The majority of tourists visit Zakopane, which is a small mountain town serving as a convenient base for excursions in the Tatra Mountains. But this place is only the tip of the iceberg; mountains run all across southern Poland, from the western border of our country (Sudety), through its central part (Tatry, Pieniny) until the extreme southeast of Poland (Beskidy, Bieszczady).

The variety of mountain routes is astonishing—so, even though the alluring Tatra Mountains are the highest range in Poland, it’s worth getting off the beaten path and discovering the charm of other peaks that are adored by the locals.

Poland went through difficult times, and the last two centuries were especially tough for the country. At the end of the 18th century, Poland practically ceased to exist, as its territory was divided between the Russian Empire, Prussia and Austria for the next 123 years. In 1918, Poland regained independence, but its troubles were far from over.

In September 1939, World War II began in Poland with invasions by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. WWII resulted in the almost total destruction of the capital city (especially during the Warsaw Uprising in 1944) and the burden of the Holocaust that took place on our territory, occupied by Nazis at the time. After WWII, up until 1989, Poland was a communist country, ruled by a puppet government backed by Soviet Russia. Our modern history as a free country is therefore quite short.

Summing up, Poland faced many historical twists and turns in the last century. Their reminders can be found everywhere, especially in Warsaw—the city that literally rose like a phoenix from the ashes. Poland’s troublesome history is also somehow embedded in the nature of Poles, who are fiery and melancholic at the same time.

And while I’m on the topic …

Poland’s hearty cuisine is as eclectic as its history, with influences from neighboring countries. Historically, its main dishes included venison, kasha (a specific cereal), cabbage, beetroot, mushrooms, forest berries, honey and other local ingredients.

But that changed over time, and nowadays, tourists come to Poland to try some famous traditional dishes such as pierogi (dumplings with a savory or sweet filling), bigos (a hot meal consisting of meat, sauerkraut/cabbage and herbs, sometimes translated as “hunter’s stew”), kotlet schabowy (pork breaded cutlet), gołąbki (cabbage rolls, usually filled with rice, onion and meat), fish (herring, trout) and Polish-style pickled cucumber (which is very healthy, by the way). Local fresh fruit and veggies are also a highlight.

Last but not least: Portions are big while prices are among the lowest in Europe.