If you’re living in Berlin or just visiting for a few days, you might be looking for a fun and exciting getaway that lets you explore a new country without going too far from the city. Well, let me say, you’re in luck! This post is specially crafted for you.
Being a neighboring country, Poland offers a multitude of unique experiences and beautiful sights that can be discovered in a one-day trip. In this post, I’ll share several itinerary ideas for day trips to Poland that are perfect if you want to start your journey in the morning and return to Berlin the same day in the evening or afternoon.
I am convinced that all of the destinations I’m about to recommend are located close to the Polish-German border, which means you won’t have to spend too much time on the road. This way, you can maximize your time spent exploring and enjoying the fantastic places Poland has to offer.
So, if you want an incredible day trip, stay tuned as we dive into the best day trip itinerary ideas from Berlin to Poland. I think you’ll find a variety of options to choose from. Pack your backpack and get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure.
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„Ujście Warty” National Park
If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway that’s surrounded by nature, then the Ujście Warty National Park is the perfect destination. This national park is a unique backwater that’s home to many species of birds, making it a haven for bird-watching enthusiasts.
The park’s vast meadows, swamps, and wetlands offer ideal conditions for bird colonies to thrive. It’s worth to say that this area was not always so serene. In the 18th century, the Prussian King Frederick William drained the wetlands and acquired new land for human settlement and agricultural development. However, over the past hundred years, the backwaters of the Warta river have been allowed to live a fairly natural cycle, which nature has taken advantage of.
In 2001, the Ujście Warty National Park was established to preserve its natural values and in recognition of its exceptional natural and cultural values, it was awarded the European title EDEN (European Destination of Excellence) by the European Commission.
UNESCO Park in Łęknica
This small town is located right next to the German border and is surrounded by the stunning Muskau Arch Landscape Park. Being in close proximity to two UNESCO sites, Łęknica is a town that should not be missed. The town is also home to many beautiful bridges, making it a unique and charming destination.
Discover the City of Bridges
The town has a close relationship with its German neighbor, Bad Muskau, with residents from both sides of the border often crossing the seven bridges that connect the two towns.
In Łęknica, you’ll find a close-knit community of 2,000 residents who live and work together almost as if they were in one city. The close proximity of the town to Bad Muskau means that residents from both sides benefit from each other’s resources, with Germans coming to Łęknica for shopping, dining, and hair apointments, while Poles go to Bad Muskau for things like swimming and coffee.
Explore the Surroundings of Szczecin
Szczecin is a popular tourist destination that offers plenty of ways to spend your free time. From the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle to the National Museum, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the city.
However, if you’re looking to escape the city for a while, there are many interesting places in the vicinity of Szczecin that are worth visiting.
Make Sure to Check the Mysterious Crooked Forest
One of the most interesting places near Szczecin is the unique Crooked Forest in Nowe Czarnowo near Gryfino. This cluster of trees is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, with several hundred trees bent at a 90-degree angle about 20 centimeters above the ground.
There are many theories about how the trees became bent, but the most popular theory is that they were shaped for use in carpentry, boatbuilding, or as Christmas trees. Regardless of how they became bent, the Crooked Forest is a mysterious and fascinating place that’s perfect for a weekend trip with the whole family.
Do You like mysterious things? Then you definitely need to read this: The Ultimate Guide to Poland’s Abandoned Palaces [GPS]
Wolsztyn Museum of Locomotives
Wolsztyn is home to the last working steam locomotives in Europe and is a true gem for lovers of historic locomotives. Here, you’ll find steam locomotives that are kept in excellent condition and still serve regular connections, pulling both passenger and freight trains.
You’ll be struck by the beauty of the nearly 100-year-old locomotive shed and the historic steam locomotives, old wagons, and draisines that are maintained in pristine condition. There’s also a small railway museum on site that’s worth checking out.
One of the highlights of Wolsztyn is seeing the smoke rising from the chimneys of the steam locomotives, which are kept „under steam” just like in the past. Even the oldest locomotive, the Tki 3-87 built in Königsberg in 1908, is fully operational.
In addition to the regular trains, there are also special tourist courses that take you on rides on retro trains in carriages from the late 1920s.
