Explore Captivating Places To Visit Near Poland For History, Nature Trails, Scenic Towns And Lakes

Prague Czech Republic historic cityscape one of the top places to visit near Poland.

Places to visit near Poland provide tourists with many cultures, landscapes, and histories all within short distances. Neighbouring countries offer highlights from colourful cities to spectacular parks, and there is a perfect getaway for everyone. Completing your Polish experience with a visit outside of its borders gives long-distance travellers efficient and enriching experiences. Polish neighbours offer many opportunities to explore medieval castles, stunning mountains, and scenic beaches in the Baltic Sea. Go and get lost. The travel connections are not in short supply, and your experiences will complement and add value to your trip in Europe.

10 Places To Visit Near Poland

These 10 places to visit near Poland gives travellers an exceptional means to engage with a variety of cultures, nature and history just on the other side of the borders.

1. Germany

Neues Schloss and Jubilee Column in Stuttgart top places to visit near Poland.

Photo: Julian Herzog / Wikimedia Commons

Germany is the western neighbour of Poland and is a very dynamic nation with a rich history in combination with vibrant modernity. The cities of Berlin, Munich and Dresden are also presented with excellent museums, historical monuments and vibrant cultural life. The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and the memorabilia of the Berlin Wall add more history to the city, and beer gardens and festivals make Munich a Bavarian city. Nature lovers have an opportunity to see beautiful scenery during their walk in the Black Forest and Saxon Switzerland National Park, where they can enjoy nature and do outdoor activities.

Capital City: Berlin
Top Attraction: Brandenburg Gate

2. Czech Republic

Scenic view of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic with red rooftops, a church tower, and hills.

Photo: Rene Cortin / Wikimedia Commons

Situated to the southwest of Poland is another fairytale-like nation called the Czech Republic, with its capital being Prague. Prague is a magical place you cannot overlook with its magnificent medieval design, mottled roads, and the popular Charles Bridge that makes the city of Prague stun travellers all year round. There is also more to the capital with beautiful towns such as Cesky Krumlov, which boasts serene views of its rivers and the well-maintained castles. National parks and recreation include such natural wonders as Bohemian Switzerland National Park, where people walk through spectacular sandstone cliffs.

Capital City: Prague
Top Attraction: Charles Bridge

3. Slovakia

Popradské pleso in Vysoké Tatry Slovakia scenic lake among places to visit near Poland.

Photo: Marek Levák / Unsplash

Slovakia, the southern neighbour of Poland, is a resort place for nature lovers and mountain-loving people. The splendid High Tatras on the Slovakia-Polish border present magnificent alpine landscapes and lakes of unrivalled clearness, with hiking trails, skiing, and climbing opportunities. Its capital, Bratislava, is situated on the Danube and is an old town with cafes, castles, and colours. Slovakia also boasts wooden churches included in the UNESCO list of wooden churches, spa towns as Pie B put, and national parks such as Slovak Paradise with its canyons and waterfalls. Located in southern Poland, particularly Zakopane or Kraków, Slovakia is a destination of easy cross-border getaways.

Capital City: Bratislava
Top Attraction: High Tatras Mountains

4. Lithuania

Wooden bridge over lake surrounded by trees in Gratiškės, Lithuania.

Photo: Velodi Tsaguria / Unsplash

Northeast of Poland, Lithuania is captivating in its rich medieval charm, Baltic coastlines, and expressive culture. Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, has one of the largest Baroque old towns in Europe with cobbled streets, brightly painted buildings, and historic churches. Trakai Castle, which can be found outside the city and is nestled among lakes and forests, is on an island. For nature lovers, the Curonian Spit is a UNESCO World Heritage site that features expansive dunes, pine forests, and secluded beaches along the form of the Lithuanian shoreline along the Baltic Sea. From a visit perspective, Lithuania is a serene, scenic, and undiscovered place to visit near Poland.

Capital City: Vilnius
Top Attraction: Curonian Spit

5. Ukraine

Pink rhododendrons in Carpathians Ukraine scenic spot among places to visit near Poland.

Photo: Misha Reme / Wikimedia Commons

Ukraine is a country that is situated in the south-east of Poland and can be called a culturally rich and historically important location. Lviv, near the Polish border, with its cobbled streets, Austria-Hungary architecture, and buzzing cafe culture, is also an outstanding example. The city of Lviv is referred to as the cultural capital, and it provides culture through art galleries, art and theatres, and wonderful old churches. To the east, Kyiv balances contemporary urban values with such historical sites as the Cathedral of Saint Sophia and Maidan Square. Western Ukraine has the Carpathian Mountains with its forests and ski resorts that are in plenty for those interested in nature.

Capital City: Kyiv
Top Attraction: Lviv Old Town

6. Belarus

Statue of the Virgin Mary in Miory, Belarus surrounded by greenery and sky.

