Interesting facts about Poland. Funny and sad, interesting and true facts about Poland, Warsaw and Poles

Throughout Poland it is very cold in winter and warm and comfortable in summer (sometimes it can be hot). best weather (and time of visit) from May and early June to September - October. In the mountains in the Zakopane region, it is very cold in winter.

Language

The Polish language, which belongs to the Slavic group, is native to 99% of the country's population. Of the foreign languages, German is most known, although English is catching up with it and it is much more popular among young people. AT major cities English-speaking tourists will not face any particular difficulties, since most residents know at least a few English words (many Poles are fluent in English and other languages). In the countryside, prepare for communication difficulties. The Polish language is very difficult, but nevertheless it would be useful to learn a few key phrases that. will help you a lot. The stress in words is usually placed on the second vowel from the end.

Money

Currency

The monetary unit of Poland is the złoty (zl). In circulation there are coins in denominations of 1, 2 and 5 zlotys, as well as banknotes of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 zlotys.

There are 100 groszy in 1 zloty (gr). Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 groszy.

1 zloty is approximately equal to 12 Russian rubles (2014) .

Currency exchange

Foreign currency can be exchanged at airports, banks, and most hotels. Exchange offices ("kantor") only change cash and can look very unassuming. They offer the best rate. (no commission). To exchange money in banks, a passport is required. All receipts are recommended to be kept before leaving the country. There is no black market for currency in Poland, and therefore any offers from strangers should be rejected - this is a scam. In Polish, cash is called "gotowka".

Credit cards

International credit cards (including Visa, Mastercard and American Express) increasingly accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops, but not everywhere. In some cases, only the cards listed above are accepted for payment. As a rule, you will not be able to use a credit card in small supermarkets, museums and small railway stations.

ATMs

ATMs (cash machine) PLUS, Cirrus and other common credit cards are available in sufficient numbers in Polish cities and offer favorable exchange rates. They give out cash in zlotys and some in euros.

Traveler's checks

They can be exchanged for cash at all the establishments listed above, except "kantor"; in some cases, they can even pay off, but the rate will always be less favorable than when exchanging cash. The commission usually ranges from 1 to 5%.

Purchases

The transition to a market economy in 1989 had a huge impact on Poland as a shopping destination. Dull state stores are a thing of the past. Today, the pound, dollar, euro and other currencies are not as popular as before, but foreign tourists and Poles are pleased with the development of trade and the expansion of the choice of goods on the market. Large cities in Poland, such as Warsaw and Krakow, do not lag behind Western Europe and North America in terms of shopping. Goods in Poland are much cheaper than in Western Europe.

Where to buy

The development of a market economy in Poland has led to the emergence of numerous shops and boutiques, including many Western European ones. You can now see Western goods in big department stores, specialty stores and market stalls.

See folk art and other handicrafts in Cepelia stores - a national network for the sale of folk art and souvenirs, which has representative offices in major cities (Sometimes they have other names, but the locals still call them "Cepelia"). The main player in the antiques market is the Desa chain of stores (although there are also smaller, independent dealers). There are several branches in Krakow and Warsaw with different assortments of goods, so if you are looking for something specific, it is better to look into all of them. Polish poster art is presented mainly in three places: in Krakow in the Poster Gallery (ul. Stolarska 8-10), in Warsaw at the Poster Gallery (ul. Hoza 40) and at the Poster Museum (Museum Plakatu) at the Wilanowski Palace.

Some cities have specialized markets and malls. These include the old Krakow Cloth Hall, which sells handicrafts and amber jewelry, the bustling Nowy Świat Street in Warsaw with numerous boutiques, and Maryacka Street in the Old Town of Gdansk with jewelry stores selling amber. The flea market in Warsaw is called "Kolo" and is located in the Wola district. In Krakow, street vendors are located between the railway station and the Barbican. indoor market in Gdansk (Hala Targowa) located on the Dominican Square.

A useful source of information about shops and markets in Warsaw, Krakow and Gdańsk is the local edition of the In Your Pocket guide, which lists shops.

For more information, please visit: www.inyourpocket.com.

Bargaining is common only in large open-air markets, although if you ask for a discount at an antique shop or art gallery, you may be greeted.

What to buy

Works of art and antiques

Excellent antique furniture and religious art can be found throughout Poland, but the best examples flock to the various shops and galleries in Warsaw and Krakow, and to a lesser extent Gdansk and Poznan. Orthodox icons from Russia can be found here, as there is a black market for stolen icons in Central and Eastern Europe, but the authorities are reluctant to allow their export, even if the item is not of Polish origin.

Ceramics

Unusual Koszubian ceramics (Ceramika Artystyczna Boleslawiec) sold all over the world, but in Poland it is much cheaper.

folk art

The rural areas of Wormwood offer a wide variety of folk art and crafts, including carved wooden figurines. (mainly for religious subjects), skin (in the Tatra region), embroidery and lace, painted eggs (especially Easter ones), as well as "naïve art" and glass painting, especially from Zakopane.

Music

In music stores in major cities, you can buy CDs with recordings of music by Polish composers. The best known among Western listeners are probably Chopin, Krzysztof Penderecki and Henryk Gorecki, whose Symphony No. 3 unexpectedly gained popularity in the early 1990s. It is also worth looking for the recordings of the contemporary Polish composer Zbigniew Preisner, who wrote the music for many films directed by Krzysztof Kislowski, including The Double Life of Veronika, The Decalogue and the trilogy Three Colours: Blue, White, Red. Pay attention to the recording of the best works of Preisner, made at a concert in the salt mines of Wieliczka near Krakow. You can also find recordings of Polish folk music, such as the traditional melodies of the Highlanders from the Tatras.

poster art

Poster is a very popular and sought after art form in Poland and some of the best craftsmen working in this area - the Poles. You'll find vintage and modern posters for familiar Western films and the most famous plays, as well as less-understood plots. Among contemporary poster artists, the most famous are Gorovsky, Stasis and Sadovsky.

Vodka

Real Polish vodka is "Wyborowa", "Extra Zytnia" or any tincture like "Zubrowka" (with a bison grass leaf in a bottle) and Wisniowka (cherry).

Entertainment

The nightlife in Warsaw is very cosmopolitan and offers a wide range of entertainment, including theatre, opera, ballet and classical music. Other cities do not have this variety, although Gdańsk and Poznań often host fine art exhibitions. Tickets for concerts and performances are much cheaper than in most Western European countries and North America.

As far as pop culture goes, you'll find jazz ensembles and films from all over the world here. Famous pop and rock bands come to Poland only occasionally. There is no shortage of bars, pubs, cafes and nightclubs in the cities; there is also a casino.

Performing arts

Residents of large cities in Poland are passionate fans of the performing arts. In Warsaw, the main stage for opera and ballet performances is the Bolshoi Theater - National Opera (pl. Teatralny 1, tel.: 022-826-5019, www.teatrwielki.pl); Kiri Te Kanawa, Kathleen Battle and José Carreras sang here. Concerts of philharmonic music are held in the best halls in the country, the National Philharmonic (ul. Jasna 5, phone: 022-551-7131, www.filharmonia.pl) and a small chamber opera (al. Solidarnosci 76b, tel.: 022-831-2240, www.operakameralna.pl). Sometimes concerts are also held in the Royal Castle on the Castle Square (tel: 022-657-2170). In Krakow, the main stage for opera productions, as well as dramatic performances and concerts, is the Theater. Julius Slovacki (pl. Sw. Ducha 1, tel.: 012-423-1700, www.slowacki.krakow.pl), for theatrical performances and dance shows - Operetta Theater (ul. Lubicz 48, tel.: 012-421-4200), and for the performance of music - the Philharmonic (ul. Zwierzyniecka 1, phone: 012-429-1345, www.filharmonia.krakow.pl).

Concerts are also held in the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary, in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul on Wawel Hill, and in the summer at the Chopin Monument in Warsaw's Lazienki Park. In Gdansk on the stage of the State Baltic Opera (al. Zwyciestwa 15, phone: 058-763-4906, www.operabaltycka.pl), one of the best in Poland, hosts opera performances and symphony concerts, and chamber music is played in the Baltic Philharmonic Hall (Olowianka 1, tel.: 058-320-6262, www.filharmonia.gda.pl). In Poznań, opera performances are staged at the Bolshoi Theater (ul. Fredry 9, phone: 061-659-0200, www.opera.poznan.pl), and classical music concerts are held in the hall of the Poznań Philharmonic (ul. Sw. Marcina 81, tel.: 061-852-4708, www.filharmoniapoznanska.pl). Poznań is also famous for its dance theater "Poznań Ballet" (ul. Kozia 4, phone: 061-852-4242, www.ptt-poznan.pl).

Dramatic performances are almost always staged in Polish, which excludes foreign tourists from the audience. The performances of directors and actors are of the highest standards, and theater lovers who are not deterred by not knowing the language and who want to enjoy first-class performances and productions will find a lot of excellent performances, especially in Krakow - the center of the Polish theater world. The most famous is the Old Theater (ul. Jagiellonska 1, tel.: 012-422-4040, www.stary-teatr.pl), which has a main stage and two additional ones. In Warsaw, the best Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals are shown at the Roma Club (ul. Nowogrodzka 49, phone: 022-628-0360).

A poster of opera performances and classical music concerts can be found in the local edition of the English-language guide "In Your Pocket" (www.inyourpocket.com), which contains a detailed overview of the nightlife in Warsaw, Krakow and Gdansk, as well as in "Warsaw Insider" - a monthly published in Warsaw.

Cinema

Poland is famous for its cinematic traditions and has given the world great filmmakers who have achieved international recognition - Krzysztof Kislowski, Andrzej Wajda, Roman Polanski. Poles are very fond of cinema and you will find quite a few subtitled Western films competing with the national product; they are shown in good cinemas equipped with a Dolby sound system. Compared to many European countries, tickets are very cheap. In October, Warsaw hosts an annual film festival.

