Poland
by Justyna Creager
Fun facts:
1. Poland, officially the Republic of Poland, is a country in Central Europe. It is divided into 16 administrative provinces called voivodeships, covering an area of 312,696 km².
Population: 37.95 million
Currency: Polish złoty
Language: Polish
2. The name “Poland” (Polska) has a meaning.
It originates from the name of the tribe Polanie, which means “people living in open fields”.
3. Poland is home to the world’s biggest castle
The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork is the largest castle in the world by land area. Originally built in the 13th century as a Teutonic castle and fortress, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Speaking of which, Poland is home to a remarkable 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites!
4. Europe’s heaviest animals live in Poland
The endangered European bison, or the wisent, is the heaviest land animal in Europe, weighing over 600kg on average. They can be found roaming on the 150,000 hectares of the Białowieża Primeval Forest in Poland – the last primaeval forest in Europe, that once sprawled across the continent thousands of years ago.
5. Poles celebrate a Name Day
In addition to birthdays, Poles celebrate their “Name Day” or Imieniny which is the day commemorating the Saint they are named after. The names associated with each day are listed in all calendars in Poland, so the Name Day is often more important than a birthday because everyone remembers about it.
6. Poland is world’s biggest exporter of Amber
Amber is huge in Poland, so souvenirs and jewelry made of it are gorgeous. You might want to pick some up during your visit.
7. You can still eat at Europe’s oldest restaurant
Located in Wrocław, the “Piwnica Swidnicka” is the oldest restaurant in Europe, open since 1275. You can still eat there today.
8. Poland has one of the world’s oldest salt mines
800-year-old Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the oldest in the world, famed as the Underground Salt Cathedral of Poland with chambers, sculptures, salt chandeliers, and an entire chapel carved from rock salt when you venture 135 meters (440 feet) below the ground. The UNESCO World Heritage site been producing salt continuously since the 13th century until 2007.
WHAT TO EAT IN POLAND
One thing can be said about Polish food and that is that every dish is a delicious, heart-warming belly filler! Whether you eat out at a local joint or are lucky enough to be eating home-cooked meals with a family, you can be sure that you are in for a treat. Most popular Polish dishes:
Pierogi
These polish dumplings are made with simple dough made with flour, hot water, and butter/oil, and filled with many different fillings (meat, sauerkraut & mushrooms, potato & cheese, strawberries, blueberries, sweet farmers cheese). It’s the comfort food of every Pole!
ull of flavor with cream cheese and potato,. Whether you like a hearty meat dish or a savory treat with creamy cabbage and mushroom, you will not be disappointed with this staple food.
Żurek
All the soups are amazing in Poland but the one that takes the crown has to be Zurek. A sour rye broth made from floured stock and herbs, this dish is left to boil before adding the boiled eggs and smoked sausage that make it delicious. Readily available almost everywhere, you can have it as it is or served in a hollowed bread as a bowl (the latter is obviously the best!).
Bigos
If a warm belly is what you’re after then look no further than this national dish. Bigos is a mouth-watering stew full of country flavors and packed to the brim with red cabbage and sauerkraut, cured ham and pork shoulder, bacon bits and bay leaves, juniper berries and onions.
Zapiekanka
A halved baguette topped with mushrooms, tomatoes, and cheese, and baked until it oozes melted goodness. Garnished with chives or fried onions, this simple yet delicious creation is perfect for a fresh and filling breakfast, lunch or dinner!
