Summer in Poland can surprise you. Beyond the best-known destinations are regions that perfectly combine beautiful landscapes, a peaceful atmosphere, and a truly local vibe. These ideas are for travelers who want to see a greener, less commercial Poland for a different and wonderful summer.
Suwalszczyzna, or Suwałki Land, right on the border with Lithuania, enchants in summer with fresh air, intensely green hills and a sense of space mostly unknown in other parts of the country. The heart of the region is the Suwałki Landscape Park, with its many easy, scenic trails.
Lakes are an important element of the scenery here; they naturally complement rather than dominate the green hills. The best-known ones are Hańcza (Poland’s deepest lake); the intensely turquoise Jaczno; Wigry, with its picturesque Camaldolese monastery and one of the most interesting summer cycling routes in the country; and the Czarna Hańcza River, which offers relaxed kayaking trips.
In Małopolska and Podkarpacie — regions in southern Poland — lies one of Europe’s most valuable ensembles of wooden architecture. The Wooden Architecture Route connects wooden churches, Orthodox churches, open-air museums and traditional farmsteads scattered across valleys and small villages at the foot of the Carpathians. In summer, many of these places come alive with local events and workshops.
In Małopolska, see Gothic and Baroque-style churches, including those inscribed on the UNESCO list in Dębno Podhalańskie, Lipnica Murowana and Binarowa. Their construction and polychrome decorations are impressive, charmingly set amongst green hills.
The Podkarpacie section of the trail leads to wooden Orthodox churches in Turzańsk, Ulucz, Chotyniec and Komańcza, among others. In summer, learn from local guides, hear church choir performances, and take icon-painting workshops. Some villages open craft workshops so you can see weaving, carving, or traditional embroidery.
This route lets you experience Poland through the lens of folk culture and borderland traditions: peaceful, authentic and very summery!
Meanwhile, Rudawy Janowickie, located near Jelenia Góra in southwestern Poland, is a great warm weather destination for those seeking beautiful views without the crowds. This small mountain range offers varied trails, rock formations, and historic palaces, all within short distances of each other.
Most recognizable are Sokolik and Krzyżna Góra, two peaks with granite rock outcrops and metal staircases leading to viewing platforms. The view from the top encompasses the Sudetes, the Jelenia Góra Valley, and surrounding towns.
Starościńskie Skały is another place worth visiting, for natural granite terraces with intriguing passages and rock openings. The region combines nature with history: at the foot of the mountains is the Valley of Palaces and Gardens, with elegant residences in Wojanów, Karpniki and Mysłakowice. It’s an ideal summer combo: easy mountain trails, impressive views and Lower Silesian architecture.