Clubs and bars

Polish cities and towns abound with bars, pubs and clubs, and Poles are considered a drinking nation. However, the days of drunkards emptying bottles of vodka in dimly lit bars are a thing of the past, and today most Poles prefer beer to vodka and other spirits. Throughout Poland you will find Irish and English pubs and nightclubs.

AT last years Numerous bars have opened in the colorful cellars of the Old Town of Krakow. Considering a large number of students in the city, it's no surprise that the bars are usually crowded. There are so many of them that it is difficult to name the best; among the most interesting "Black Gallery" (ul. Mikolajska 24), "Free Pub" (ul. Slawkowska 4), Stalowe Magnolie (ul. Sw. Jana 15) with live music and boudoir back rooms, "U Louisa" (Rynek Glowny 13), "Bastylia" (ul. Stolarska 3), "Alchemia" (ul. Estery 5) and cafe "Singer" (ul. Estery 22) in Kazimierz. The difference between a bar and a cafe is sometimes almost impossible to understand, and yet there are many excellent cafes in Krakow, including "Kamelot" (ul. Sw. Tomasza 17), "Dym" (ul. Sw. Tomasza 13), "Jama Michalika" (ul. Florianska 45) and "Wisniowy Sad" (ul. Grodzka 33). From jazz and blues clubs in Krakow, try U Muniaka (ul. Florianska 3), "Indigo" (ul. Florianska 26) and "Klinika" (ul. Sw. Tomasza 35).

Warsaw does not have a compact cluster of bars and pubs, but there are enough cafes and various drinking establishments in the capital. Here you will find a mini collection of Irish pubs: Morgan's (ul. Okolnik 1, below the Frederic Chopin Museum), "Irish Pub" (ul. Miodowa 3) and Cork Irish Pub (al. Niepodleglosci 19). Among other bars, Lolek should be highlighted. (ul. Rokitnicka 20) and elegant "Column" in the hotel "Bristol" (ul. Krakowskie Przedmiescie 42-44). Cocktails are best tasted at Paparazi (ul. Mazowiecka 12). Ground Zero is popular among nightclubs. (ul. Wspolna 62) and "Quo Vadis" (pl. Defilad 1), jazz and blues can be heard in the jazz cafe "Helicon" (ul. Freta 45-47), jazz in "Bistro" (ul. Pifkna 20).

In Gdansk, lively pubs are concentrated in the Old Town. The most stylish among them is "Lataj^cy Holender" (ul. Waly Jagellonskie 2-4) and Vinifera (ul. Wodopoj 7) where wine is served in glasses. Live jazz music can be heard at the Cotton Club (ul. Zlotnikow 25) and Jazz Club (Dlugi Targ 39-40).

Sport

The most popular sport in Poland, as in many European countries, is football, although Poles are also fond of other sports such as hockey, volleyball, windsurfing and skiing. In Poland, there are no special places for recreation intended for sports. Nevertheless, the rural areas of the country are ideal for those who prefer outdoor activities on fresh air, and guests of the country have a lot of opportunities to enjoy horseback riding, skiing, fishing and tourism.

Golf

If you want to play golf during your business trip to Warsaw, contact the First Warsaw Golf Club (Rajszew 70, Jablonna, tel.: 022-782-4555, www.warsawgolf.pl), which owns an 18-hole course about 30 km from the capital. Possibly the best golf course on the Baltic coast is the Postolovsky Golf Club. (Postolow, tel.: 058-683-7100, www.golf.com.pl) 26 km south of Gdansk.

Tourism and hiking

The countryside of Poland is ideal for both leisurely walks and more intense hiking trips. One of the best areas for these activities, especially for experienced tourists, is the High Tatras in the vicinity of Zakopane.

Horseback riding

Holidays in the company of horses are becoming more and more popular; ask the travel agency for the horse riding tours offered by Orbis. If you just want to ride a horse, contact Pata-Taj Riding School (Szkola Jazdy Konnej, ul. Krotka 9, tel.: 022-758-5835) in Warsaw. In the vicinity of the capital there are a couple of dozen stables and riding schools; more detailed information can be found at tourist information centers or at your hotel.

Skis

The main ski resort is Zakopane at the foot of the High Tatras in southeastern Poland. There are excellent and inexpensive slopes, very popular with Poles and some foreign tourists, although the conditions of recreation are inferior to the ski resorts of the Alps and the Pyrenees.

Swimming and water sports

The Victoria, Marriott and Bristol hotels in Warsaw have swimming pools. Less luxurious pools have "Aquapark Wesolandia" (ul. Wspolna 4, phone: 022-773-9191, www.wesolandia.pl), "Polna" (ul. Polna 7a, phone: 022-825-7134, www.osir-polna.pl) and Wodney Park (ul. Merliniego 4, phone: 022-854-0130, www.wodnypark.com.pl). Krakow also has several swimming pools open to visitors: "Park Wodny" (ul. Dobrego Pasterza 126, tel.: 012-616-3190, www.parkwodny.pl), "Copernicus" (ul. Kanonicza 16, tel.: 012-424-3400) and Sheraton (ul. Powisle 7, tel.: 012-662-1000).

Football

Football is the most popular spectator sport in Poland. There are two first division clubs in Warsaw: Legia Warszawa (ul. Lazienkowska 3, phone: 022-628-4303, www.legialive.pl) and Polonia Warszawa (ul. Konwiktorska 6, tel.: 022-635-1637, www.ksppolonia.com).

Most of the places where you can practice yachting and other water sports are concentrated in the Masurian Lakes region in northeastern Poland and in the cities on the shores of the Gulf of Gdansk in the Baltic.

Children

Traveling in Poland with children means being flexible, creative and finding activities that are interesting for children, when palaces, castles and restored ancient cities impress them less than their parents. Many of the attractions listed below are located in the nation's capital, Warsaw, simply because there are more of them.

Warsaw Zoo (ul. Ratuszowa 1-3, phone: 022-619-4041, www.zoo.waw.pl) was opened in 1928. About 4000 animals live in it on the territory of 40 hectares, including Siberian tigers, kangaroos, cheetahs, crocodiles, snow leopards and a rare red panda. The zoo also has a hall where birds fly freely. At Pepeland amusement park (ul. Kolejowa 378, tel.: 022-751-2627) there is a mini zoo and attractions.

Another opportunity to entertain children in Warsaw is the Gulliver Theater (ul. Rozana 16, tel.: 022-845-1677, www.teatrguliwer.waw.pl).

In summer, children can spend their energy in water parks and swimming pools, and in winter - on a skating rink.

You can go skating in Warsaw at Stegny (ul. Inspektowa 1, phone: 022-842-2768, www.stegny.com.pl) or "Towarzystwo Lyzwiarstwa Figurowego Walley" (ul. Kombatantow 60, Julianow, tel.: 022-711-1261, www.walley.pl). Another popular activity is paintball; in Warsaw, try visiting Marcus-Graf (ul. Widok 10, in Beniaminow near Warsaw, tel.: 022-816-1008) or at Paintballs Club (ul. Lokajskiego 42, tel.: 060-266-9220, www.painballs-club.pl). In Krakow, paintball fans can use the services of the local club "Compass" (Tel: 012-357-3370, www.compass-poland.com), which also offers many other activities, including off-road racing and other activities for men.

Another energetic sport is karting. In Warsaw, you can bring your kids to the Imola club, where they can also play paintball (ul. Pulawska 33, Piaseczno, tel.: 022-757-0823, www.imola.pl). If your kids love bowling, you'll find bowling alleys in all major cities. The Poznań region of Malta has plenty of activities ideal for children, including an artificial ski run and a toboggan run.

For older children who love hiking and skiing, the area in the Zakopane region in the High Tatras is best suited. Kids will love the 700-year-old salt mines near Krakow, where you first descend 378 steps, then walk down long corridors, looking at chapels and salt-carved figures. (including seven gnomes), and rise to the surface in a fast, but primitive and bumpy elevator.

Holidays

local holidays

• February International Festival of Sailor Songs, Warsaw
• March, April Holy Week, all of Poland
• March Poznań Jazz Festival, Poznań
• April Contemporary Music Festival, Poznań
• April May Warsaw Ballet Days, Warsaw
• May Music and Arts Festival, Torun
  International Book Fair, Warsaw
  Jazz Festival, Poznań
• June International Theater Festival, Poznan
  Summer Jazz Days, Warsaw
  Jewish Culture Festival, Krakow
  Summer Solstice, Krakow
• June 24 Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
• June July Mozart Festival, Warsaw
  Summer Theater Festival, Zamość
• July Summer Early Music Festival, Krakow
  Summer Opera Festival, Krakow
  Organ Music Festival, Gdansk
• July August Dominican Fair, Gdansk
  August International Song Festival, Sopot
  International Early Music Festival, Krakow
  International Mountain Folklore Festival, Zakopane
  International Chopin Festival, Duszniki-Zdrój near Warsaw
• September International Violin Competition. Heinrich Wieniawski, Poznan
• October International Piano Competition. Chopin (held in Warsaw once every five years) Warsaw Film Festival, Warsaw
  International Jazz Festival, Warsaw
• November All Saints' Day
  All Saints Day Jazz Festival, Krakow
  Warsaw Early Music Festival, Warsaw
• December Competition for the most beautiful Christmas manger, Krakow (Market Square)

Official non-working holidays

• 1st of January New Year
• January 6 Epiphany
• floating holiday (March, April) First day of Easter. The first day falls on one of the Sundays from March 22 to April 25. Second day of Easter
• May 1"Labor Day"
• May 3 May 3rd national holiday in memory of the Constitution on May 3, 1791.
• 7th Sunday after Easter First day of Pentecost
• 9th Thursday after Easter Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ
• August 15 Ascension of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• Nov. 1 All Saints' Day
• 11th of November National Independence Day to commemorate the 1918 independence from Russian Empire, Austria and Prussia
• December 25 First day of Christmas
• December 26 Second day of Christmas

Food and drink

Polish cuisine is very diverse - from light and elegant dishes to luxurious and hearty, and they are always served in large portions. A characteristic feature of Polish cuisine is soups, while the main dishes are potatoes and dumplings; it also has a lot of vegetable dishes. Considering that the country's borders have changed over the centuries, it is not surprising that Polish cuisine has been influenced by other national cuisines: Ukrainian, German, Lithuanian and Russian.

