Poland
The Tatra Mountains, Krakow and thousands of lakes in Masuria.
Where do you go when you want to head off with the kids, the car and the tent? On this page we've gathered everything about Poland for you: what there is to see, where to camp and what you need to know on the way.
Compiled and checked by Arjan (Zuidlaren) · sources are given with the text · updated 20 October 2026 · About this site
Introduction
To Poland with the family
Poland is large and varied. In the south are the Tatra and Krakow, in the northeast the lake landscape Masuren and in the north the Baltic coast. For a family by car, it is a wide and relatively quiet country to explore.
Overview
In brief
- Travel time
- 12–14 days (our estimate)
- Best time to travel
- jun–sep (our estimate · Full table)
- Distance from London
- ± 1,600 km to Warsaw (approx., via route planner · plus the Channel crossing by Eurotunnel or ferry)
- Driving days
- 3 driving days (our estimate)
- Tolls and vignettes
- No vignette; toll on parts of the A1, A2 and A4 (Details and source)
- Paying
- złoty (PLN)
- EU member
- yes
Distances were calculated once with OpenStreetMap (OSRM) from London to the capital; your actual route may be longer or shorter. For London, the Channel crossing (Eurotunnel or ferry) is not included. Driving days assume at most about 750 km per day with children (our estimate).
Practical
Good to know
Money and payments
You pay with the złoty (PLN). Pick up at an ATM and, if the screen offers to settle in euros, select the local currency: then convert your own bank, which is usually cheaper (our tip). In cities and larger campsites, you can often pay by card; In the countryside, on small campsites and in markets, cash is practical (our experience).
Language and handy words
A few words work wonders, even with the campsite neighbour's kids:
- Dzień dobry: good day
- Dziękuję: thank you
- Proszę: please
- Do widzenia: goodbye
Documents and border
This is an EU country: you travel with a valid passport or ID card, and children also need their own valid travel document. Check the travel advice just before you leave.
Source: nederlandwereldwijd.nl (travel advice)
More about what is compulsory in the car
Photo: Horizon206 · CC0 · all photo credits
Health and safety
Take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC, on the back of your health insurance card or available from your health insurer): it gives you necessary care in public healthcare under local conditions. Travel insurance is still wise, for example for repatriation. The European emergency number is 112.
Source: europa.eu (EHIC)
Photo: Friedrich Haag · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Traffic rules that matter
In Poland, the per mille limit is 0.2: so don’t drink anything when you drive. You drive throughout the year with dimming or daytime running lights. Winter tyres are not mandatory, but are recommended. Mandatory in the car: warning triangle, warning vest and fire extinguisher. Children under 150 cm drive in a suitable child seat.
Source: ANWB
More about tolls and vignettes
Photo: Igor123121 · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Best time to travel
June to September. July and August are the warmest on the Baltic Sea and in Masuria; In June and September it is quieter in the mountains (our assessment).
Always check the current rules (tolls, vignette, entry requirements) just before you leave.
🚗 Getting there & distance from Utrecht (NL)
- Destination
- Kraków
- Distance
- ± 1,201 km (one way)
- Driving time
- ± 12.1 h (one way)
- Route via
- NL → DE → PL
- Fuel (estimate)
- ± € 307 (return)
Estimate for the return trip: 6.5 l/100 km Euro 95 at each country's average price (EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, price date 19-10-2026). - Vignettes
- none
- Tolls
- Distance-based tolls in Poland: not calculated, see the official toll operator.
Route: OSRM/OpenStreetMap, calculated 21-10-2026, without breaks or traffic. 2026 vignette prices from the official sellers, checked 21-10-2026. For an 8-day trip, 7-day vignettes count twice.
On the road by car
Tolls and vignettes
Destinations
Most beautiful places in Poland
Tatra Mountains and Zakopane
High mountains on the border with Slovakia. You can not reach the See Morskie Oko with the car: The last piece you go on foot or drive with a horse car.
Where are you going?
Regions explained
Tatras and Zakopane
In the south lies the Tatra with Zakopane as base. The hike to the mountain lake Morskie Oko is well known: long, but flat enough for children. Suitable for migrating families.
Source: polen.travel
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Krakow and surroundings
A beautiful old town with a large market square and the Wawelburg. Nearby is the Wieliczka salt mine, World Heritage Site and an underground adventure.
Source: UNESCO: Wieliczka
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Masuria
The lake plate in the northeast, with forests and thousands of lakes. Ideal for canoeing, swimming and cycling; many quiet campsites on the waterfront.