Photo: Andrey Kukharenko / Unsplash

Belarus is an eastern European country of pristine nature, Soviet-style architecture, and subdued elegance. Its capital, Minsk, has been providing large boulevards, neat streets, and major attractions such as the Victory Square and the National Library. On the Polish border is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Belovezhskaya Pushcha, one of the remaining primeval forests that covers part of eastern Europe, including Poland. It is inhabited by rare bison and European bison. Another major attraction close to the border is the Brest Fortress, which is a landmark of the Soviet resistance in World War II.

Capital City: Minsk
Top Attraction: Belovezhskaya Pushcha

7. Hungary

Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest iconic site among places to visit near Poland.

Photo: Ervin Lukacs / Unsplash

Being the neighbour to the south of Poland, Hungary is a mesmerising attraction that can show its inhabitants its capital, hot spas, and panoramas of the Danube River. The capital of Hungary, Budapest, or the “Pearl of the Danube” as it is frequently called, is an impressive blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau architecture. Buda Castle, the Parliament Building, and the soothing thermal baths Szechenyi and Gellert are some of the attractions that made the city the talk of the town. The Hungarian landscape is provided with cities like Lake Balaton and the wine region of Eger around Budapest.

Capital City: Budapest
Top Attraction: Thermal Baths

8. Sweden

Historic Gamla Stan old town with colorful buildings and cobblestone streets in Stockholm.

Photo: Adam Gavlák / Unsplash

In the Baltic Sea, across the Polish waters, is Sweden, and with its clean cities, beautiful coastlines, and Nordic appeal, the country promises a no less thrilling Scandinavian escape. Its capital, Stockholm, is an archipelago city located on 14 islands and comprises such attractions as the Vasa Museum, the Gamla Stan (Old Town) and the Royal Palace. Gothenburg also offers a coastal spirit and cosmopolitan culture, along with Malmö. Nature lovers can have their quiet time in the forests, lakes, and take a trip to the northern Lapland side of Sweden.

Capital City: Stockholm
Top Attraction: Stockholm Archipelago

9. Austria

Floral clock in Stadtpark Austria colorful blooms and working timepiece places to visit near Poland.

Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons

To the southwest of Poland is a destination that involves luxurious imperial stateliness and Alpine adventure, Austria. Its capital, the city of Vienna, exerts an irresistible appeal on its guests through imposing architecture, music concert halls, and historic cafes. Sch646 Tunbrunn Palace, St. Stephen Cathedral, and the Belvedere Museum are some of the highlights. To the lovers of nature, the Austrian Alps provide the highest skiing, hiking experience, and beautiful mountain scenery. Mozart was born in Salzburg, which charms visitors with its baroque old town and fortress. Austria is a blend of culture and outdoors and is easily accessible via train or vehicle, travelling out of the Polish cities located in the south, such as Kraków.

Capital City: Vienna
Top Attraction: Schönbrunn Palace

10. Denmark

Søpavillonen on Peblinge Lake Denmark with white arches and water reflection.

Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons

Denmark is a Nordic country located northwest of Poland, on the other side of the Baltic Sea. The country is known for contemporary design, old-world towns, and coastal experiences. Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, has several landmarks, including The Little Mermaid statue, Nyhavn harbour, and Tivoli Gardens. Bornholm Island is also an interesting destination. It is closer to Poland and can be reached by ferry from Świnoujście, allowing you to experience Bornholm’s quaint fishing villages, white-sand beaches, and medieval ruins. Denmark’s combination of progressive culture, clean cities, and stunning coastline makes it a nice place to go for a vacation in the north.

Capital City: Copenhagen
Top Attraction: Bornholm Island

When exploring places to visit near Poland, you’ll uncover rich history, culture, and nature just beyond its borders. From vibrant cities to tranquil mountains and Baltic shores, each neighboring country offers something unique. Perfect for weekend trips or extended holidays, these destinations are easily reachable by train, bus, car, or flight. Ready to explore? Plan your journey today with TripXL for a seamless adventure to unforgettable places near Poland.

Cover Photo: Ouael Ben Salah / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many ways to travel, including by train, bus, car, and by plane. Training and bus services connect the major cities, while flights are a quicker way to travel long distances, such as in Sweden and Lithuania.
Slovakia's High Tatras have breathtaking alpine scenery and large amounts of hiking and skiing opportunities. Germany's Saxon Switzerland National Park has very dramatic sandstone formations. Lithuania's Curonian Spit and Belarus's Belovezhskaya Pushcha are also breathtaking nature spots near Poland.
Yes! The Baltic beaches adjacent to Poland and the Curonian Spit of Lithuania are beautiful coastal destinations with sand beaches and dunes. There are lovely seaside towns along the Baltic coast of Kaliningrad, too. These areas are great for summertime relaxation, which is so close to Poland.
Prague in the Czech Republic and Berlin in Germany are both great weekend destinations, not far from southern and western Poland. Both cities have rich histories, strong cultures, and are easy to access.
In most tourist areas, English typically works just fine. However, it always helps to know a few key phrases in German, Czech, Slovak, or even Russian if you're travelling outside the main tourist or capital cities in those countries.

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