Residents of other countries are often familiar with some Polish dishes, such as pies, borscht with sausage, as well as such common dishes as herring, cold meat and sauerkraut. Probably the most famous Polish dish is bigos. ("hunter's roast")- sauerkraut stewed with several types of meat (pork, game, sausage, bacon, etc.).

The restaurant world in Poland, like almost everything else, has changed a lot in recent years. In the past, eating out, especially dining out at a restaurant, was rare; there was a shortage of food in the country and rationing was introduced. Now all this is in the past. Restaurants of various styles have appeared in large cities, although, fortunately, establishments serving classic Polish cuisine have not disappeared either. It is on them that guests of Poland should pay attention.

Where there is

Most visitors to Poland eat at restaurants (restauracja). They are very different, from modest and inexpensive, where office workers dine, to luxurious ones, which are more often visited not by ordinary Poles, but by foreign tourists and a small Polish elite; all restaurants have table service.

In the cafe (kawiarnia) They don't just serve coffee. Most of them have a menu that offers almost everything, from snacks to custom meals, all day long. Another traditional type of establishment is inexpensive self-service cafeterias called bar mleczny, literally "milk bar". Here, for little money, you will be served a full plate of homemade food.

When there is

Breakfast (sniadanie) in Poland they usually offer from 7 to 10 am. In the morning, Poles usually eat bread or rolls with butter, cheese, ham or sausage. Eggs can also be served for breakfast. In the most expensive hotels, breakfast is usually a standard international set of dishes. Quite often, local pastries and dishes are offered that are not always associated with breakfast.

Lunch (obiad) takes place from 14.00 to 16.00 and is considered the main meal - this is reflected in the number of dishes served at this time of the day. As a rule, lunch consists of three courses: soup, main course and dessert.

Dinner (kolacja) served early in the evening, and it can be similar and almost as satisfying as lunch, or much lighter, with the same set of dishes as for breakfast.

Polish cuisine

In traditional Polish cuisine, certain ingredients play an important role: fish, game, potatoes, mushrooms and vegetables. One of the characteristic flavors of Polish cuisine is sour, although spicy and sweet dishes are also found.

Some traditional dishes are prepared with lard, but many use vegetable oil or butter. If the portions are too big for you, order a soup, and instead of a main dish, an appetizer and try to leave room for dessert.

Pies are considered a traditional Polish dish. (pierogi), which are of Russian origin and appeared in the Middle Ages. Pies can be sweet or spicy. Similar to ravioli, dumplings have a variety of fillings, including fresh cabbage, sauerkraut with mushrooms, cheese and potatoes, and fruit in summer. Small pies are sometimes served with soup. Another traditional Polish dish is cabbage rolls: cabbage leaves stuffed with meat and rice and usually served with tomato sauce. Poles are very fond of potato pancakes and potato dumplings.

In restaurant menus, main dishes are often listed without a side dish. Potatoes, salads and other side dishes are listed in the dodatki section and are served for a separate price.

Soup

Soup (zupa) very popular with locals and always on the menu. Most Poles consider food without soup incomplete. (on the other hand, some guests may say that Polish soup is a complete meal in itself).

Red borscht (barszcz czerwony) prepared according to an old recipe, and the authentic version has a unique taste. It can be served with sour cream or small ravioli-like dumplings. On Christmas Eve, they traditionally serve beetroot in vegetable broth with small ravioli. (uszka) stuffed with mushrooms. White borscht (zurek) cooked on sourdough rye flour. Sometimes it is served with sausage or with a hard-boiled egg. In the cold summer beetroot (chlodnik) add thick sour cream, cucumber, radish, green onion and dill.

Cucumber soup with dill (ogdrkowa) tastes sour, like sauerkraut soup (kapusniak). Also try the mushroom soup (grzybowa), sorrel soup (szczawowa) and zupa koperkowa, which is dominated by the favorite Polish spice - dill.

Snacks

Classic snack (przekqski) herring is considered, which is prepared in different ways. It is served with butter, sour cream or a lot of chopped onions. In Poland, a large number of varieties of sausages and ham are also produced - this is a national dish and a favorite delicacy of the Poles. As an appetizer, you can enjoy aspic carp, pike and smoked eel, as well as small portions of your favorite main dishes, such as pies or hash browns.

Main dishes

Meat (mieso, dania rnifsne). The Poles are a nation of staunch meat eaters, and for most Poles, a hearty meal should include meat. The most popular meat dish is pork. The traditional way cooking - pork cutlet in breadcrumbs with fried onions; usually served with sweet cabbage.

Fried pork is eaten both hot and cold. Stew can be served with prunes. Beef is less common, although beef cutlets stuffed with ham, black bread and mushrooms (zrazy zawijane)- a standard dish. Braised tripe (flaki po polsku) is strips of beef tripe stewed in meat and vegetable broths; served with black bread. A must-try meat dish in Poland - bigos (bigos), classic hunting food. This is fresh and sour cabbage stewed with several types of meat and sausage (meat and cabbage in equal proportions). Excellent winter food the Polish way.

Game (dziczyzna) and Domestic bird (drob). Game in Poland is very popular, which is not surprising given the general love for meat. Olenin (sarna) usually served in expensive restaurants, as well as bear meat (dzik) and other exotic meats. Look in the menu for a hare (zajqc) and pheasant (basant). Chicken is also very common. (kiga), usually stuffed and fried. Another favorite dish of the Poles is chicken soup, as well as roast duck. (kaczka) with apples.

Fish (dania rybne). Fish appears on the Polish menu as often as meat; in most good restaurants you can find pike, eel, perch, sturgeon and other fish - boiled, fried, grilled. Carp enjoys great love (especially on Christmas Eve), which is often served with a special Polish sauce with raisins and almonds.

Vegetables (potrawy jarskie). Vegetarian restaurants are now much more common in Poland, although the classic dairy bars that started as vegetarian now have several meat dishes on the menu. The vegetable side dish usually has to be ordered separately and can be extremely varied. Vegetarians should look out for potato pancakes, dumplings with fruit filling, cheese and potato pies, and pancakes. Among salads, there are often tomato salad, cucumber salad with sour cream, sauerkraut.

desserts

Poles are very fond of pastries and sweets. You will definitely find eclairs on the menu and on the plates of visitors (eklerka), millefeuille (napoleonki), cheesecakes (sernik), Apple pie (szarlotka) and traditional thin biscuits with nuts and fruits (mazurek).

national strong drink

Poles and Russians may argue over who invented vodka, but this drink is an indispensable part of the Polish menu. Most vodka is made from rye, but some varieties are made from potatoes; both vodkas have a characteristic taste. The drink, as a rule, is transparent; flavored varieties can also be found on the shelves. Wyborowa vodka is considered the standard. (rye), and several varieties of flavored vodkas are also produced under this brand; pay attention to Luksusowa vodka (from potatoes) and "Zubrowka" (infused on buffalo grass from Belovezhskaya Pushcha), as well as kosher vodkas.

Vodka is an integral part of the ritual. If you go to visit someone, then the rules good manners they demand to take a bottle of vodka with them, although it is not necessary to drink it. Poles prefer to drink vodka undiluted - in one sip or sip, rather than add to cocktails (although cocktails made from Tatanka or Zubrowka vodka and apple juice are quite popular here).

The drinks

Poland does not produce grape wine. Imported wine can be ordered in cafes and restaurants; the cheapest are Hungarian and Bulgarian wines. You will also find French, Italian and Spanish wines, but be prepared to pay for the pleasure.

Polish beer (piwo) perfect for hearty spicy dishes; except in the finest restaurants, beer can be drunk with meals like wine. Polish beer is usually served in tall glasses; it is a light, pleasant drink, though not as reputed as its Czech, German, Belgian or English varieties. The most famous brands are Zywiec, Okocim, EB, Warka and Tyskie. Information about "beer tours" and the Beer Museum in the Tyszka brewery (city of Tychy, 20 km south of Katowice) can be found on the website: www.kp.pl.

Coffee (kawa)- the favorite drink of the Poles, and is usually served either black (you need to ask for milk) or with a little milk. Espresso and cappuccino are almost everywhere. Most Poles also drink tea. (herbata), which is usually served with lemon.

Soft drinks of international brands and mineral water (woda mineralna) is also everywhere.

Accommodation

Hotels in Poland are informally divided into categories ranging from one to five stars, and those with three to five stars meet European standards. There is a shortage of good hotels in smaller towns, but the number of three-star hotels is growing and there are one- and two-star hotels that can be recommended. In Warsaw, Krakow and other large cities, a growing number of first-class five-star hotels are designed for businessmen and wealthy tourists. In the old days, the Orbis chain had a virtual monopoly on middle and upper class hotels, but now the situation has changed; competition has intensified due to international networks and independent companies.

If there are no places in luxury hotels or they are too expensive for you, it is best to stay in the suburbs - in a guesthouse or guest house. Other options include private houses or self-catering apartments. Accommodation in private houses (kwatery prywatne) widespread in Poland. In addition, there are more than 200 official campsites in the country, and a network of youth hotels in major cities.

In high season (from May to October) you need to book a room in advance. Tourist Information Bureau (including at the airport) provide a list of hotels.

