You have chosen to visit Poland in winter. Bold. Brave. Possibly slightly unhinged. While some travellers flee to tropical beaches, you have opted for snow covered castles, frosty air that bites your face and hot drinks that feel medically necessary. And honestly, excellent decision.
Poland in winter is magical, dramatic and beautifully chaotic in the best way possible. It is fairy lights, steaming mulled wine, frozen lakes and enough snow to make your phone camera panic. So wrap yourself in five layers, accept that your nose will be permanently red and let us dive into the top ten winter activities you must experience in Poland.
1. Ski or Snowboard in Zakopane Without Losing Your Dignity
Zakopane is the heart of Polish winter sports and it takes its snow very seriously.
You get proper ski slopes, dramatic mountain scenery and après ski culture powered by hot wine and grilled cheese that squeaks when you bite it.
💡 Winter wisdom: Even if you fall a lot, you will look heroic doing it against that mountain backdrop.
2. Wander Christmas Markets Like a Professional Snack Hunter
Polish Christmas markets are pure festive chaos in the best way.
Wooden stalls, fairy lights, hot oscypek cheese, sausages longer than your forearm and more mulled wine than your liver asked for.
💡 Winter wisdom: Go hungry, go early and accept that you will leave smelling like smoke and cinnamon.
3. Ride a Horse Drawn Sleigh Through Snowy Forests
Yes, this is real. Yes, it is exactly as magical as it sounds.
You sit wrapped in blankets while horses pull you through silent, snow covered forests like you accidentally walked into a Christmas film.
💡 Winter wisdom: Romantic until your toes go numb. Bring extra socks.
4. Ice Skate in City Squares and Frozen Parks
Poland turns winter into a public sport.
Temporary ice rinks pop up in city centres and parks, often with fairy lights, music and people skating with wildly different levels of confidence.
💡 Winter wisdom: Hold onto the side rail for as long as your pride allows.
5. Explore Snow Covered Castles Like a Fantasy Hero
Castles in Poland already look dramatic. Add snow and they become unreal.
Places like Malbork, Niedzica and Ksiaz look like frozen movie sets straight out of a medieval epic.
💡 Winter wisdom: Snow makes every photo look expensive and every staircase feel twice as slippery.
6. Soak in Hot Thermal Baths While It Is Snowing
This is winter luxury at its finest.
Hot outdoor pools surrounded by snow, steam rising into icy air and your face feeling both frozen and relaxed at the same time. Regions near the mountains offer some of the best thermal experiences.
💡 Winter wisdom: The walk from the changing room to the pool will test your bravery.
7. Go Snowshoeing in the Mountains Like a Polar Explorer
If hiking feels too basic, add snowshoes and suddenly it is an expedition.
Trails through national parks and mountain ranges turn into silent white wilderness where every step crunches dramatically.
💡 Winter wisdom: You will feel powerful until you realise how exhausting snow actually is.
8. Try Winter Kayaking If You Are Feeling Extra Brave
Yes, people kayak in winter. Yes, it is cold. Yes, it is absolutely unforgettable.
With proper gear and guides, winter kayaking on calm rivers is quiet, icy and strangely peaceful.
💡 Winter wisdom: This is for adventurers who enjoy stories that start with “You will not believe what we did in Poland”.
9. Feast on Winter Comfort Food Without Regret
Winter is Poland’s excuse to go full comfort mode and you should join immediately.
Think dumplings, stews, soups, roasted meats and cakes that seem designed to protect your soul from frost damage.
💡 Winter wisdom: Calories do not count when it is below zero. This is scientific.
10. Watch Snow Fall in an Old Town with a Hot Drink
Sometimes the best winter activity is doing absolutely nothing dramatic.
Sitting in a café in Kraków, Gdansk or Wroclaw, watching snow fall over cobbled streets while holding something hot and sweet is peak winter peace.
💡 Winter wisdom: This is the moment you realise winter travel was a genius idea.
Final Frosty Thoughts
Poland in winter is not for the faint hearted. It is cold, bold and occasionally tests your emotional relationship with thermal underwear. But it is also breathtaking, cosy, festive and deeply rewarding in ways summer never quite delivers.
If you embrace the chill, eat like royalty and lean into the snow rather than fighting it, winter in Poland becomes less about survival and more about magic.
Just remember to pack gloves, patience and an open mind. And maybe an extra scarf for emotional support.
