Podkarpacie - the most interesting tourist attractions and sites in the region | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Tarnica at 1,346 m is the highest peak in the Polish Bieszczady, accessible via blue trail from Wolosate
• The Solina Dam is approximately 81.8 m tall and 664 m long, with guided tours available inside
• Lake Solina covers around 22 km2, making it one of the largest artificial reservoirs in Poland
• Rzeszow and Przemysl are the main railway hubs, with direct trains from Warsaw and Cracow
• The Krosno Glass Heritage Centre is reachable by train, though some sections may use replacement buses
• Entry to the European Bison Show Farm in Muczne is free; seasonal opening hours apply

Bieszczady

The Bieszczady is a wild and picturesque region that still resists mass tourism. Despite the passage of years, it is still possible to find trails where you won't meet a living soul for a whole day. Getting to the Bieszczady is easy - just take the train to Ustrzyki Dolne. From there, local buses, a popular means of transport in the area, will take you to the main attractions and starting points on the trails.

Among the highlights of the Subcarpathian Bieszczady is Tarnica (1346 m), the highest peak in the region. The route to it starts in the village of Wołosate, a popular starting point from where the blue trail leads. A characteristic element of the landscape is the picturesque Poloniny - vast, treeless mountain ridges, such as Połonina Wetlińska and Caryńska. Those wishing to enjoy panoramic views should definitely visit the double-peak mountain Smerek. On the other hand, for those seeking tranquillity, Mała and Wielka Rawka offer ideal places to rest and contemplate nature. Also not to be missed is the Szepit Waterfall on the Hylaty stream, which, despite its small size, impresses with its charm.

The Natural History Museum of the Bieszczady National Park

The Bieszczady Mountains are home to the vast Bieszczady National Park, which is a true paradise for lovers of wildlife and unforgettable landscapes. Its biological richness and unique flora make it one of the most valuable natural places in Poland. Ustrzyki Dolne, on the other hand, is home to the Natural History Museum. In this facility you can see a rich collection of the region's flora and fauna. Temporary exhibitions are also held here, showing various aspects of the park. Brown bear, lynx, wolf pack? In the museum you will come face to face with them - albeit in a safe, stuffed version!

The Historical Museum in Sanok

The Historical Museum in Sanok is first and foremost known for the largest collection of Zdzisław Beksiński's works, comprising around 300 paintings and prints, which the artist himself, who was born and lived in Sanok for many years, donated to the institution. However, that is not all you will find here! Visitors can also admire the works of other contemporary artists, as well as peruse an impressive collection of Orthodox church art. If you are interested in such unique collections, this is certainly one of the tourist attractions in the Podkarpacie region that you must see.

Rzeszów

Although the Podkarpackie region is often associated with wilderness and the Bieszczady Mountains, its capital, Rzeszów, has just as much to offer. This charming city, ideal for exploring on foot, attracts tourists with its rich history and modern infrastructure. In addition, its centrally located railway station, serving InterCity connections, makes the city an excellent starting point for non-motorised travellers.

Rzeszów is a key point among the attractions of the Subcarpathian region, offering a number of interesting places worth seeing. The best place to start is the Rzeszów Cellars, where an underground tour takes place to learn about local legends and the city's history. It is also worth visiting the Bedtime Cartoon Museum, where children can enjoy the magic of fairy tales, while adults will fondly recall their carefree childhood years. Art lovers, on the other hand, should visit the District Museum, where works by outstanding Polish masters such as Gierymski, Boznańska, Grottger and Mehoffer await.

While strolling along the streets of Rzeszów, it is impossible to miss other atmospheric corners of the city , such as the former Piarist Convent, the Lubomirski Castle and the 15th-century town hall.

Solina Lake and the dam

The Solina Dam is Poland's largest dam and a unique work of hydrotechnics. Its interior has been opened to the public, so you can discover the interesting technological solutions that were used during its construction. The dam is almost 82 metres high and 664 metres long. The creation of the dam in 1968 contributed to the creation of Lake Solina, covering an area of 22 square kilometres. To create such a reservoir, several villages had to be displaced. The lake is distinguished by four islands, one of which is inhabited - there is a water equipment rental facility there.

The shoreline of Lake Solina is as long as 160 kilometres and is extremely varied. It is an ideal place for fishing, sailing and kayaking or pedal boating. There is also no shortage of beaches and bathing beaches in the area, such as the one in the popular Polańczyk. However, if you are looking for peace and quiet, you will also find secluded coves just for you.