The room rate, which must be posted at the reception window, usually includes value added tax and often, but not always, breakfast. The cost may be in US dollars, euros or zlotys, but the invoice will be issued in zlotys. All hotels accept most common credit cards, unless otherwise stated.

With the exception of the most expensive hotels, prices are usually lower than in other European countries. Oddly enough, prices in hotels can be indicated not only in Polish zlotys, but also in US dollars and euros.

In Poland, there is an extensive network - about 950 in total - of youth hostels (schroniska mlodziezowe). More information can be obtained from the Polish Association of Youth Hostels (ul. Chocimska 28, Warsaw, tel.: 022-849-8128, www.ptsm.org.pl). Places in international student hotels can be booked through the travel agency ALMATUR (ul. Kopernika 23, Warsaw, tel.: 022-826-2639, www.almatur.pl).

Among the Warsaw hotels, the very clean Agrykola Hotel should be noted. (ul. Mysliwiecka 9, phone: 022-622-9105, www.agrykola-noclegi.pl) and the legendary Nathan's Villa (ul. Piekna 24-26, tel.: 022-622-2946, www.nathansvilla.com).

In Krakow, check out the City Hostel (ul. Sw. Krzyza 21, tel.: 012-426-1815, www.cityhostel.pl), decorated in the style of the 1950-1960s. Good Bye Lenin (ul. Joselewicza 23, tel.: 012-421-2030, www.goodbyelenin.pl) and again "Nathans Villa" (ul. Sw. Agnieszki 1, tel.: 012-422-3545, www.nathansvilla.com).

Travel to Poland

By plane

The largest airlines in Europe, as well as Russia, fly to Poland. The Polish national carrier LOT Polish Airlines flies from most major European cities, including Moscow. Aeroflot also has regular flights. Travel time 2 hours 10 minutes.

international Airport

Poland's main international airport is Warsaw's Okecie, although airports in Krakow, Gdansk, Poznan and other cities also receive flights from other countries. Krakow's Balice Airport has been upgraded and can now handle more international flights.

By rail

Unlike other cities, Warsaw and Krakow are easily accessible by rail from any major city in Western, Central or Eastern Europe. There are five daily trains to Poland from Russia. Two trains run from Moscow to Warsaw (20 h), with trailers to Szczecin (34 h) and Wroclaw (28 hours) and by car from St. Petersburg via Warsaw to Szczecin (40 h). The daily train Moscow - Prague passes through Katowice (25 h). Another daily train runs from Kaliningrad to Gdynia (6 h), two trailer cars of the same train continue to Berlin via Poznań. Finally, once a week the train Saratov - Berlin runs through Poland with trailer cars from Novosibirsk, Rostov, Omsk, Samara, Chelyabinsk, Ufa, Yekaterinburg. However, the cheapest way to get to Poland from Russia is to take the train to Brest and cross the border on a local train or bus. The cost of such a trip from Moscow to Warsaw will cost about 35 euros.

The following travel tickets are valid in Poland: InterRail, Euro Domino, EurailPass (all varieties), "European East Pass" and "Polrailpass".

Trains from other countries arrive at Warsaw Central Station (tel.: 9436). In Krakow - to the Main Station (tel.: 9436).

By car / bus

Warsaw is connected by major motorways to Berlin, Prague, Budapest and Vienna. It will be inexpensive to travel from London to Warsaw by bus, which takes a little less than a day and a half. Transportation is carried out by European companies, including Eurolines (www.eurolines.com) and Polish companies such as Pekaes (Tel: 022-626-9352) and "Orbis" (Tel: 022-827-7140).

If you are planning to cross Europe by car, the shortest route is through Ostend, Brussels and Berlin. Buses from Europe arrive at the Warsaw Western Bus Station (Warszawa Zachodnia), tel.: 022-822-4811.

Airports

Warsaw

International flights arrive and depart from Okentse International Airport south of the capital. There is a car rental agency, currency exchange offices, ATMs, tourist offices, a restaurant and a tourist information office. The journey from the airport to the center of Warsaw takes about 30 minutes. Taxi will cost from 25 to 80 PLN (more expensive at night), depending on the taxi company. Some of the taxis waiting in front of the airport building look like official ones, but they are not, and they will try to deceive you.

If you need a taxi, order a car at the information desk: "Halo Taxi" (tel: 022-9623), "MPT" (tel: 022-9191) or "Super Taxi" (tel.: 022-9622). Buses will take you to the city center (from 5.00 to 22.30) No. 175 or 188 (beware of pickpockets); buses stop at all red stops and at the main train station. Some hotels have their own transport linking them to the airport. Information about the work of the airport can be obtained by phone: 022-650-4220.

Krakow

Krakow Balice Airport, also known as the International Airport. John Paul II, located 18 km west of the city. You can get to Krakow by taxi: "Barbakan Taxi" (tel: 012-9661) or "Mega Taxi" (Tel: 012-9625). Prices fluctuate between 40-60 zł. You can take the bus route 192, which will take you to the Old Town and the railway station. Information about the airport's operation can be obtained by phone: 012-639-3000. A free bus runs from the airport terminal to the railway platform, from which trains leave for the city's central station. Travel time 15 minutes, ticket price PLN 8.

Gdansk

Flights from London and some other European cities (Hamburg, Copenhagen, Brussels) land at Gdansk Airport, located less than 10 km west of the city centre.

Taxi will cost from 30 to 40 PLN; it is recommended to call "City Plus" (tel: 058-9686) or Service Taxi (Tel: 058-9194) rather than waiting for an unofficial taxi. Bus route "B" runs between the airport and the central railway station of Gdansk (40 min). Information about the airport's operation can be obtained by phone: 058-348-1111.

Travel budget

Despite the fact that over the past few years prices have risen significantly compared to other European countries, Poland remains a relatively inexpensive country for visitors from Western Europe and North America. However, tourists counting on Central Europe's recent cheapness will be a little surprised. Four- and five-star hotels in Warsaw and Krakow are almost as expensive as in Western Europe. Be that as it may, many aspects Everyday life will seem very cheap to guests: highly efficient public transport, restaurants and cafes, museums and concerts.

Road to Poland

For most Europeans, a trip to Warsaw or Krakow is a short and relatively inexpensive journey by train or plane. There is a growing number of low cost carriers offering competitive rates.

Accommodation

The cost of a room in first-class hotels is approaching and may even reach the cost of rooms in other European capitals. Approximate prices for a double room in the high season in the center of Warsaw or Krakow: 5-star hotel - PLN 500-1000 (US$125-250), 3- and 4-star hotels PLN 200-400 (US$50-100), 2-star hotel or boarding house - PLN 40-150 (US$10-40).

Food and drink

Food in Polish restaurants and cafes remains quite cheap, except for the most luxurious and well-known establishments. A three-course dinner for two with wine (including service) in a mid-range restaurant can cost around PLN 80 (US$25), and in an expensive restaurant - from 160 PLN (US$50) and higher.

local transport

Public transport (bus, metro, tram) very cheap (PLN 2.4-4). Relatively expensive taxi services (especially informal). It is recommended to use public transport except in special cases (e.g. at night) and order a taxi by phone, rather than catching a car on the street.

other expenses

Car rental in Poland is expensive: the price per day starts from $70-100 for a small car (unlimited mileage and accident insurance). In 2013, petrol cost PLN 4.20 per litre. Entrance tickets to the museum - approximately 4 PLN. Entertainment: Ticket prices for drama and musical performances and classical music concerts usually start at PLN 20.

Car rental

If you are not going to explore the rural hinterland of Poland, then renting a car is not the most best idea. Rent is high (US$70-100 per day), and the road network in Poland leaves much to be desired: roads are in need of repair, there are few motorways (e.g. no motorway between Warsaw and Krakow). Rental rules are similar to those adopted in other countries. The minimum age is 21 and the minimum driving experience is 1 year. International driver's licenses are valid.

Ask if accident insurance is included in the price. Local car rental agencies such as Global Poland (Warsaw, tel.: 022-650-1483) usually cheaper.

International agencies: Avis (Warsaw, tel.: 022-650-4872, Krakow, tel.: 060-120-0702, www.avis.pl), Budget (Warsaw, tel.: 022-650-4062), "Europcar" (Warsaw, tel.: 022-650-2564, Krakow, tel.: 012-633-7713), Hertz (Warsaw, tel.: 022-650-2896, Krakow, tel.: 012-429-6262) and "Sixt" (Warsaw, tel.: 022-650-2031, Krakow, tel.: 012-639-3216).

clothing

Residents of large cities in Poland, especially Warsaw and Krakow, usually follow fashion, and chic European outfits can be seen on the streets. A jacket with a tie will be required in rare cases - to the theater, opera or a very expensive restaurant. In rural areas, they prefer a free style of clothing.

Crime and security

In Polish cities, the crime rate has increased significantly, and Warsaw cannot be considered safe place. As for tourists, the main danger for them is pickpocketing and theft from cars.

Take the usual precautions, especially on the way to the airport, train station, and at night. Robbery also occurs, though rarely; in this regard, drug addicts are a particular danger.

Other cities, including Krakow, are considered safer, but in tourist areas (Wawel Hill, Market Square) do not forget to be careful. In the "Tri-City" - Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot - the level of hooliganism is high even during the day.

In places of congestion of tourists, at railway stations, in trains, as well as on bus and tram routes of large cities, pickpockets sometimes operate. Thefts happen on night trains, especially in second class compartments, although most of them happen on boarding. Car theft and car theft are also common. Do not stop the car if the other driver is showing signs that something is wrong with you - this may be a trap that precedes the robbery. There have also been reports of thieves breaking into or opening the doors of slow moving or stopped vehicles.

