Top Winter Getaways in Poland: 6 Must-Visit Destinations for a Post-Holiday Escape
After the holiday hustle and bustle, there’s no better way to recharge than with a quick winter getaway. Poland boasts a variety of destinations perfect for a short trip during the colder months, offering something for every traveler. From snowy mountain resorts and picturesque lakes to lively cities, here are the top places to consider for a last-minute winter escape.
Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains: A Winter Sports Paradise
Known as the winter capital of Poland, Zakopane is a haven for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking enthusiasts. With stunning snowy peaks, charming taverns serving traditional oscypek cheese and mulled wine, and attractions like Kasprowy Wierch and Gubałówka, Zakopane guarantees both adventure and relaxation. Don’t miss the chance to unwind in the thermal baths of Bukowina Tatrzańska or Chochołów after a day in the mountains.
Karpacz and Szklarska Poręba: The Beauty of the Karkonosze Mountains
These two gems in the Karkonosze region offer excellent conditions for winter sports and scenic trekking. Highlights include the historic Wang Church in Karpacz and the breathtaking waterfalls of Szklarska Poręba. Perfect for families, these destinations also feature ice rinks, sleigh rides, and other winter-friendly activities.
Winter Magic in Mazury
Known for its serene lakes, Mazury transforms into a winter wonderland, offering peace and breathtaking landscapes. Frozen lakes and snow-covered forests set the stage for activities like sleigh rides and snowshoeing, while cozy guesthouses and spas provide ultimate relaxation. It’s an ideal retreat for nature lovers seeking tranquility.
The Tricity: Coastal Charm in Winter
Why not head to the coast during the colder months? The Tricity area—Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot—offers refreshing seaside walks, cultural landmarks, and spa treatments. Explore Gdańsk’s historic streets, Sopot’s iconic pier, and Gdynia’s modernist architecture while enjoying the health benefits of crisp sea air.
Białowieża: A Nature Lover’s Escape
Home to the UNESCO-listed Białowieża Forest, this region is a must-visit for those seeking a close connection with nature. A winter stroll through the ancient woods, with the possibility of spotting European bison, is unforgettable. Complement your visit with a trip to the Białowieża National Park Museum for insights into the region’s unique biodiversity.
Kraków: Winter Charm in a Historic Setting
Kraków enchants visitors year-round, but winter adds a touch of magic. Stroll through the snow-dusted Main Market Square, enjoy a hot chocolate in a cozy café, or explore Wawel Castle. The city’s festive markets, often extending into January, make it a delightful choice for a winter getaway.
Tips for Planning Your Winter Trip
For a successful last-minute winter trip, keep these tips in mind:
- Book accommodations early, as many offer attractive winter packages.
- Prepare for unpredictable weather with warm, layered clothing.
- Choose a destination that suits your preferences, whether it’s a relaxing spa retreat or an active adventure.
Poland’s winter destinations offer an excellent opportunity to embrace the beauty of the season while enjoying quality time with loved ones. So, pack your bags and discover the magic of winter in Poland—whether it’s in the mountains, by the sea, or in the heart of a bustling city!
Andrzej Iwan, 1982 World Cup medallist from Poland, died 2 years ago
Andrzej Iwan, a football player and coach died two years ago. Between 1978 and 1987, he represented Poland in football. He was a participant in the 1978 World Cup and the silver medallist of the 1982 World Cup. He died in Krakow, where he lived permanently.
Andrzej Iwan’s death was reported on social media – the information was also confirmed by journalist Krzysztof Stanowski, whose programmes Iwan often used to appear in. He had been shying away from media activity for some time, having struggled with serious health problems for years.
Fans remembered him as an excellent football player and uncompromising football expert. He wrote down the story of his colourful life years ago in his book ‘Spalony’.
Andrzej Iwan played 29 times in the Polish national squad, scoring 11 goals. He was a player of clubs from Krakow (Wanda, Wisla), as well as Górnik Zabrze, Vfl Bochum and Aris Thessaloniki.
😢
— Krzysztof Stanowski (@K_Stanowski) December 27, 2022
Styczeń 2021.
– Weź zrób teraz zdjęcie, będzie pożegnalne.
Żegnaj mistrzu. pic.twitter.com/aVYEC98SCq
The Legacy of Aleksander Ładoś: A Beacon of Courage and Humanity
Honoring Aleksander Ładoś on his death anniversary: a Polish diplomat who saved thousands of Jews during WWII.
Leader of the Ładoś Group
Aleksander Ładoś, a Polish diplomat and leader of the Ładoś Group, remains a symbol of bravery and compassion. His group, comprising Polish diplomats in Bern and Jewish organizations, orchestrated the creation of illegal Latin American passports during World War II. These documents shielded Jews from deportation to Nazi extermination camps, offering them a lifeline amidst the horrors of the Holocaust.
A Medal of Honor and Memory
In 2019, Ładoś was posthumously awarded the Virtus et Fraternitas medal by President Andrzej Duda of Poland. This prestigious honor recognizes those who aided or commemorated Polish nationals or citizens of other ethnicities victimized by Soviet, Nazi, or nationalist crimes between 1917 and 1990. Ładoś’s efforts are credited with saving up to 10,000 lives, cementing his legacy as a defender of humanity.
Today, on the anniversary of his death, we remember Ładoś’s heroic actions and the lives he helped preserve. His story inspires us to stand against injustice and uphold human dignity.
