DK Travel - DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Poland

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t The beautiful cityscape of Wrocaw

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t A snowy village in the Tatra Mountains.

Fairy-tale old towns and magical market squares. High-tech museums and quirky art galleries. Rugged mountains, beautiful beaches and dense forests. Mouthwatering comfort food and hipster bars filled with warming vodka. Whatever your dream trip to Poland entails, this DK Eyewitness Travel Guide is the perfect companion.

One of Europes biggest countries, Poland is as famed for the cobbled streets and bohemian bars of enchanting Krakw as it is for the high-tech museums and trendy cafs of edgy Warsaw. But beyond this tale of two cities, theres so much more to discover. Compelling history can be found everywhere, from the once battle-scarred city of Gdask to the imposing fortified town of Zamo, built by knights. Medieval architecture and non-stop nightlife abound in artsy Wrocaw and student-filled Toru, while quirky street art and cool festivals are on the menu in post-industrial d.

Beyond the cities, Polands wild beauty is utterly undeniable. To the north stretch the golden beaches of the Baltic Coast, dotted with pretty fishing villages and spectacular sand dunes; to the south lie a sweeping chain of mountains, their ridges crisscrossed with hiking routes. In between youll find rolling farmland, tranquil lakes, atmospheric wetlands and ancient forests, the latter home to magnificent bison. Imposing castles, opulent palaces and charming wooden churches are also scattered across the landscape, as are the scars of Polands turbulent past.

The countrys sheer size can threaten to overwhelm, but this guidebook breaks the country down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries, expert local knowledge and colourful, comprehensive maps to help you plan the perfect visit. Whether youre staying for a weekend, a week or longer, this Eyewitness guide will ensure that you see the very best Poland has to offer. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Poland.

The magnificent market square in Pozna.

The striking exterior of the Museum of World War II.

A steaming bowl of ruby-red borscht.

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Vibrant cities home to awe-inspiring architecture and non-stop nightlife. Ever-changing landscapes filled with fairy-tale castles and impenetrable forts. There are many reasons to love Poland; here are our favourites.

t Some of the countrys most fascinating history lies below ground. Delve under and discover Wieliczkas astonishing salt mines or the subterranean Nazi tunnels near Wabrzych.

Discover Reasons to Love Poland

t Under the Communists, Poland went wild for neon, with signs adorning everything from hotels to theatres. Most signs are now proudly displayed in museums and galleries.

Discover Reasons to Love Poland

t This dense forest is one of the last remaining primeval woodlands in Europe. Try hiking or biking beneath its deep green canopy, keeping an eye out for a hairy bison or two.

Discover Reasons to Love Poland

t Polands beautiful Baltic Coast is sprinkled with golden, endlessly sandy beaches, charming seaside towns, pretty fishing villages and towering sand dunes.

Discover Reasons to Love Poland

t Polands former royal capital is utterly enchanting, from the magnificent Wawel and the elegant expanse of Rynek Gwny to the cool cafs of Tytano and the late-night buzz of Kazimierzs bars.

Discover Reasons to Love Poland