Podlasie in a nutshell. Interesting places and attractions of Poland's cold edge.

 

Podlasie in a nutshell. That is interesting places and attractions of the cold edge of Poland.

Traveling. This word for some is associated with unusual sights and mysterious places created by our beloved mother nature, and for others, with regional food, historical curiosities, and beautiful monuments. What if you could please everyone and create a list where everyone finds something for themselves? No problem! Here is our guide in a nutshell, thanks to which you will discover the beautiful, somewhat less crowded region, that is… Podlasie! A voivodeship in northeastern Poland, which for some is associated with beautiful nature and tranquility, and another with funny regionalisms, bison grass vodka, and funny memes. No matter how you travel or what comes to your mind when you think of Podlasie, one thing is certain - it is a unique region that should appear on your MUST VISIT map! What is worth seeing there?

1. Podlasie on the urban trail, so start with Białystok.

Białystok, the capital of the Podlaskie Voivodeship, which has developed greatly in recent years, is not only a great, crowd-attracting Up to Date Festival but also a lot of interesting places, events, and most importantly - a unique atmosphere. Besides the charming city square with the smiling town hall (this is not a metaphor, it really is smiling!), you will find many places that certainly distinguish Białystok from other Polish cities. 

• Branicki Palace and Gardens- a showcase of Białystok, historic baroque architecture, as well as the Museum of the History of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Medical University.
• Esperanto Restaurant- a place commemorating Esperanto, the international auxiliary language, where you can try buza - a regional, unusual drink made from raisins and millet groats.
• Farny Church - the oldest monument in Białystok, located in the very center of the city.
• Gardens of the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic - modern architecture combined with the natural beauty of gardens is a place worth seeing when in Białystok.
• Beautiful murals, that fill almost the entire city - including the famous Girl with a Watering Can or Postcard for Grandma.
• Seasonal attractions worth hunting for - a street with colorful umbrellas or a 30-meter Ferris wheel from which you could admire the city panorama.
• Balloon festivalsevents organized by the Białystok Balloon Club, during which, besides a sky full of large, colorful balloons, you can have a great time at unusual competitions, picnics, and other extraordinary attractions.
• Great restaurants with regional food, bars, and discos – the most visited place currently is Streat Food Młynowa – a modern open-air spot combining food trucks, parties, and various interesting events.

   

City Hall and Kościuszko Market in Białystok

 Branicki Palace in Białystok

 

2. Got a moment? Drop by Supraśl! 

However, if you have chosen Podlasie for a longer stay and want to visit more than just Białystok itself, it’s worth taking the keys, getting in the car, and heading to Supraśl - a small town located right nearby. It is there that you will feel the beginning of the Podlasie small-town atmosphere, taste delicious regional food, and go kayaking down the picturesque Supraśl River. Unique places you will find there certainly include the Icon Museum and the Monastery, an Orthodox male monastery – hard to find in other regions of Poland.

  

 Supraśl – river and city panorama

 

3. Kruszyniany, Puchły, Tykocin, The Land of Open Shutters – cultural trail

Not everyone knows that Podlasie is the most culturally and religiously rich region in Poland. It owes this title to its location and historical past, which caused three religious branches to intersect here – Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Islam. Thanks to this, besides the well-known churches in Poland, you can also find other, less common sacred buildings here. To the questions: where to look for them? or how to get to know them “from the inside”? we answer… by visiting small towns and villages! It is precisely there that traditional, magical places untouched by urban noise have been preserved, allowing everyone to pause for a moment and feel that time flows more slowly. 

 The Land of Open Shutters

Puchły, Soce, and Trześcianka are three small villages called The Land of Open Shutters. Where does this fairy-tale name come from? Mainly because of the beautiful, carved window decorations that you won’t find anywhere else in our country. Moreover, an important feature of these places are the colorful wooden Orthodox churches, which create a unique, spiritual atmosphere. These places stand out not only because of their exceptional temples in vibrant colors but also because of the local population. Some residents identify themselves as indigenous Podlasie Rusyns speaking a local dialect derived from the Ruthenian language (an extinct East Slavic language in which instead of potatoes you buy a kilo of “kartopli” - do not confuse it with Russian). If you happen to meet one of them, feel free to ask about the history of this region - they are very open people and will proudly tell you about their origins.  

