Slow weekend near Szczecin

If we had to pick one hidden gem in Poland, it would be the Drawsko Lake District. Few visitors from southern Poland have dipped a toe in its crystal-clear waters. And it’s worth taking the plunge. Try Lake Drawsko—Poland’s second-deepest lake—dotted with medieval islets like Gągnowo, or Siecino, famed for its pure, transparent water. And that’s just the start of the list: there are over 250 lakes here.

Beyond the lakes, this region boasts some of the most densely forested land in the country, 12 nature reserves, 300 protected natural monuments, the Drawsko Landscape Park, and a slice of “Drawsko Switzerland.” At night? The skies go truly dark.

Noteć Forest is one of the largest woodland complexes in Poland. It’s home to 16 nature reserves, including Wilcze Błoto, established in 1968 to protect rare bog and marsh flora.

We recommend stopping in the town of Drezdenko, with its charming promenade, World Cultures Park, delicious ice cream, and the Drawsko and Noteć Forests Museum. Or try a stay in one of the forest villages, like Grotowo. Legend says you need to cover 95 km just to pass every Grotowo cabin—they’re scattered across woodland clearings.

You’ve got the coast right at your doorstep, yet sometimes you need an excuse to use it. Smaller towns between the popular resorts can surprise you with peace and quiet—not just in the winter gloom. Although, our favorite highlight is the EuroVelo 10 route circling the Baltic Sea. It follows bike paths, quiet roads, and forest sections. It makes you want to dust off your bike!

Half of Drawa National Park is right in your backyard—definitely take advantage. It’s one of Poland’s wildest national parks, but you’ll hear little about it. Lucky you! You can stroll or bike through stunning nature, passing colorful old village houses without seeing another soul.

The park’s trails span over 230 km. There’s more than 11,500 hectares of scenic forest, the Drawa River—known for its last salmon spawning grounds at Płociczna and its trout-rich rapids at Słopica—plus lakes, remnants of mills, forges, and timber slides.

Wolin Island is part Baltic Sea, part cliffs, part wildness—as befits Poland’s largest island. Woliński National Park has it all: a viewpoint at Kawcza Góra, European bison, forest trails, and beaches where you might be the only person off-season. Plus, there’s the Slavs and Vikings Centre, with its open-air museum and old-craft demonstrations.