Customs and entry rules

To enter Poland, you need a passport valid for three months after the date of entry. Citizens of the Russian Federation need to apply for a visa. The visa is valid for 90 days and can be obtained from the Polish embassy.

customs restrictions. There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currency into Poland, but large amounts must be declared upon entry into the country. The export of antiques and works of art created before 1945 is prohibited; works of artists created after 1945 can be exported with permission National Museum/ Regional Institution for the Restoration of Ancient Monuments (the same applies to objects produced before 1945, if the National Museum recognizes them as "non-museum").

The export of certain works of art created after 1945 may be prohibited if the artist is no longer alive and the work is of significant cultural value.

Anyone who wants to export a work of art dating from before 1945 must obtain a certificate from the Department of Art Certification of the National Museum (Dzial Opinionwania Dziel Sztuki), ul. Mysliwiecka 1, Warsaw. For information, call: 022-694-3194, www.mf.gov.pl.

Public transport

local transport

Most Polish cities have a developed public transport system, which includes bus and tram routes. (and in Warsaw there is also one metro line).

In Warsaw, 1,200 buses carry passengers from 5.00 to 23.00; night buses run from 23.30 to 5.30. Tickets (valid for bus, tram and metro) can be purchased at kiosks in yellow-green color with the inscription "Ruch"; a ticket bought from the driver will cost a little more. After landing, the ticket must be validated (obsolete punched cards have now been replaced by magnetic cards). The controller has the right to collect a fine for stowaways on the spot.

There are 22 tram lines and more than 100 bus routes in Krakow. They work from 5.00 to 23.00. Tickets are single-use, as well as travel - for an hour, day or week.

Bus

Most city buses are red. A trip on an express or a night bus will cost twice as much as a regular one. If you want to get out, signal the driver by pressing the button.

Tram

Most Polish cities have an extensive tram network; Some trams also run at night. The timetable is posted at stops, although it is not always strictly observed. Warsaw's Old Town has a tram route that starts and ends at Castle Square and allows you to make a 30-minute journey through both the Old Town and the New Town.

Taxi

Taxi fares start at PLN 5 and increase by PLN 1.4 per kilometer (at night for PLN 2). Polish taxi drivers are notorious for charging foreigners too high price. There are many unofficial taxis in Poland, which are very difficult to distinguish from officially registered ones. They line up at airports and railway stations with impunity.

If you need a taxi, order it by phone; ask the hotel receptionist to do this for you. Catching a car on the street is not recommended, as it almost always turns out to be an unofficial taxi. In case of emergency, negotiate the cost of the trip in advance.

Underground

The Warsaw Metro consists of a single 13 km line that runs from Bankowska Square in the city center to the southern suburb of Kabata. (next to Ursynov district). The metro operates daily 5.00-23.15; traffic interval is 5 minutes during peak hours and 8 minutes at other times.

Country trips

Bus

Warsaw Main Bus Station - Western Bus Station (Warsaw West, Al. Jerozolimskie 144, Tel: 022-822-4811). Krakow's main bus station is located next to the train station (pl. Kolejowy, tel.: 012-422-3134). Bus station in Gdansk (Dworzec PKS, ul. 3 Maja 12, tel.: 058-302-0532) also located near the railway station.

The national transport company, PKS, has an extensive bus network covering the entire country. Private alternative - Polski Express (tel.: 022-854-0285, www.polskiexpress.pl).

Information about bus service can be obtained by phone: 0-300-300-300.

Railway

Polish railways, which is more than 26,500 km long and covers the entire country; train is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between major cities. The exception is trips over short distances, where the bus is faster (for example, from Krakow to Zakopane). There are six railway stations in Warsaw; most trains from other countries arrive at Central Station (Warszawa Centralna, Al. Jerozolimskie 54, tel.: 022-9436), the rest - to Warszawa Wschodnia Station. Smaller stations, mainly on the outskirts of the city, serve suburban routes.

To Krakow Main Railway Station (Krakow Dworzec Glowny, PL Dworcowy 1, Tel: 012-9436) arriving trains of international and local routes. Gdansk main railway station (Gdansk Glowny, ul. Podwale Grodzkie 1, tel.: 058-9436) Serves a local route between the cities of the "Tri-City", from 6.00 to 19.30 interval of 10 minutes, then less often.

The journey by train from Warsaw to Krakow takes 3 hours, from Warsaw to Gdansk - 3 hours 40 minutes, and from Warsaw to Poznań - 3 hours 20 minutes.

Schedule and other information can be found on the website www.pkp.com.pl.

Car driving

To drive a car in Poland, you need to have a valid driver's license and car registration documents. Cars from most European countries (including Britain, Germany and Austria) are assumed to be fully insured and therefore no additional documentation is required. Take your insurance policy with you just in case.

Road condition

Poland is not the best place for driving. It has the highest death rate in road accidents in Europe; roads are generally in poor condition (one estimate is that 45% of the roads in Warsaw are in need of repair) and are often crowded with traffic. There is no highway system in the country (there is only one high-class motorway, a toll road between Krakow and Katowice), and therefore the movement will be slow - cars have to compete for space on the road with trucks and other vehicles.

The driver should be very careful, especially on country roads, usually narrow, poorly lit at night and often repaired. (mostly in summer). You may find that back roads are used not only by cars, but also by pedestrians and animals. Often the cause of road accidents is alcohol intoxication.

rules

You should drive on the right, overtake on the left, being careful. The vehicle must be equipped with a national number plate or country sticker. You must have a set of spare lamps, a first aid kit and a warning triangle with you. Seat belts are mandatory in the front and rear seats; children under 12 years old can only be transported in the back, on a special seat. Motorcycle riders and passengers are required to wear helmets. Talking on a mobile phone while driving is prohibited. The rules governing blood alcohol content are very strict: more than 0.02% is severely punished. Headlights must be on at all times.

Speed ​​limits: 130 km/h on motorways, 110 km/h on divided highways, 100 km/h on undivided highways, 90 km/h outside cities, 50 km/h in cities (including Warsaw). Fines apply for speeding.

Gasoline cost

Petrol stations are often found along freeways and main roads, but you should not turn onto country roads without filling up your tank. As a rule, the stations operate around the clock. Unleaded gasoline is almost everywhere (PLN 4.20). Credit cards are almost always accepted.

parking

Car parking is a serious problem in all major cities, especially if the historical part has been turned into a pedestrian zone. If you are driving, make sure your hotel has parking. Cars parked in the wrong place are evacuated. Use only secure parking lots.

If you need help

If you need assistance, call the Polish Roadside Assistance Service at 071-9637, where you will be given the address of the nearest car repair shop. Don't forget to put a warning triangle 50m behind the car (100 m on a median highway). Victims should be reported to the police.

Multilingual emergency helpline available at: 0800-200-300 (regular telephone or payphone), from a mobile phone: +48-608-59-99-99.

Road signs

Standard international pictograms are used throughout Poland. The sign with "Czarny Punkt", a cross on a black circle, indicates a particularly dangerous area.

Religion

Almost all Poles belong to the Roman Catholic Church, and 80% are Catholics. The previous pope, John Paul II, was Archbishop of Krakow before being elected head of the Roman Catholic Church.

There are also religious minorities in Poland, in particular Protestants, Orthodox and Jews. The tourist information office has lists of worship services that take place in English and other languages. (rarely).

Telephone

Currently, most payphones in Poland only accept calling cards - but this does not mean that all of them are in good working order. Phone cards, of which there are many varieties, can be purchased at newsstands, some hotels, post offices and tourist information offices. There are public telephone offices in Warsaw for long-distance and international calls: Netia Telephone (ul. Poleczki 13, tel.: 022-330-2000) and TPSA (ul. Nowy Swiat 6-12, tel.: 022-627-4081). In Krakow, Netia Telephone (ul. J. Conrada 51, tel.: 012-290-1143).

To make an international call from a payphone, dial the access code to international line (0 - beep - 0 - beep), followed by the country code and phone number, including the area code. Discounted rates do not apply to international calls. For a long distance call, dial the area code (after 0) and phone number; discounted rate starts from 22.00. For local calls, you do not need to dial the area code. Rooms mobile phones 10 digits. Phone code of Poland: 48

• Help desk for local and long distance calls: 913
• Inquiry of international calls: 908

Region codes:

• Gdansk / Gdynia / Sopot 058
• Krakow 012
• Lodz 042
• Poznan 061
• Torun 056
• Warsaw 022
• Zamość 084
• Zakopane 018

Tips

In Poland it is customary to give a tip - but not necessarily. In restaurants, tips are usually 10-15%; in bars, the bill is rounded up. Some restaurants may charge 10% service charge; carefully study the bill and clarify so as not to pay a tip twice. Porters, maids and guides also expect tips from you.

Time

All of Poland is in the same time zone and lives according to Central European Time + 1 h. Summer time + 2 h is valid from the last Sunday in March.

Electricity

In Poland, the voltage in the electrical network is 220 V with a frequency of 50 Hz. Plug standard European (with two round pins); British and American devices will require an adapter. 110V/60Hz electrical appliances require an adapter or voltage converter.

toilets

Public toilets in Poland may be few and far between. There is usually a small fee (1-2 PLN), and even in cafes, patrons sometimes have to pay to use the toilet. Men's toilets usually denoted by a symbol in the form of a triangle, female - a circle.

Guides and excursions

A large number of tour agencies and other organizations are engaged in the sale of tour packages to Poland. Some offer special tours such as Jewish pilgrimages and religious trips. Thematic tours also include an excursion to Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter of Krakow, where the action of the film "Schindler's List" takes place.

The largest Polish tour operator "Orbis" offers all kinds of services, from city tours and day trips to discovering the main sights of Poland; Others offer similar services travel agencies. Information about guide-interpreters and organized excursions in major cities can be obtained from the tourist information office or the local branch of the RTTK.

