Tourist review of a trip to own car in the cities of Poland (Gdansk, Bialystok, Warsaw) and Germany (Berlin). Detailed financial report, useful tips for novice travelers and accompanying photographs.
Route planning
For a long time my husband and I couldn’t decide how to spend our vacation. Time was running out, and the idea for this route was born spontaneously. We started planning the trip only at the end of June, but it took place between July and August.
Initially we wanted to go coastline Baltic Sea, enjoying the warmth and sun and stopping in port cities. However, already at the beginning of summer the weather promised nothing but cold and rain - then Berlin was added to the route. This is a special city that became a discovery for us. Berlin gave the most vivid impressions.
This was the first serious trip for both of us. Perhaps many of the difficulties and discoveries that we have made will be useful for similar novice travelers.
This is what our full itinerary looks like:
The route was built using Google Maps, and all the places and attractions that we were going to visit were added there.
We decided to immediately give up night travel: we only have one driver, and we need to take care of him. From Minsk to Gdansk - 740 kilometers. In total, this is a little more than nine hours on the road, and we also had to cross the border. That's why they decided to plan the first stop about halfway along the road. After scrolling through the photos and reading reviews about the beauty of Polish nature, we decided to add the Masurian Lakes to our route. This area is full of campsites, so the issue of spending the night was resolved quickly - we took a tent with us. In all other cities we booked hostels. They were chosen on Booking based on budget and distance from the center.
First advice for beginning tourists. If you book accommodation a month before your trip, even during the high season, be prepared for the fact that 90% good hotels will be busy. If you manage to find a suitable option, book your room quickly - it will most likely be taken tomorrow.
In order not to spend money on overly expensive public transport, took bicycles with us on the trip. By the way, this is a very popular way of transportation in Europe.
Along the way, they wrote detailed notes about the time spent, the budget and the journey taken. This report will describe all of our costs.
Bialystok - go for cheap products
Early rise and four hours of travel to the border of Belarus and Poland. We filled up with gasoline in Minsk. Fuel in Belarus is much cheaper than in Poland and Germany, so we save money and fill the tank “to the brim” again before the border. By the way, we noticed one feature - at different gas stations in Belarus the cost of fuel is almost the same. In Europe, prices depend on the specific network of gas stations.
The border was crossed at the Berestovitsa checkpoint on a weekday. Schengen annual visas were made long before the trip, a green card for the car was issued. After all, summer is the holiday season, and even on a weekday there are a lot of cars at the border. We brought bicycles with us, and when returning home we could encounter problems with declaration. Without any questions asked, we entered the red corridor and filled out the necessary papers upon departure. In our case, the queue there was much shorter than in the green one. We planned to cross the border in three hours, but stood there for about five - it’s impossible to guess in advance. One hour was “regained” back thanks to the difference in Polish and Belarusian time.
Our first stop is Bialystok. It is an hour's drive from the Polish border, and the city was on our way. We loaded a cart full of food at the local Auchan - this is our strategic supply of food for the road. We bought mostly things to have a hearty breakfast and snack.
Another strategic purchase is a SIM card from a local operator with Internet.
Second advice for novice tourists. It is better to buy SIM cards directly from operators. Those sold in the store must be activated, and instructions are included exclusively in Polish. By the way, we were able to use the card only on the second day, when we went to the office of the required operator. Even local residents, to whom we contacted, could not explain how to activate it yourself.
So, our first expenses:
- For 58 liters of gasoline - 36 euros (about 2500 rubles);
- For groceries – also 36 euros.
Spent 72 euros or about 5,000 rubles.
Stop at the Masurian Lakes
From Bialystok to the Masurian Lakes region there was still about a two-hour drive, and we also had to look for accommodation for the night. The road passes through populated areas. There is very little traffic here. The surface is not bad, but the road itself is constantly winding. The only thing that pleases us is the endless green spaces and picturesque villages.
There are many campsites in the area - at almost every turn there is a sign for a new refuge for tourists. We chose camp "Billa", which is located near Lake Niegocin. We got here only at 21:50 and set up the tent already in the dark. Overall, we coped with the task. At the campsite we were provided with everything we needed: parking for the car, the tent itself and minimal amenities (toilet, washbasin).
First day of travel
Morning at the campsite
Camping "Billa"
The last expense on the first day is an overnight stay for seven euros (about 500 rubles).
Malbork - the largest medieval castle in Europe
In the morning we were faced with cloudy skies and incessant drizzling rain. At 10:00 we were already moving towards Gdansk. We had another four hours of travel ahead (almost 300 kilometers). The route, as on the previous day, was laid through small towns and villages, but the flow of cars has increased significantly. There were road repairs going on near many settlements, but the concentration of cars was small, and we didn’t stay anywhere for more than 15 minutes.
Suddenly Google Maps added three more hours to our estimated time. After quickly flipping through the map, we realized that there was a traffic jam ahead of us, so we started looking for a detour. We slightly changed the route - we went almost off-road, but the time saved was worth it.
