In cities and in the wild – first green fellows show up. Snowdrops, crocuses and pasque-flowers shyly break through the ground. Colorful crocus carpets against the backdrop of the often still snowy and icy landscape – that’s springtime in the Tatras! Check Tatras – spring 2022

Most of the birds arrive at the end of March and the beginning of April. This includes the stork, which is the traditional symbol of spring and wild nature in Poland. When there is time to nest they return from South and Central Africa, Italy, Greece or Spain. If you want to spot them, check areas rich in swamps as well as in pastures or meadows. On the other hand, rarer black storks are usually found in secluded places. They avoid the vicinity of humans and can be found more often in old forests.

Cranes also spend the winter on the Iberian Peninsula or in North Africa. The famous mating dance they perform when they come to Poland is a true spectacle. Birds swing their wings, run around each other, jump up, bow gracefully, stop with an outstretched neck … all accompanied by unusual sound effects – a loud clangor, a trumpet-like sound.

Flocks of various species of geese also arrive from mid-March to May. Mostly in northern and western Poland, you can see them returning to water reservoirs, grazing on vast fields and pastures. Geese usually migrate further north of Europe, also to Greenland, Siberia and Alaska. They winter in southern Europe, Asia and Central America. They fly in huge flocks of up to several thousand individuals at a time.

Biebrza is the largest swamp and peat bog area in Poland, favoring the colonization of many bird species, including cranes.

Check Biebrza river – spring 2022

Bison shed their thick winter fur. As soon as the leaves turn green, the bison forage in the meadows, where the vegetation appears earlier than in the forest. At the end of April, they will return to the shelter of trees.

Also badgers and raccoon dogs leave their burrows. During the mating season, even Lynxes suspend their normal solitary behavior. Hedgehogs, as soon as the temperature exceeds 15 degrees, wake up hungry, so they can travel many kilometres to find something to eat. Check Bison in Bialowieza – spring 2022

In March, you can also meet bald deer or elk bulls. They are just shedding their antlers. A bull without antlers feels uncomfortable and disappears into the darkest corners of the forest. Check Biebrza river – spring 2022

We all said goodbye to 2020 with great relief. Will 2021 be better? For sure! But there are few things that you may do to make sure your travel dreams will come true as soon as possible. Here’s a handy list.

Hope is definitely the feeling we focus on and need the most now. We keep on staring at the calendar and keep our fingers crossed: for our health, jobs and economies, vaccinations and return to the freedom of travels – among many others. Even though we know the pandemic may soon come to an end, we’re still uncertain when and how exactly it may happen in different parts of the world. But one thing is certain – travel lovers are waiting for borders to be open again and won’t waste a second to book their next trip. 

Things will change and in advance bookings may prove to be even more beneficial than before in those crazy circumstances. All the companies and people working in the travel sector will start their operations as soon as possible. That means that it’s better to book your dream options now, especially that most of the reliable partners have already started to offer special booking conditions including free bookings until a very short period before your arrival, flexible rescheduling or cancelling (Around Poland has all of that for our travels to Poland – check here). Around Poland has already tried to encourage you to use the time without travels to work on your truly desired destinations list and devote some online time to research for travel ideas that are truly worth your time and money. We hope that with the stricter limitations to travel on a global level, that to some extent will stay, the time of trash, poor quality travel experiences is over. It’s worth being picky and choosing carefully what you like and how. And remember the saying: early bird catches the worm – may prove to be so true this year!

And if you are not yet clear on your wishes, it’s high time to do so. Easiest thing to do is to catch up with our hot winter offer (to Gorce, Tatras and Bialowieza), ask for tailor made inspirations or scroll our Instagram for things that catch your eye and make you want to ask: omg, where’s that? Please also vote in our Facebook poll about your expectations for this year’s travels!

If you liked this story you may also find interesting our earlier advises on how to travel in pandemic times – check here.

