"Poland" a Poland Travel Page by Robmj

We drove into Poland from Slovakia and across the Vysoke Tatry mountain range - I recall being blown away by the stunning Polish countryside as we entered the southern parts.

The southern Polish countryside is absolutely beautiful, green rolling farmland, wooded hills and pretty little towns and villages .

We called via Zakopane which is a ski resort and touristy but set in amazing scenary.

From there we travelled into Krakow which is a highlight of the country.

After a couple of days in Krakow, we ventured to the Wieliczka salt mines and then onto the haunting Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps of the Nazi era.

Krakow obviously is one of the major drawcards of Poland. The first time we set foot in the main town (Grand) square - Rynek Glowny - we were just amazed, it is sensational; apparently it is largest medieval square in Europe. It is so full of life - cafes & bars line the square and in the old Renaissance Cloth Hall in the centre of the sqaure are huge stalls of local arts and crafts. Surrounding the square are the the 13th-century Gothic Town Hall Tower, the magnificent 14th-century Gothic basilica of the Virgin Mary’s with its amazing Great Altar. In fact most of the Grand Square’s 47 buildings are of historical or architectural value. Its a great place to relax, get a drink and soak up the atmosphere.

Of course, there is more to Krakow than the square, the old castle at Wavel Hill is another must-do. This is the heart of the old town where the former Polish Kings Castle and Cathedral's are kept. All date from the 14th century. A visit to the Dragon's cave is completely poxy but in keeping with the legend that the King got the prime site after slaying the resident dragon. Krakow has so much to see, you can spend days here. Traffic and the maddening crowds are the only downside to this historic and amazing old town. Had a funny / rip off experience leaving Krakow, one of those that you look back on and laugh - see my "warnings & dangers" tip.

Our trip was limited to the south, effectively the Tatry mountain ranges, Krakow, the UNESCO world heritage salt mine at Wieliczka and of course, the sobering visit to the old Nazi concentration camps at Auschwitz and Birkenau.

An amazing part of the world.