Top 11 Interesting and FUN Facts About Poland You'll be surprised!
Poland occupies an intriguing position in Central Europe, between the east and the west. Both parties have had a distinct effect on Polish culture. Whereas some portions plainly used to be German, others recall the Soviet era, and others have an Italian flavor.
One thing is sure: a vacation to Poland will never be dull. There is so much to see, do, and learn. From the country's interesting and turbulent past to current metropolitan life. All while sipping a drink of excellent Polish vodka and devouring a platter of pierogi.
Between historic towns and the natural environment, Poland provides a plethora of intriguing tourist sites. This list of the most beautiful places to visit in Poland includes some well-known crowd-pleasers, such as Krakow and Warsaw, as well as some lesser-known treasures.
Do you have any fun facts about Poland?
Poland, Europe's eighth-largest country, is riddled with inconsistencies. This post-communist country has a rich history, numerous famous personalities and scientists, and natural wonders. Poland, on the other hand, may provide both a good chuckle and some food for thought.
There are so many intriguing facts about Poland that it's difficult to choose the most essential and interesting ones. Holidays in Poland are the ideal way to get to know all of them and believe us, there are many wonderful places to visit in Poland, but as the saying goes: so many facts, so little time!
1. Poland has one of the oldest salt mines in the world.
Have you ever visited a salt mine? When you travel to Poland with Trafalgar, we will take you to the 800-year-old Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the world's oldest. It's known as the Underneath Salt Cathedral of Poland, and when you go 135 meters (440 feet) underground with your guide, you'll witness chambers, sculptures, salt chandeliers, and an entire church sculpted from rock salt. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has been producing salt continuously since the 13th century until 2007, and the history and unique carvings of this salt mine will leave you speechless.
2. Poland is home to Europe's heaviest animals.
The endangered European bison, sometimes known as the wisent, is Europe's biggest land mammal, weighing more than 600kg on average. They may be found roaming the 150,000 hectares of Poland's Biaowiea Primeval Forest - Europe's remaining primeval forest, which originally stretched across the continent thousands of years ago.
3. Poland boasts one of Europe's most diversified ecosystems.
What comes to mind when you think about Poland? What about ancient forests? Tatra and Carpathian mountain ranges? Lakes that sparkle? What about beaches, deserts, sand dunes, or marshes? Poland has nearly 800 kilometers of sandy coastline, sand dunes in Pomerania, wetlands in Biebrzaski National Park, and even the only Central-European desert, Pustynia Bdowska.
4. Poland was home to the world's first upside-down house.
One of our favorite amusing facts about Poland is that it is home to the world's first upside-down house. The topsy-turvy wooden home was erected upside down in a forest and appears to be something out of a storybook. Visitors must enter the home through the attic windows and may walk around the furnished interior, which is reminiscent of Communist Poland in the 1970s, to symbolize how Communist control turned life in Poland upside down. Since its debut in 2007, hundreds of interested visitors have visited the home, which is located in the tiny Polish hamlet of Szymbark, which has a population of roughly 500 people.
5. Poland has the world's largest castle.
The Teutonic Order Castle in Malbork is the world's largest castle in terms of land area. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was originally erected in the 13th century as a Teutonic castle and stronghold. In that regard, Poland is home to 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites!
6. There are many animals in Warsaw's Palace of Culture and Science.
The Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw is a vast structure with over 3,000 rooms that serve as grand halls, conference rooms, sports stadiums, auditoriums, restaurants, movie theaters, and offices. But did you know that cats are employed here? Although they are not officially employed, hundreds of cats patrol the building every day to battle the invasion of mice on the lower levels. However, cats and rats are not the only species that live here. Kestrels live on the top levels, and a living bee apiary is on the sixth.
7. Poles marry the youngest individuals in Europe.
One of the most intriguing statistics about Poland is that Poles marry around the age of 25-27, which is younger than any other country in the European Union. So, if you meet any Poles in their twenties who are in a committed relationship, start planning to attend a Polish wedding... It will undoubtedly be a wonderful experience.
8. Europe's oldest restaurant is still open for business.
The oldest restaurant in Europe may be found in Wroclaw, Poland, at "Piwnica Swidnicka." It first opened its doors in 1275, and you may still have a nice dinner there today.
9. During WWII, Warsaw was nearly entirely devastated.
The Old Town in Warsaw that you see now is not the original. During World War II, Nazi Germany extensively bombed and essentially devastated Warsaw. After the war, the Poles rebuilt their city using Bernardo Bellotto's meticulous paintings. Today, structures in Warsaw's Old Town still appear as they did in the 14th century, a monument to the amazing power and perseverance of the Polish people.
10. An authentic Gutenberg Bible can be found in Poland.
Only nine copies of the Gutenberg Bible are still in their original 15th-century binding... One of them may be seen in the Diocesan Museum in the little town of Pelplin in Poland's Kociewie area. The Gutenberg Bible was the first large book produced using a printing press, paving the path for mass book manufacturing in the West. The Gutenberg Bible is now considered one of the most valuable books in the world.
11. There are beaches, mountains, forests, deserts, and lakes in Poland.
Poland's landscape is quite diversified. Almost 800 kilometers of coastline and a few mountain ranges (Tatra, Carpathian, Sudet Bieszczady, and Witokrzyskie). Pustynia Bdowska, Poland's sole Central European desert, is also located there.
There are additional dunes in Pomerania that are unusual on a European scale. Wetlands at Biebrzaski National Park are also important. As well as islands in Wolinski National Park.