Kruszyniany, a small town hosting the largest group of Tatars in Poland. In this tiny village, you can not only admire the Tatar mosque but also, for a small fee, learn more about Tatar culture, religion, and try the local cuisine. Kołduny, Banash, Pierekaczewnik - if you don't know what these names mean, be sure to taste these dishes in the famous Tatar Yurt. 

Tykocin this place is famous for its rich historical past, King Sigismund's castle, and the Jewish Synagogue, which currently serves as the Museum of Jewish Culture. It is an ideal place for a one-day trip offering a cultural and historical walk with beautiful views. 

 Puchły - colorful Orthodox church

4. How about sitting down and resting by the Bison? The beauty of National Parks.

Białowieża National Park needs no introduction. It is almost a must-see spot on the Podlasie map, so if you have a bit more time, it's worth checking out what's happening in the Białowieża grass.. Besides the fact that it is home to the largest in the world the free-ranging population of our national pride - the bison, you will also find the last fragment of primeval forest in Europe there. 

 Białowieża National Park

However, if time is pressing, and yet you would like to see the natural beauty of the Podlasie land, we can confidently recommend a 2-3 hour trip to Narew National Park, which is located about 30 km from Białystok. You won't encounter a bison on your way there, but the landscapes, wild meadows, river, and birds will amaze you like nowhere else. The cherry on top of the idyllic atmosphere will certainly be a visit to the Śliwno-Waniewo footbridge, where you can cross to the other side of the Narew River using a special raft.

 Narew National Park Śliwno-Waniewo Footbridge

 

5. Real vacation = water attractions

Supposedly the icy edge of Poland, yet 30-degree heatwaves have arrived there too. In fact, lately, it's been hard to get rid of them! What's the best idea for such scorching weather? A holiday by the lake! And here comes the help from Augustów  (the most popular place visited by Białystok residents), as well as … Suwalszczyzna, the land of lakes in Podlasie. It is also an interesting historical area, called the Polish-Lithuanian land where both borders and belonging to the Podlasie Voivodeship remain a hot topic. Another option for exploring Podlasie that may appeal to water travel enthusiasts is kayaking trips. Czarna Hańcza, Rospuda, Narew, and Supraśl are rivers flowing through beautiful forested areas that even the most discerning will appreciate. 

 Czarna Hańcza - kayaking trip

 

6. Explore actively, that is Podlasie by bike!

Podlasie is a region not usually associated with active sightseeing... because it’s flat, lowland terrain, so there’s nowhere to get tired. And as the classic saying goes - nothing could be further from the truth! Podlasie is crossed by Eastern Green Velo Bike Trail, which in its entirety measures about 2000 km, making it the longest route of its kind in Poland. Exploring Podlasie by bike is a great way to discover its unique nature. The Green Velo Trail stretches through picturesque small villages, forests, lakes, and swamps, and the previously mentioned flat terrain allows for fairly easy cycling. It’s a great option for both casual riders and professional cyclists. 

 Podlasie by bike - Green Velo Trail

 

7. And finally. Why do we mention Podlasie? 

WINGS POLAND is a company located in the heart of this picturesque region, in Białystok. We have the opportunity to admire the beauty of this part of Poland every day and we know one thing - we wouldn't trade it for any other. So pack your bags in our suitcases and see for yourself if… “you like it here!”

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WINGS is a brand that breathes travel, which is why this year our goal is to promote safe journeys. "Podlasie in a nutshell" is a publication aimed at helping those who spend their holidays exclusively in our country. We also conduct our activities through other communication channels, so... Follow us to stay updated.