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Poland

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description Poland Overview

Poland is a republic in Central Europe with a Baltic Sea coastline and borders with Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania and Russia's Kaliningrad exclave; Warsaw is the capital. Its history includes the medieval prosperity of Kraków, the loss and restoration of national statehood, the devastation of the Second World War—including the Auschwitz-Birkenau memorial site—and the Solidarity movement that helped end communist rule in 1989. The landscape runs from the Tatra Mountains in the south to the lake districts of the northeast.

help Poland FAQ

What currency does Poland use?

Poland uses the złoty (PLN) rather than the euro, even though it joined the EU in 2004. There is still no fixed date for euro adoption, so exchanging to złoty remains necessary for cash purchases.

What are the must-see sights in Kraków?

Highlights include Wawel Royal Castle, the huge medieval Main Square with its Cloth Hall, and St Mary's Basilica, where a trumpeter plays the hourly hejnał call. The UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine, worked since the 13th century, is a short trip from the city.

Can you visit Auschwitz from Kraków, and how far is it?

Yes, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is located in Oświęcim, roughly an hour's drive west of Kraków. Basic entry to the memorial is free, but reservations through the official website are strongly recommended because timed slots fill up quickly.

Is Poland in the Schengen zone?

Yes, Poland joined the Schengen area in 2007, three years after EU accession in 2004. This means there are no border checks when traveling overland from Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, or most other EU neighbors.