Medical service

Doctors and other medical personnel in Poland are generally knowledgeable and experienced; most speak English or German. In some cases, you will have to pay for the medical services provided in cash, although for EU citizens who have a European health insurance card (it can be bought by mail or online at: www.ethic.org.uk), medical care is free. Citizens of non-EU countries must purchase health insurance; EU citizens can also purchase separate insurance, for example, for the fastest delivery to a medical facility.

As a precaution, it is recommended to drink bottled water - it is inexpensive in Poland. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the countryside, especially in areas bordering Russia, Lithuania, and Belarus, ask your doctor for symptoms of Lyme disease.

Foreigners are provided with emergency medical care on the spot. Ask your hotel or consulate for the name of a doctor who knows your native language. In Warsaw, Krakow, Gdańsk, Katowice, Szczecin, Lodz and Poznań, call the Falck service by dialing the area code and 9675 - there is an English speaking medical staff. The main ambulance station in Warsaw is located at ul. Hoza 56 (intersection with ul. Poznanska). The private hospital of the Ministry of Internal Affairs enjoys a good reputation (ul. Woloska 137, tel.: 022-508-1552). Centrum Medicover has medical centers in many Polish cities, in particular Krakow, Warsaw, Poznan and Gdansk; in case of emergency call: 9677 (around the clock).

Pharmacies

Look for the "apteka" sign. In Poland, pharmacies sell only medicines and medical products. A list of overnight pharmacies can be obtained from the Tourist Information Office. There are two in Warsaw: a pharmacy at ul. Putawska 39, tel.: 022-849-3757) and a pharmacy at al. Jerozolimskie 54, Central Station, tel.: 022-825-6986). For other pharmacies, see your local publication, In Your Pocket, or visit: www.inyourpocket.com.

Internet cafe

Internet cafes are very popular in major Polish cities, and the prices there are very low, from 4-6 zł per hour.

Warsaw: Casablanca (ul. Krakowskie Przedmiescie 4-6, tel.: 022-828-1447), cafe "Cyber" (Zwirki i Wigury 1, in the courtyard of the Marriott hotel opposite the airport, tel.: 022-650-0172), "Silver Zone" (ul. Pulawska 17, phone: 022-852-8888).

Krakow: Garinet (ul. Florianska 18, tel.: 012-423-2233), PCNet (ul. Kosciuszki 82, tel.: 012-411-2688).

Cards

Tourist information offices usually provide tourists with free maps of cities and regions. (often for a small fee), which is sufficient in most cases. There are a huge number of more detailed maps produced by PPWK and other publishers. Drivers may need a road atlas (Atlas Samochodowy).

Mass media

Newspapers and magazines

In Poland, periodicals are published in Russian, for example, the newspaper "Russian Courier of Warsaw", the magazine "New Poland". The most authoritative newspaper in English is the weekly Warsaw Voice. It covers Polish politics, business and culture in detail and has a dedicated section for tourists. Pay attention to publications such as "Welcome to Warsaw" (free information magazine), "Warsaw Insider" (free quarterly magazine with a poster of cultural events) and "In Your Pocket" (Warsaw, Krakow and Gdansk edition - mini guides with numerous lists and useful information).

Radio and TV

The first channel of Polish radio, which broadcasts on different frequencies throughout the country, broadcasts news in English. Poland has two state television channels and one private one, PolSat. Four and five star hotels (and some three star) offer satellite TV with major European and American news channels and programs.

Opening hours

Opening hours may vary, but most organizations in Poland are open Mon-Fri 8.00-17.00. Supermarkets, department stores and shopping centers open Mon-Sat 9.00-20.00, Sun 10.00-18.00. Small shops are open Mon-Fri 10.00-18.00, Sat 9.00 (10.00) - 23.00 (24.00) . Some have a day off on Saturday, and almost all shops are closed on Sunday. The "Non-Stop" sign indicates round-the-clock operation.

Banks are usually open Mon-Fri 9.00-16.00 (on Friday some close at 13.00). Museums are open: Tue-Sun 10.00-17.00, closed: Mon. The post office is open: Mon-Fri 8.00-20.00, Sat 8.00-14.00. The Central Post Office in Warsaw is open 24/7.

Mail

At post offices (poczta) you can send a letter, talk on the phone, send a telegram, telex and (in large branches) fax machine. Stamps are also sold at newsstands and shops, in the same place as postcards. Red mailboxes on the streets have the inscription "Poczta".

Central post office (Urzqd Pocztowy Warszawa) in Warsaw (ul. Swietokrzyska 31-33, phone: 022-505-3316) works around the clock. Other convenient branches are located on Targowa Street (ul. Targowa 73, tel.: 022-590-0360), on Constitution Square (pl. Konstytucji 3, tel.: 022-621-4825) and the Old Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta 15, tel.: 022-831-2333).

In Krakow, the Main Post Office is located on Westerplatte Street. (ul. Westerplatte 20, tel.: 012-422-3991, open: Mon-Fri 7.30-20.30, Sat 8.00-14.00, Sun 9.00-14.00). Another branch is located opposite the railway station (ul. Lubicz 4, open: Mon-Fri around the clock, some services are limited from 20.00 to 7.00, Sat 7.00-20.00).

Sending a postcard or letter to Europe costs PLN 1.90, to the USA and Canada - PLN 2.10.

There are representative offices of DHL, TNT and UPS in Warsaw and Krakow.

Units

In Poland, the metric system of measures and weights is used.

Information for tourists

Polish tourist information centers - from a table in the corner of a small tourist office to an entire building filled with interactive maps and tons of useful information - the first point after your arrival at the place. Here they will not only help you plan your route, but also advise you on a hotel, a car rental agency, restaurants with real local cuisine, and provide many other services. Below are the addresses of tourist information offices in the main cities of the country.

Warsaw

There are two tourist information offices at Okęce Airport: in the arrivals hall of Terminal 1 and in the Etiuda terminal (open: daily May - September 8.00-20.00, October - April 8.00-18.00). The other two branches are located at the Central Railway Station (al. Jerozolimskie 54, open: daily May - September 8.00-20.00, October - April 8.00-18.00) and on ul. Krakowskie Przedmiescie 39 (open: daily May - September 8.00-20.00, October - April 9.00-18.00). General tourist information can be obtained by phone: 022-9431 and on the website www.warsawtour.pl.

Krakow

Located in the very center of Europe, Poland is a country that many people know firsthand. Thousands of tourists come here every year, and it is not surprising - what is Warsaw alone worth! And among immigrants, Poland, along with Slovakia and the Czech Republic, is popular. Why not? Slavic country with fairly transparent immigration laws is of interest to immigrants from the countries of the former Soviet Union. Be that as it may, we have compiled for you a selection of interesting and curious facts about Poland:

1. In some coffee machines you can buy borscht. Yes, yes, borscht in Poland is usually drunk, not eaten.
2. The most popular sport among Poles is football.
3. After the Second World War, almost completely destroyed Warsaw was actually rebuilt.
4. There are more theaters in Polish cities than cinemas.
5. Films in Polish cinemas are shown without dubbing, with subtitles.
6. The most popular dessert in Poland is gingerbread.
7. Every year a large number of illegal immigrants come to Poland. However, this is not the best way - there are legal ways.
8. In Warsaw there is a street named after Winnie the Pooh.
9. Almost a third of the territory of Poland is occupied by carefully preserved forests.
10. Poland ranks first in the world in the export of amber.
11. It is the first country in Europe and the second country in the world to have a constitution.
12. In Poland, it is customary for men to kiss a woman's hand when they meet.
13. The largest departments in Polish grocery stores are departments with sweets.
14. The first floor in Poland is “zero. Accordingly, the button with the number "1" in the elevator corresponds to the second floor, and so on.
15. Almost a third (19 million out of 60) of Poles live in other countries.
16. On average, Poles get married before all other Europeans.
17. There is not a single nuclear power plant in Poland.
18. There are no homeless dogs here either. But there are a huge number of squirrels and hedgehogs in the parks. By the way, there are also a lot of parks.
19. The second city in terms of the number of Poles living in it is Chicago, USA.
20. Polish cuisine as a whole is very similar to Russian or Ukrainian.
21. A typical holiday dish in a Polish family is soup. On ordinary days, soup is rarely eaten.
22. Sports and fitness are very popular here. Many Poles run in the morning.
23. In general, the Poles, like the Germans, are punctual.
24. Passing the driving license exam in Poland is difficult.
25. Despite being a member of the European Union, Poland has retained its own currency, the złoty.
26. Honorary donors who have donated more than 18 liters of blood use public transport for free.
27. All major cities have night buses, but using them is not always safe.
28. There are many bicycles and cycle paths in Polish cities.
29. The sirens installed on special services vehicles are notable for their monstrous volume.
30. The academic year in Poland starts in October.
31. There are more than a hundred higher educational institutions in Poland.

Poland is the western neighbor of Ukraine and Belarus, the closest country to Russia, among those where Western Slavs live. The extreme eastern country of the European Union with a population of 39 million people. Despite the fact that this is a state in the European Union and the Schengen zone, it has its own monetary unit - the Polish zloty. Poles are similar to Ukrainians in many ways, but there are many different and interesting things. Consider some interesting facts about Poland.

Geography

In terms of area, Poland ranks ninth in the European Union and 69 in the world ranking. In the past, it was one of the largest European countries, stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea and included, by the way, almost the entire territory of Ukraine.

The Polish language ranks third among the Slavic languages ​​in terms of the number of speakers - after Russian and Ukrainian. And if you take into account that many Ukrainians communicate in Russian, or Surzhik, which is close to Russian, then it is in second place.

The largest cities are Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Lodz, Gdansk, Poznan.

Poland has been a member of NATO since 1999 and a full member of the European Union since 2004.

In the policy of the Polish state, nature protection occupies important place- a third of the territory is covered with forests, there are 23 national parks and more than nine thousand lakes. However, agriculture is also developed - half of the land is cultivated.

Despite the fact that many young people go abroad, the Polish economy is developing rapidly, the pace of development is the highest in the European Union.