Source: polen.travel
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Baltic coast
Long sandy beaches with dunes, for example near Łeba, and the city of Gdańsk. The water is fresh, but the beaches are wide and child friendly (our experience).
Source: polen.travel
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
On the road
Suggested route by car
A route of 12 to 14 days from south to north; Poland is big, so choose two regions rather than everything (our assessment). Check the travel times in your route planner.
- Days 1-3: Krakow and the Wieliczka salt mine.
- Days 4-6: Zakopane and the Tatras, with Morskie Oko.
- Days 7-10: Masuria: canoeing and swimming.
- Days 11-14: via Malbork to the Baltic Sea near Gdańsk.
Where to stay
Camping
Where do you camp?
Campsites at the Masurian lakes
Many campsites are located directly on a lake, with pier and canoe. Quiet and close to nature (our experience).
Source: polen.travel
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Agroturystyka
Staying in the countryside at a farm or family; Sometimes with a tent or motorhome. A good, often favorable way to see the real Poland.
Source: polen.travel
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Bivouac sites in state forests
The Polish State Forestry Administration has designated areas where you can stay in the tent under conditions. Read the rules before you go.
Source: lasy.gov.pl
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Gear for this region → (tent, gas, mosquitoes, sleeping bag)
Outings
With kids
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Under the ground you walk past salt lakes and chapels carved entirely of salt. You visit the mine with guidance; Wear good shoes.
Source: wieliczka-saltmine.com
More about camping with children
Photo: Steven Lek · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Malbork Castle
A huge brick castle of the German Order, UNESCO World Heritage site. Children can discover knights, towers and cellars there.
Source: zamek.malbork.pl
Białowieża
One of the last primeval forests in Europe, on the border with Belarus. In the National Park you can see Wisente. Read the travel advice for the border area beforehand.
Source: bpn.com.pl
Outings
Fun activities with kids
Water parks, karting, trampolines, bowling, zoos and outings for a rainy day: concrete addresses, chosen with children of about 7 and 9 in mind. We only mention places with their own website, which we checked on 14 October 2026. Opening times and prices change: always check the website.
Our favourites
Wieliczka Salt Mine
A world-famous salt mine with underground chapels and lakes of salt, with a guide.
🎟️ Tickets/tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Ad · affiliate link
Photo: Steven Lek · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Energylandia
A large theme park with roller coasters, a family area and a water park zone.
🎟️ Tickets/tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Ad · affiliate link
Photo: Tom a · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Centrum Nauki Kopernik
One of the largest hands-on science centres in Europe, with hundreds of experiments.
🎟️ Tickets & info → official website
Photo: Kapitel · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Zoo Gdańsk
A large, wooded zoo, easy to combine with the Baltic coast.
🎟️ Book tickets → official website
Photo: Pumeks · CC BY 3.0 · all photo credits
Rafting trip on the Dunajec
A trip on wooden rafts through the Dunajec gorge.
🎟️ Tickets/tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Ad · affiliate link
Photo: Jerzy Opioła · CC BY 2.5 · all photo credits
Suntago Wodny Świat
A very large indoor tropical water park with many slides.
🎟️ Book tickets → official website
Photo: Radosław Botev · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Tours and tickets in Poland
Bookable tours and entrance tickets in this country. Prices and availability are set by the provider; check the conditions before you book. (Ad · affiliate link)
- Chocholowskie Thermal Baths Skip the Line Entry with Host
🎟️ Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → - Old Town Krakow Private Tour
🎟️ Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → - Zakopane with thermal springs and hotel pickup
🎟️ Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → - Wroclaw To Ksiaz Castle and Church of Peace in Swidnica half day tour
🎟️ Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → - Malbork Castle Tour visit UNESCO World Heritage Site
🎟️ Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide →
Winter
Winter sports in Poland
In Poland, most skiing is in the Tatras around Zakopane and in the Beskids.
Ski areas (checked on the official websites, October 2026)
- Kasprowy Wierch (Zakopane): The cable car from Kuźnice goes up to 1,987 metres. It is closed for autumn maintenance from 19 October to 6 November 2026. Website: pkl.pl
- Białka Tatrzańska: Ski village north of the Tatras, about half an hour from Zakopane. Website: bialkatatrzanska.pl
- Szczyrk: The large ski area in the Silesian Beskids. Website: szczyrkowski.pl
Snow reliability: altitude 620–1211 m; 230 snow guns. Source (2026): TMR (exploitant)
When we checked on 20 October 2026, most 2026/27 prices had not yet been published; see the ski area's website for current rates. We only quote amounts that appear in an official price list.
Renting skis: at home or on the spot?
