Podlaskie Voivodeship winter holidays 2026 - when are they and what's worth seeing? | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Podlaskie winter holidays 2026 run from 19 January to 1 February - the first national period
• Bialystok is served by direct trains from Warsaw, Gdansk, Poznan, Wroclaw and many other cities
• Bialowieza Forest is best reached by train to Hajnowka followed by a local bus
• Bialowieza National Park is one of Europe's last primeval forests and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Tykocin and Suprasl offer well-preserved historic architecture and tranquil winter scenery
• The region combines natural landscapes, Orthodox heritage and local culinary traditions

Podlasie in winter turns into a magical land full of unusual attractions. The region attracts lovers of active leisure, but also people seeking peace and tranquillity. Holidays are a good opportunity to visit this region and experience its legendary atmosphere. Climatic towns and unforgettable flavours of regional cuisine are just the beginning of attractions you are sure to enjoy, whether you are a fan of walking or discovering culture.

Winter holidays 2026 in the Podlaskie Voivodeship fall on a convenient date in the first round, which allows you to fully enjoy the charms of this unique time of year. It is a good time for family trips and adventures in nature or discovering monuments that remind us of the region's rich history. Let's take a closer look at what to include in your tour schedule.

It's high time to plan your winter holidays! Podlaskie will have them in 2026 for a fortnight from 19 January to 1 February. This is the perfect time for a break, especially if you enjoy spending time outdoors with the whole family. During this time, residents of the voivodeship and tourists visiting Podlasie can take full advantage of the attractions offered by the region - from hiking on the picturesque ski trails near Suprasl to walking in the snowy forests of the Białowieża National Park. Holidays on this date allow you to plan trips without excessive crowds, safely and in a cosy atmosphere. What attractions are worth including in your trip plan?

The Podlaskie Voivodeship is a true oasis for lovers of nature, culture and active leisure. The region impresses with its unspoilt nature and landscapes, which become even more charming in winter. During the 2025 Podlaskie holidays, you can discover all the charms of the region - from walks in the snow-covered forests of the Knyszyn Primeval Forest to visits to historic towns delighting in their architecture and atmosphere. You will certainly not be bored here!

Podlasie in winter is above all an opportunity to spend time outdoors. For example, take a family cross-country skiing excursion in Supraśl or observe the wildlife in the Narew and Biebrza valleys through binoculars. In many places in the region, you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoying the beauty of nature and the hospitality of the local people. Or do you prefer city life? If so, be sure to take a stroll through the Old Town of Białystok, and then visit Planty Park.

In winter, the Belovezhskaya Pushcha is transformed into a fairytale world, where even a short walk becomes an unforgettable adventure. During the winter holidays, you can enjoy hiking trails and cross-country skiing. It is also worth visiting the Bison Show Reserve, where you can admire these majestic animals in their natural habitat. This experience is sure to stay in your memory for a long time! Remember that in winter the reserve is open to the public from 9:00 to 16:00, so take this into account when planning your trip.

The Bialowieza Forest also offers an opportunity to explore the history of the region. The village of Bialowieza is home to the Bialowieza Nature and Forest Museum, which presents the richness of the forest 's flora and fauna, as well as the history of its protection in a fascinating way. This is a must-see on the map for any tourist visiting the Podlasie region in winter!

How to get to Bialowieza?

If you are travelling by train with the whole family, you can get to Hajnówka station and there change to a bus, which will take you to the place after about 30 minutes. If you are travelling by car, you can reach the site from Hajnówka via the DW689 route (less than 18 km). From Białystok, the DW685 route will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes (less than 80 km).

Called the Pearl of Podlasie, Tykocin is one of the most charming towns in the region. The local streets are a dream place for a stroll - especially if you fancy a picturesque view of the Narew River. The town's main attraction is the Castle, which you can take a guided tour of - it's worth taking this option to find out more about this building built in the 15th century.

Planning winter holidays 2026 with your children? Podlaskie hides many other historical attractions that are worth a visit. These certainly include the Great Synagogue in Tykocin - one of the best preserved Jewish monuments in Poland. In the winter, exhibitions and concerts are organised here, which bring closer the Jewish history and culture, so important for this town.

While strolling along the narrow streets of Tykocin, you can also enjoy local delicacies in one of the atmospheric restaurants that serve traditional dishes of Podlasie. You and your family can get to Tykocin comfortably by train (to Białystok station) and then by bus by local carriers (the journey from here will take about 38 minutes).

The Podlaskie 2026 holidays should start with a visit to the voivodeship's capital, Białystok. Its main attractions include:

• Branicki Palace,

• Griffin Gate dating back to the 17th century,

• the residence of the Białystok entrepreneur Ewald Hasbach.

There is also no shortage of attractions prepared with children in mind. One of them is the Białystok's Ara Parrottery, open from Monday to Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and at weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Here you can see and feed the exotic birds, and even organise a birthday party. Entry to this unique place costs 25 zloty (normal ticket) and 20 zloty (reduced ticket). Children under two years of age enter for free.