Questions? Contact us at welcome@aroundpoland.eu

Needless to say that Zakopane is Polish winter capital and you will find this place recommended in any tourist guide. However, we would like to enchant you with some less known places, but surely as magical as Zakopane. So, have you already planned your winter holidays? If not, here’s our 5 top Polish winter destinations.

Off the beaten track, but just an hour by car from Krakow, you will reach wild mountains with breathtaking views. Gorce, part of the Carpahian range, is a perfect place both for easy hikes as well as for more advanced winter ski walks or ski touring trips. In Gorce National Park you may spot such rare species like lynks, wolves and even bears who visit this small protected area during their wanderings. For further information, check out our offer to Gorce

Although it’s the most crowded place in Polish mountains all year long, we know where to go to avoid crowds and find the real charm of Tatras. Once you get on a track, you will be delighted with dazzling views of the snow-capped mountains, which can be admired while skiing (there are plenty of ski slopes there). And how to get to know Tatra mountains off the beaten track? A ski tour should be an excellent idea to get marvelous memories from Poland. All this and a great Polish cuisine. For more, check out our offer

Polish winter is beautiful not only in the mountains. You may also be surprised how much other regions have to offer. Like Sulwaszczyzna. First of all, it is a destination for those who adore bitter cold! It is quite common that in winter the temperature often reaches -25 C°! That’s why this region is called the Polish Cold Pole. Situated in the north-east part of Poland, just near the border with Lithuania, Suwałki Landscape Park attracts tourists all year round. But in winter it is simply a must see. Snow-covered hills and frozen lakes will win your heart. Not only can you try ice diving here, but also take a sleigh ride in the Augustów Primeval Forest or go ice fishing. And we know such great accommodation places there, like family agrotourism houses and passionate guides… Interested? Let us know.

The Białowieża Primeval Forest is the last nature reserve in Europe far out of the reach of any major human intervention. It is also the oldest national park in Poland. It owes its popularity mainly to the ancient species of flora – the oldest trees are 130 years old – and rare animals, like the largest wild herd of bison (the symbol of the forest), but also wolves and lynxes. Animal observation is easier in winter when you may track them among trees with no leaves and  follow the tracks on the fresh snow cover. So, winter bison trip to Białowieża? Say no more and check out our offer

If you like to be in less-crowded places, or frankly speaking, almost empty ones, Polish sea coast in winter should be a wonderful trip for you. Stereotypically visited only during the summer time, in calm, sunny winter weather the beach may also be an ideal place for endless walks. Winter by the sea is magical especially in cold and snowy conditions. If you are a thrill-seeker, you may try a cold see bath to strengthen the body’s immunity. Ready for a new adventure?

So what idea you like most? We are here to help you organise your best trip to Poland. For further information please write at welcome@aroundpoland.eu 

Ski touring trips like every more advanced type of sports activity in the wild require good preparation. It’s about your comfort but more importantly: safety. Make sure nothing will stand in the way of creating the best memories ever. Here’s a list of our top must have items for you! 

Ski touring equipment and clothing is key. The minimum list contains:

• High quality skis with touring bindings and skins (a special strips to prevent from sliding backwards during ascents)
• Ski mountaineering boots

• Ski poles with baskets

• Ski helmet and goggles

You may also quite easily rent basic good quality equipment – it’s around 30 euro/ day for a basic set. As per clothing, a great combination is a technical set consisting of few light layers (applies to all clothing items): breathable and waterproof outside layer, a soft shell that goes under and some ultralight breathable close to the skin. You may also want to add some waterproof over trousers. For the rest of the items it’s important to choose thermal options and ski special whenever possible – refers to hats, gloves and socks.

Some of the things that you won’t get on without are obvious like a bottle for water or a vacuum flask or high protein / energy bars. It’s also worth devoting some time to pack well selected medications, including painkillers. It’s better to pack documents in a waterproof cover (not only ID or passport and travel documents, but also insurance – with highlighted telephone numbers, and any kind of club cards for discounts). Also, it’s necessary to think of sun protection – both certified glasses and sun cream with the maximum factor (it’s already well proven that sun may be harmful for our skin).

