This document provides descriptions of some of the most beautiful places in Poland, including major cities like Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, and Wroclaw as well as natural areas like the Tatra Mountains, Masurian Lakes, Bieszczady Mountains, and Hel Peninsula. It also briefly describes the town of Bilgoraj, noting its forests, history of international cooperation, and opportunities for outdoor sports and activities.

1. The most
beautiful places
in Poland

2. Poland in Europe
POLAND is a country in Central
Europe, bordered by Germany to
the west; the Czech Republic and
Slovakia to the south;
Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to
the east; and the Baltic Sea and
Russia to the north.
The total area of Poland is 312,679
square kilometres, making it the
69th largest country in the world
and the 9th largest in Europe.
Poland has a population of over
38 million people, which makes it
the 34th most populous country in
the Word.
Poland is a member of the European
Union, NATO, the United
Nations, the World Trade
Organization, and many others.

3. Warsaw, the capital of Poland
Located in the heart of the
country, Warsaw is its
cultural, commercial, and
financial centre. Razed to the
ground by the Germans, the city
was rebuilt after World War II
practically from scratch.
Today Warsaw's lively business
downtown is full of skyscrapers
and ambitious plans to build
more. The catchy skyline is still
dominated by the huge Palace of
Culture and Science – a Stalin's
gift.
Do not miss the beautiful Old
Town, the Royal Route, the
Chopin museum, several
magnificent palaces and the
former Jewish ghetto.

4. Cracow
The former country’s capital is one
of the top tourist attractions in
Europe. Most of the city guests are
captivated by its magical
atmosphere and the splendid
architecture.
In Krakow you can see Mediaeval
cathedrals, the Renaissance
castle, Baroque churches, the Art
Nouveau theatre and many other
monuments. However old and
beautiful it is, do not think that
Krakow is limited to the monuments
and museums. Thanks to an amazing
density and variety of
bars, pubs, clubs and
restaurants, Krakow sparkles with
life, especially during warm seasons.

5. Gdansk
This cheerful maritime city is
immensely popular with tourists.
Situated by the sea, it has a
gentle climate and beautiful
beaches. A famous seaside
resort Sopot is nearby.
The exclusive architecture of
the Old Town, including the
largest brick Gothic church in
the world, is undoubtedly worth
exploring.
The present image of the city
was created by its complex
history. Gdansk used to often
change hands and in 1980 it
witnessed the birth of the
Solidarity movement, which
brought the end of Communism.

6. Wroclaw
The capital of Lower Silesia has a
huge Old Town built on several
islands connected by over 100
bridges. Apart from its unique
location, Wroclaw amazes with a
plenitude of Gothic, Baroque and
Art Nouveau architecture. An
extremely complicated
history, combining cultural
influences of
Germany, Bohemia, Austria and
Poland, left its mark on
Wroclaw’s unforgettable
atmosphere.

7. Zakopane
Zakopane, so-called the
winter capital of Poland, is a
popular destination for those
interested in
hiking, climbing, rafting, paragli
ding and skiing.
Krupowki street is an obvious
start to any visit to Zakopane.
It is the heart of the town, full
of vendors, galleries, clothes
shops, restaurants, bars and
clubs.
Sports fans will enjoy a ski
jumping competition at the
Great Krokiew, a ski jumping
venue, which due to the success
of the Polish jumper Adam
Malysz, has seen some of the
largest audiences in the Ski
Jumping World Cup.

8. Tatra Mountains
The highest mountain range in
Poland, its rocky peaks covered
with all-year snow, sharp
ridges, mysterious
ponds, waterfalls and valleys
,make this place probably the
most spectacular in our country.
About 250 km of trails and a
wide range of slopes would
satisfy the most demanding
hikers and skiers. A stay in
Zakopane town at the foot of
the mountains is recommended
to those who love beautiful
landscapes and original folk
culture.

9. Masurian Lakes
Picturesque land of almost 3,000
lakes. For sailing
fans, fishermen, hikers, cyclists
and those who seek
tranquility, the Masuria is the
number one holiday destination.
Apart from the water sports and
wandering around, you may
explore a multitude of historical
places. There are several
castles, the amazing Baroque
church in Swieta Lipka and the
Hitler's wartime headquarters in
the nearby forests.

10. Bieszczady Mountains
A paradise for romantics, lovers
of nature and restless drifters.
The soft green mountains
peppered with traditional
wooden churches are one of the
most secluded areas in Europe.
The amazing wildlife and
stunning landscapes make it an
ideal holiday destination. The
Bieszczady Mountains are the
most beautiful in summer and
autumn, whereas during winter
they invite the fans of skiing.

11. Hel Peninsula
Don't be fooled by the name – no
other place could be further
from hell itself. The Hel
Peninsula, a narrow strip of land
in northern Poland, surrounded
by the Baltic Sea, is just 34 km
long, and at some points less
than 200 m wide.
Scenic beaches, where the sand
is as soft as silk, run along the
shores dotted with pretty
resorts along the way. Once a
popular getaway for
artists, writers, politicians and
rich professionals, it has now
been taken over by tourists and
water sports lovers. An ideal
place to sail, wind surf, become
familiar with the old Kashubian
culture.

12. Our Hometown, Biłgoraj
Biłgoraj is a town in south-eastern
Poland with over 27,000
inhabitants. It lies on three little
rivers and is surrounded by vast
forests full of wild animals, such
as deer, wild boars, hares and
others.
Bilgoraj has always been open to
the world – already in the 18th
century sievemakers used to
travel as fas ar Hungary and
Moldova to sell their products.
Nowadays we cooperate with our
partner cities:
Nowolynsk (Ukraine), Bilina (the
Czech Republic), Crailsheim
(Germany), Kelme (Lithuania) and
Stropkov (Slovakia).

13. A paradise for nature lovers and
sports freaks
Thanks to the nearby
thick forests Bilgoraj
residents have a chance
to pursue sports such as
running, Nordic
walking, cycling, horse-
riding and cross-country
skiing.
A number of newly built
sports courts and
pitches allow playing
team sports.
Every year there is a
chance to participate in
various amateur sporting
events and rallies.