10 Nights in Poland

Über das Reiseziel: Das Bild von Warschau als grauem Betondschungel, als Ödnis von Häusern in der Sowjetzeit, entspricht nicht der Realität der letzten 15 Jahre dieser pulsierenden Stadt. Die Metropole hat noch viel mehr zu bieten, viel zu besichtigen, eine beeindruckende Kulturszene und ein lebendiges Nachtleben. Warschau blickt nach vorn und lässt seine sowjetische Vergangenheit in der Vergangenheit, wo sie hingehört. Am Ende des Zweiten Weltkriegs lag die Stadt zu 85 % in Trümmern und musste sich einem umfassenden Wiederaufbau unterziehen. Der erfolgreiche Wiederaufbau wurde 1980 gewürdigt, als die UNESCO die Warschauer Altstadt zum Weltkulturerbe erklärte. Die Stadt liegt in der Woiwodschaft Masowien im mittleren Osten Polens und wird durch die Weichsel ungleichmäßig geteilt. Die meisten Touristenattraktionen befinden sich am linken Ufer des Flusses, während wir am rechten Ufer das aufstrebende elegante Viertel Prag haben. Das Epizentrum Warschaus für Besucher ist der sogenannte Königsweg (Trakt Królewski), der von der Neu- und Altstadt in Nord-Süd-Richtung verläuft, vorbei an den eleganten Nowy Swiat-Geschäften, den Palästen, die den Krieg überstanden haben, und den königlichen Gärten Lazienki-Park, bevor er zum Wilanów-Palast südlich des Stadtzentrums führt. Die Stadt hat auch viele Grünflächen mit üppigen Parks am Seeufer, in denen an sonnigen Sommertagen Ruderboote segeln und wo Besucher viele Cafés im Freien finden. In den Parks finden auch kostenlose Konzerte klassischer Musik mit großem Publikum statt, eine Szene, die weit entfernt ist von den düsteren Bildern des Warschaus der kommunistischen Ära. Heute bietet die Stadt ein fantastisches Nachtleben, junge Einheimische kleiden sich elegant, um in die coolen Bars und groovigen Clubs der Stadt zu gehen. Es ist definitiv eine Stadt, die vibriert, sobald die Sonne untergeht. Obwohl einige Leute behaupten, dass Krakau die Schönheit hat, hat Warschau die Kultur, die Energie und die Action.

Über das Reiseziel: Krakow is beautiful, a jewel among European cities. People have been living and building here since the 9th century. The Old Town historical district in Krakow’s heart is actually the medieval city established in 1257. Krakow remains the undisputed architectural capital of Poland and home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. The many parks and the Planty, the green city belt surrounding the city centre, make Krakow, a wonderful city to visit. Krakow’s entire stare miasto, old town, is lovely, every street worth a slow stroll. At its centre is the Rynek Glowny, one of the most beautiful market squares in Europe. The Kosciol Mariacki in its northeast corner, is a richly decorated cathedral, with a 500-year-old carved altarpiece. Diagonally across the square stands the lonely town hall tower spared when the rest of the building was demolished in 1820. Sitting on the Wista River, is the Wawel Castle, the finest surviving piece of Renaissance architecture in Poland. The castle was the royal seat of Poland, and is the city's main tourist attraction. The grounds consist of the palace, a huge Cathedral and a large garden. The Royal Cathedral dominates the complex of Wawel. It was the coronation site and burial place of almost all of monarchs of Poland. Built in the early 11th century in Romanesque style its tower offers a splendid view of Krakow. The beauty of its old architecture, the ambience of great culture, art and literature, the charm of its numerous cafes, bars and pubs, always full of locals and tourists, makes this city one of world's best tourist destinations.

Über das Reiseziel: Wroclaw, is located in Northern Silesia on the river Odra is the fourth largest city in Poland. It is a unique European metropolis having absorbed Bohemian, Austrian and Prussian influences the city displays many artistic styles. During World War II 75% of the buildings were destroyed but reconstruction began immediately after the war trying to keep the original style of the buildings. The Rynek, or Central Square, is the architectural centre-point of Wroclaw. The Rynek boasts not just one, but two, Town Halls. The New Town Hall and the much older original one. The New Town Hall dominates the western part of the square and is the home of the city council and Mayor of Wroclaw, but it is the older one that is of most interest. Known just simply as 'The Town Hall' is the city's most iconic landmark. The flamboyant architecture of its exterior is enough to keep most people happy but it's also possible to visit the Museum of City Art and its stunning Gothic interiors. On the north-west corner of Rynek is 14th-century St Elizabeth’s church with its 83-metre tower. The two small houses on the corner connected by a gate, are known as Hansel and Gretel. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, built in the 13th century, is the largest church in the city. It has three different chapels with three different style: Baroque, Gothic and Viennese. There is an elevator to the top, from there visitors will get good river and city views. This enjoyable city by the Odra offers good museums, historic buildings, concert halls, theatres, parks and over 120 canal, plus a picturesque central square and a memorable cluster of churches by the river.

Über das Reiseziel: Lying on the Bay of Gdansk and the southern cost of the Baltic Sea, Gdansk is a beautiful port city with a long history. It is a large centre of economic life, science, culture, and a popular tourist destination. As a port city and a major partner in the Hanseatic League, Gdansk has always been in contact with foreign countries. Today, Gdansk is the capital of the Pomeranian province and an important administration centre. After WWII Gdansk was largely in ruins, but the buildings underwent an extraordinary restorations, it seems impossible to tell which facades are original and which have been restored. Gdansk’s market square, Dlugi Targ, is the centre of town. The Dwor Artusa, just opposite the Neptune Fountain, served as headquarters of the Hanseatic League; its original 16th century facade looms over the square and it is today a branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Gdansk. Gdansk is home to the largest Gothic church in Poland: St Mary's Basilica. Dominant over Gdansk’s skyline since its completion in 1502, St. Mary's has since become one of the iconic landmarks for the city. Climb the steeple for a panorama of the city. A trip up the tower of the Town Hall includes a series of photographs of Gdansk after the war. Ul Mariacka, behind Mariacki Cathedral, is perhaps Gdansk most beautiful street, with exquisite Hanseatic architecture. If you want to take a break from the big city, and relax a little bit, head to the Brzezno Park. This small city park is located on the coast, near Nowy Port. And if it’s sunny head down Stogi Beach, the city’s best. Stogi beach is large, has quite clean and fine sand, lifeguards, and several food stands and bars. Charming historic old town streets, many museums, and its excellent access to the popular coastline of the Baltic make Gdansk an energetic destination crammed with many ways to have fun.