Amongst a towering oaks, wolves and lynx reside in secret as bison stand oblivious, shrouded in steam, whilst beaver, elk and more than 250 species of birds make the most of one of Europe’s most important wetland habitats. This is a side to Poland that’s way beyond weekend city breaks where Bialowieza forest and the Biebrza marshes provide protection for some of Europe’s most magnificent mammals, and the onset of snow offers ample alternatives to the allure of Christmas markets. Head south and the Carpathians form natural borders with Slovakia as trails over the High Tatras tempt hikers and cyclists to discover life in the mountains as told by the Goral people. Investigating the atrocities of the past is equally as important as revelling in the positivity of proud Poles and trips to Krakow and onwards to Auschwitz will open your heart, and mind, as you embark on what can be a challenging and enlightening experience way beyond average expectations.

Poland borders seven countries as well as the Baltic Sea, and explorations south, over the Carpathians into Slovakia and the Czech Republic, are often too much to bear for hikers and bikers. Straddling the northwest border with Belarus, Bialowieza forest provides natural habitat for over 800 European bison and continue for two hours north and you’ll find one of Europe’s largest and most important wetland areas, the Biebrza marshes. Round trips in an anticlockwise direction take cultural sightseers on an architectural odyssey of rebuilt old town districts with Warsaw, Gdansk, Torun, Wroclaw, Krakow and Zakopane, in the High Tatras, all achievable highlights during a week away.