New route
Initially we planned that, if we had time, we would stop on the way to Malbork, a small town located an hour’s drive from Gdansk. Its main attraction is the medieval castle of the same name. You can leave your car right at the entrance: there is a special large paid parking lot, and nearby there is a small but free parking lot. The castle itself is huge, and you can wander around there for hours. Entrance costs 10 euros (about 700 rubles). Unfortunately, we didn’t have much time left, and we were content with only a quick photo shoot against the backdrop of the castle walls.
Bridge to the castle
Malbork Castle in rainy weather
What to do in Gdansk when you can't see the sun?
Before Gdansk we made one more stop to refuel and have a snack.
In this city, we had pre-booked a hostel for two nights. Of all the hotels we stayed in on the trip, this was the most comfortable. The room is small, but it has everything you need. Inside we found a spacious common kitchen with a stove, necessary utensils, a refrigerator and even a dishwasher. The owner was not there, but already on the way we received a detailed SMS message, which specified how to get to the hostel and where to park. The door code was also indicated.
The third piece of advice for novice tourists. Parking in the city is almost everywhere paid, and only local residents can tell you where you can park your car for free and not get a fine.
The route taken on the second day
We arrived in Gdansk only at 17:00. After checking in and a short rest, we only had time to explore the hostel itself.
A full excursion was planned for the next day.
Train Station
Streets of the historical center
The only thing that marred the holiday was the weather. A light rain had been falling since we entered Poland and did not stop for a minute. I had to leave the bikes in the car and walk to the center - it’s only 20-25 minutes from the hostel.
The sightseeing plan was drawn up in advance and was followed.
Fountain "Neptune"
Excursion pirate ship
Gdansk certainly gives the impression of a beautiful old city with cobbled streets, low brick buildings and Gothic churches. The center was virtually completely destroyed during the Second World War, and what we see now are newly rebuilt buildings. Even now, in some places the city is still being restored and the facades are being reconstructed.
The most famous view of Gdansk
Fourth advice for novice tourists. If you go to the Baltic coast, be sure to take an umbrella, or better yet, a raincoat.
Cloudy Baltic Sea
We finally came to the sea, so we went to the beach, despite the rain and a temperature of 17 degrees Celsius. The nearest shore was not in Gdansk, but in the neighboring city of Sopot. It only took 30 minutes to get there.
One was found bathing in the rain
Our expenses on the second and third days:
- For 35 liters of gasoline - 38 euros (approximately 2,600 rubles);
- For coffee - three euros (200 rubles);
- For a hostel for two nights - 46 euros (3200 rubles);
- For lunch in the dining room - 10 euros (700 rubles);
- For groceries - 20 euros (1400 rubles);
- For small items and souvenirs - five and a half euros (almost 400 rubles).
The result and total expenses are 122.5 euros or a little more than 8,500 rubles.
Road to Berlin
On the day of our departure, according to the law of meanness, the sun finally appeared in Gdansk early in the morning. Nothing can be done - Berlin was already waiting for us. The road situation there is much better than in Poland. From Gdansk we leave on the E28 and rush to Germany. This route took us eight hours.
We finally refueled in Poland - in Germany fuel is even more expensive.
There is no border checkpoint between the countries - only thanks to the signs you can understand that you are on the territory of another state.
Road in Germany
Windmills everywhere
Our expenses on the fourth day:
- For 53 liters of gasoline - 56 euros (almost 4,000 rubles);
- For coffee - two euros (almost 150 rubles).
The total came out to 58 euros or 4150 rubles.
The main point of the route is Berlin
In Berlin, we also had a pre-booked room waiting for us at the Pension Puschkin hostel. Housing here is much more expensive than in Polish cities, so they chose almost the cheapest option, but at the same time not far from the center. Reviews about this hostel on the website, like our impressions, are mixed. The location is simply excellent, we were right here, but, for example, the declared WI-FI was not there. There is nothing in the kitchen except a kettle and a couple of plates. But the car was parked right under the window - this is allowed here.
Close to the hostel
View from the window
We were very lucky with the weather in Berlin - it was hot there, and we even forgot a little about rainy Poland.
Fifth piece of advice for beginning tourists. Be sure to visit the Reichstag in Berlin - famous building German parliament. Admission there is free, you just need to apply no later than two days in advance and fill out a form on the website.
View from observation deck Reichstag
There are so many interesting places in Berlin that we wanted to visit, and in two partial days we desperately tried to do the impossible. It is very convenient to move around the city on bicycles - they have their own lane on the roadway and separate traffic lights. There are many rental shops open and bike parking is available everywhere.
For six hours (55 kilometers) we drove around Berlin, periodically resting and visiting famous places.
Our cycling route through the sights of Berlin
Two days, of course, were not enough to visit everything interesting objects and completely immerse yourself in the life of this bustling metropolis.
House with graffiti
Local crane
The item that we couldn’t accomplish was a visit to the Berlin Zoo. It is the largest in Europe in terms of the number of animal species represented. A ticket there costs 14.5 euros. However, you should have a whole day to see everything.
Berlin Zoo - what we managed to see from behind the fence
Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (partially under reconstruction)
Impressions from Berlin remained vivid and at the same time ambiguous. This is a very free city in terms of self-expression - at every turn there is something happening in the center. We saw a marathon, a concert, a circus performance and a fire show - all in just two days.