Story

The first Polish prince, who is truly mentioned in the sources, is Mieszko I, he lived in the second half of the 9th century.

The first institution of higher education in Poland, the Jagiellonian University, was founded in 1364 by Casimir III. It was the second in Central Europe after the University of Prague, which was opened in 1348. The place got its name in the 19th century.

The history of Poland, starting from the 17th century, is the history of the struggle for survival. The state fought off foreign invasions and raised popular uprisings for the independence of the Czech Republic.

In addition to Warsaw, several other persons were capitals in Poland - Pozan, Gniezno, Lublin.

Famous people

The most famous Pole is Pope John Paul II, whose mother was of Ukrainian origin, so in some ways he was Ukrainian. He made 104 trips abroad, visited 1022 cities, visited Ukraine in 2001.

Among the Nobel laureates, 26 were Poles or had Polish roots.

Mariusz Pudzianowski has won the international competition "the strongest man in the world" five times. In terms of the number of victories in this tournament, he also holds the record.

The composer Chopin was a Pole born near Warsaw.

Maria Skłodowska Curie was a Polish woman, she received the first two Nobel Prize, together with her husband Pierre Curie, discovered the chemical element polonium, which was named after Poland.

The Pole was also Nicolas Copernicus, the author of the heliocentric theory, which states that the Earth revolves around the Sun. Element number 112 (Copernicus) is named after Copernicus, as well as a crater on the Moon, a crater on Mars, an asteroid, many streets and squares in the world, as well as in Ukraine, a genus of palms in Brazil, many monuments were erected to him, named after him University of Torun. The original treatise Copernicus sold at Christie's in 2008 for $2.2 million. The Germans also consider Copernicus "their own".

Poland has the highest level of secondary education in Europe - almost one hundred percent of the population attended and graduated from schools.

The centuries-old history of Poland is tragic. Four times its territory was divided between different states.

Reflections of these ancient events can be found in the life of the Poles today. For Christmas children Saint Nicholas brings gifts from Warsaw, Gwiazdor from Poznań, Angelochek from Krakow, Baby Jesus from Silesia.

In the eastern regions of the country New Year's Eve for children comes with gifts Santa Claus.

Despite the existing differences, Poland is ethnically, linguistically and culturally homogeneous country.

The exception is Selesia., which became part of the Polish state in World War II.

The statehood of Poland began to take shape in the 10th century. She appeared in creation of Krakow and Gniezen Poland.

The next state formation was Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. It lasted 200 years. All this time she was at war with various opponents.

Historical fact: in the entire history of its existence, it has experienced more than 40 invasions by the armies of various states.

It is not for nothing that the Poles are called cocky people and brave warriors. Many of them adopted cruelty from the Tatars, who at one time kept Europe in fear with their invasions and extortions.

In the period from the 17th to the 18th century, the country lost about 4 million Poles in various battles and from diseases.

In 1795, Poland was so weakened that for some time it completely disappeared from the map of Europe. taken over by other states. Its territory was divided between Prussia, Austria and Russia.

More than 6 million people died during the Second World War. On the territory of Poland, the Nazis concentrated about 70% of the prison camps they created in Europe.

Recent history began in 1989. At this time, there were strikes of Polish workers, on which the strikers decided to abandon socialism and start building a new Rzeczpospolita.

Modern Poland is part of the EU and NATO.

To the traditional four seasons they add two eve - spring and winter. Summer in Polish begins in May and ends in September.

22 reserves have been created in the state. It also has its own desert., it is the only one in Europe. They call her Blendovskaya.

Very often in ordinary city parks you can find a large number of squirrels and hedgehogs here.

Almost half of Polish land is devoted to agricultural land. Their main part is located in the east of the country. These are the poorest areas. Residents of the western part very often express their displeasure about who feeds whom.

Free healthcare in Poland. There are more patients in it than doctors, so you need to make an appointment with a therapist almost a month in advance.

There are some things in which Poland is known as the first in Europe. For example, it became the first state on the European continent to adopt a constitution.

It occupies the first place in the world among the exporters of amber. The country is the undisputed leader of Europe in terms of the number of apples grown in it.

Poland is ahead of other European countries and by the number of Catholics living in it. It is one of the most mononational countries in the world. More than 93% of local residents identify themselves as Poles.

Before World War II, there were many Jews living in Poland. Their number exceeded 3 million people. The war reduced their numbers by 10 times.

The second largest diaspora in Poland is currently Ukrainian community.

Abortions and drinking alcohol in public places are prohibited here.

Study at higher educational institutions for free can not only citizens, but also foreign students. A prerequisite for this is knowledge of the Polish language. The student year here begins in October.

As in neighboring Belarus, white storks nest in Poland and bison are found. The territory of forests in the country occupies almost a third of its area.

Near the city of Wągrowiec at an angle of 90 degrees two rivers intersect - Nelba and Velna. Their waters do not mix with each other because the streams have different speeds and water temperatures.

More than all the peoples inhabiting the planet, Poles don't like Germans and Russians. The basis of this dislike is rooted in history.

The Poles blame Germany and Russia for the occupation of their state, forgetting many ugly facts of their role in the history of Europe.

The main part of the older generation is fluent in Russian. During the Warsaw Pact, it was studied in every Polish school.

After the collapse of the USSR, he was completely expelled from the school curriculum. Almost all Polish youth now speaks English.

Modern Germans treat Poles as poor relatives within the European family. You can often hear the German joke about the Polish "triathlon". Its meaning lies in the fact that the Pole comes to the pool on foot, and leaves it on a bicycle.

Among European countries, Poland ranks 9th in terms of area. its territory. Despite the fact that it is located in the center of Europe, it is always referred to as the Eastern part of the continent.

Not so beloved Warsaw

Poles don't really like their capital, it seems to them too noisy. They have their own beautiful legend about how the name of their city came about.

It tells about a fisherman who marries a mermaid. Their names were Wars and Sawa. Their union gave the city its name.

Mermaid is the symbol of Warsaw. She is depicted on the flag of the Polish capital. In the old market square of the city, a monument was erected to her in 1855.

Every tourist who comes to Warsaw strives to stroke this mermaid's tail. It is believed that this helps dreams and desires come true.

At the end of the 90s of the last century, the subway was launched in Warsaw. This is the only city in the country where it exists.

There is an opinion that Warsaw became the Polish capital in 1596. This is not true. For the first time Warsaw was declared the capital of the state only in 1918., and officially the status was assigned to her in 1952.

According to tradition in Warsaw, it is customary to erect monuments to saints on the highest pedestals.

The capital of the state can be safely called the city of students. It has 66 universities.

It is the highest capital in Europe. Most large building Warsaw was built by order of Stalin. Its height is 237 meters.

It houses the Palace of Culture and Science. This is a gift from the USSR to the Polish capital.

Warsaw is famous for its caramel. The main Polish company producing sweets was established in the city in 1851. The first product she released was caramel, designed to treat colds and other ailments.

During the Second World War, Warsaw was destroyed by almost 85%. Rebuilt, the capital is a very clean and intelligent city.

Number of theaters in a capital city with a population of over 2.5 million, 2 times more cinema halls.

Fun fact: there is no circus in Warsaw, but there is a street named after Winnie the Pooh.

Polish cuisine

National Polish strong drink - Zubrowka. Drink this Polish vodka with apple juice. She insists on local herbs.

The most popular dishes of national Polish cuisine are prepared from chicken and pork. In the traditional Polish menu, you can find food familiar to other peoples.

They also cook "fish in Greek" here. The most popular Polish dish - bigos. It is a stewed cabbage with smoked meat.

On holidays, locals cook soups. Christmas soups - mushroom and beetroot. For Easter they cook zhurek. This is a soup based on a special sourdough with the addition of eggs and white sausage.

Soup is also served at the wedding. Borscht is so popular here that you can even find it in coffee machines. Poles eat soups without bread.

The Poles also love their sausages. In terms of quality, they are not inferior to German ones.

Fast food is becoming more and more popular in modern Poland. Poles eat a huge amount of pizza every year.. Beer consumption is also increasing in the country.

Panove and panns

According to an old tradition, Polish men kiss women's hands. when meeting and parting. Thus they express their respect to the ladies.

Poles are very punctual people.. Public transport runs along the route in the cities exactly on schedule.

Anyone who talks about the sobriety of the Poles is very much mistaken. They test true friendship with strong drinks.. After all, only a drunk person is able to say what he thinks.

Poles marry at an earlier age than all other Europeans. For them, the name day is more important than their own birthday. They love to celebrate family holidays. They have grandparents, dads and moms days.

When visiting, locals always take off their street shoes. They are great lovers of picking mushrooms and berries in the forest.. This makes them very different from other Europeans, who ignore such logging for the winter.

Hot-tempered and hot Poles they are very jealous of the memory of their ancestors. In whatever country the grave of their relatives is located, they will take care of it.

They are very polite and tactful people.. With strangers they only speak "you". Going into polish shop it is customary to greet everyone. Respectful attitude towards the elderly.

Despite their education, Poles are quite superstitious. “13” is considered a bad number for them. They don't like black cats either.

Traditions and holidays of the Poles, funny habits

The inhabitants of the state have preserved a large number of traditions which have their roots in religious holidays.

The brightest celebrations are associated with the Christmas holidays. These days, festive processions and performances are held on the streets of cities, in which biblical scenes are played out.

New Year's Eve is called Sylvester here. It hosts massive festivities.

Seeing off winter is accompanied by the execution of Maganna. This pagan rite is very similar to the Russian Maslenitsa. The effigy of Mazhanna is stuffed with straw, dressed in white clothes, burned or drowned.

The Catholic Church tried to fight this pagan rite until the 20th century., but could not overcome the desire of local residents to celebrate this holiday.

