Poland

Those looking for something a little different will certainly find it in Poland. Situated at the heart of Europe, it boasts mountains to rival the Alps, which play host to rare wildlife such as lynx and brown bears and provide powdery slopes in the winter months that are ideal for skiing.

Several of the campsites in Poland’s southern region are close to the former capital, Kraków. Echoes of the country’s turbulent history can be found here; it once had a lively Jewish population, and the district of Kazimierz has some wonderful synagogues.

Whether you want to stay on a pitch or in accommodation, there is no shortage of locations to choose from for camping holidays in Poland.

Basic information

Capital Warsaw
Currency Polish Zloty (PLN)
Language(s) Polish
Time Zones CET (UTC+1)
Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+02)
Telephone Code +48
Units Metric

EU Member Yes
Schengen Area Yes

Tourism Website www.poland.travel

 Poland is part of the Schengen area, and customs inspections are occasionally conducted on individuals and vehicles crossing the border to ensure compliance with Poland's regulations.

Shopping in Poland

Shopping in Poland can be a delightful experience, as the country offers a variety of options ranging from traditional markets to modern shopping centres. 

Poland has numerous modern shopping centres, especially in larger cities like Warsaw, Krakow, Wrocław, and Gdańsk. Some popular ones include Złote Tarasy in Warsaw, Galeria Krakowska in Krakow, and Arkadia in Warsaw. These centres host various international and local brands, entertainment options and dining facilities.

Poland has emerged as a flourishing and high-powered country in northern Europe between Germany and the former Russian states of Belarus and Ukraine. Poland’s manufacturing history dates back to the past and is still regarded as the producing powerhouse for central and Eastern Europe. It is also flourishing as a commercial and retail centre, luring top brands, with numerous Polish factory outlets emerging,

Traditional outdoor markets are a great way to experience local culture and find unique products. Famous examples are the Hala Mirowska in Warsaw and the Stary Kleparz in Krakow. You can purchase fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other local products here. The best market to visit in Poland is the Plac Nowy Flea Market, often called the Jewish Market due to its location in Krakow’s Jewish Quarter. This market has been one of the longest-running, dating back to 1808. The best time to visit this market is on Saturday mornings. The market is packed with around 300 stalls selling items from antiques, vintage cameras, books, clothing, and crafts.  

Zapiekanka is a toasted open-face sandwich made by using a sliced baguette which is then topped with sautéed mushrooms and cheese and then Served hot with ketchup; it has been a popular street food in Poland since the 1970s. Consider Polish pottery, Amber jewellery, traditional Polish wooden crafts, and regional foods like sausages and flavoured vodkas when shopping for souvenirs.

In Poland, shopping hours can vary depending on the shop size and location. During the week, larger shopping centres are generally open from 10 a.m to 9 m. Smaller shops and boutiques' times vary but are typically open between 10 a.m. and 6 m. Many supermarkets have extended hours and are open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. On Sunday most shops are closed.

Polish Money

The official currency of Poland is the Polish Złoty (PLN). Most places accept credit and debit cards. ATMs are usually available in towns and cities with many having multilingual instructions. Having some money on hand when visiting smaller shops and markets is a good idea.

Public Holidays in Poland

• New Year's Day: January 1st 
• Epiphany (Three Kings Day): January 6th 
• Easter Sunday, Easter Monday
• Labour Day: May 1st 
• Constitution Day: 3rd May 
• Pentecost Sunday & Corpus Christi
• Assumption Day: August 15th 
• All Saints Day: November 1st 
• Independence Day: November 11th 
• Christmas Day: December 25th 
• St. Stephens Day: December 26th 

Please note Some dates are moveable, so please check before travelling.

Driving in Poland

Visitors to Poland who wish to drive in the country must comply with the following requirements:

1. A valid driver's license: Visitors must have a valid driver's license from their home country.
2. Car insurance: Visitors must have valid car insurance for their vehicle, covering both the driver and passengers.
3. Road rules: In Poland, motorists drive on the right and overtake on the left. With the exception of trams, which are overtaken on the right, all vehicles must be overtaken on the left. Trams can be overtaken on the left in a one-way street or if there is not enough room to overtake on the right. 
4. Visitors must follow Poland's traffic laws, including speed limits, traffic signals, and road signs.
5. Safety equipment: It is mandatory to carry a warning triangle and a fire extinguisher. A reflective jacket and first aid kit are recommended.
6. Headlamp beam deflectors must be used if your beam can not be adjusted manually
7. Minimum driving age: The minimum driving age is 18. 
8. The maximum level of alcohol in the blood allowed is 0.02%. Every driver over the limit is considered incapable of driving any vehicle, and the police may ask you to undergo a random breath test.
9. Some roads are in a rather bad condition, despite the ongoing national renovation programme in progress.

Emergency Services

• European Emergency Number 112

Direct emergency numbers:

• Fire Brigade: 998
• Police: 997
• Ambulance 999
• Municipal Police: 986
• Road Assistance: 981

Weather in Poland

POLAND WEATHER

Spring in Poland is often characterised by gradually warming temperatures. With occasional snowfall, March can still be chilly, especially in the northern regions. As April and May arrive, temperatures rise, and the weather becomes milder. Rain showers are common during this time.

Summers in Poland are generally warm and can sometimes get hot. Average temperatures can range from 20°C to 30°C but occasionally reach higher. It's the most popular time for tourism, and outdoor activities are abundant. Rainfall is moderate, and thunderstorms can occur, especially in July.

Gradually cooling temperatures and colourful foliage characterise autumn. September can still have pleasant, mild weather, but temperatures drop significantly between October and November. Rainfall increases during the autumn months.

Winters in Poland are cold and can be quite snowy, especially in the central and eastern regions. Average temperatures range from -5°C to 3°C but can drop much lower during cold spells. December and January are the coldest months. Snowfall is common, particularly in the mountains.

Spring and autumn can bring unpredictable weather. Quick changes between warm and cold days are not uncommon, and you may experience a mix of sunny and rainy days during these periods.