Sculpture "Red Elephant" listing the cities of Lower Saxony
Gendarmenmarkt is one of the most beautiful squares in the center of Berlin
There are many in Berlin historical monuments related to the tragedy of the Second World War and other significant events for the German people.
Monument to Soviet soldiers in the center of Berlin
Holocaust Memorial, opened in 2005
Victory Column, monument to Germany's unification wars
Checkpoint Charlie - a checkpoint between the existing GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany
You can't come to Berlin without visiting the Berlin Wall. Now it is a kind of platform for artists to express themselves. Some graffiti are known throughout the world and are rightfully considered real works of art.
"Brotherly Kiss" - the most famous drawing on the Berlin Wall
It is probably simply impossible to photograph the Brandenburg Gate without tourists. Young people and tourists walk around the square day and night, and musicians also perform.
In Berlin you will definitely find where to have a snack or a hearty meal. We mostly went to fast food places. Fortunately, KFC and Burger King are here at every turn.
Sixth piece of advice for novice tourists. If you find yourself in Germany, be sure to try their traditional quick snack "Currywurst" - curried sausage with ketchup, served with fries. No, it’s not incredibly tasty, but you will better experience the whole flavor of this city.
Our expenses on the fourth and fifth days:
- For two nights in a hostel - 96 euros (6,700 rubles);
- For food - 30 euros (2100 rubles);
- For magnets - seven euros (500 rubles);
- A call to Belarus from a payphone costs two euros (150 rubles).
In total, 135 euros or about 9,500 rubles were spent.
Warsaw
We left Berlin with sadness. We would have stayed here for a couple more days with pleasure, but we had another hostel booked in Warsaw, and our budget was already bursting at the seams.
The European international road E30 runs from Berlin to Warsaw. The track is very comfortable, straight and fast. However, for us it was the most tiring. Outside the window there was the same unchanging view, and the planned six hours of travel stretched into all 10. Then we realized that it was difficult for one driver to drive for so long. To top it all off, the 30-degree heat spoiled the mood.
Route Berlin - Warsaw
The main nuance of the route is the toll roads in Poland. When you enter such a site, you are given a ticket, and when leaving you are asked to return it and pay. There were four such points on our way.
We stopped more than once - either to have a snack or to drink coffee. At some point we decided to find the nearest body of water and just take a swim. So, before reaching Poznan, we stopped for an hour, but after that the ride became much more pleasant and easier. We deliberately did not refuel even once on German territory, and we had enough fuel for another half of the journey across Poland.
On the way, we received another SMS from the owners of our new overnight stay, but the message was exclusively in Polish. Even using a translator, we had difficulty finding the Metro Centrum Guest Rooms hostel - there were continuous combination locks in the courtyard, in the entrance, and in the room. Finally, we were able to check in. However, there were also tourists who stood under the windows for a long time and could not unravel all the secrets of this strange dwelling.
By the way, this was the only time when the photo on the site and reality were very different. The room was clean enough, but a little cramped, but the shower resembled a bathroom from a time-worn communal apartment. The kettle and microwave sit right on top of the refrigerator, and the cutlery there is only one plate and two plastic forks.
We moved around Warsaw again on bicycles. Here this type of transport is also quite popular, but after Berlin this no longer surprised us. In order not to ride under the scorching sun, in the morning we went to the outskirts of the city to shopping centers to catch summer discounts.
Seventh advice for beginning tourists. Do you want to have a hearty and cheap lunch? Go to IKEA. We have never tasted such delicious food during our entire trip.
Only in the late afternoon we went to explore Warsaw. We left all our energy in Berlin, and there were so many impressions that we decided to just drive around the Polish city without a specific route.
Like many cities in Poland, Warsaw has preserved the old town - it is this that attracts tourists the most.
Market Square is the calling card of the old town
The Vistula is the longest river in Poland
Eighth advice for beginning tourists. Be sure to visit the Vistula city beach in the evening - it is located near the National Stadium. This is very a nice place, where young people grill kebabs in the evenings and sing songs with a guitar.
Twilight on the banks of the Vistula
Our expenses on the sixth and seventh days:
- For 25 liters of gasoline - 29 euros (2000 rubles);
- For two nights in a hostel - 38 euros (2700 rubles);
- For toll roads - 18.4 euros (1300 rubles);
- For food - 35 euros (2500 rubles);
- For groceries in the store - 19 euros (1350 rubles).
The total funds spent are 138.4 euros or 9,750 rubles.
Return to Minsk
Even though we only spent seven days on the trip, it felt like much more time had passed. We chose the fastest return route. From Warsaw to the border it’s only a two and a half hour drive, and there your home territory begins.
Route Warsaw - Minsk
We refueled again when leaving Warsaw to make it to the border. The next stop at the gas station was in Belarus.
We crossed the border at the Terespol-Brest checkpoint in two and a half hours. As we expected, the Belarusian border guards had questions about the transported bicycles, so we acted prudently by declaring them upon departure.
We spent another four hours on the territory of Belarus before we reached our native Minsk. The roads here are good - maybe we thought so, because they are ours, ours, and we don’t have to pay anything for them.
The final expenses on the last eighth day are 41.5 liters of gasoline for 27 euros (or 1900 rubles).