Light rucksack is of the key importance for multi day tours. Make sure that you’ll be able to pack into no bigger than 35/40L as you’ll have to carry it on your back along the way and that it has all the necessary straps for skies and additional equipment.

It differs from the type of accommodation you booked for your trip. For nights at the shelter or mountain guesthouse you should make sure to bring all the necessary toilet items in small bottles and your own towel. A light sleeping bag could also be a good option, as well as ear plugs for a multi bed dormitory. 

Apart from that before every trip you will get a detailed list from your guide. He will also have covered all the additional equipment (snow shovel, climbing harness, crampons) safety kit, first aid and survival equipment.

And no worries if you’re a beginner, we will make sure you know everything you need. For more please check our ski touring offer for 2021 to Gorce and Tatra Mountains 

Questions? Contact us at welcome@aroundpoland.eu

In times of uncertainty, some pleasures like travels need to be postponed. But you still may plan, book and prepare to make sure you’re ready to hit the road once we’re all able to! Here’s how to do it smart.

Pandemic it’s time to slow down, and often stop to act spontaneously. You’ve just heard stories from the great trip your friend was telling you about? Seen a magical Instagram account with dozens of travel inspiration you’d like to immediately book? Yes, but not now… This is depressing. That’s why we should not stop dreaming nor planning. On the contrary – let’s make use of the time to better prepare future trips. Even though it may sound awkward, pandemic may give us some extra time to remind ourselves about our real travel dreams. Have you already created your travel bucket list? If so, time to refresh it and plan to operationalise it once we will be able to travel again more freely. And if you never had a time to think of the places you’d like to see – now is the perfect moment!

With more time comes more options to check different sources and inspirations. With limited time and resources, most of us need to choose and it’s most of the time beneficial, because it helps us to prioritize:) Instagram, travel blogs (like The Journal on Poland at Around Poland:)), articles concerning travels and your passions like all the sources require fact checking. Especially if you plan to visit distant places with different cultures and troubles may be a result of a simple misunderstanding. We also highly recommend checking the clients testimonials in several places online and offline – clients opinions on the internet or your friends travel stories you may learn from. Last but not least, calling a travel agency that is doing stuff you’re interested in should be natural. We’re here to share our passion with you and answer all of your questions!

And you do not have to stop here. Cause once you know where you want to head to next, you may already book your travel. In this case, of course search for flexible booking conditions appropriate to the higher level of uncertainty we’re facing nowadays and trustworthy partners. For instance in order to enjoy your travel plans despite the pandemic at Around Poland we have prepared the BUCKET LIST SPECIAL OFFER thanks to which you may book selected trips without any deposit! You may book one of the three winter 2021 trips to Tatra Mountains, Gorce Mountains or Białowieża Forest without any payment and pay only 14 days before your departure to confirm your booking.  

For more information on Covid-19 related rules introduced at Around Poland for guests travelling with us to discover Poland please check this link

Questions? Contact us at welcome@aroundpoland.eu

One in five Europeans is currently exposed to noise levels considered to be harmful to health. The level of noise pollution is predicted to increase in the following years.

Noise pollution is the second largest environmental threat in Europe, after air pollution. Trains, planes and industry – our cities are simply dangerous to our health on a daily basis. Experts say that being exposed to the higher levels of noise may cause a wide range of diseases like anxiety, sleep disorder, heart disease or even premature deaths. Bad news – by 2050, ¾ of people will live in cities.
But noise pollution spreads nowadays more broadly and endangers also nature sites and protected areas as well. It is dangerous for wild animals, makes it more difficult for them to reproduce and forces them to migrate in search of safer and calmer places.

And that’s how we get back to our favorite topic: nature. Do you recall how great it feels to hear gentle sounds of a stream or leaves on the wind? Nature sites have been always linked with relaxation and well-being. But researchers are now able to explain a restorative effect of the natural sounds on our psyche: they physically alter the connections in our brains, reducing our body’s natural fight-or-flight instinct. Useful tip: it works when the sounds are considered as familiar, so most likely that would be your local nature sounds and not an exotic parrot :).

