Where to go for a winter weekend in Poland? Beautiful places beyond the mountains

There’s no doubt the Tatra Mountains shine in winter. The only question is where to go. If you’re less experienced, set off to Rusinowa Polana, a perfect springboard for Gęsia Szyja. From its summit you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the snowy skyline, including Gerlach and Rysy.

Another wonderful winter outing is Kościeliska Valley, the second-longest valley on the Polish side of the Tatras (nearly 9 kilometers). More seasoned hikers can head to Morskie Oko or the Valley of Five Lakes—timeless routes that, in winter, offer silence and space in abundance.

Zakopane in winter? Sounds like a brilliant plan for a weekend away.

Picture the Tatras draped in white, runs on Gubałówka or Kasprowy Wierch, and unhurried walks along streets brimming with winter charm. Zakopane in winter is ideal for recharging your batteries.

Bukowina Tatrzańska is often called Poland’s winter capital—and with good reason. Expect reliable snow, well-equipped ski centres and a range of pistes.

But there’s more than skiing: cosy highlander inns serving local specialities and the beloved Termy Bukovina bring that mountain-magic-meets-relax vibe. If you love thermal pools, add nearby Termy Bania to your list—the perfect reward after a day in the snow.

Want to feel the mountain magic? Wisła offers ski runs of various lengths and gradients. It’s also easy to get around—some stations lay on free shuttles to the slopes in peak season, which is a big plus.

Spend your break skiing, trying cross-country, sledging, or giving snowtubing a go—hurtling down a run on an inflatable ring while soaking up those winter views. Nearby Szczyrk completes the Beskid picture, with pistes for all skill levels.

The local slopes attract skiers and snowboarders from across Poland, plus fans of cross-country and skijoring—where a skier is pulled by animals or a vehicle. Prefer a gentler pace? Explore Wang Church on foot or stroll through the Conquerors’ Square.

Want to expand your plan? Visit Szklarska Poręba—a resort known for long pistes and solid facilities—and lace up for winter trails with views of the Śnieżne Kotły cirques.

Heading to the mountains? Put Krynica-Zdrój on the shortlist. Skiers rate the well-groomed slopes at Słotwiny Arena and Jaworzyna Krynicka.

You’ll also find mountain magic at local spas. Culture buff? The Nikifor Museum is a great introduction to the famed Polish naïve painter. Round it off with a stroll along the main promenade to soak up the town’s winter atmosphere.

Exploring Poland in winter doesn’t have to mean only the “usual suspects.” Straddling the Polish-Czech border, the Izera Mountains are a gem to discover, with gentle terrain ideal for cross-country skiing.

Thanks to a distinctive microclimate, snow lingers here for much of the season. You’ll also find plenty of winter holiday attractions and comforting regional food in snug, family-run restaurants.

Nestled by the Orlické Mountains, Zieleniec is one of Poland’s loveliest winter resorts, with snowfall typically from November to April.

If you’re eyeing a Polish ski trip, Zieleniec Ski Arena won’t disappoint: varied difficulty and over 22 kilometres of pistes. Then warm up in local inns serving traditional dishes—plan your ideal winter weekend and see why Zieleniec is a recipe for pure fun.

The winter Baltic Sea is a showstopper: the hush of waves beneath ice, crisp air on your cheeks, and white horizons. You won’t forget these views rushing. Where to catch them? Book flights to Gdańsk and start exploring.

The Baltic in winter is a paradise for cold-water dipping. Jelitkowo in Gdańsk is especially popular—locals were doing it here before it was trendy.

Plunging into icy water hardens the body, supports immunity, and helps with inflammation. No surprise it’s drawing more fans each year. The Gdańsk Walrus Club brings enthusiasts together throughout the season.

Winter break is the perfect time to learn new things, and Sopot delivers. Try the ice rink by the pier, near the Sheraton—who wouldn’t want to glide on a 35 × 18-meter rink?

If the Tatras are unreachable but you crave a hint of mountain fun, head to Łysa Góra near the Forest Opera. A 286-meter drag lift whisks you up to about 110 meters above sea level. Hit the sledding slope or opt for a winter walk in the Tri-City Landscape Park—plan your weekend your way.

You can also spend an unforgettable winter weekend in Ustka. No ski slopes here, but who says empty beaches aren’t just as magical? Admire the frozen shoreline and relish the quiet that settles over the town.

Why else go in winter? Historic architecture dusted with snow, cafés tempting you with hot chocolate and mulled wine, and a calendar of cultural events that lets you see Ustka from a fresh angle.

Why pick the Hel Peninsula in winter? Because it has everything for a memorable weekend: cross-country trails, long beach walks, and big-sky views of the Baltic that look straight out of a postcard. Unwind and reset—Hel is tailor-made for winter downtime.

You are not sure how to spend the winter holidays? Warmia and Masuria are never dull—especially when snow falls and temperatures stay below zero. And no, we don’t just mean Giżycko and Mikołajki.

Around Olsztyn, you’ll enjoy lower off-season prices and fewer visitors. Add storybook scenery to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a Snow Queen setting. So how to spend a winter weekend in Masuria?

Believe it or not, ice sailing is a thing—and a fantastic reason to head to Masuria. Iceboats (bojery) are wind-powered craft that glide on runners across frozen lakes. They can top 100 km/h, so this one’s for the brave.

Dreaming of winter landscapes but not the chill? Lakeside saunas are a blissful fix for warmth lovers. In season you’ll find outdoor saunas across Masuria, including Port Rybaczówka and Bogaczewo. Just remember to give owners about four hours’ notice so they can heat the stove.

Cross-country is one of Warmia and Masuria’s winter favorites. It suits varied terrain, and trails are set to undulate gently—great for families with children or anyone wanting to try something new.

If “fortune favors the bold” is your motto and you fancy a wild weekend, try a winter kayak trip. The water’s colder, and rivers can be rimmed with ice, but don’t let that put you off. Łaźna Struga and the Wel River reward you with beautiful, frosty scenery from water level.

Keep it classic and ice-skate on one of Masuria’s three thousand lakes. Not long ago, skating on natural ice was a favorite pastime for Polish children.

Preparation is simple: a solid pair of skates, and you’re set. Safety first, though—check ice thickness and choose designated areas. And don’t forget to book flights to Olsztyn.

Bieszczady in winter means empty ridgelines, starry nights, and mountain huts where tea tastes better than ever. It’s perfect if you prefer crowd-free winter trails. Białowieża Forest under snow feels like a film set—this is Poland at its most fairytale.

Winter is a superb time to visit the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland and see Pieskowa Skała Castle, Ojców Castle, and Ogrodzieniec Castle—all the more atmospheric in the cold.