Results of the trip
For some, our trip may not seem like a vacation at all, while others will decide that we saved too much. However, I would like to immediately object: we have never had a more interesting and exciting vacation. Of course, we encountered various problems that could have been solved differently, and we drew certain conclusions for ourselves. Of course, it is impossible to fit all the experience and emotions gained into a report - it already turned out to be extensive.
Let me remind you that this is our first long journey by car. After this experience, we decided that we would pave the road again and again. interesting route and let's go on an adventure.
General results of the trip:
- The length of the route is 2650 kilometers.
- Fuel used - 212.5 liters.
- Funds spent: 564 euros (or about 40,000 rubles).
- 189 euros (13,300 rubles) were spent on fuel;
- 187 euros (13,200 rubles) - for hostels and camping;
- 195 (13,800 rubles) - for food and entertainment.
Review of traveling with three children in your own car in Poland. Review of Old Towns, travel tips, interesting places and photographs.
Preface
Four of us went on the trip: me and my three children - two adults (17 and 15 years old) and one little one (2 years old). Everyone has different interests, so I wanted to take into account the wishes of each family member. The budget allocated for the trip was small - about 30,000 rubles for 5 days, including travel, accommodation, food and entertainment.
I planned a trip for mid-August 2017, but until the day of departure we were not sure that the trip would take place. For this reason, I booked hotels on the Booking website so that I could cancel the order at the last minute. The deciding factor when choosing a hotel was the price - we booked separate triple rooms in hostels.
Finally, on August 13, we finally got ready to set off. Our car is not the most economical 1995 Opel Vectra. We filled the tank full (60 liters) and took a 10-liter canister with us - that’s how much gasoline you can take with you across the border. We got ready for the trip to Poland.
We crossed the border at the Mamonovo-Grzechotki border crossing, and we had to stand there. You never know in advance how long you will have to wait, and you need to be prepared for this. After 3 hours we finally found ourselves in Poland.
On the road I used the Maps.me application. From time to time he built a strange path - some places could be bypassed, some shortcuts could be taken. However, I give him 5 stars because, even while paving a long road, he never took us into unknown territory. Thanks to this application, I saved some money because I was able to avoid toll roads.
First stops: Ostróda and Torun
Finally, we stop in the first Polish city of Ostróda. There is a unique Elblag Canal, along which an unusual ship floats - it moves not only on water, but also on land. The embankment of the beautiful Lake Drwięckie, which is part of the Masurian Lake District, is cultural center city - there we refreshed ourselves and moved on.
The next stop was the city of Torun. My older children and I have been there several times already, and we couldn’t deny ourselves the pleasure of looking here for at least a couple of hours. This time there was no time for a cultural excursion, but I can recommend the Copernicus House Museum and the Gingerbread Museum. Prices: children's ticket - 12 zlotys, adult - 17 zlotys (200 and 270 rubles, respectively). In the last museum you can make your own delicious and aromatic gingerbread according to an old Polish recipe.
This time we didn’t have time to get anywhere, but we walked along the streets of the old town located in Torun. We admired the street sculptures, of which there are a huge number, and had a picnic on the banks of the Vistula.
Torun. Old city
Let's move on. At about 22:00 we arrived at the booked Hotel Gosciniec in Wloclawek, a triple room cost us 1,700 rubles. The website indicated that registration was possible until 23:00, but when we arrived at 22:00, we found the administrator already leaving at the door. I don't know if anyone else would have registered us if she had left.
Quiet and cozy Wloclawek
We were given a triple room with comfortable beds, clean linen and a comfortable bathroom. The kitchen was small and dark, but we found everything we needed to prepare dinner. Having spent the night comfortably, we headed to the old town. It was Monday, so the museums were closed. We just walked along the narrow streets. The old town of Wlocławek lacks luster and can be said to be abandoned. There are practically no tourists here, which, in my opinion, is a plus.
Wloclawek - Old Town
Visited a beautiful Cathedral and let's move on.
Gothic architecture and amazing stained glass windows of the cathedral
Lodz - a city within a city
The next point of travel in Poland was the city of Lodz. Preparing for the trip, I looked for various information and reviews about the country. I learned that the main attractions of the city of Lodz are the Manufaktura shopping center and Piotrkowska Street. We visited these two places. Manufaktura is really huge complex in the building of a former textile factory with shops, cinemas, cafes, museums and even a beach.
Beach in the center of Lodz
Then we got to Piotrkowska Street, ran along it and rushed on. Lodz gives the impression of a large industrial city with rare but beautiful architectural islands.
Fragments of Old Lodz
We arrived in Krakow at 22:50. We were in a hurry to get to the hotel, since the website indicated check-in time until 23:00. We made it, but I think that even if we were late, we would still have been accommodated in Dom Studencki Atol. We had to spend three nights there, for which we paid 5,300 rubles. The hotel is a student residence, but we are not picky tourists who only need an overnight stay, so this option suited us.
A small drawback is the lack of dishes, but the watchmen took pity on us and let us use the pan. This was very useful, since my children love to eat, and let me remind you, the trip is on a budget, so we didn’t plan to constantly have a snack in a cafe. Near the hostel, a stone's throw away, there are Lidl and Biedronka (Polish chain supermarkets), as well as a small convenience store. There was no shortage of products.
