Small but worth seeing: The 10 most beautiful small towns in Poland

Poland's large cities like Kraków and Gdansk are popular travel destinations and truly worth seeing, but anyone who thinks that's all that Germany's neighbor has to offer is far from it. It's often the smaller towns that surprise with their charm, tranquility, and authenticity.

Especially along the Vistula River, small town gems line up one after the other. From baroque charm to art and medieval splendor – we present Poland's small-town gems.

Located in the Lublin Voivodeship in southeastern Poland, Zamość is one of Poland's most remarkable small towns. Planned as an "ideal city" by Chancellor Jan Zamoyski in the 16th century, it grew along an important trade route between Western Europe and the Black Sea.

The Old Town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992—is considered an "outstanding example" of a city designed according to Italian Renaissance theory. According to UNESCO, Zamość still preserves its linear layout, a unique combination of Italian and Central European architecture, and parts of the historic city fortifications.

Like Rome, situated on seven hills and steeped in history, Sandomierz (German: Sandomir) is considered one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in Poland. This small town on the Vistula River boasts over 120 preserved buildings from various eras – from the Romanesque St. James's Church (1226) to the Gothic cathedral and town hall from the 14th century.

Particularly striking are the underground tunnel system, the old town with its typical medieval layout, and its location on the historic Via Regia trade route. Sandomierz was first mentioned in the tenth century and was designated a "National Monument" of Poland in 2017.

Because of its architectural richness and picturesque scenery, Sandomierz was included by authors Gianni Biondillo and Paolo Paci in their album "Small Towns and Villages of the World" about the 80 most beautiful places in the world - alongside only one other small Polish town: Kazimierz Dolny.

Kazimierz Dolny, situated on the banks of the Vistula River, is also considered one of the most beautiful corners of the world, and not only according to authors Gianni Biondillo and Paolo Paci. For centuries, the small town has captivated artists and visitors with its bohemian ambiance, its romantic market square with its characteristic arcades, and its historic wooden fountain.

Numerous galleries and art venues, such as the Galeria Letnia (Summer Gallery) in the Old Granary or the Celejowska Kamienica (Celej House), as well as regular film and art festivals, give the town its creative flair. The "Dwa Brzegi" Film and Art Festival, for example, takes place every year at the end of July or beginning of August.

The surrounding wooded hills enhance the almost picturesque scenery. Anyone who wants to experience the city from a bird's eye view should climb the castle tower – the view over the old town and the wide Vistula Valley is simply breathtaking.

Toruń (German: Thorn), located in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship, is a versatile destination for culture and architecture lovers, hikers, astronomy enthusiasts, and those with a sweet tooth. Founded by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, the city quickly became an important member of the Hanseatic League. Its largely intact Old Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 – one of the best-preserved examples of Gothic urban architecture in Central Europe.

The historic city center impresses with its walls, towers, granaries, and magnificent town houses from the 14th and 15th centuries, including the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus (1473 to 1543). The famous astronomer is said to have been born at what is now Kopernika Street 15—now a museum and a top tourist attraction.

Toruń is considered the "world capital of gingerbread." The tradition of delicious pierniki dates back to the 18th century, and the Kopernik factory is home to Poland's oldest gingerbread factory, which is still in operation.

The Polish section of the Way of St. James, the Camino Polaco, which leads across Europe to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, also passes through Toruń and past the so-called Sanctuary of the Apostle James.

Just 45 kilometers from Toruń lies Chełmno (German: Culm), a small medieval town officially called "Miasto zakochanych" (City of Lovers). It is famous not only for its well-preserved old town with numerous historic buildings and an extremely chic Renaissance town hall, but also for the cult of Saint Valentine, whose relic is kept in the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

Especially on February 14, "Chełmno Valentine's Day," the city transforms into a center of romance: with festive masses for couples, parades, concerts, exhibitions, and the popular "Love Song Festival." A glowing heart made of hundreds of lanterns—included in the Polish Book of Records since 2013—captures the day's grand finale.