The challenge will be to find solutions to lower the levels of the overwhelming noise anyways. Experts say that switching to electric cars will help but won’t completely solve the problem. So, better get ready for a walk and see you in the woods!

For more please check: European Environment Agency report

Questions? Contact us at welcome@aroundpoland.eu

We would all like to leave a mark and make our life significant. But we have entered an era when more ethically is to leave no trace, and yes it refers to the whole planet. 

Leave No Trace is in fact an old US born concept of certain rules to keep our relation with nature safe and under control. Too often our expeditions to most precious nature sites end up not only with our satisfaction but also ecosystem degradation. What starts as a great adventure ends up with waste left  in the woods and frightened animals. Add to that a multiplied mass effect of millions of people visiting popular destinations every year. This is damaging for nature, both fauna and flora. There is no ecosystem that may survive that. So to make our interest in nature beneficial for the planet our traveling style needs to become more eco friendly. On every level!

The Leave No Trace movement is built upon 7 key rules that seem self explanatory and easy to follow:
1. plan ahead and prepare,
2. travel and camp on durable surfaces,
3. dispose of waste properly,
4. leave what you find,
5. minimize campfire impacts,
6. respect wildlife,
7. be considerate of other visitors
– and it’s so easy to combine those rules with other eco related trends like No Waste and minimalism to some extent. For instance it’s better to focus not only on bringing your waste back home from your trip, but also simply producing less waste when travelling. And it’s definitely not about buying tonnes of new eco friendly gadgets. Sometimes of course some new stuff is needed, especially good quality equipment that lasts for years. But it’s more about having less and experiencing more. You may as well rent part of the equipment instead of buying. This approach may be extended and reach as far as you may and want. It may also concern climate friendly transportation (choosing trains over planes or offsetting your plane trips) or eating locally. By traveling without any trace (or less trace) we will leave the most beautiful mark for the future.

You may skeptically think that it’s just another catchy slogan and trending hashtag while it’s part of the magnificent transformation that is in fact already undergoing in the way we travel. Tourism has become one of the biggest world’s industries. But the most beautiful travels are not made of money. We need some money to organise a trip but our focus should be on experience, memories and local people – not more material stuff. Because the earth is on fire – metaphorically but too often also explicitly. Science says that one million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction and that Earth has always suffered from the actions of humans throughout history, but over the past 50 years, these scratches have become deep scars (more here). 

For more please visit: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/ 

Questions? Contact us at welcome@aroundpoland.eu

Good news: winter is coming! In order to not freeze it much better to stay active and find an activity that will make this season enjoyable. If you haven’t yet tried ski touring trips – after reading this post we hope you will definitely be ready to do so!

Ski touring is one of the types of off-piste skiing that is recently gaining more and more popularity. It’s all in one: you may ski on the flat paths, descent and climb steep hills. They are much lighter than downhill and cross-country skis so you may explore mountain trails more freely and off the beaten tracks – no need to follow ski lifts anymore.
This type of ski adventure attracts both advanced skiers as well as free riders thirsty for untouched snow and exploration of more remote places. It’s definitely a challenging and physically demanding form of activity, but highly rewarding as well!

It’s good to start under supervision – no matter what’s your initial experience in any given skiing technique. It would be best to meet with a professional and experienced ski instructor to verify your skiing (downhill) skills. And what makes a good instructor? Wojtek Malawski, an experienced Polish Alpine Association instructor, climbing instructor and international mountain guide (IVBV) sums up: “In mountains we’re a team. To enjoy our time close to nature and with great sports we’re sharing our experience to make the best of time up on the hills while guaranteeing safety”. More about Wojtek and his trips at Around Poland here.
Most likely no extra training would be needed but before going into wild and high mountains you need to be sure you’re ready. And if you are – then after a brief introduction on the equipment specifics all what’s left is to choose the ski run! Where? In Spain, Norway or… Poland!

