According to the latest report from Poland Smog Alert, the air quality in Poland in 2023 was much better than in previous years. Despite these changes, there are still many good places on our country's map to escape to for a breath of fresh air.
Such an escape from cities would be particularly good for the health of residents of Lodz, Silesia and Lesser Poland counties. That's because the people who live there breathe the air with the highest annual average concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene. Next, the lowest concentrations of carcinogens were recorded in Lubus, Lublin, Masovian, West Pomeranian and Podlasie counties. This is where you should look for the green dot on the autumn/winter map of Poland.
The air is clean even in the city…
…Specifically the Tricity. If you can't afford a long vacation in the fall and winter, it's worth considering a vacation in the Tri-Cities metropolitan area. Due to their proximity to the Baltic Sea and frequent strong winds, Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot are among the most air-friendly regions in Poland.
Furthermore, there are many attractive attractions that you can enjoy while breathing in the clean air. Each of these three cities is worth a stroll along the city piers. If you like walking, you can visit all three of the most important piers in one walk.
The entire route along the coast, starting from Brzezino in Gdańsk, via Sopot and ending in Orłowo, Gdynia, should not take more than 2-3 hours. Apart from, of course, resting after the route or catching a breather on the pier. Along the way, you can stop for lunch at places like Sopot's popular Monciak.
green lungs of poland
To take a deep breath, it's worth going to the region called the green lung of Poland. The region is located in the north-eastern part of the country and mainly covers the Podlasie and Warmian-Masurian Voivodeships, but also the north-eastern part of Masovian Voivodeship and parts of Pomeranian and Kujavy-Pomeranian Voivodeship.
The unique green areas of this country are characterized by low population density, resulting in low environmental pollution, no smog in the air, attractive natural complexes (rich forests, picturesque places on the shores of lakes and It has gained a reputation thanks to the very possibility of experiencing nature). It doesn't change depending on civilization.
Learn more about Podlasie
In autumn or winter, it is worth visiting the green Podlasie, a region of Poland that, although not yet very popular, enjoys a huge natural wealth. Is it worth going there if you only have a weekend? Absolutely! During a short trip to Podlasie Voivodeship, it is worth stopping in the capital, Białystok.
Many interesting attractions are in the immediate vicinity. Just 30 minutes from the city center is the so-called Podlasie Amazon, or Narev National Park. In addition to fresh air, you'll find habitat for rare birds, extensive wetlands, and above all peace and quiet.
A unique attraction of the park is the over 1 kilometer long educational footbridge that crosses the Narev River and connects the two villages of Podlasie, Wanjeło and Šilivno. It is recommended not to go for a walk along the pedestrian bridge on your own. Because you will have to cross several sections of the river on a special platform and pull yourself to the other side using the power of your own hands.
When visiting Naryuu National Park, the town of Tikocin, located less than 15 minutes by car, is also worth a visit. In the town you can visit the Jewish synagogue and the castle built on the orders of King Sigismund Augustus. There is an observation deck inside the castle where you can see the surroundings.
Near Białystok, the Suprasil Health Resort, Knyszyńska Forest Park with its numerous walking routes, and Potzopek-Sylbarium Forest Park are also worth visiting. All are located approximately 30 minutes by car from the center of Bialystok.
At the prefectural border intersection
What do Masovian Voivodeship, Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship and Kujavia-Pomeranian Voivodeship have in common?Apart from the fact that they all have land within the borders of Poland's green lung, their shared areas are unique It includes the Goszno Ryzbalski Landscape Park. This is a place where you can and even need to take a deep breath. It is an ideal region for those who love trekking.
Some routes follow lakes or pass through valleys and hills. In the park you can see many animals such as elk, deer, roe deer, beaver, otter, wild boar and cranes.
Go to Masuria in autumn
Why is it worth visiting Masuria in autumn? First of all, it is the time when the Masurian region loses the influx of tourists from all over the country. Carry books, comfortable warm clothes and shoes…nothing else. At this time of year, you can listen to the Masurian nature and curl up with a book in the evening by the fireplace in the charming guest house.
Late autumn is also the best time to start your winter swimming adventures and improve blood circulation to oxygenate your body. Where is it worth going in autumn in Masuria? Preferably a place where it is difficult to meet the neighbors. Lower population density means larger natural areas and therefore better air quality.
Natural gems perfect for hiking
A unique place on the map of Poland is Puszcza Drawska, which has around 90 km of trails for trekkers. The trails of Drawa National Park are open to visitors all year round. The forest is famous for its extensive peat swamps, as well as its aquatic and meadow ecosystems.
There is little artificial light in the park, so you can see the starry sky after sunset. During your hike, you'll encounter more than 900 species of vascular plants, approximately 150 species of trees and shrubs, and more than 200 plant communities. The natural riches are so diverse that a trip to Drawa National Park will not get boring for many years.
Enjoy your stay in Lostce
Loztoce, called the Tuscany of Poland, is a truly enchanting region where you can spend an interesting time away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the smog. It is home to the Roztoczanski National Park, which aims to protect a unique area and is free from air pollution.
On weekends, you can follow in the footsteps of the park's iconic Polish horse. For example, you can find it in the town of Florianka, where a horse breeding stable is operated. You can also observe them from the observation tower at Echo Pond. These areas are home to free-living horses.
journey to the forest
Escaping the smog doesn't necessarily require further expeditions. If you don't have the time or savings to take care of your health away from home, you can look for green spaces closer to your neighborhood.
Sometimes it's worth driving just a few kilometers to spend some time among the trees and do some forest bathing. Turn off your phone, walk along the forest path in front of you, breathe in the fresh air, and concentrate on what is happening in the forest.
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