Poland

Hello everyone

Gdansk was lovely. We chanced upon a car park with security at the music centre, so parked up for 7 hours which cost less than £3. It was right in the centre a few hundred metres from the waterfront. The oldest largest medieval harbour crane in Europe is here –a huge structure amongst the picturesque harbour buildings and city gate.  

 

From here we headed south to Malbork Castle which was excellent. It was home to the Teutonic Knights and was the largest fortress of its time. We took an audio-tour and spent 4 hours in there – many parts have been restored and it is beautiful. Other parts are awaiting restoration, and show how the place had fallen into disrepair. We stayed overnight on the adjoining campsite with views of the castle – an unbelievable £11 with electric and all amenities. We dined in the local restaurant trying out a couple of Polish dishes (and beer, of course!).

Warsaw was our next stop – a sprawling city whose roads were being dug up with confusing diversions in place. We stayed on the city camp about 6km from the old town – unfortunately, it was the least welcoming and most expensive site we’ve encountered so far. However, the old town is lovely. Almost completely destroyed in World War II, it has been completely rebuilt and gained a unique UNESCO listing for a restoration success. We checked out the old town via a street train, and then ambled around on our own.

From there we continued south to Krakow. The nearby Wielizcka Salt Mines are excellent, and well worth a visit. We descended 64 metres via staircase to the first level where tunnels lead to huge underground chambers where the salt has been mined. We saw a chapel (apparently there is one on each level), wall carvings (pictured) and a beautiful grand hall with salt crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Less than 1% of the total mines are open to the public.

 

Krakow was heaving with people – something we realised we hadn’t encountered for a while! The castle and cathedral stand on Wawel Hill a short walk from the old town with the magnificent St Mary’s Basilica church and its gilded interior (pictured). We mooched around taking in the sights, and then retired for a couple of beers in the sun before the 6km trek back to the van. Today, we are off to visit Auschwitz before crossing into the Czech Republic.






Will post again soon - love to all