In Chełmno, everything revolves around love, even in culinary terms, and not just on Valentine's Day: From lovingly designed heart-shaped sweets and the traditional Valentine's bun with lovage to creative cooking workshops and competitions centered around the "alchemy of love," enjoyment and emotion go hand in hand all year round.

Świdnica (German: Schweidnitz) is ideal for a day trip from Wrocław, as it is just 50 kilometers from the city. But even so, the picturesque little town is worth a visit.

In addition to a charming old town with a magnificent market square and truly cozy cafés and tearooms, Świdnica is home to an architectural gem: the Holy Trinity Church of Peace. Together with the Church of Peace in Jawor, it is one of the largest half-timbered churches in Europe and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021.

The imposing church impresses not only with its dimensions – 44 meters long – but also with its magnificently designed interior with two organs, two-story galleries, a monumental Baroque altar and an artfully carved pulpit.

About 60 kilometers southeast of Gdansk lies the next small town gem: Malbork (German: Marienburg). It is best known for its imposing Teutonic Castle, the largest brick castle in the world.

Located directly on the Nogat River, the medieval complex covers an impressive 21 hectares—more than three times the area of ​​Prague Castle. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

But Malbork has more to offer than just knightly romance: The old town surprises with a tranquil atmosphere and lovingly restored buildings, small cafés, and historic alleys that invite you to stroll. Also particularly worth seeing is the neo-Gothic train station building, with its magnificent facade, painted walls, wooden ceilings, and ornately decorated columns.

Paczków (German: Patschkau) is surrounded by a nearly completely preserved city wall. This fortification system, with 19 defensive towers and four mighty city gates, encloses the historic center for approximately 1,200 meters. This earned the small town near the Czech border the nickname "Polish Carcassonne."

Numerous architectural highlights await you within the Old Town: The market square, framed by stately town houses, forms the heart of the town. At its center stands the Renaissance town hall with a 45-meter-high tower – one of the best-preserved of its kind in all of Silesia. The tower is open to the public, and the building itself also houses the tourist information office.

The 64-meter-high tower of the parish church and former fortified church of St. John the Evangelist also promises a magnificent view. This Gothic hall church with Baroque elements dominates the cityscape and is worth a visit.

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Kłodzko (German: Glatz) is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Lower Silesia. A mighty fortress, a Gothic bridge, and a truly picturesque old town give it the nickname "Little Prague."

Due to its shape and construction, St. John's Bridge is often compared to the Charles Bridge in Prague (516 meters long). Although it is significantly smaller at just 53 meters, according to the city of Kłodzko, it is "certainly older – an inscription states that construction began in 1281."

Kłodzko's market square is surrounded by colorful houses and dominated by the imposing Neo-Renaissance town hall. Other sights in the city include the colorful churches of St. George and St. Adalbert, the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the former Franciscan Church of Our Lady of the Rosary with its characteristic onion domes.

And don't forget the Kłodzko Region Museum, housed in the Baroque building of a former Jesuit boarding school. The best view of the city is from the fortress on Forteczna Hill.

Approximately 70 kilometers north of Warsaw, in the Masovian Voivodeship, you'll find Pułtusk (German: Pultusk or Poltow). A former university town with an extraordinary cityscape and rich history, it has earned the title of "Venice of Mazovia" because of its picturesque canals and the Narew River.

Particularly eye-catching is what the municipality claims to be the longest paved market square in Europe: At approximately 400 meters long, the Rynek stretches through the city center and forms the heart of Pułtusk. At its center stands the town hall, flanked by historic tenement buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, which lend the square a distinctive flair.

Numerous buildings tell the story of famous residents and guests: At Rynek 37, a plaque commemorates the Polish writer Wiktor Gomulicki, who lived here from 1854 to 1864. Right next door, at Rynek 29, none other than Napoleon Bonaparte stayed for several days in 1806.

At the edge of the square you will come across further architectural gems: the Polonia House, once the castle of the Płock bishops, and the monumental collegiate church.

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