Golden Polish Autumn: not just a slogan, but the yellow beech forests of the Stołowe Mountains, the reddening mountain meadows of the Bieszczady Mountains, morning mists over the Narew River, orchards around Grójec, and the grape harvest in the Lubuskie region. It’s the perfect time to discover Poland beyond peak tourist season — at a slower pace, closer to nature, and with greater planning flexibility.
Autumn hiking in the Bieszczady Mountains
Start in the Bieszczady Mountains, around Wetlina, Ustrzyki Górne, and Cisna. The autumn mountain meadows known as połoniny (open mountain ridges) are among the most distinctive landscapes in this area. Trails leading to Połonina Wetlińska and Połonina Caryńska offer sweeping views and the region’s peaceful rhythm. For travelers who prefer small guesthouses, local inns, and evenings enjoying simple regional cuisine, it is an excellent choice over popular resorts.
Roztocze National Park and Zamość
Another great autumn getaway destination is Roztocze, between Zamość, Zwierzyniec, and Szczebrzeszyn. This region is ideal for gentle hiking, cycling, and quiet landscapes. In autumn, Roztocze National Park, Echo Ponds, and the forest trails around Zwierzyniec are worth visiting. Zamość, with its Renaissance market square and tranquil town center, is a convenient base for a short stay.
Lower Silesia and the Stołowe Mountains
Lower Silesia is another excellent choice for enjoying the Golden Polish Autumn. The Kłodzko Valley, Polanica-Zdrój, Duszniki-Zdrój, and Lądek-Zdrój are particularly attractive during this season. In the Stołowe Mountains, visitors should not miss Szczeliniec Wielki and the Błędne Skały rock formations.
After a hike, it’s nice to spend time in a spa town, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, or plan another day exploring castles, parks, and charming small towns.
Apple Season in the Grójec orchards
Autumn in Poland is also the season of apples, and one of the best places to experience this tradition is the area around Grójec in the Mazovia region. This important fruit-growing area is characterized by orchards, family farms, and local processing facilities. Visiting them provides a simple yet highly authentic way to experience Poland through products that are part of the region’s daily life.
Mushroom picking in Polish forests
No discussion of Polish autumn would be complete without mushrooms. Mushroom picking is a long-standing autumn tradition in Poland, and porcini mushrooms, bay boletes, and chanterelles find their way into soups, sauces, dumplings, and grain dishes. Some of the best regions for forest walks include the Tuchola Forest, the Noteć Forest, and around Białowieża.
Experience Poland in autumn
Golden Polish Autumn is particularly rewarding in Podlasie, where the Białowieża Forest invites visitors to take guided walks, observe wildlife, and discover one of the most valuable forests in this part of Europe.
Autumn is the perfect season for those who want to experience Poland not only through its landmarks and largest cities, but also through its landscapes, flavors, local traditions, and the everyday rhythm of places that are especially appealing at this time of year.
