With its 1,047 km, the Vistula is the longest river in Poland. It is not only the most important waterway in this part of Europe, but also a strategic artery on both sides of which the life of this region has been concentrated for several thousand years. Along the Vistula River many cities were born. Three of them are even included in UNESCO's inventory of the heritage of humanity. Two are Polish capitals, the old and the new: the surprising Krakow and its exceptional Renaissance architecture and Warsaw, which has been raised from the ruins of the Second World War
From a mountain stream in Krakow, the royal capital
The Vistula River originates at the foot of the Barania Góra (Sheep Mountain), in the Silesian Beskid. The most important city in this region is Wisła, which has the same name as the river. Tourists come here not only for the wonderful landscapes or mountain hikes but also for Adam Małysz, a legend of ski jumping, originally from Wisła and who made his first sporting steps there
From there, the Vistula flows towards Krakow. It is the favourite Polish city for tourists. City of kings, city of deep tradition, with memorable gastronomy, with countless monuments, the most emblematic of which are the Château du Wawel, the Halle au drap and the Sainte-Marie church. It has many other jewels, which do not need to be listed as Krakow has been a must for many years as a tourist destination. It boasts a colourful and multicultural history and an inimitable atmosphere and has been distinguished as one of the five most popular cities in Europe. Finally, it is referred to as "Creative City", as it is characterized by its phenomenal capacity for innovation, its commitment to the organization of numerous music and film festivals, as well as festivals of Jewish culture
An artery that irrigates all of Poland's history
Then the Vistula passes through Sandomierz, one of the most beautiful and ancient Polish cities. Due to its strategic position on seven hills it was named "Polish Rome". The spell was not kind to her. The city was attacked in the 13th century by the Mongols. Then the Swedes, during the famous "flood" of the 17th century, destroyed the castle that dominated the city from top to bottom. It is by miracle, despite such a turbulent history, that more than 120 monuments of various eras have been preserved there. One of the main attractions here is the underground passages, which are part of a popular tourist route.
A short distance from Sandomierz is Kazimierz Dolny, considered one of the prettiest small towns in Poland. This jewel of the Polish Renaissance miraculously escaped the ravages of so many wars and has seduced with its charm for many decades. Artists come in droves to this small town, looking for inspiration in the maze of its narrow streets or in the shade of its splendid residences. The romantic ruins of its castle overlook the city, completing the picturesque landscape of this unique place
To Warsaw, in the heart of Poland
From Kazimierz Dolny, the river flows towards Warsaw. We can love it, we can't stand it, yet it's difficult to pass by this city with indifference. Everyone will find something to their liking. Here are the most important Polish museums, here abound elegant restaurants, extravagant shops of the world's leading brands but also the most romantic corners
Warsaw is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is said that Warsaw, like a phoenix, was able to rise from its ashes. During the Second World War, the Germans totally destroyed the entire city. The Nazi occupation lasted five years and was one of the most cruel. More than 200,000 inhabitants of the city disappeared. In 1943, the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising broke out. It was crushed in blood by the Germans, as was the Warsaw Uprising in 1944. A considerable part of the youth of that time perished during the fighting. The Germans also carried out massive massacres of the civilian population.
Warsaw was totally destroyed, to such an extent that its Old City had to be rebuilt on the basis of the paintings of the Italian painter Bernardo Belloto (1721-1780) who had lived in the Polish capital for many years. Many other monuments have also been rebuilt or restored, the Royal Way, the city walls and the magnificent "Palace on Water", a pearl of classicism, where the last king of Poland resided Stanisław August Poniatowski. The Royal Castle in the Old City is the symbol of Warsaw's resurrection. Its burning image had been perpetuated by the news footage of September 1939, when German planes were bombing the city. Today, the Polish capital is admired for its size, openness and modernity
Nature and thermalism and..
Located further north in the Vistula Valley, Ciechocinek is one of Poland's most famous spas. Almost everyone knows, on the map of European thermal tourism, its historical evaporation towers. An exceptional microclimate and baths of brine, sulphur and peat offer a beneficial effect against disorders of the locomotor organs and the respiratory tract. But you shouldn't come to Ciechocinek just to get your health back - the city is also famous for its exceptionally beautiful architecture and many cultural attractions
Following in Copernicus' footsteps, from Torun to Bydgoszcz
Finally Toruń, called the "Pearl of the North", is one of the historic cities most frequently visited by tourists. It is famous as the birthplace of the great astronomer Nicolas Copernicus and has been known since the Middle Ages as a commercial and craft centre on the Vistula. It attracts by the authenticity of its Old Gothic and Renaissance City, intact for more than 700 years, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also taste here its extraordinary marzipan, which has become, like Copernicus, an essential symbol of the city. In the history of Toruń, the Vistula plays an important role, because it is thanks to it that the city could belong to the Baltic Hanseatic League.
A short distance away, Bydgoszcz, one of the oldest cities in Poland, has been an essential communication hub since the Middle Ages on the Brda and Vistula rivers. Bydgoszcz is one of the few cities in Poland to be surrounded by forests on all sides and has the largest number of parks and gardens in the country
Bydgoszcz is a city of history, as evidenced by its 19th century architecture. Old Polish architecture is present through its Gothic churches, the Jesuit College and several granaries. Bydgoszcz is also its waters: two rivers, a number of canals, quays and magnificent esplanades.
The Old City, the Venice of Bydgoszcz, located along the Brda River, with its curious Art Nouveau buildings, deserves special attention. But the most remarkable structure is the Bydgoszcz Canal, the oldest waterway built in Poland in 1774, with its unique system of locks and diversion bays
Gdańsk and the Baltic Sea
We finish our hike along the Vistula River at Gdańsk. It is also a city marked by the particular history of Poland and Europe. It was a pretext for the outbreak of the Second World War. It was the cradle of Solidarność, the social movement that led to the overthrow of communism in Poland and consequently throughout Europe. It is near Gdańsk that one of the mouths of the queen of Polish rivers is located. This rebellious stronghold fascinates the guests who have been visiting it for centuries. Its tormented and inspiring history, its magnificent monuments and its rich cultural life still attract tourists like a magnet today
Smart info
When? When? In Poland, every season has its charm. However, it is best to use May or September
Getting there. Count 2h15 of flight time to Krakow or Warsaw from Paris.
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