Every May, railway enthusiasts from all over Europe come to Wolsztyn to participate in the annual feast of steam locomotives. The highlight of the event is the parade of locomotives, including the „Beautiful Helena” built in Chrzanów in 1937 (Pm 36-2). The Wolsztyn roundhouse is open to visitrs every day from 8:00-15:00.
Discover the Charm of Poznań
Poznań, Poland is a city full of interesting attractions that you won’t want to miss! From its iconic town hall tower featuring the famous goats, to its historic tenement houses and unique atmosphere, there’s something for everyone in this city.
One of the must-visit destinations is the St. Martin Croissant Museum in the Old Market Square. This museum is dedicated to the 150-year-old tradition of croissant baking and offers interactive shows where you can learn how to make croissants according to the original recipe.
The Museum of the History of the City of Poznań, located in the Poznań Town Hall, is a great place to learn about the city’s past. Housed in the former seat of municipal authorities, this museum provides fascinating information about the city’s history.
Animal lovers will want to check out the Zoological Garden, the second-largest zoo in Poland, or the Poznań Palm House, the largest palm house in the country, which showcases over 1,100 species of land plants, 50 species of aquatic plants, and 170 species of fish.
For those looking to relax, head to the Maltese Baths, the largest sports and recreation center in Poland. With its variety of swimming pools, saunas, and hot tubs, it’s the perfect destination for a day of fun and relaxation. Plus, its location near Lake Maltańskie makes it even more picturesque.
If you’re a fan of culture, don’t miss the Old Brewery shopping mall. This mall is not only great for shopping, but it also serves as a center for culture and education, hosting a variety of events, workshops, concerts, shows, and meetings.
Ostrow Tumski, one of the few remaining islands on the Warta River, is a charming destination with its picturesque alleys and charming cafes. It’s also home to the Archcathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, one of the oldest temples in Poland.
Finally, for a chance to relax and enjoy nature, visit the Citadel Park, the largest park in Poznań. With two museums, a monument to heroes, an amphitheater, a rosarium, and the historic oak tree and the Bell of Peace and Friendship Between Nations, it’s the perfect place to spend a day outdoors.
Unusual Fortifications Beneath Kaława
In the 1930s, the fortifications of the Międzyrzecz Fortified Region (MRU) were built to protect Germany against the Polish army in the event of war. But by the time the Soviet offensive rolled around in 1945, these fortifications were obsolete and undermanned. Today, they are a tourist attraction that can be safely explored near Kaława.
If you’re curious about this piece of history, you’ll be amazed by the underground route that takes you through a fragment of one of the fortification complexes that made up the MRU. The system of underground corridors, including a main road stretching over 12 kilometers, is truly impressive. You’ll see the tracks of the electric railway and side tunnels leading to the defensive structures with armored domes on the surface, which are over 30 kilometers long.
Visitors will be in awe of the scope of the underground fortification works, which took place on a larger scale and in a shorter amount of time than the construction of the metro in Warsaw. While part of the underground is inaccessible due to flooding, visitors can still experience the world of the nature reserves „Nietoperek,” which are immersed in darkness, cold, and damp.
This place is open every day from April to the end of September from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and out of season from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays).
Piast Castle in Międzyrzecze
The Piast Castle in Międzyrzecz is a historic landmark that attracts tourists and history enthusiasts alike. With its unique fortifications and rich history, it is a must-visit destination for anyone in the area. Visitors can explore the castle’s well-preserved walls and towering bastions, which were built to protect against infantry firing firearms. The castle also houses a regional museum with a large collection of coffin portraits, making it a fascinating destination for art lovers as well.
The Piast Castle is open to visitors every day and is a great destnation for a weekend trip. With its unique architecture and rich history, it is a great place to learn about the past and admire the beauty of ancient fortifications.
Reference:
- http://www.polskaniezwykla.pl/web/place/7827,kalawa-niezwykle-fortyfikacje.html
- https://www.globforum.pl/wielkopolska-lubuskie-opolskie/1854-parowozownia-wolsztyn.html
- https://raczejtrampki.pl/szczecin-top-10-atrakcji/
- https://www.hotelaltus.pl/ciekawostki
