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 GENERAL INFORMATION Poland is the largest of the East European countries, which joined the EU in May 2004. With a population of approximately 39 millions it ranks among the most influential and remarkable countries in central and Eastern Europe. Poland is a stable democracy with a truly fascinating history, great cultural heritage and several areas of outstanding natural beauty. Poland remains reasonably cheap and safe. Over the past decade, it has developed into a modern, vibrant and progressive state, yet at the same time it maintains its traditional culture. It's a fascinating destination and now is a good time to go. TERRITORY The borders had been formed in 1945 after the WWII. Borders length is 3582 km, in which 528 km belong to the Baltic See cost line. Poland borders on with : Germany (467 km), Czech Republic( 790 km), Slovakia (539 km), Ukraine (529 km), Belarus (416 km), Lithuania (103 km) and Russia (210 km). POMERANIA REGION Pomerania (Pomorze) is a historical and geographical region in northern Poland along the Baltic coast. The capital of Eastern Pomerania is Gdansk, one of Poland's three major seaports, a city with a thousand years of history and full of priceless monuments of the past. Gdansk neighbors on Sopot, best known for its wide wooden pier, almost half a kilometer long, and the Opera (Opera Leśna), which plays host to the annual International Song Festival. It is attractive holiday centre, seaside resort and spa. North of Sopot lies Gdynia. The three municipalities make up a vast metropolis known as the Trójmiasto (TripleCity). More to the east stretches the Hel Peninsula, the mecca for lovers of WINDSURFING/KITESURFING. It is a 34-km spit of narrow, sandy land, constantly shaped by the wind and sea water, and separating the Pucka Bay from the Baltic Sea. Shallow water which gets warm very quickly, low waves, and mainly west, onshore winds make the waters of the Pucka Bay ideal for both beginners and the more advanced and experienced amateurs of windsurfing. The Hel Peninsula has a lot to offer to the visitor: beautiful woodlands and golden beaches, hospitable campsites, good shops and sports equipment hire centers. Windsurfing instructors offer professional help and support for beginners. CLIMAT The Polish winter is reasonably harsh, worsening towards the east of the country, with January days in most places around 0°C (32°F) and a bit less at night. Summers are mildly warm, with average July highs of 24°C (75°F) for most of the country, although they can be wet. Poland's Baltic coast trades in milder winters for cooler summers. WORTH SEEING Many Polish tourist sights have already gained a worldwide reputation and are an absolute must to see if you consider a journey to this area: Kraków, Warszawa (The capital), Gdańsk, Częstochowa, Wieliczka, Auschwitz, the Tatra mountains. LANGUAGE The official language is Polish. In the cities it is possible to communicate with the personnel in English or German. MONEY The Polish obligatory currency is the polish zloty (PLN). On the market there are banknotes with nominal: 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 PLN, and coins: 1, 2 and 5 PLN, and also 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 gr. The Grosz : ( 1 PLN = 100 groszy). MONEY EXCHANGE The currency exchange rates are given by the daily newspapers, internet portals and banks. 1€ = aprox. 4, 0 PLN 1$ = aprox. 3,2 PLN PEOPLE In Poland there is a heart-warming proverb all Poles take very seriously. It translates roughly into - „a guest in the house is God in the house". That is why, regardless of where or how they live, Poles draw on their long tradition of -Slavic Hospitality- to welcome people from home and abroad with warmth and affection. Poland is a place where family values are cherished highly and friendships last a lifetime. 98% Polish, plus Ukrainian and Belarusian minorities HEALTH While crossing the Polish border no protective inoculations are needed. Water from the faucet is safe to drink, although most of tourists prefer bottled mineral water. Polish drugstores are equipped with drugs of all kinds. SOUVENIR As a souvenir we cannot but recommend decorated Easter willow twigs, woodwork from Polish mountains (mountain sticks), cheese oscypek, sheep fleece or traditional ceramics from Bolesławiec, amber jewellery and of course polish vodka. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: January 1: New Year's Day, Easter Sunday and Monday (first Sunday after the first spring full moon, ) May 1: Labor Day May 3: Constitution Day (on the anniversary of May 3, 1791 Constitution proclamation), Corpus Christi: (Thursday of the ninth week after Easter), August 15: Assumption of Virgin Mary, Polish Army Day (on the anniversary of the victorious battle of 1920 against Russian army fought on the outskirts of Warsaw) November 1: All Saints' Day, November 11: National Independence Day (Poland regained its independence in 1918 after 123 years of partitions), December 25, 26: Christmas EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS 997 - police 998 - fire brigade 999 - ambulance 112 - mobile phone emergency number 981 - road assistance |
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