Poland delights visitors with exceptionally scenic routes by alternative transport. Ships glide beside green inclines, trains climb mountain valleys, and waterside cycle paths are perfect for peaceful exploration.
Water: extraordinary trails of northern Poland
In Warmia and Masuria to the northeast lies an exceptional water attraction: the Elbląg Canal. This is where ships, thanks to a historic system of inclined planes, travel across…grass, overcoming elevation differences in water levels by land! Unique in the world, this system has operated continuously since the 19th century. A journey on it is at once peaceful, technically fascinating, and highly photogenic.
A new attraction on the Baltic coast is the Puck–Swarzewo–Chałupy water tram, on it, you can experience Puck Bay and the Hel Peninsula from a perspective on the water, an interesting alternative to car or train traveling.
Rail: mountain serpentines and industrial valleys
Several railway routes can be destinations in themselves. One of the most famous is the Izera Railway, running through the Western Sudetes on the Jelenia Góra–Szklarska Poręba–Kořenov section. It is Poland’s highest-altitude railway line, leading through mountains, forests and natural slopes. The journey is short, but the views are unforgettable.
The more rugged Wałbrzych – Kłodzko route in Lower Silesia runs through tunnels carved out of mountainsides, on high viaducts, and through deep valleys, including the picturesque Nowa Ruda area. It’s a route full of history and engineering curiosities, perfect for travelers who appreciate a combination of nature and industrial heritage.
A completely different kind of journey awaits in the Bieszczady Mountains, the wildest part of southeastern Poland. This is where the Bieszczady Forest Railway operates — a slow, narrow-gauge train leading through forests, valleys and hills. Every turn reveals another landscape that feels somewhat “off the main map”, ideal for anyone who enjoys peace and proximity to nature.
Nearby, you can also try Bieszczady Bicycle Draisines. It may be a simple ride along former railway tracks, but it gives an exceptional sense of closeness to nature as you pedal through forests and clearings, hearing only natural sounds above the whir of your wheels. For many visitors, this is the most memorable adventure you can have in this part of Poland.
Cycling: trails show three different faces of Poland
Cycling is a great way to discover Poland; the scenic routes around Lake Czorsztyn in Małopolska stand out. Running between Niedzica’s castle, the ruins of Czorsztyn Castle, and viewpoints overlooking the Tatra and Pieniny Mountains, it offers short, varied rides. It’s optimal for people who appreciate calm cycling surrounded by nature. Nearby is Velo Dunajec, part of the Velo Małopolska system, often described as one of the most beautiful cycling routes in Poland, following the river through exceptional landscapes of gorges and foothills.
