Best time to visit Poland

Go down to the woods. There aren’t many places left on earth where you can experience the thrill of seeing a fully grown bison appearing from the mist but thanks to a conscientious rewildling project in Bialowieza forest, there are now around 800 bison roaming free in protected primeval habitat. Aside from bison, Bialowieza is also known for its wolf packs and visiting during the winter months with a guide unveils tracks in the snow to set pulses racing.

Get active down south. Zakopane in the foothills of the High Tatras has become a real magnet for outdoor action with hiking, cycling and caving during the summer followed by Nordic cross country skiing when the snow falls. Dunajec cycle path, especially, is an incredibly scenic route and follows river valleys and ancient tow paths to forgotten Goral villages and past shepherds’ huts before crossing the limestone Pieniny Mountains en-route to Slovakia and beyond.

Understand Auschwitz. Situated about an hour outside Krakow and steeped in the unnerving familiarity that stems from indelible images engrained on history books, newsreels and collective national psyches, Auschwitz-Birkenau is impossible to ignore on a trip to Poland. A visit with a local guide is certain to haunt and inform in equal measures as well as providing a stark reminder of why contemporary society needs to learn not to strut to the same bigoted beat as the past.

Opt out of winter. Nordic cross country skiing on the border with Slovakia is a great way to explore the High Tatras during the winter with a hearty Polish breakfast all that’s needed to keep you warm until sitting down to barszcz (beetroot soup) for lunch. A fresh blanket of snow is also just what’s required to spot wolf, deer, elk, beaver, pine martin or bison tracks in Bialowieza National Park which is why wildlife tracking is definitely one of many reasons not to opt out of winter in Poland.

Forget your binoculars. It’s impossible not to hear drumming woodpeckers echoing throughout the primeval forests of Poland with trips to the wetland areas of Biebrza marshes certain to get twitchers reaching for bird books quicker than a polecat up a pine tree. White-tailed eagles, waxwings, hawfinches, buzzards, shrikes and whooper swans are all known to inhabit an incredibly important breeding ground for wetland birds – don’t forget your binocs.

Go to the zoo. Most of Poland’s major cities have zoos and it has to be said that there’s still a long way to go before rewilding projects become the norm and animals are released into the wild rather than being kept for human entertainment. Wildlife watching in Poland is extremely accessible in Bialowieza National Park alongside boat trips around Biebrza marshes which may well unveil beavers and elks alongside cranes, storks, waders and greater spotted eagles.

“Krakow is beautiful – buzzing but laidback at the same time – with great food and the most interesting places to see and visit. The walking tour gave a great insight into the history while Auschwitz was thought provoking but not to be missed. The Salt Mine is a must see – awesome. The good weather made the views from the top of Zakopane brilliant.” – David Harris

“Make sure you bring a light fleece sweater and a real rain jacket – it was cold the day it rained (in July).” – Jean Dewart

“Take some extra nibbles, dried fruit, bars, nuts etc as packed lunches ok but needed something extra. Mozzies get you through your clothes!” – Julie and James Dore

“Travel light and at Warsaw Airport a 250 metre walk to the bus-stop outside the new airport building for the no. 175 bus (2.40 zlotys) will save you GB £10 taxi fare.” – Mr C B Proctor