Poland’s most beautiful places

Pavlo Fedykovych, CNN
Updated 8:56 AM EST, Thu November 8, 2018
<strong>Kraków: </strong>The ancient Polish royal capital is one of the liveliest cities in Europe and is riddled with things to see and do. It's among the most beautiful destinations Poland has to offer. Click through the gallery to see more of this incredible country.
Kraków: The ancient Polish royal capital is one of the liveliest cities in Europe and is riddled with things to see and do. It's among the most beautiful destinations Poland has to offer. Click through the gallery to see more of this incredible country.
Polish Tourism Organization.
<strong>Wieliczka Salt Mine: </strong>Located in the small city of Wieliczka on the southeastern outskirts of Kraków, this mine is a truly unique engineering marvel, part tribute to the people who carved out its vast caverns and part work of art in its own right.
Wieliczka Salt Mine: Located in the small city of Wieliczka on the southeastern outskirts of Kraków, this mine is a truly unique engineering marvel, part tribute to the people who carved out its vast caverns and part work of art in its own right.
Polish Tourism Organization.
<strong>Warsaw: </strong>World War II may have almost completely destroyed Warsaw but this city has risen again, thanks to the meticulous work of the renovators.
Warsaw: World War II may have almost completely destroyed Warsaw but this city has risen again, thanks to the meticulous work of the renovators.
Polish Tourism Organization.
<strong>Warsaw:</strong> Poland's capital is inspiring and vibrant, combining the crazy rhythm of the largest business hub of Central Europe with coziness and the welcoming attitude of locals.
Warsaw: Poland's capital is inspiring and vibrant, combining the crazy rhythm of the largest business hub of Central Europe with coziness and the welcoming attitude of locals.
Polish Tourism Organization.
<strong>Gdańsk:</strong> Parts of this city have a fairytale feel, but it's a modern port city confidently facing the future while not forgetting its past.
Gdańsk: Parts of this city have a fairytale feel, but it's a modern port city confidently facing the future while not forgetting its past.
Poland Tourism Organization
<strong>Sopot: </strong>Along the coast from Gdańsk is Sopot, Poland's most celebrated seaside resort. Here, magnificent Baltic sea panoramas can be found, particularly on Molo Sopotskie, the longest wooden pier in Europe.
Sopot: Along the coast from Gdańsk is Sopot, Poland's most celebrated seaside resort. Here, magnificent Baltic sea panoramas can be found, particularly on Molo Sopotskie, the longest wooden pier in Europe.
Polish Tourism Organization.
<strong>Toruń: </strong>This gem of Polish tourism is<strong> </strong>instantly recognizable by its trademark red-brick Gothic architecture. The birthplace of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, Toruń has an impressive old town core boasting a mix of Baroque, Gothic and Mannerist buildings.
Toruń: This gem of Polish tourism is instantly recognizable by its trademark red-brick Gothic architecture. The birthplace of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, Toruń has an impressive old town core boasting a mix of Baroque, Gothic and Mannerist buildings.
Polish Tourism Organization.
<strong>Malbork Castle: </strong>The biggest Gothic complex in Poland and one of the largest castles in the world is Malbork, a grandiose and mysterious Teutonic stronghold that lies a day trip away from Toruń.
Malbork Castle: The biggest Gothic complex in Poland and one of the largest castles in the world is Malbork, a grandiose and mysterious Teutonic stronghold that lies a day trip away from Toruń.
Polish Tourism Organization.
<strong>Wrocław: </strong>The fourth-biggest city in the country, the capital of Lower Silesia boasts a rich history, welcoming vibes and endless exploration opportunities.
Wrocław: The fourth-biggest city in the country, the capital of Lower Silesia boasts a rich history, welcoming vibes and endless exploration opportunities.
Polish Tourism Organization.
<strong>Moszna castle: </strong> Those looking for fairytale castle landscapes in Poland won't be disappointed by Moszna Castle. This eclectic masterpiece is one of the most striking buildings in Poland.
Moszna castle: Those looking for fairytale castle landscapes in Poland won't be disappointed by Moszna Castle. This eclectic masterpiece is one of the most striking buildings in Poland.
Polish Tourism Organization.
<strong>The High Tatra Mountains: </strong>There's no better place in Poland to admire breathtaking vistas than the High Tatra Mountains on the border with Slovakia.
The High Tatra Mountains: There's no better place in Poland to admire breathtaking vistas than the High Tatra Mountains on the border with Slovakia.
Poland Tourism Organization
