Winter in Poland turns the nation to some magic wonderland when the first snowflakes begin to fall and the streets become brightened with the twinkling decorations. Snow-capped mountains and lovely Christmas markets and warm wooden cottages are only a few ideas of what Poland at a colder time of the year can offer to everyone - adventure, tradition and overwhelming beauty. It doesn't matter whether you are a ski-lover, a Christmas-time shopper, or simply a person who just loves to feel the warmth of the Polish hospitality in the cold nature: Poland in winter is not worse than captivating.

Why Visit Poland in Winter?

Most tourists are attracted to Poland in the summer seasons. However, those who travel in the winter soon learn a different face to Poland altogether. The Polish winter is full of chilly air, beautiful snow-covered cities, and fewer visitors, and more genuine experiences. It is also a time when the Polish culture is really at its brightest point, both in terms of hearty comfort foods, and the holiday traditions going back hundreds of years.

Besides its beauty, winter provides inexpensive approaches to traveling. Hotels are cheaper, flights are cheaper and there is a warm feel of tranquility even in the most crowded metropolis. The winter magic of Poland is so hard to resist whether you are strolling around the Christmas Krakow or you are heading to Tatra Mountains to go skiing.

Zakopane - the Winter Capital of Poland.

Zakopane is the most popular winter resort town in Poland, which is placed at the foot of Tatra Mountains. It is known as the Winter Capital of Poland, and as a result, the alpine masterpiece draws people throughout the world.

In this case, you may get down the slopes at Kasprowy Wierch or Nosal, the favorite of both the amateur and the expert. The area has it all with skiing and snowboarding to sleigh and then the relaxation of a thermal spa.

In the evening, go walking along Krupowki Street, which is crowded with warm restaurants with hot mulled wine and oscypek, the local smoked cheese. Zakopane is the best place in Poland to have an extreme winter experience with wooden chalets, snowy rooftops and stunning views of mountains.

Krakow - Christmas Miracle Markets and the Old Town Magic.

The Main Market Square of Krakow turns into one of the most enchanted holiday spots in Europe in Winter in Poland. The Christmas Market of the city, placed on the marvelous background of the Basilica of St. Mary, is a tasteful pleasure.

Tourists are able to look at the handmade crafts, wooden toys, and fragile ornaments, drinking hot chocolate or traditional grzaniec galicyjski (mulled wine). The ground is smelling of cinnamon, roasted almonds and pierogi - the traditional Polish dumpling that warms the heart and the stomach.

To culture enthusiasts, the summer throng would not be present in Krakow and the museums and medieval streets would be the ideal place to visit. Another spectacular trip in winter day is Wawel Castle and the nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Wroclaw - Christmas Fairytale Market.

There is hardly a European city which can be as fairytale as winter Wroclaw. The city Market Square (Rynek) is turned into a glittering winter village housing wooden stalls with festal treats and decorations under the light of a huge Christmas tree.

You may skate around on ice under old-fashioned houses, drink warm cider, or ride the carousel lit up. The Christmas Market in Wroclaw is frequently cited as one of the top ones in Europe and is therefore a place of interest during the Winter in Poland.

Even more magical when powdered with snow the network of canals, bridges and dwarfs (yes, hundreds of small bronzes figures) make the city even more enchanting. Wroclaw is a warm city, not only in the figurative meaning of this word.

Gdansk - Seaside Winter Magic

The majority of the travelers consider Gdansk as a winter resort and it is interesting in summer as well. The city is situated on the Baltic coast and it becomes so picturesque when the cold comes in like a storybook. The long market is lit with Christmas lights and the Motlawa River is capped with lighting of the ancient port.

The Christmas Market in Gdansk is characterized by local delicacies such as pierniki (gingerbread cookies) and drinks that are spiced. See the St. Mary Church - one of the most spacious brick churches in the world - or pay a brisk visit to Sopot where one may enjoy a brisk walk on the snowy beach pier.

