Poland’s Hidden Gems: Unique and Surprising Attractions

 

Poland has a rich variety of wonderful places to visit. Once you’ve visited Warsaw, Cracow, or Gdańsk and fallen for the charm of Polish culture, you may want to experience even more. This article will guide you through unique, surprising, and unknown attractions in Poland. Watch out: many locals do not know about these hidden gems! Get off the beaten track with us and experience Poland to the fullest with our travel tips.

Modern Unfinished Castles

Would you like to live in a real castle? While purchasing an ancient, historic fortress might be beyond your budget, how about building one from scratch? In Poland, there are two castles initiated in the last 40 years, and the intriguing part is that both are the work of private investors, who intended them not to be tourist attractions, but ordinary homes!

 

The Łapalice Castle (near Gdańsk) and the Stobnica Castle (near Poznań) each have distinct stories. The construction of the Łapalice Castle was interrupted in the 1990s due to financial issues, but the unfinished structure stands today, becoming a unique draw for adventurous enthusiasts fond of exploring abandoned places! Meanwhile, work on the Stobnica Castle persists. Nevertheless, a nature trail has already been established around the castle, providing an opportunity to appreciate the imposing presence of the rough building. Who knows - maybe you will be the next one constructing a modern house-castle in Poland?

Mysterious Nazi Underground City

In the south of Poland in the Owl Mountains deep underground you can find an interesting and mysterious remnant of the Second World War. Complex “Riese” (Giant) is the code name for a construction project of Nazi Germany in 1943-1945, consisting of seven underground structures. The underground corridors, bunkers and halls have a total length of over 3,000 metres! 

 

Activities at the "Riese" complex were strictly secret. Interestingly, the reason for the construction of the huge underground city is still unknown today because of a lack of documentation. Multiple theories exist about this location. Some suggest it was intended as Hitler's underground command centre. Others believe the underground halls were meant to become secret factories where the Nazis worked on a mysterious wonder weapon (Wunderwaffe) aimed at securing their victory in the war.

Orthodox Hermitage 

Amidst the breathtaking nature of eastern Poland, a secluded place can be found - an Orthodox hermitage in Odrynki. It is worth visiting not only because of its mysterious atmosphere and interesting history but also because of the landscape. The only orthodox skete in Poland is situated in the wilderness, with only meadows and tranquil floodplains around. 

But what exactly is a skete? It serves as a secluded hermitage designed for monks seeking a more ascetic lifestyle than that offered by conventional monasteries. As you step into this mystical retreat, you can immediately feel its incredible energy. Regardless of your faith, this hermitage is a haven of peace and tranquillity, extending a warm welcome to all who seek solace on its sacred grounds.

The Chapel of Skulls

Here is an attraction for thrill-seekers: did you know that in Poland you can find a chapel filled with real skulls and bones? Interestingly it is one of just three similar structures in Europe. The Skull Chapel in Czermna was built in 1776. 

 

At the suggestion of the parish priest at that time, skulls and bones were gathered from those who died from cholera during the epidemic in the 30-year war and those who lost their lives in the Silesian wars. The walls and ceiling are lined with 3,000 real skulls and bones! Under the floor, there are another 21,000 skulls filling the basement to a height of about 2 metres. If you plan to visit, remember to maintain solemn and respectful behaviour while exploring this unique chapel.

 

 

If we were to list all the unique attractions in Poland, it would make a book. Start by visiting the four mentioned above and then go on your own search for unique places nearby. Who knows, there might be a forgotten, unusual gem just around your Host Family's house?! Poland hides many secrets and we hope you will get a chance to discover as many as possible during your Au Pair stay.