"Between East and West .... in central Europe" Top 5 Page for this destination Poland by magor65

Poland Travel Guide: 17,094 reviews and 45,323 photos

Between East and West .... in central Europe - Poland

As the legend goes, there were three brothers: Lech, Czech and Rus. They were wandering through a forest in search of a place to settle down. Suddenly they saw a big oak and an eagle sitting on one of its branches. Lech said: "Here I will build my city and this bird will be the emblem of my people".

Little Poles - the youngest members of my family

For years Poland has been considered as one of the Eastern European countries, which might be true politically but geographically speaking it is not correct at all. Actually, the geometrical centre of Europe lies very close to Warsaw.
With its 38 million people Poland is the 8th most populated country of Europe. Sadly speaking, the birth rate is on the decline with more and more young couples postponing having children until they find a job, have a house, etc., which often means at the age of thirty or more. Another worrying thing is that a lot of young people, especially those best educated and most talented, decide to emigrate, disappointed with high unemployment and lack of prospects in Poland. We can only hope that it's a temporary decision and they will come back to the country of their origin with money and experience gained abroad.

The history of Poland

Lech Walesa

The history of Poland has been very difficult and stormy throughout the centuries, including the latest times. In 1795 Poland disappeared for over 100 years from the maps of Europe, but not from the minds and hearts of Poles. Oppressed by the conquerors, Polish people fought for their own identity and never fully surrendered. After the years of partitions we regained the independence in 1918, but enjoyed the freedom for just 20 years between the two world wars. WWII reduced most of the country to ruins, both in literal and figurative sense. As a result of peace conferences in Potsdam and Yalta Poland lost about 20 % of its pre-war territory. The forty years after the war were stigmatized by Soviet domination, although we proudly claim that it was not as strong as in other countries of the eastern block. The strikes and protests against the communistic regime broke out several times until the climax of 1980. The Solidarity movement and its leader Lech Walesa played an undeniable part in doing away with communism both in Poland and Europe. In May 2004 Poland joined the European Union, and despite many problems like high unemployment, corruption or various phantoms of the past, hopefully is heading for better future.

Pros and Cons

Pros:nature, architecture, history
Cons:unpredictable weather
In a nutshell:if you don't come soon, you may miss what is still left of tradition and folklore

Intro Updated Nov 6, 2005
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Reviews (34)

Gniezno - the first capital of Poland Things to Do (18)

If you happen to be in Poznan it might be a good idea to visit Gniezno. It was the first capital of Poland and here... more travel advice

Biskupin - an open air museum Things to Do (18)

Biskupin is a settlement from the turn of the Bronze Age and the Iron Age (750 - 600 BC). Today it is one of the best... more travel advice

Wedding customs Local Customs (4)

Young people in Poland usually decide to be married in church and after the church ceremony have a wedding reception for... more travel advice

Churches of Peace - Swidnica and Jawor Things to Do (18)

After 30-year war (1618-1648) the emperor gave his permission for three Churches of Peace to be built in Swidnica, Jawor... more travel advice

Favorites (3)
See All Places of worship
Shopping (4)
See All Laces from Koniakow
Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All The Beskidy Mts.

Comments (26)

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elpariente May 2, 2011 at 6:10 AM

Very good photos and interesting tips , they are very helpful Our hard task is now to decide were to go in 15 days in Poland Gracias !!!
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breughel Apr 23, 2011 at 5:54 AM

A very fine overview of your country with much interesting information's.
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HORSCHECK Jul 4, 2009 at 8:21 AM

Fabulous overview. I have already been to quite a few places you mention here, including Poznan and Gniezno where we were in April. Oh and in two weeks we will be in Szczecin for a long weekend. W Szczebrzeszynie chrzaszcz brzmi w trzcinie. *winkygrin*
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Trekki Jan 7, 2009 at 12:09 AM

Again a fascinating reading, Malgorzata :-)) I love all the mountains and will definitely put them high on my wishlist, as well as the wooden church and definitely the peace churches! Thanks so much for a n exciting morning read :-)
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Pawtuxet Dec 17, 2008 at 6:08 AM

Many places still undiscovered. I hope to explore more in the spring. Zakopane on my list.
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Kuznetsov_Sergey Aug 6, 2008 at 12:37 PM

Great overview of the country which I love so much, where I have been rather often but unfortunately as a transit to Germany and back to Russia. I saw a lot but so much left to see! Thanks Malgorzata for sharing!
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DAO May 10, 2008 at 11:56 AM

Dziêkujê
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Kinia Sep 18, 2007 at 12:16 PM

Œwietna strona o Polsce :)
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gilabrand Mar 1, 2007 at 6:43 AM

Malgorzata shalom! Thought you might be interested in the story of my in-laws escape from Poland (now in a travelogue on my home page). I like your customs tips!
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Martinewezel Feb 18, 2007 at 3:08 AM

Very good tips! Zakopane looks very nice.