New Property Tax Regulations in Poland from 2025
As of 1 January 2025, amended property tax regulations will take effect in Poland. The changes may significantly impact owners of commercial properties, including foreign investors. Among the key amendments are new definitions of buildings and structures, which could lead to the reclassification of certain properties and result in higher tax rates.
The amended legislation aims to address challenges in effective property tax enforcement. Foreign investors are advised to carefully analyze their properties in light of the new rules to evaluate potential changes in their tax burdens. Experts recommend conducting property audits to determine the specific tax changes applicable to each property. These audits will also help account for associated costs in budget planning for the upcoming year.
Preparatory Steps for Entrepreneurs
Before submitting their declarations, entrepreneurs should ensure all their properties are thoroughly identified and inventoried. At first glance, this may appear to be another standard property tax return. However, compliance with the new tax conditions will require:
- Determining the actual condition of the assets.
- Verifying registration data against the actual state of the properties.
- Classifying and valuing the properties for tax declarations under the updated regulations.
Szymon Mojzesowicz (MRICS, ASA) from the Polish consulting firm Lege Advisors emphasizes the importance of these steps:
“Taking shortcuts and unthinkingly rewriting last year’s declaration can lead to serious problems, from accruing interest on tax arrears to having the declaration recognized as a fiscal offense.”
Increased Scrutiny and External Support
The implementation of the new regulations will likely be closely monitored by tax authorities. Experts predict that many businesses, especially medium-sized and large industrial plants, will require the assistance of external companies specializing in asset valuation to navigate the changes.
The amended act introduces numerous changes, including refined definitions of taxable facilities. Particular attention should be paid to the appendix of the Act, which lists taxable structures.
Practical Implications and Deadlines
Entrepreneurs must analyze the new regulations, conduct audits, and prepare updated documentation. This process may necessitate training existing staff responsible for preparing declarations or hiring new personnel. Szymon Mojzesowicz highlights the challenge:
“Will there be enough time to complete all these steps and submit the declaration on time?”
Recognizing these challenges, the legislator has introduced provisions allowing, under certain conditions, an extended deadline for filing declarations until 31 March 2025. To utilize this extension, taxpayers must submit a notice and pay the property tax for the first months of 2025 based on the monthly average for 2024.
Despite this extension, the question remains whether businesses will find this timeframe sufficient to adapt to the sweeping changes in property tax regulations.
Ursula von der Leyen and Allegations of Supporting Pro-Russian Networks
Ursula von der Leyen faces scrutiny for alleged ties to pro-Russian networks during her tenure as Germany’s Defense Minister.
Ursula von der Leyen, the current President of the European Commission, once served as Germany’s Minister of Defense (2013-2019). During this period, she reportedly supported individuals accused of fostering pro-Russian ties within NATO. Historian Professor Sławomir Cenckiewicz highlighted her involvement, stating that von der Leyen endorsed a letter defending Krzysztof Dusza, a controversial figure linked to NATO’s CEK initiative.
Allegations of Pro-Russian Activities in SKW
Cenckiewicz and former intelligence officer Mariusz Kozłowski accused Dusza and his associates of leveraging Slovakian connections to protect their interests. These networks allegedly risked undermining NATO’s credibility. Von der Leyen’s name surfaced in this context due to her purported backing of Dusza amidst escalating tensions over these accusations.
Critics argue that narratives supporting Slovakian leaders Robert Fico and Viktor Orbán reveal contradictions in European policies. Cenckiewicz claims these alignments reflect a larger pattern of strategic amnesia during periods of geopolitical resets.
German President Dissolves Bundestag: Early Elections Set for February 2025
Germany sets snap elections for February 2025 after Chancellor Scholz loses confidence vote. Challenges include economy, wars, and immigration.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved the Bundestag on Friday and scheduled early parliamentary elections for February 23, 2025. The move follows Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s failure to secure a vote of confidence on December 16, after the collapse of his three-party coalition in November.
Steinmeier emphasized the need for a functional government during challenging times. “Stability requires an active government and a credible parliamentary majority,”
he said, explaining his decision.
Challenges Ahead for Germany
In his statement, Steinmeier underlined the importance of addressing Germany’s critical issues, including economic uncertainty, ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, immigration, and climate change. He expressed confidence in the democratic process, affirming that the Bundestag would continue its work until the new parliament is constituted.
The election date was agreed upon by leaders of SPD and CDU/CSU. With Germany facing significant challenges, Steinmeier urged political actors to use the upcoming weeks to identify solutions for the nation’s pressing concerns.
Katarzyna Wasick: Aiming for a Historic Sixth Olympic Appearance
Polish swimmer Katarzyna Wasick eyes a record-breaking sixth Olympic appearance after a career filled with resilience and triumph.
Katarzyna Wasick, a standout Polish swimmer, has had an illustrious career spanning over a decade. With six World Championship medals and eight European podium finishes, she has been a consistent force in the pool. Despite competing in five Olympic Games since her debut in Beijing 2008, an Olympic medal has eluded her.
Overcoming Challenges
After early setbacks, including missing finals in London 2012 and Rio 2016, Wasick took time off to reset. She returned stronger, achieving a career-high fifth place in the Tokyo 2020 final and claiming multiple international medals.
Eyes on Los Angeles 2028
Now 32, Wasick has set her sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Games, which could make her the third swimmer in history to compete in six Olympics. Despite disappointment in Paris, her determination remains unwavering.
As she enjoys the holidays in Kraków with family, Wasick is ready to recharge before resuming training in January. Her journey to LA promises to be inspiring.