Being born in Poland and growing up in Germany had its advantages and disadvantages, and the older I get the more I like to know more about my birth country. (See story below). As I was coming from the Baltic States, my first trip through Poland (with my cousins wedding at a final destination), was the historical Wolf’s Lair and Gdańsk, a city I had heard a lot of but have never been. I can’t wait to see what Poland has to offer.
My story
I was born in south Poland (Schlesien), near Katowice. Having lived through the communism, back in 1989, my parents decided that living in Poland wasn‘t the best for us, so they packed us three little kids (I was almost 9), leaving for a better life. We drove across the countries, in a dark van without windows, to an immigration house in Germany. They left everything they knew, as well as all family and friends, behind. It was a very brave thing to do back then. And so, from my age of 9, my life in Germany started. New language, new school, new friends. From memories, I think we settled in pretty quickly. Life was great! And as you might know by now.. after Germany, for me Australia became my home. But that is another story.
With that in mind my trips back to Poland usually involved around visiting family. I have lots of uncles, aunties and cousins. Before moving to Australia back in 2005, I did a quick solo trip through Poland via train visiting Warsaw and Krakau. And that was it, I haven’t done much else otherwise. Especially not being a tourist here. Although since I wrote this blog post, I have been to Krakau a few times and I love it every time!
A road trip through my birth country Poland
It is great to be back again and this time driving through the Poland, from the north east to the south west. Poland is a beautiful country and most likely underestimated by most. Yes, it might not be the most prosperous country to visit but the landscape is gorgeous, the lakes beautiful, the food super delicious and the locals very friendly.
I admit, when visiting outside the tourist area it helps speaking the language as not many speak english here (esp. the older generation). However I would recommend to give Poland a chance. You won’t be disappointed.
As for me, I was looking forward to explore northern Poland more. Especially after the stunning Baltic states. And Wolf’s Lair and Gdańsk were on my list to see. And WOW.. !
The Wolf’s Lair
I have never been to the northern part of Poland and coming from Lithuania it was a great opportunity to drive through. First stop was the Wolf’s Lair. Wolf’s Lair (or Wolfsschanze) was Adolf Hitler’s first Eastern Front military headquarters in WWII. As well as a great place to hide from allied bombing campaigns. However it was built originally to plan the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941.
Hitler spent quite a lot of time there during the war but all headquarters have been blown up by the Germans 48 hours before the arrival of the Soviet forces (Jan 1945). (A bit of history here). It was quite amazing seeing it. The amount and thickness of concrete used and the average size of the bunkers were huge. Especially noticeable me standing next to it. Now it all seems like part of the Forrest. So why did he choose this part of the country? For the hidden spot maybe?
It was quite unique to see the Wolf’s Lair and Gdańsk was next on the list!
Gdańsk
Living history behind (Wolf’s Lair) and driving further into the country I, aimed for Gdańsk. What a gorgeous city Gdańsk is. Really! I had no expectations, I just wanted to go there to see a big city outside Warsaw and it was (more or less) on the way. It is a gorgeous port city on the Baltic Coast that has been rebuild after WWII. The colourful facades, the cobblestoned streets and the summer markets (literally all over the city) give it a really great charm and feel. I loved it here and I would definitely come back here.
Being August however, there were way too many people. So maybe, when visiting Wolf’s Lair and Gdańsk, plan your visit in May or June. Because both spots are definitely worth a visit and a great way to see some of the history Poland has to offer. Krakau and Auschwitz would be the other. And all of those are better than Warsaw (in my opinion). But Warsaw had to be be rebuilt so it is more a new town.
And as photos speak more than words and I have soo many photos of this gorgeous town, I decided to continue with my additional stops in Poland in a new blog post. After all, there is much more to see here and I had to get to the wedding in time. xx
