Poland is a delightful holiday for sightseers, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors will discover a country full of soft green mountains, picturesque landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and cities that mix old world charm with a modern cosmopolitan flair. Poland is the birthplace of Nicolas Copernicus, the first to theorize that the Earth traveled around the sun, and of Karol Wojtyla, who would become Pope John Paul II. Poland provides a diverse mix of sightseeing and leisure activities for those looking for cultural immersion or to discover a rich biodiversity.

Throughout the country, you will find wonderful examples of medieval architecture, baroque churches, Tatar mosques and original folk culture. You can join the pilgrimage to the Jasna Gora Monastery, the country’s largest Marian sanctuary. You will be amazed by the many fine examples of Baroque, Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture in Wroclaw, a town built on several islands connected by more than 100 bridges. Other unforgettable places include the Chopin Museum in Warsaw, the largest Gothic fortress in Europe located in Malbork that was constructed by Teutonic Knights in the 14th century and the ancient salt mines of Wieliczka. Cultural tourist can savor the Polish film industry in Lodz or pay respects to victims of the Holocaust when touring Auschwitz.

Poland is home to the Bialowieza Forest, Europe’s only remaining intact primeval forest. This protected wildlife reserve is the last refuge of the endangered European bison. You can hike the Bieszczady Mountains and view a wonderful mix of flora and fauna. The Slowinski National Park was once a training ground for the German Afrika Korps, but today its desert-like landscape is a protected biosphere that’s a nesting ground for species of rare birds. You can explore the Tatra Mountains, the highest range between the Caucasus and the Alps. Eco-tourists will find hiking and ski trails that reveal snow covered peaks, picturesque waterfalls and ponds that combine to form some of the most spectacular scenery in Poland.

Outdoor sports enthusiasts will be thrilled by the abundance of water activities available in the Masurian lakes area, such as fishing and sailing. You can hike or bike along trails that line the tranquil waters or enjoy the beaches and Baltic Sea resorts near Gdansk.

Throughout history, Poland has been a country divided and occupied, but it is once again united and has a common purpose of moving forward while paying homage to the past.