Holidayhomes in Poland

Poland (Polish: Polska) is a country in central Europe, bounded on the west by Germany (Oder-Neisse line), to the south by the Czech Republic and Slovakia and to the east by Lithuania, Belarus and the Ukraine. To the north it borders the Baltic and Russia. Along the Vistula (Wisla), the largest river in the country, lies not only the Polish capital Warsaw (Warszawa), but also a number of historic cities like Krakow (Krakow), Sandomierz, Torun and Gdansk. These and other Polish cities reflect the history of the country with periods of prosperity, such as the Golden Age under the dynasty of the Jagellonen. The Christianization of Poland in 966 marks the beginning of the Polish state. That year is also seen as the beginning of the Polish cultural identity. Although Poland became a part of European civilization and has been inspired by outside influences, the country has its own architectural style which can be seen in buildings such as churches, palaces, castles and Irish patrician houses.

Poland has an enormous variety of landscapes, from golden beaches on the Baltic Sea and Great Lakes in the north to the rocky peaks of the Tatras and the wild Bieszczady chain in the south. In northern Poland lies the “land of a thousand lakes”, the green heart of Poland. More than 100 km away, near Bialowieza, you will find the Bialowieza National Park - a pristine carefully protected forest area, unique in Europe. Nearly one third of the area of Poland is covered by forests, which are home to many wild animals like deer, wild boar, fox and hares. In some areas you can still find bears and wolves. In the wilds of Bialowieza there is a herd of about 300 bison. Thanks to a Polish rescue operation, this large European mammal was saved from extinction. Poland is a haven for anglers. The Masuria Lakeland comprises thousands of lakes each connected by a series of canals and rivers. They are among the most attractive places in Europe. You will find many tourist facilities in Poland as well as numerous sports shops in the area. In the southern part of the country you will find mountains. The highest peak is Rysy, at 2499 meters above sea level. The mountains attract tourists who are looking for tranquility, magnificent vistas and, in the winter, the opportunity for all kinds of winter sports. The mountains of Poland are extremely varied in form and character, from the picturesque Sudeten and wild Tatra to the lovely Bieszczady and Beskid. National Parks are the most widespread way of nature conservation in Poland. In Poland a national park can not be less than 1000 ha. There are 22 national parks in Poland with a total area of about 300,000 ha. Polish National Parks are unique in Europe because of their variety of wild animals, their size and varied geography.