter / East News
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Often listed among the most beautiful cities in Poland, Pszczyna looks like nothing short of a fairy tale. The scenic market square and Old Town date back to the Middle Ages, and the historic Pszczyna Castle is as elegant a landmark as can be. The castle is situated in a vast park with a golf course and an enclosure with European bison. On Sunday afternoons from May to August, there are open-air concerts in the park, often with performances by renowned classical musicians.
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Kłodzko, photo: Łukasz Dejnarowicz/Forum
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Over a thousand years old, this gem of a city is home to several impressive monuments. The 14th-century Gothic bridge, surrounded by religious sculptures, is a must-see. The city is overlooked by a monumental stronghold, where the local Chivalric Order organizes medieval fighting shows and history workshops. Kłodzko is located in a mountainous area best explored on horseback – there are a number of places near the city that rent horses.
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Year-round Sports and Leisure Center in Olsztyn, promotional materials
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Całoroczne Centrum Sportowo-Rekreacyjne w Olsztynie, projekt autorstwa Dżus GK Architekci: Grzegorz Dżus , Katarzyna Orzechowska-Dżus, Małgorzata Sender, Agnieszka Adamczyk i Tamara Zawadzka, 2014, fot. materiały prasowe pracowni Dżus GK …
Olsztyn’s main attraction is a cluster of lakes around which most of the city’s life revolves. The year-round Sports and Leisure Center, which is acclaimed for its stunning architectural design, offers water equipment rentals. Folk concerts and theatre shows are staged in the charming old town during the summer.
Written by Marek Kępa, Jun 2016