Outside, the first snow is falling, and just the thought of scraping the car windows makes all drivers feel queasy. At the same time, this same view brings the greatest joy to children, who hurriedly plan snowball fights, sledding, and building snowmen. Meanwhile, what are travel enthusiasts doing? They are looking for winter attractions that taste best at this time of year. Today, here are some ideas on where to go for a winter weekend at the turn of the year.

Christmas Markets in Poland – Where to Go at the Turn of the Year?

The turn of the year is a time when the weather doesn't spoil us. The days are short, cold, and gloomy. It might seem that for the next few months we have to befriend the couch and a good book, but contrary to appearances, Poland offers many attractions for this time of year. A great idea for the turn of the year is to visit Christmas markets, which take place in many cities and towns across the country. Wooden stalls appear in the market squares, the aroma of spices, mulled wine, and smoked cheese with cranberries fills the air, and towns gain a fairy-tale scenery with beautiful light decorations. It’s worth planning a trip to Wrocław, Kraków, Gdańsk, Warsaw, Poznań, or Katowice – it is there that the markets are the largest and richest in attractions. A visit to a market is a really nice way to enjoy a stroll that introduces you to a blissful festive atmosphere.

Greenhouses in Poland – A Winter Walk in Warmth Among Exotic Plants

Not only at the turn of the year, but throughout the winter season, we would love to warm up a bit, right? The first places that come to mind are thermal baths, but greenhouses in Poland are also a good idea. Inside, the air is warm, palm trees, banana plants, and plenty of beautiful plants, which are hard to find in local parks, surround you. You can choose to take a winter stroll in greenhouses in Poznań, Gliwice, Łódź, Sosnowiec, Wałbrzych, or Gdańsk-Oliwa. It’s a great option for both a romantic getaway and a family trip. Usually, greenhouses also showcase various species of exotic animals: fish, reptiles, amphibians, rodents, and mammals, adding to the attraction.

Museums in Poland – Ideas for a Winter Weekend

Of course, as long as Poland is long and wide, it is rich in various museums. The turn of the year and the colder months are a good time to visit them. Warm months should be reserved for activities that take place outdoors and require nice weather. By the sea, it’s worth planning a visit to the Amber Museum in Gdańsk, Ustka, Kołobrzeg, or in other cities where you can see Baltic 'gold' in the form of raw pieces, jewelry, and fabulous sculptures. In fact, throughout the country, you will find countless exhibitions and themed museums: wax figure museums, exhibitions of LEGO constructions, butterflies, toys, literature, National Museums, as well as various regional museums and exhibitions... The list of possibilities seems endless!

Castles and Palaces in Poland in Winter – Where to Go for a Weekend Getaway?

If you prefer castle atmospheres, focus on the castles and palaces in Poland. In winter, the castles in the Kraków-Częstochowa Jura look particularly picturesque – like Ogrodzieniec, Bobolice, Mirów, Morsko, or Ojcowski. However, good weather will be helpful here. You can also visit elegant interiors in castles like Książ, at Pieskowa Skała, the Sułkowski Castle in Bielsko-Biała, or the Castle Museum in Pszczyna, not to mention Wawel and the Royal Castle in Warsaw. An interesting proposal is also the castle in Niedzica and the ruins in Czorsztyn, beautifully located by the Czorsztyn Lake right at the dam. Interestingly, in some castles, you can also stay overnight. What an adventure!

Winter Tourism in Poland – How Much Can Be Done at the Turn of the Year

Winter tourism in Poland is much more than just skiing and sitting under a blanket. In one short trip, you can combine a Christmas market, a walk through a greenhouse, a museum visit, and a tour of a castle or palace. The turn of the year does not have to be boring at all – it all depends on how we plan it.

Photo and text author: Agnieszka Soszka