History come to life - Krakow Old Town
On the first day in Krakow, we decided to go to the Old Town, about which we had read many admiring reviews on the Internet. On August 15, the Polish Army Festival takes place in Poland - keep this in mind if you are planning a trip in the summer. On this day everything is closed, as on any other public holiday. The city seems to have died out, but there are very, very many people in the historical center.
Crowded tourist Krakow
The old town is very beautiful - there are many interesting buildings, both preserved and restored. Interesting facts about this place can be found at the information points. One of them is located right on main square Krakow. A tip for all travelers - find the tourist information office straight away. It is usually located in the city center. There they will give you tourist map, will help you build a route, give you discount coupons, tell you about promotions, etc. In all European cities I do exactly this, in Russia it’s a little more difficult. Souvenirs can be bought in the cloth hall building in the very center of the city; there is a very large selection to suit every taste and budget.
Model of cloth rows in Krakow
We walked around the very center, went into the church and looked at the festive service - it was a very beautiful event, there were flowers and bouquets everywhere.
Festive ceremony
Further along the narrow streets we headed to the pearl of Krakow - the Wawel Royal Castle. We had a snack on the way - even in the center of the Old Town you can eat relatively inexpensively. On average, a check in a cafe costs 200-250 rubles per person, and the portions are served very large - you won’t leave hungry.
The castle is located on Wawel Hill, so you have to climb the mountain. It's worth it, because the views at the top are amazing. beautiful view to the city.
View of Krakow and the Vistula from Wawel Hill
Admission to the castle's courtyard is free, but to the chambers there is a fee, as there are exhibitions dedicated to the Polish kings and a painting exhibition.
Inner courtyard of Wawel Castle
We didn’t go inside, but decided to visit the legendary dragon cave. We stood in a short line, bought tickets from the machine (you need to have cash with you), paid three zlotys per person (about 45 rubles), went downstairs and headed to the car. Advice: in the evening and at holidays In the Old Town you can park for free in many places. I didn’t know this, so I parked the car a little far from the place.
We went to the largest amusement park in Poland called Energylandia. Tickets cost 109 zlotys (1,744 rubles) for adults and 59 zlotys (944 rubles) for children under 18 years old (height must be less than 140 centimeters). For children under three years old, entry will cost only one zloty (16 rubles). In total, this pleasure cost us 5,300 rubles.
There are many attractions here, but there are no less people. Extreme entertainment is popular, so the queues are long - you will have to wait at least half an hour, but it is worth it. There is a cafe on site, but it is expensive, so we took food and water with us. It was very hot, but the park has a large water area where you can cool off. In addition, there are water sprayers everywhere, which are also very refreshing.
Energylandia has large area for kids, where there are practically no queues. It’s still better to arrive before the opening to get plenty of rides. We didn't have time to visit everywhere.
Energylandia - a fairy tale for children and adults
Schindler's Factory Museum in Krakow
The next day was my last in Krakow. Near our hostel there is a small but clean lake with a large seating area. We spent the whole morning there.
A good place to rest and relax before a long journey
Then we went to the Schindler Museum, which is located in the building of Oskar Schindler's enamel factory. Ticket prices are 24 (adult) and 18 (reduced) zlotys. The queue is long, but small children are allowed to go ahead. If possible, it is better to buy tickets online.
The exhibition is interesting - you unnoticeably dissolve in the atmosphere of historical Krakow from 1939 to 1945. The annotations are mostly in Polish, but even without knowing the language, everything can be understood. Another tip: watch the movie "Schindler's List" before visiting the museum.
Oskar Schindler Museum
Not far from the museum, there is a fragment of the wall that separated the ghetto from the main Krakow - that’s where we headed. This part of the city is not as colorful as the center.
Fragment of the wall of the Jewish ghetto
Wieliczka. Salt caves
The next point is the Wieliczka salt mines. Tickets cost us 46 zlotys per person, we paid a total of 2,200 rubles.
Descent into the caves is permitted only with a guide. We went with a Polish guide, but you can choose a Russian one, but the ticket will be more expensive. We waited for the guide for about half an hour, after which everyone was given headphones and told to go down the stairs. The path is quite long, and it is difficult to walk with a small child. The temperature in the caves is comfortable, you should wear comfortable shoes. Here we found beautiful halls in which everything is made of salt, as well as a salt river and a lake.
At the end there was a souvenir shop and restaurant waiting for us. The whole excursion took us about 2.5-3 hours.
The largest hall
Salt crystal chandelier
Warsaw. Relaxation in the botanical garden
From Wieliczka we went to Warsaw. We booked a room in advance at Hey Chang Hostel, which cost us 1,600 rubles. The hotel is a private house with separate rooms. By the way, here we were provided with a free separate bed for a small child. In the morning we went to the Outlet, which is located nearby. There are many brand stores and a good choice goods - perfect place for shopping.
Warsaw was a transit city for us, which we had visited more than once before. It was 32 degrees outside, and we had almost no energy left, so we decided to visit only the university library, and we were not at all wrong with our choice. This place is perfect to end your trip to Poland. Entrance to the library is free.
Interesting landscape on the library grounds
Naturalistic art objects
Great view of the city
Having left Warsaw, we went home. At the Bezledy-Bagrationovsk border we again stood for several hours and, tired but happy, returned home.