Active children will certainly enjoy a visit to KROKOSPOKO, which is the most modern children's playroom in Białystok, covering as much as 800 square metres! The playroom is open from Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 20:00 and at weekends from 09:30 to 20:00.The entrance ticket from Monday to Thursday costs PLN 38 for 1 hour or PLN 55 without time limit. From Friday to Sunday, tickets are slightly more expensive - they are PLN 44 and PLN 61 respectively.

A fantastic place to visit during winter holidays in Podlaskie is the Epi-Centrum of Science located at 1 Słoneczna Street in Białystok. There is a main exhibition with stands from such fields as: optics, transport, telecommunications, medicine, automatics, robotics or mechanics, a Little Explorer Zone allowing to develop sensory abilities or a space with an experimental "laboratory" for toddlers.

The centre is open from Tuesday to Friday from 08:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. A normal ticket costs PLN 30 during the week and a reduced ticket costs PLN 24; at weekends and holidays, tickets are PLN 4 more expensive. The cost of participation in laboratory classes is 25 zł for a child with a guardian.

A number of half-schools for children are also being organised in Białystok on the occasion of the 2026 Podlaskie winter holidays, including:

• Ferie organised by the Podlaski Cultural Institute in Białystok. lacówka offers children aged 7-13 a variety of themed workshops, each of which will be an opportunity for great fun combined with education.

• Artistic half-term camps at ARTEI. The Open Artistic Space has prepared holidays with art and movement for children aged 6-11 .

How to get to Białystok? The best choice is the train - a fast, comfortable and safe form of transport. The capital of the voivodeship can be easily reached by train from Warsaw, Olsztyn, Szczecin, Wrocław, Kraków, Poznań, Gdynia and many other places - all connections can be found on PolishTrains. Therefore, if you are wondering what destination to choose for your family's holidays, "Podlaskie 2025" should become the watchword of your holiday!

In 2026, winter holidays in Poland, exactly as every year, have been divided into three dates assigned to individual voivodeships.

The first round of holidays, from 19 January to 1 February, will start in the Mazowieckie, Pomorskie, Podlaskie, Świętokrzyskie and Warmińsko-Mazurskie voivodeships.

From 2 to 15 February, the Dolnośląskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Łódzkie, Zachodniopomorskie, Małopolskie and Opolskie voivodeships will go on winter holidays.

Another group, comprising the provinces of Podkarpacie, Lubelskie, Wielkopolskie, Lubuskie and Śląskie, will go on holiday from 16 February to 1 March.

Why such a division? It allows tourist traffic to be evenly distributed, enabling comfortable use of infrastructure throughout the country. Thanks to this, popular ski resorts, ice rinks or even hotels in Poland are not overcrowded. For residents of the Podlaskie Voivodeship, such an arrangement is an excellent opportunity to become better acquainted with their immediate surroundings or to visit regions of Poland which offer completely different attractions, such as mountain slopes in the Karkonosze Mountains or beaches in winter robes in the Pomorskie Voivodeship.

An additional advantage of dividing holidays into three rounds? Less problems with train occupancy! If you would like to book a chosen place for you and your loved ones, check out the available options on the website or in the PolishTrains mobile app now.

Where to spend your holidays? Podlaskie is a good destination - it delights at any time of the year, including winter. Resting in this region can become an unforgettable adventure for everyone, including families with children. If you are planning a winter holiday in 2026, Podlasie is a place you should definitely include on your travel map. Plan your visit now and find out how many magical moments a trip to the heart of nature and history can provide! Buy your tickets conveniently and in advance at PolishTrains.

How to get to the winter holidays in Podlaskie Voivodeship?

The easiest way to get to Podlaskie for the 2026 winter holidays is by train to Białystok. There are direct trains to the Podlasie capital from Kraków, Warsaw, Gdańsk or Poznań. Augustów, known for its beautiful nature, and the popular Hajnówka are also well connected by train. This is a convenient and safe form of winter travel - it avoids the stress associated with road conditions and parking in city centres.

Is it worth spending the 2026 winter holidays in Podlasie?

Podlasie, especially in winter, is an ideal choice for those seeking peace, nature and a local climate away from the hustle and bustle. In winter, you can take a walk (or do some cross-country skiing!) in the Knyszyn Forest, visit the European Bison Reserve or the historical Białowieża. For the youngest, the Podlasie Disnejlend and the Jurassic Dinosaur Park will also be attractive choices.

How to prepare for a trip and what to take for winter holidays in Podlaskie Voivodeship?

For winter holidays in Podlaskie it is worth packing a warm, windproof jacket and shoes with good grip. Gloves, a hat and a thermos are also useful. Planning an outdoor holiday? Take your sled, bike or cross-country skis comfortably on the train - no luggage allowance! Last but not least, don't forget your camera - the winter landscapes of the Podlasie region can be a delight!