One of the interesting places in Podkarpacie is the viewpoint on Jawor Mountain, which is undoubtedly an attraction of the area. You can get there on foot or by gondola lift. The cable car starts from the Plasz station, located next to the pedestrian zone by the dam - the journey takes about 8 minutes. At the top of the mountain, there is a 55-metre-high observation tower, which offers a breathtaking view of Lake Solina, the Bieszczady and the Słonne Mountains.

The Glass Heritage Centre in Krosno

The tradition of glass making in Krosno dates back to the early 20th century. The first glassworks, Krosno Glass, was established in 1923. Krosno glass products have gained a reputation both in Poland and abroad, gaining recognition for their high quality and unique design. The Krosno Glass Heritage Centre is one of the main attractions of the Podkarpacie region. On site, visitors can try their hand at glass blowing and shaping, creating their own shapes. Then, visitors have the opportunity to see the process of glass decoration, through which the most beautiful designs are created. In addition, you can visit the exhibition with interesting exhibits or shop in the souvenir shop.

Podkarpackie spas

The province boasts a wide range of spas, attracting tourists seeking to improve their health and relax in picturesque scenery. Each of them is an atmospheric place in Podkarpacie with its own unique character and offering a variety of therapies and attractions.

• Polańczyk, a picturesque town on Lake Solina, impresses with beautiful landscapes ideal for water sports and hiking. The modern spa here specialises in treating respiratory diseases and orthopaedic conditions.

• Iwonicz Zdrój, one of the oldest spa centres in Poland, is captivated by its historic architecture and the surrounding forests and hills. The central Dietel Square is the starting point to the mineral water pump rooms and sanatoriums. The spa is famous for its therapeutic sulphide waters, used in the treatment of rheumatic and dermatological diseases.

• Rymanów Zdrój is a charming spa town, which captivates with its tranquillity and natural beauty. It offers many tourist attractions, including historic sanatoriums and scenic walking trails, as well as a wide range of health treatments such as mineral baths and inhalations.

• A spa town with a rich history,Horyniec Zdrój is known for its therapeutic mineral waters and beautiful landscapes. It attracts nature lovers and health-conscious people, offering both traditional therapies and modern wellness treatments.

• Latoszyn, a lesser-known but equally charming spa town, is famous for its mineral waters with beneficial effects on the digestive and respiratory systems. It offers peace, relaxation and the opportunity to commune with nature.

Museum of Lemko Culture

The attractions of the Subcarpathian region also include numerous museums. Among them, the Museum of Lemko Culture in Zyndranowa, located 30 kilometres south of Krosno, deserves special attention. This unique facility is devoted to the history and culture of the Lemkos - an ethnic subgroup of Ruthenians who inhabited the areas of south-eastern Poland, western Ukraine and northern Slovakia since the Middle Ages.

The Lemkos, speaking their own language and professing Orthodoxy or Greek Catholicism, were displaced from these areas during Operation Vistula between 1947 and 1950. And the museum in Zyndranowa itself is a tribute to their rich cultural heritage.

Within the site, visitors can visit a reconstructed chyza, or traditional Lemko cottage, furnished with authentic furniture and everyday objects. The museum complex also includes reconstructions of other buildings and rooms characteristic of a Lemko village, such as a community hall, windmill, smithy, pigsty and a small inn. The entire exhibition is complemented by a modern exhibition pavilion.

A visit to the Lemko Culture Museum is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the daily life, traditions and customs of this community. Visitors have the chance to travel back in time and experience the atmosphere of an ancient Lemko settlement, making this place one of the most unique sights.

The Museum of Milling and Farming in Ustrzyki Dolne

You can reach Ustrzyki Dolne by train, from where you can set off on many of the Bieszczady trails or simply stay overnight. It's also worth visiting the town itself, where you'll find one of the little-known places in Podkarpacie - the Museum of Milling and Countryside. Here you will learn about the process of flour production - from a grain to a loaf of bread. There is also a restaurant next to the museum serving regional dishes. These include oven-baked prosciutto, kiesełycia - Lemko oatmeal soup, and klepaki, which are dumplings made from oatmeal. Be sure to try them!

Bieszczadzka Kolejka Leśna

The Bieszczady Forest Railway is a Podkarpackie attraction for children, which also delights adults. Originally built as a narrow-gauge railway to transport timber from inaccessible places, over time it has become one of the region's most popular tourist attractions.

The journey on the train takes you through the picturesque Bieszczady landscapes, making it an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Children will be enthralled by the carriage ride, while adults will surely appreciate the beauty of the surrounding nature. Interestingly, this is the highest located railway of its kind in Poland, which adds to its charm.

The main station is located in Majdan, where you can also visit a small museum dedicated to the history of the railway. There are two routes to choose from: the slightly shorter and wilder Majdan - Balnica route and the longer Majdan - Przysłup route. Whichever option you choose, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience and beautiful views.