Costs of traveling to Poland
Let's calculate all expenses:
- Gasoline - 5,000 rubles (we drove 1,500 kilometers, spent 100 liters of fuel).
- Accommodation - 8600 rubles.
- Entertainment and museums - 10,000 rubles.
- Food and souvenirs - 7,000 rubles.
When going to Poland in a personal car, you need to take care in advance about the availability of all necessary documents, check the condition of the car for compliance with European Union traffic regulations. You also need to check your luggage and prepare for possible questions from customs officers. Knowing the rules for crossing the Russian-Polish border will help you avoid misunderstandings with customs officials, and sometimes fines, and the risk of being refused permission to enter the EU.
Vehicle requirements
When crossing the border, Polish customs officers check:
- Serviceability of lighting devices (headlights, brake lights, side lights, reverse lights). Experienced drivers are advised to have several spare bulbs to replace burned out ones;
- Condition of the windshield (a large crack will prevent passage, small chips or cracks of about 20 mm are allowed);
- Availability of the “Motorist Kit”:
- First aid kits
- A reflective vest (without it in Poland you can’t even go out on the highway to top up the self-washer);
- Triangular warning triangle;
- Fire extinguisher (must not expire while in the EU);
- A spare wheel or repair kit, if there is no separate space for a spare wheel.
- A registration certificate and a “green” car insurance card (analogous to OSAGO, issued for the car, not the driver).
In addition, it is worth taking care of the condition of the tires. It must be appropriate for the season. Although a strict ban on summer tires in winter has not yet been adopted, there is a corresponding bill, and Polish legislators can approve it at any time. It is prohibited to use studded winter tires in Poland. Another requirement for wheels is that the tire treads on the same axle must be identical. Customs officers are not required to pay attention to tires, but Polish police have the right to issue a fine for their improper condition. It is also strongly recommended to remove the radar detector in order to comply with Polish regulations.
Requirements for the driver and passengers
You need to be prepared to present to customs officers:
- International passport with a valid visa;
- Driver's license (only for driver) Russian or international;
- Insurance policy for those traveling abroad (availability is required, but is not often asked for);
- Hotel reservation, invitation or other documents confirming the purpose of the trip;
- Availability Money(PLN 100 per person per day). If the money is on the card, then you should stock up on a current bank account statement.
Standard questions from customs officers and possible answers to them
Purpose of the trip
If you go shopping, it is better to honestly say that you are going to spend money in stores in Gdansk (Olsztyn, Gdynia, etc.). There is no need to lie about wanting to see cultural monuments.
Travel dates
What are you bringing?
Here, too, you need to answer the truth, because if you notice the slightest hesitation, the customs officer can send you for a detailed inspection. This risks losing at least 30 minutes of extra time.
It is easy to avoid misunderstandings (fines, confiscation of goods, visa revocation) at customs if you know what and in what quantities you can/cannot transport:
- Products containing meat and milk (including even chocolates) with the exception of baby food;
- Medicines containing narcotic and prohibited substances (it is better to check the current list before the trip).
You can (for persons over 17 years old):
- 1 liter of strong alcohol (above 22 degrees);
- 2 liters of wine;
- 16 liters of beer;
- 40 cigarettes or 20 thin cigars or 10 standard cigars;
- 200 g of natural coffee;
- 5 kg of fresh fruits and vegetables.
In the end, one more piece of advice on communicating with Polish customs officers and police officers - you cannot ask them to “come to an agreement”. It is better to follow the rules and travel by car without problems.
This route through Belarus to Poland is taken by many lovers of auto tourism. And how many more of them dream and plan to make a similar trip. Many, especially those who are going for the first time, are sure that it is not difficult, and most importantly, cheaper than by plane. This is a controversial issue and depends on many factors. As for cheaper, this is the case if several people are traveling with you and depends on your final route.
There are people who relax behind the wheel, and for them driving is a pleasure. But if you have never traveled beyond the region, then you should think carefully before going on such a trip. If you have decided and nothing can stop you, then I suggest you read this material, which will help you plan your trip correctly.
So, the classic car route from Moscow to Warsaw runs along the Minsk Highway through Smolensk, Minsk and Brest. On this path, for convenience, appeared paid section M1 (bypass Odintsovo). I highly recommend stocking up on bottles of water and sandwiches for the trip, they will come in handy.
We don’t go directly into the cities themselves, we take a detour. If the road congestion is favorable, without force majeure, traffic jams and overnight stays, the travel time will be approximately 17-19 hours, the distance is 1200 km from Moscow to Warsaw. It is more convenient to make this journey with an overnight stay either near Minsk or in Baranovichi. Crossing the border between Russia and Belarus since 2017 remains visa-free, but you must have a passport or civil or international passport with you. If you are traveling to Poland, then most likely you will have a foreign passport, it is enough. You must also have a “” (Green card, an analogue of our OSAGO) and insurance. If you have a child with you, you must have his birth certificate. If the child is with one of the parents, then it is necessary to have permission from the other parent. At the Russia-Belarus border you need to purchase insurance. The same goes for Poland, bought at the Polish border. But it is better and more reliable to buy a Green Card and health insurance at home in advance from any insurance agency.