At the ski areas above you can rent skis, snowboards and boots from rental shops by the lifts or in the village; you can often book online in advance. We do not quote rental prices, because we found no official price lists for them.
Renting on the spot saves carrying and car space, and you can swap boots that pinch. Renting at home or bringing your own gear makes sense if you combine several ski areas, already know which boots fit, or the area is small with little choice.
Winter packing list
Pack layers (thermal underwear, fleece, waterproof jacket and trousers), ski socks, gloves, a hat, goggles and sunscreen. A helmet is strongly recommended for children.
Insurance
Check whether your travel insurance covers winter sports; it is often a separate add-on. Also check mountain rescue and transport after an accident (for example by helicopter). Some ski passes include mountain insurance, as in Bansko.
Winter tyres and snow chains
- Winter tyres are not mandatory, but recommended. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Poland
More rules per country: winter tyres and mountain passes.
🏨 Stay in Zakopane on Booking.com*🎟️ Winter tours nearby on GetYourGuide*🚗 Rental car (ask for winter tyres) via DiscoverCars*
* Affiliate link: if you book through one, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Rules
Rules, fines and quiet places
Wild camping, fines, camper stops, quiet places, smoking, alcohol and nature rules in this country, only with a verifiable source.
Show all rules (22)
Wild camping and fines
- In Polish forests bivouacking is prohibited outside places designated by the forest owner or forester (Forest Act, Art. 30). Making a fire in the forest and within 100 metres of its edge is prohibited outside designated places. Source: policja.gov.pl
- 'Zanocuj w lesie' programme of the State Forests: in designated forest areas you may stay overnight free of charge with up to 9 people and up to 2 nights in a row without registration. More people or nights: email at least 2 working days in advance and wait for confirmation. There are no taps, restaurant or car park: it is meant for people who want to sleep self-sufficiently in nature, not for a family with a camper. Source: lasy.gov.pl, zanocujwlesie.lasy.gov.pl
- Morskie Oko (Tatra): you may not sleep in your vehicle in the official car parks. Source: tpn.gov.pl
Quiet places and avoiding crowds
- Morskie Oko: buy the parking ticket in advance via the official Tatra National Park site; on site it is more expensive and may be sold out. To avoid traffic jams arrive before 08:00. Campers of 5 to 8 metres may park with their own ticket type; longer vehicles may not. Sold out? In summer there are alternative car parks, including in Białka Tatrzańska, Bukowina Tatrzańska and at Polana Zgorzelisko, with public transport. Source: tpn.gov.pl
Nature rules: drones, fishing, picking and dogs
- Tatra National Park (Morskie Oko): dogs and other animals are not allowed on the trails. Source: tpn.gov.pl
Smoking
- Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is prohibited in, among others, catering venues, public transport and at stops, sports facilities and public children's play areas. Municipalities may designate extra smoke-free zones, such as parks and squares. Source: eli.gov.pl
Alcohol
- Drivers: 0.2 per mille. A passenger who is under the influence may not be carried in the front seat. Source: anwb.nl
- Drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited, except at places meant for it (catering); the municipality may allow an exception at specific places. Selling alcohol to people under 18 is prohibited. Source: policja.gov.pl
Emergency numbers and breakdown
- Emergency number: 112. Police 997, ambulance 999, fire brigade 998. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Poland
- Green card: recognised, but not mandatory. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Poland
Health, drinking water and ticks
- The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid here for medically necessary, state-provided care. It is not travel insurance. Source: European Commission: European Health Insurance Card
- Tap water is lightly chlorinated and safe, but it can cause stomach and bowel complaints; bottled water avoids that. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Poland
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE): ECDC reported 1.0 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022 (EU/EEA average in 2022: 0.81). Protect yourself against tick bites; ask your doctor about vaccination. Source: ECDC: annual epidemiological report on tick-borne encephalitis 2022
Money and mobile
- Currency: Polish zloty (PLN). Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Poland
- Debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere; there are enough cash machines. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Poland
- You can pay contactless with a watch or phone. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Poland
- Within the EU you pay no extra roaming charges thanks to 'Roam like at home'. Source: Council of the EU: 'Roam like at home' and the Western Balkans
Fuel and LPG
- For LPG you need the dish (schotel) adapter. According to another source (Platform Autogas) many pumps in Poland also use the ACME adapter; bring both. Source: Prins Autogassystemen: refuelling LPG, Platform Autogas: filling nipple
Winter tyres and mountain passes
- Winter tyres are not mandatory, but recommended. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Poland
Children in the car
- Children under 150 cm must be in a suitable child car seat. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Poland
- Children 135 to 150 cm may use a regular seat belt, but only in the back. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Poland
- If a child sits rear-facing in the front, the airbag must be switched off. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Poland
Rules and fines may change and confuse by municipality. Each line contains the source; see if you're in park management before you go. This isn't legal confuse.