Bicycle excursion

The bicycle tramway is a unique attraction in the Podkarpacie region, offering an unusual experience. During the ride, you move along the tracks, propelling the handcar with your own muscles, which is similar to pedalling on a bicycle. This unique form of transport allows you to admire the picturesque Bieszczady landscapes, passing streams, beaver lodges and the Kostrzyn railway tunnel.

Available in the summer season, a bicycle handcar makes it possible to make trips from Uherców Mineralne and Ustrzyki Dolne towards Zagórz, Stefków, Krościenko or Ustianowa. Importantly, Ustrzyki can be conveniently reached by train, which makes this place an ideal option for a weekend outing with children.

When preparing for your trip, remember to book discounted train tickets. The PolishTrains website makes this task much easier by offering a convenient search for connections and a quick and simple purchase process.

European bison show enclosure

In Muczny there is the Bison Show Homestead - one of the nicest places in the Subcarpathian region. Covering an area of around 7 hectares, the majestic bison live in conditions close to nature, which allows visitors to closely observe these unusual animals and learn about their habits.

The enclosure is equipped with viewing terraces, comfortable benches and information boards. Interestingly, some of the rehabilitated bison are later released into the wild, which further emphasises the importance of this place for the conservation of the species. Admission to the site is free of charge.

The castle in Krasiczyn

The castle in Krasiczyn, a real gem among the monuments of the Podkarpacie region, impresses with its fairytale façade in Renaissance style. Numerous turrets and decorative elements create an unforgettable impression, and the interiors hide fascinating exhibitions, including the thrilling crypts. For those seeking an unusual experience, the castle offers night tours and part of the building functions as a hotel.

Getting to Krasiczyn is convenient thanks to good public transport from nearby Przemyśl, which is served by numerous trains from various provinces.

Castle in Baranów Sandomierski

Another castle in the Subcarpathian region worth visiting is located in Baranów Sandomierski. This building is often referred to as a smaller version of Wawel. It used to be the seat of powerful magnates who wanted to live in unique interiors.

The castle, preserved in fairly good condition, is one of the most important examples of Renaissance architecture in Poland. It now houses a museum with several unique exhibits. These include Europe's largest dugout canoe hollowed out of a tree trunk, an exhibition of tiles and a room dedicated to the subject of sulphur mining.

With a convenient connection to Tarnobrzeg, getting to this attraction is relatively easy, making it a great choice for a day trip.

Kazimierzowski Castle in Przemyśl

When considering what to visit in the Subcarpathian region, a visit to Przemyśl is worth considering - especially as it can be reached by train. Even spontaneous trip planning for non-motorised travellers will become easy with the PolishTrains app, which allows quick and convenient ticket purchase from a smartphone.

The main attraction of Przemyśl is the Kazimierzowski Castle, rebuilt in Renaissance style. Erected in the 14th century by King Casimir the Great, it was crucial to the city's defence and control of trade routes in the region. Visitors can admire the picturesque courtyard, the mysterious dungeons, the dark torture chamber and climb the observation tower, which offers a panoramic view of the entire city.

Today, the castle serves as a museum with exhibitions on the history of Przemyśl and the surrounding area. It also hosts a variety of cultural events, making it a living centre of the region's history and culture.

Łańcut Castle

When discussing the attractions of the Subcarpathian region, the Łańcut Castle - one of Poland's and Europe's greatest monuments - cannot be omitted. This once exclusive magnate's estate, which was the seat of the Potocki family, still impresses with both its impressive architecture and richly furnished interiors, which have been preserved in excellent condition.

Visitors can admire the splendour of the richly decorated halls, including the Grand Salon and the Chinese Salon - exquisite examples of the elegance of the Baroque and Classical eras. The castle houses a museum with valuable collections of art, furniture, porcelain and old musical instruments. In turn, the English-style park surrounding the building delights with a variety of vegetation and picturesque alleys.

What is worth seeing in the Podkarpacie region? There are many options, but undoubtedly the biggest attraction of this province is the Bieszczady Mountains and the Bieszczady National Park. It is here that tourists seeking peace and contact with nature come.

One of the region's strengths is the availability of public transport, which allows inexpensive planning of a weekend full of adventure and discovering new places. A trip can be very budget-friendly - the PKP often offers promotions, especially if booked in advance. In addition, concessions for children and the elderly make travel more accessible for all.

Exploring Podkarpacie is easy and convenient, whatever your age! Tickets can be purchased without leaving home using PolishTrains's intuitive search engine. In addition, the available deferred payment option allows you to plan your expenses flexibly, so nothing stands in the way of your travel plans.