<strong>Zakopane: </strong>The gateway into the natural delights of the Tatras is the small resort city of Zakopane, full of historic wooden villas, plenty of shopping opportunities and access to great ski tracks in winter and numerous hiking trails in summer.
Zakopane: The gateway into the natural delights of the Tatras is the small resort city of Zakopane, full of historic wooden villas, plenty of shopping opportunities and access to great ski tracks in winter and numerous hiking trails in summer.
Polish Tourism Organization.
<strong>Opole</strong>: A capital of the surrounding region of the same name, Opole has a picturesque old town and a beautiful riverside panorama of historic houses, nicknamed "Little Venice."
Opole: A capital of the surrounding region of the same name, Opole has a picturesque old town and a beautiful riverside panorama of historic houses, nicknamed "Little Venice."
Polish Tourism Organization.
<strong>Poznań: </strong>One of the oldest cities in Poland, Poznań also frequently tops the country's best living standards chart.
Poznań: One of the oldest cities in Poland, Poznań also frequently tops the country's best living standards chart.
Polish Tourism Organization.
<strong>Kazimierz Dolny: </strong>If there was a competition to pick the most picturesque Polish small town, Kazimierz Dolny, on the banks of the Vistula river, would surely be a favorite to win.
Kazimierz Dolny: If there was a competition to pick the most picturesque Polish small town, Kazimierz Dolny, on the banks of the Vistula river, would surely be a favorite to win.
Polish Tourism Organization.
<strong>Książ Castle: </strong>Poland's<strong> </strong>Lower Silesia region is a fascinating land of castles and palaces. WWII mystery fans will also dig <a href="https://www.ksiaz.walbrzych.pl/en/" target="_blank" target="_blank">Książ Castle</a>, rumored to conceal a Nazi gold train in subterranean tunnels.
Książ Castle: Poland's Lower Silesia region is a fascinating land of castles and palaces. WWII mystery fans will also dig Książ Castle, rumored to conceal a Nazi gold train in subterranean tunnels.
Polish Tourism Organization.
<strong>Lublin:</strong> Lublin is a lively midsize Polish city famous for a beautiful Old Town, superb neo-Gothic castle and a distinct Lublin Renaissance architectural style.
Lublin: Lublin is a lively midsize Polish city famous for a beautiful Old Town, superb neo-Gothic castle and a distinct Lublin Renaissance architectural style.
Polish Tourism Organization.
<strong>Łódź: </strong>The post-socialism industrial town of Łódź is an unlikely contender for a list of Poland's most picturesque spots. It makes the list thanks to a dynamic revitalization process that's turned it into a flourishing center of alternative culture, business and finance.
Łódź: The post-socialism industrial town of Łódź is an unlikely contender for a list of Poland's most picturesque spots. It makes the list thanks to a dynamic revitalization process that's turned it into a flourishing center of alternative culture, business and finance.
Polish Tourism Organization.
<strong>Zamość: </strong>UNESCO-protected Zamość, not far from the Ukrainian border, is a magnificent example of the Renaissance "ideal town" concept.
Zamość: UNESCO-protected Zamość, not far from the Ukrainian border, is a magnificent example of the Renaissance "ideal town" concept.
Polish Tourism Organization.
<strong>Białowieża National Park: </strong>A UNESCO-protected wilderness representing a unique European primeval forest, this national park is untouched by centuries of human existence.
Białowieża National Park: A UNESCO-protected wilderness representing a unique European primeval forest, this national park is untouched by centuries of human existence.
Polish Tourism Organization.
A photo tour of the top places to visit in Poland
CNN  — 

Stretching from the amber beaches of the Baltic Sea to the breathtaking peaks of the High Tatra mountains, Poland is as expansive as it is beautiful.

The central European nation has an impressive selection of fantastic places any traveler would be happy to discover.

With a rich history, welcoming national attitudes, mind-blowingly delicious local cuisine, Poland is a destination ready for exploration.

Here are 11 of the most beautiful places to visit in Poland when you travel here.

Kraków

St Mary's Bascilica offers impressive views over Kraków.
St Mary's Bascilica offers impressive views over Kraków.
Polish Tourism Organization.

The ancient Polish royal capital is one of the liveliest cities in Europe and is riddled with things to see and do.

Kraków’s mesmerizing Old Town never fails to impress – a maze of narrow medieval streets, a kaleidoscope of cozy cafes and bombastic nightlife, plus the superb architecture of St. Mary’s Basilica, whose towers offer spectacular views.