According to reviews from friends and acquaintances, when crossing the border from the Republic of Belarus to Poland in your car, there have been cases when border guards require you to show a registration certificate for the car and a driver’s license. As a rule, this happens when crossing the border from Poland to the Republic of Belarus. And the Poles carefully examine the windshield and if there is a chip on the driver’s side, they may not let you through. True, in this case, there is a workshop nearby where the chip can be repaired. Belarusians also check the amount of imported alcohol very closely.
Currently, when crossing the Russia-Belarus border, the FSB stops all cars and checks passports. Everything goes quickly and neatly, no stamps are put in the passports.
We cross the border between Belarus and Poland in Terespol across the Warsaw Bridge and then head along the E30 highway to Warsaw. From Moscow to Brest is 1100 km and the travel time, if without traffic jams and frequent stops, will be approximately 11-13 hours. There is a lot on this route settlements and the speed from this is no more than 60 km/h.
There is another option for crossing the border between Belarus and Poland in Grodno. In both cases, the main problem is how long you wait at the border. You can get through in half an hour, or you can stand there for several hours. This is where water and sandwiches will come in handy.
Along the entire route from Moscow to Warsaw there are enough gas stations and places where you can make a medical stop and have a snack. There are five border crossing points between Belarus and Poland:
1. “Bruzgi - Kuznica (Forge)”
2. “Berestovitsa - Bobrowniki (Beavers)”
3. “Singleweed - Polowce (Polovtse)”
4. "Brest - Terespol (Terespol)"
Travelers should take note of information about traveling to Poland in 2019: prices, how to get a visa, how to get to Poland by car, plane, train, buses, what to see and what food to try.
Despite past ups and downs, today Poland is a country with a developed tourism infrastructure. She opens her arms wide to everyone who wants to get to know her better. And it has something to boast about: the virgin Belovezhskaya Pushcha, sharp mountain peaks and wandering sand dunes on the Baltic Sea coast, churches, Teutonic castles and much more.
How to get to Poland?
Air
The easiest way to get to Poland is by plane: there are direct and connecting flights airlines LOT, Aeroflot, Austrian, Lufthansa, Easyjet, Air Baltic, etc. Travel time is 2-3 hours, and the cost varies from 8 to 11 thousand rubles round trip. Cheap flies Wizz Air(with a transfer in Budapest), the price of an air ticket is 5-8 thousand rubles.
Train
You can come to Poland by train: the Polonaise train runs daily on the Moscow-Warsaw route. A round-trip ticket costs about 230 euros. This option costs about the same as air travel, but takes much longer - 18 hours. There are also passing trains that can take you to Poland.
Bus
Buses also run to Poland - the Lux Express company invites travelers to use its services. This is a fairly inexpensive method (although air travel can cost even less), but it takes a lot of time. The cost of a one-way ticket from Moscow and St. Petersburg is from 5 thousand rubles. You can also travel by Ecolines buses. Carriers often organize profitable promotions and sales, for example, Lux Express has them - we report about such promotions in the section, as well as in ours. Subscribe to stay up to date with news.
Trip to Poland from Kaliningrad
Trips to Poland from Kaliningrad will cost residents of the city mere pennies: by bus for 500 rubles you can get to the city of Gdansk, for 750-1000 rubles - to Warsaw. From Kaliningrad you can get to Warsaw on comfortable Ecolines buses: travel time is about 8 hours, ticket cost is about 2,250 rubles in both directions. There is usually a 20% discount on round trip purchases.
Traveling to Poland by car
If you have planned a trip to Poland by car, you must present the following documents at the Polish border: a passport with a valid visa, an international driving license, a registration certificate and a green card - an international policy of compulsory insurance of civil liability of owners Vehicle. Sometimes a valid insurance policy and confirmation of the purpose of the trip (hotel reservation, invitation, etc.) may be required. Also, be sure to install a sign that indicates the state in which the vehicle is registered. The vehicle's lights must be in working order. Be sure to have a reflective vest, warning triangle, fire extinguisher and spare tire/repair kit. The windshield must be free of cracks. A radar detector is not permitted in a vehicle.
Rent a Car:
You can rent a car using Skyscanner Car Hire - a popular service that allows you to book the car you need online.
(photo © BiLK_Thorn / flickr.com)
Visa to travel to Poland in 2019
How to get a visa to travel to Poland in 2019? You can apply for a visa either at the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Moscow, or through the Visa Application Reception Point. In the first case, you need to fill out a visa application form on the website, otherwise the application will not be accepted.
Required documents for traveling to Poland:
- completed visa application form;
- international passport (valid for at least 3 months from the end of the trip) and a copy of the first page;
- two color photographs 3.5 x 4.5;
- visa payment (consular fee - 35 euros, service fee at reception points - 19.5 euros);
- confirmation of accommodation reservation;
- travel document;
- health insurance valid in Schengen countries;
- financial resources in the amount of at least 100 zlotys for each day of stay and confirmation of their availability: traveler's checks, account statements, etc.;
- copy of internal passport.
- Sample visa applications, a list of accredited travel agencies and the address of the Polish Embassy in Moscow can be found here:. On the website you will find information about the addresses of visa centers.