When you want things to be different during winter without having to go to over-crowded resorts, Gdansk has the right combination of the beauty of the beach and the holiday spirit.

Tatra Mountains-Skiing, Snowboarding and Seclusion.

The Tatra Mountains are a dream to serious winter sports lovers. They are located along the southern border of Poland and are well equipped with skiing, spectacular views on the alps and adventure.

The center of the area is Zakopane, and close by there are the towns of Bukowina Tatrzanska and Bialka Tatrzanska which offer skiing resorts with thermal baths - the best place to have a rest after spending a day on the slopes.

In case you want something less active, you can go on a hike in the winter in Tatra National Park. The paths are quiet and the snowy pine trees and the frozen falls engulf the paths. It is a heaven of both, the photographers and nature lovers.

Torun - A Sweet Winter Escape

Torun is well-known because of its birthplace astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus as well as the gingerbread. The old town of the city reeks of spice and sugar, especially in the colder months.

It is possible to pay a visit to Gingerbread Museum to make your cookies and to learn about the old ruins of the Teutonic Castle, walk along quaint cobblestone streets, and enjoy attractively decorated with Christmas lights. A small and less densely populated city in comparison to the big cities in Poland, Torun provides a real picture of the Polish winter culture.

Winter Adventures of Zakrzowek and Krakow.

Winter adventures are available even in the cities. The Krakow area, such as Zakrzowek Lake, would become an idyllic frozen landscape with cliffs, which can be enjoyed on a scenic walk or photographed. The local Ojcowski National Park of Krakow too has snow-covered limestone formations and caves, and can be easily reached on a day trip.

Foods Traditional in the winter.

It is impossible to visit Poland in Winter without trying the tasty food of the country. Sample bigos (stew of hunter), barszcz z uszkami (beet soup with dumplings), and pierogi ruskie (potatoes and cheese filled dumplings). To conclude, paczki (Polish doughnuts) and makowiec (poppy seed cake) are dishes that one must not skip.

Take hot beer, mulled wine, or herbal tea with your lunch and dinner - this keeps you warm after you are out.

Festivals and Events

• Christmas Markets (end of November-December): located in Krakow, Wroclaw and Gdansk.
• New Year Eve Parties: The big metropolises have free concerts and fireworks.
• Zakopane Snow Festival (January): Snow sculptures, skiing competitions, and cultural performances are all the elements of this festival.
• Epiphany Parades (January 6): Customary processions that are done in Poland. 

Things to Know on Your Winter Trip.

• Dress: Packing clothes - thermal clothes, waterproof shoes, gloves, heavy coat should be in the pack.
• Transport: Buses and trains are highly efficient and they move even in snow, thus reaching mountains and city destinations is easy.
• Currency: currency used is Polish Zloty ( PLN); credit card is accepted.
• Language: English is widely spoken in tourist localities, however, it is better to learn some Polish words and phrases to make your experience more interesting. 

Essentials of Poland Visa and Travel.

You need to be aware of the Poland Visa process before you plan your trip. Citizens of certain nations may enter the country without a visa on short visits, whereas others might a priori have to apply. Organize papers, insurance, and itinerary to have a hustle-free vacation.

When you are applying to a Poland travel visa, make sure you check the conditions very early such as accommodation, return tickets and travel insurance. Christmas markets and ski resorts make winter a great season to visit, and therefore it is better to plan.

Conclusion

Winter in Poland is something to wonder at - a season where each snowflake is one more point in the history of a country with rich culture, history and natural beauty. The snowy heights of Zakopane till the blazing streets of Krakow and the squares of festivals in Wroclaw will be something that a visitor will remember forever regardless of the type of a traveler he is.

It is as if you have entered a fairytale whether you have come to enjoy the skiing, the food or the warmth of the Polish traditions, winter in this place. Then take your fur-lined coat, get your camera ready, and have the magical winter in Poland fall in love with your heart.