Wedding traditions associated with otchepins. This is the rite of passage of the bride to the status of wife. Traditionally, the bride's hair is shortened and a cap is put on her head.

The second day of the wedding was called "corrections" here. Russians are familiar with this tradition.

On Christmas straw is placed under the tablecloth laid on the festive table. Placed on the table and an extra device for uninvited guest. On the day of Ivan Kupala It is customary for Poles to douse themselves with water.

Two days of them in May - 1 and 3, it's Labor Day and the Constitution. In November, the state celebrates its independence day, and on January 1, the New Year. Poles have a rest at Easter and Christmas.

Other interesting information about the country

Poles traditionally watch a movie on New Year's Eve."Kevin Home Alone" is as common as the Russians' "Twist of Fate".

The Catholic Church in Poland is granted the right to conduct not only the wedding ceremony, but also the official registration of marriage.

Graduation ball in Poland held long before the final exams. The first dance that is traditionally danced on it is the polonaise.

There is a law here that obliges the citizens of the country pay 1% of their income to a public benefit project. Which one, the Poles choose themselves.

The money raised in this way is used to provide shelters for homeless animals, which cannot be found on the streets of cities.

Of particular interest to tourists coming here are medieval castles. They are shrouded in unsolved mysteries and amazingly beautiful.

One of them is Malbork. This is the largest medieval castle in Europe. Its construction dates back to the 13th century.

Located in Lesser Poland Voivodeship residence of Polish kings - Wawel Castle. The area occupied by it is more than 7 thousand sq.m.

The strongest man in the world is a Pole - Mariusz Pudzianowski. He confirmed this title five times.

The most famous Poles outside their country were- poet Adam Mickiewicz, writer Henryk Sienkiewicz, composer Frederic Chopin, scientists Maria Curie-Skladowska and Nikolai Copernicus, Pope John Paul II, film director Andrzej Wajda, security officer Felix Dzerzhinsky.

Poland is a country with a rich history and cultural heritage. Picturesque landscapes and numerous architectural monuments attract tourists to look here. Interesting Facts Poland can be listed endlessly, but we will try to highlight the most significant and unusual of them.

A bit of geography

Poland stood out with a fairly large area: the state owns 312,679 sq. km. m. This is the ninth place among all European countries. The territory is divided into 16 voivodeships, which consist of districts (poviats) and volosts (gminas). Interesting facts about Poland begin with determining its location. The state is habitually classified as Eastern Europe, but if you look at the map it is easy to make sure that it is located in the very heart of Europe. According to calculations made at the end of the 18th century, the geographical center of Poland is located in Sukhovolya.

The country has seven neighbors on land: Germany in the west, the Czech Republic in the southwest, Slovakia in the south, Ukraine in the southeast, Belarus in the east, Lithuania and Russia in the northeast. Through the Baltic Sea zone it borders with Sweden and Denmark. The interesting facts about Poland in terms of the geography of the state do not end there. Not far from Wągrowiec, two rivers intersect at right angles - the Nelba and the Velna. It is noteworthy that their waters have different flow rates and temperatures. As a result, they do not mix with each other.

Country history

Interesting facts about Poland cannot bypass its great history, which has accumulated from the 10th century to the present. It was at this time that the first statehood was formed: Krakow and Gniezen Poland. After them comes the period of a more famous unification - the Commonwealth. Its existence lasted about 200 years. It is worth saying that the country had a hard time: everyone coveted in the territory of Central Europe. Poland practically did not come out of the state of war. Despite this, the Poles treated the development of the country with due respect: universities were built, houses and palaces were designed. Infrastructure grew before our eyes, and no wars could stop it.

However, by the end of the 18th century, the country was overly exhausted by constant skirmishes with its neighbors. A period of political and economic decline began. In total for the period of the XVII-XVIII centuries. almost 4 million Poles died in connection with epidemics of diseases and wars. In 1795 Poland ceased to exist on the world map. Its territory was divided between Austria, Prussia and Russia. During the First World War, there was a mass emigration of Poles, which then often obliged them to fight among themselves.

In the period between the First and Second World Wars, Poland had a chance to restore statehood, but, not allowing it to properly rebuild, the country was occupied by Nazi Germany. During its period, more than 6 million Poles perish. About 70% of Nazi concentration camps functioned on the territory of Poland. After the victory and the liberation of the territories, the state proclaimed the "construction" of a socialist society, in which the USSR authorities actively participated. This did not suit many Poles. After a strike by workers and trade union organizations in 1989, socialism was abolished. Proclaimed III

Statehood and ethnic composition

A country is first and foremost the people who inhabit it. Interesting facts about Poland include such an indicator as its mono-ethnicity. This is perhaps the only country that has managed to keep up to 98% of ethnic Poles within its territory. Germans, Ukrainians and Belarusians predominate among national minorities.

Currently, Poland has a republican system and is with a bicameral parliament. The country is a member of the EU and NATO, and is also part of the Schengen area. Despite all the historical difficulties, the state was able to achieve independence and stability. The emblem of the country is a white eagle on a red background. Its creation gave rise to legends about the founding of the first capital of Poland - Gniezno. In this place flew majestic under the purple rays of the sun. It was here that the first capital of the country was founded.

Nature and climate

Interesting facts about Poland cannot but arise, if only because the country has a unique nature and climate. There are 6 seasons here: in addition to summer, winter, spring and autumn, winter eve and spring eve are distinguished. They have little to do with the calendar. For example, summer begins in May and lasts until September. Interesting cases of unexpected precipitation: brown rain and orange snow. True, this rarely happens - no more than once a century. The average temperature is 20 degrees Celsius in summer and -7 in winter.

About 50% of the country's territory is occupied by agriculture, which gives it a special flavor. There are no homeless animals here. Poland boasts of ecology like no other. There are many squirrels and hedgehogs in the parks. White storks live on the territory of the country (about 23% of the total population). There are 22 nature reserves here, among which the most famous is Belovezhskaya Pushcha, which was included in the World Heritage List of mankind. According to scientists, forests of this type grew throughout Europe. Currently, this is the only surviving relict mixed forest.

Education and science

Poles are considered one of the most educated nations. About 90% of the population can boast of a certificate of secondary education and a diploma of higher education. According to these indicators, the country occupies a leading position among all EU countries. Consider the most interesting facts about Poland in the field of science and education:

• the first university was founded in 1364, but now the country has about 100 such institutions;
• citizens of this state became the owners of 17 Nobel Prizes;
• a Polish woman became the first in history to win the Nobel Prize twice;
• polonium was named after Poland;
• composer F. F. Chopin was a Pole and was born near Warsaw.

It is worth noting that the inventions of Polish scientists were often ahead of their time. For example, the technique of growing large crystals of semiconductors and metals began to be used only after 30 years from the date of discovery.

Polish cuisine

Each country somehow stands out for its taste preferences. For example, herring is a favorite snack dish of Poles. This people has a lot of options for its preparation. In general, it is quite close to Russian, but it is not so fat. In any restaurant you can find a "standard" set of Russian pies, Ukrainian borscht and Greek fish. Russian pies here are called vareniki with potatoes or cottage cheese, which are fried a little after cooking.

Bigos is one of the national dishes. This is braised cabbage with smoked meats and meat. There are as many recipes for its preparation as there are for herring. Poles give a special place to the first dish. No party is complete without soups. The most common mushroom soup or beetroot soup. Moreover, the latter is usually drunk, not eaten. Bread is not served with the first course.

Common products in Polish cuisine are chicken and pork. It is noteworthy that on the shelves you can hardly find ryazhenka, condensed milk, dumplings or crackers. Pies, gingerbread, donuts and rolls are baked as desserts. You will not find pies familiar to the Russian soul here.

It is certainly interesting for a young geographer to learn as many amazing things about each country as possible. What to tell the child about this unknown state?

Tell us about what's happening in Poland:

• the bizarre Crooked Forest grows with curved trees resembling magical plants;
• has its own desert with an area of ​​33 sq. km;
• speak one of the most difficult and widespread languages ​​- Polish;
• there is a street named after Winnie the Pooh;
• eat pizza with ketchup;
• one of the largest zoos and aquariums is located;
• about 70% of amber products are produced;
• St. Nicholas, Gvyazdor or Angelochek congratulates children on Christmas and New Year;
• more often celebrate name days than birthdays;
• many children and adults know the song "Let there always be sunshine" and perform it with pleasure.

This European state is unique in its own way. On its territory there are the most beautiful monuments of architecture and nature, and the current culture can surprise you in many ways. What other features does this country have? Consider 10 interesting facts about Poland:

1. Football is the country's most popular and beloved sport.
2. Compared to Europeans, Poles start a family quite early. The average age of newlyweds is 24 years.
3. Abortions are prohibited here, so Polish families are often numerous.
4. 98% of Poles are Catholics, very devout. Children are brought up in accordance with religious beliefs.
5. All establishments are closed on Christmas Eve. The population gathers at home with families and celebrates. No employer has the right to force a subordinate to work on this day.
6. Among fast food, kebab is common. Its composition is similar to shawarma, only it is placed not in pita bread, but in half a loaf.
7. Poles do not have problems with being overweight. In addition, the girls are always modestly dressed.
8. Politeness and manners are honored here. Ladies are greeted with a kiss on the hand. They communicate with strangers in “you”, adding the word “pan” to men, and “pani” to a woman.
9. Here you can find combined monuments to the victims of Nazism and Soviet power. The Poles consider Germans and Russians the most unloved nations, although in reality they do not show aggression.
10. It is not customary to bring lilacs into the house. This is a sign of death.

Poland is a country with centuries of history, which is definitely worth seeing live. The territories are rich in the oldest architectural monuments, and nature surprises with its beauty. In addition, many indigenous people still remember the Russian language, the fashion for which, by the way, is growing again. In search of something amazing and beautiful, look into Poland. This country has not left anyone indifferent.