Southern part of Poland is mountainous and there you’ll find some great places for ski touring. Tatra Mountains, the highest Polish mountain range, offers great runs far from the noisy and often crowded ski lifts. Only 2 hours drive from Krakow (with Balice Airport) you may reach Zakopane village and from that point explore some of the stunning pistes. A great way to try that is with an “extended weekend” – from Friday to Sunday. Check one of the trips like that that you may book with Around Poland from January 2021 here. There’s also an option for people ready for more rough options, with little comfort but great satisfaction: ski touring in more wild Gorce Mountains. Less popular than the majestic Tatras, but equally interesting, Gorce are also easily reachable by car from Krakow. With a backpack on, for three days we move from shelter to shelter, or hut-to-hut, enjoying a very simple and beautiful experience of a wintry skiing adventure. And if ski touring will be only a part of your stay in Poland and you won’t bring your own equipment – ski rental is quite an easy option on site.

‘Forest Bathing’ in some cultures like Japan makes a part of the real celebration but may as well be treated as simply being more conscious about the great benefits of the time spent in nature and walks in the woods. A brief introduction to appreciate what’s behind the corner!

One could argue why we need a whole new theory on simply walking in the woods? Well, often repeated facts make it clear: time we spend indoors and by the computers grows constantly, we’re bombarded with information – in fact, an average person receives as much new information every day as a man living in the Middle Ages throughout his life. By 2050, 66% of the world’s population is projected to live in cities. Living in a world so detached from nature has many negative consequences including health wise. Some global challenges require global and advanced solutions, like climate change for instance. But for everyday well being we may also do something small and benefit from what’s within our reach.

So what do you not need? Leave behind all the regular attention distractions like electronic devices. You don’t need no particular weather conditions – remember there is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing:) Make sure you’re neither hungry nor ate too much. And what do you need? A place you like – as the environment needs to fancy you, will it be a park, a forest or wild river bank. Also necessary: spare time – better 2 hours than 20 minutes that may be not sufficient to relax. Comfortable clothes and shoes to make it easy to focus on the surroundings. And a willingness to try sort of a mindfulness experience that requires some patience and practice. Like all the good stuff in our lives.

And for those of you who would still stay hesitant, there’s a science behind that. In the forest a variety of sounds, colors, lights and scents influence all of our senses and simply have a healing effect on them. Essential oils produced by different trees and plants or so called “natural antibiotics” – substances against viruses and bacteria that exist around trees have multiple health benefits. There’s no magic, it’s simple chemistry. Especially the coniferous forest is particularly known for its calming effects on humans. As a result, we get less tension and stress, lighter head and breath – just to name the first visible consequences. Apart from that for sure more appetite to explore nature sites!

More on the forest bathing in a Time story and a great book FOREST BATHING: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing Lihere

Questions? Contact us at welcome@aroundpoland.eu

Don’t get us wrong – we believe that there’s no bad time to visit Poland! But we also have our favorite seasons and months and we’re keen on presenting some of the outstanding advantages of them to you! So why September?

Climate in Poland is rather mild in general but temperatures in September and October seem really perfect for both visits to the cities as well as countryside and nature focused trips. Golden Polish autumn slowly kicks in changing the color of the tree leafs, it’s still sunny, often around 20 deg C, but no tiring heat nor crowds as most families focus on the June-August period for their holidays. Worth noting: evenings and nights may already surprise you with really low temperatures! 

As you already might have heard, Poles are obsessed with this old national tradition and even lots of young people still cultivate it. For some it’s just another way to spend more time outside and enjoy endless walks in the woods, for some a serious competition over who picks more. But for all – a great start to prepare many delicious traditional dishes with mushrooms like dumplings or even scrambled eggs.

In many Polish woods male red deer are starting their rut. They are dimmed with hormones and roar to attract the female deers. Breeding season for elks is a bit calmer but still fascinating to watch – it’s called bukowisko in Polish. Those are true magical spectacles – a must see for all the nature lovers.