Accommodation while traveling. Search for hotels on Roomguru.ru - the service finds profitable offers among several booking systems. An alternative to hotels is the popular private housing rental service Airbnb. Try to find an apartment or house for your trip. It is much more comfortable and often cheaper (especially if you travel with a group or family).
Shopping trips to Poland
It’s no secret that many people travel to Poland not only for recreation - on sales days, stores offer tempting discounts on clothes from famous brands, especially in Warsaw there are many shopping centers, which features a wide range of global brands. The most popular are Blue City, Arkadia, Galeria Mokotow and Złote Tarasy.
Shopping trips to Poland are popular among residents neighboring countries. Christmas sales in Poland begin on December 20 - discounts reach 20-50%, and after Christmas they reach 80%. However, shopping in Poland is best done in mid-January and mid-June, when most stores have total sales of old collections.
However, if you were unable to visit Poland during the discount season, do not be sad, because throughout the year there are outlets and night sales in the country. And in Bialystok, home to such giants as Auchan, Alfa and Galeria Biala, you can find everything you need. In addition, thanks to Tax Free, you can save up to 22% VAT.
Food in Poland: what to try?
In Polish cuisine, as in German, much attention is paid to cabbage and meat, which is reflected in such a famous dish as bigos - stewed cabbage with meat. Also popular are red and white borscht, zurek, rassolnik, perogi - a dish similar to dumplings, sorcerers, and dumplings. People in Poland also love desserts: sirnik, poppy seed pie, charlotte, mazurka.
Poles consume no less beer than their German neighbors (maybe even more). Poland, like Poland, is famous for its ancient beer traditions - the foamy drink was known in the country already in the tenth century. The variety of beers in Poland is impressive. To taste Polish beer, we recommend visiting one of the many beer festivals held in Poland, for example, Chmielaki Krasnostawskie.
In addition to beer, other alcoholic drinks are common in Poland: vodka, various liqueurs (Zubrowka, Starka) and fruit liqueurs, honey, gzaniec.
Food prices in Poland are reasonable, but they naturally fluctuate depending on the status of the restaurant. You can eat very inexpensively in the so-called milk bars, where prices are often three or even four times lower than restaurant prices. These bars are popular among the local population as they offer traditional dishes.
By the way, two Polish cities - Warsaw and Krakow - are included in the top ten according to the Price of Travel portal. In turn, Poland is one of the five.
(photo © warcuy / flickr.com)
Trip to Poland: what to see?
No matter how trivial it may sound, Poland is rich in historical and architectural monuments, and because of the glacier, which either advanced or retreated again, the country has a bizarre topography. What should you pay attention to when traveling to Poland?
Warsaw
In Warsaw, historical Center which was rebuilt after the Second World War, you should visit the cozy Old Town: Palace Square With Royal castle, Cathedral of St. Yana and the Church of the Jesuit Fathers, Market Square, where the smallest street of the capital - Kamenny Skhodki - begins. Don’t forget about Krakow Przedmieście, Lazienki, the Royal Route and the Palace on the Water.
Outside the Old Town, unfortunately, you will be disappointed: being the center of the country, the city is moving forward by leaps and bounds, so skyscrapers rise here and there, and due to Soviet influence in the city you will find many dull high-rise buildings.
Krakow is by far the most visited city by tourists in Poland. And no wonder: there are so many churches, monasteries and chapels concentrated here! And Soviet development barely touched the city, so nothing will cloud your view. A must visit to Kazimierz, architectural complex Wawel and, of course, the Old Town, where you will find a lot of interesting things, as well as the Market Square with the Sukiennice shopping arcade.
(photo © Around the World in 480 Days / flickr.com)
Lodz
Lodz, an industrial city, now attracts tourists with the beautiful facades of merchant and factory houses adjacent to industrial buildings. The city is rightfully considered a cultural center: the world-famous School of Cinematography is located here.
Lublin
Lublin, which is not as popular as Krakow and Warsaw, nevertheless has something to see: the authentic Old Town is not inferior to Krakow's. Many people also like this city because of the lack of crowds of tourists. Speaking about Lublin, it is difficult to forget about the sad glory of Majdanek - the death camp, which was located on the outskirts of the city. Now it houses a memorial.
Other cities in Poland
Wroclaw, this Polish Venice, is remarkable with more than 200 bridges. With a mixture of Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture, the city has no shortage of tourists.
In cities such as Malbork, Paczkow, Frombork, Ujazd, buildings that belonged to the knights of the Teutonic Order were preserved, and there was a whole defensive complex around Krakow.
In addition to architectural delights, Poland also shines with natural attractions: the famous Belovezhskaya Pushcha, Narwiansky and Biebrzansky National parks, the purest Masurian lakes... And on the coast of the Baltic Sea, travelers will find the resorts of Sopot, Busko-Zdrój, Rebal, Leba, Ustka, etc.
For those who love leisure, Poland also has a surprise in store: Poland is framed by such massifs as the Sudety, Beskids, Tatras, Pochlale, Gorce, Pennines and Bieszczady - there are places to ride! In a word, you don’t need to limit yourself to Zakopane - you need to explore others.
(photo © PolandMFA / flickr.com)
Introductory image source: © iwona_kellie / flickr.com.