All countries compared: rules, fines and quiet places → · Smoking and alcohol by country → · Practically by country →
Local cuisine
Food to taste
A few dishes you can try with the whole family:
Show all dishes (4)
Pierogi
Filled bags of dough, for example with potato and curd (ruskie), meat or fruit. Uncomplicated for children.
Żurek
Sour rye soup with sausage and egg, sometimes served in a hollowed-out loaf.
Oscypek
Smoked sheep's cheese from the mountains near Zakopane, often grilled with cranberry jam.
Placki ziemniaczane
Potato pancakes, savoury with sour cream or sweet with sugar.
Look further
Discover more
Campsites by name, day trips, events and things you had better avoid, each with a source.
Show all tips (4)
Featured campsites
On the Baltic Sea, ACSI Eurocampings includes Camping Leśny No. 51 and Camp na Wydmie (Łeba, the Słowiński National Park with the hiking dunes), Camping Alexa (Chłapowo) and Camping Baltic (Kołobrzeg). Parking spaces are often not delimited, but there is almost always electricity. On the Baltic Sea and in the Carpathians it is full in summer.
Source: ACSI Eurocampings: Poland
Day trip: Wieliczka salt mine
At Krakow you walk underground through corridors and halls carved entirely of salt, with chapels and small lakes. There are guided routes, even for families; Tickets are available on the official page.
Source: wieliczka-saltmine.com
Malbork Castle
A huge medieval brick castle of the German Order, UNESCO World Heritage site. With audioguide children walk around there a good morning.
Source: zamek.malbork.pl
Avoid: small roads in the evening
ACSI advises against driving on narrow, poorly lit secondary roads after sunset. There is an environmental zone in Krakow; check beforehand if your car is allowed in.
Source: ACSI Eurocampings: Poland
Camping & on the road
Rules worth knowing
Motorway toll
On the State sections A2 Konin–Stryków and A4 Wrocław–Sośnica, passenger cars have not paid a toll since 1 July 2023. But you have to pay on the concession sections: A1 Rusocin–Nowa Wieś, A2 Konin–Świecko (except around Poznań) and A4 Kraków–Katowice. Source: GDDKiA (Polish road authority) and etoll.gov.pl
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping for beginners
Camping in the forest
The Polish forest law prohibits camping (biwakowanie) in the forest outside places designated by the owner or the forest administration. However, the state forests have special zones with the program “Zanocuj w lesie”. Source: Lasy Państwowe (Polish State Forests)
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping for beginners
Sources
Where does this information come from?
- GDDKiA (Polish road authority) and etoll.gov.pl
- Lasy Państwowe (Polish State Forests)
- polen.travel
- UNESCO: Wieliczka
- wieliczka-saltmine.com
- zamek.malbork.pl
- bpn.com.pl
- ANWB (traffic rules)
- ACSI Eurocampings: Poland
- zamek.malbork.pl
Checked on 14 October 2026. "Our estimate" is personal advice, not official information.
Affiliate disclaimer: Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you book or buy through one, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Our experiences and tips remain independent.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a vignette in Poland?
No, no vignette; there is a toll on parts of the A1, A2 and A4. Prices, where to buy it and the official source are in the ‘Tolls and vignettes’ block on this page. To tolls and vignettes
Can you wild camp in Poland?
In Polish forests, bivouacking is prohibited outside places designated by the forest owner or forester; you can stay overnight legally through the ‘Zanocuj w lesie’ programme. Elsewhere: check locally. (source: policja.gov.pl)
What is the best time to travel to Poland?
June to September. July and August are the warmest on the Baltic Sea and in Masuria; In June and September it is quieter in the mountains (our assessment).
How far is Poland from London?
From London to Warsaw it is about 1,600 km (calculated with OpenStreetMap; check your route planner). The Channel crossing is not included: with the Eurotunnel (LeShuttle) it takes 35 minutes according to the operator; a Dover–Calais ferry is the alternative. With children, expect about 3 driving days (our estimate).
What must you carry in the car in Poland?
Mandatory in the car: warning triangle, warning vest and fire extinguisher. Source: ANWB. All traffic rules are on our page Traffic rules & equipment. To traffic rules · ANWB
Which travel documents do I need for Poland?
This is an EU country: you travel with a valid passport or ID card, and children also need their own valid travel document. Check the travel advice just before you leave.