Tracing Polish legends: from the mountains to the sea

Tracing Polish legends: from the mountains to the sea

June 11, 2025

Poland is a country where history is intertwined with legend, and every corner hides fascinating tales passed down from generation to generation. We invite you on an extraordinary journey in the footsteps of Polish legends, which will lead us from majestic mountains to the roaring sea. It is an expedition during which you will discover not only the beauty of our country, but also the magic and mysteries that have fired the imagination of both children and adults for centuries. Prepare to meet the ghosts of the past, dragons, devils and heroic rulers, whose fate is forever inscribed in the landscape of Poland. Our route leads through places where legend becomes tangible and history comes alive before our eyes. From the picturesque Swietokrzyskie Mountains, through the charming streets of Cracow and Toruń, to the mysterious corners of Wielkopolska - each stop on this route is an opportunity for a fascinating lesson in history and culture, given in the form of an exciting adventure for the whole family.

Ad

Swietokrzyskie Mountains - the cradle of Polish legends

Our journey begins in the heart of Poland, in the picturesque Swietokrzyskie Mountains, where legends are as old as the rocks that surround us. The first stop on our tour is the Park of Legends in Nowa Slupia, a place where history and magic meet in modern form. The Park of Legends, located at 6 Benedyktyńska Street in Nowa Slupia, is a multimedia complex that takes us into the world of Świętokrzyskie stories. To reach the Park, it is best to use bus transportation from Kielce or your own car - parking is located right at the entrance.

The Park of Legends is a modern museum where legends come to life through interactive displays and special effects. Here, children and adults can immerse themselves in a world of witches, Świętokrzyskie mountains and mysterious phenomena. It's worth booking tickets online, especially during the summer season, when the place is very popular. Ticket prices range from PLN 30 to 50, depending on the type of ticket and season (as of 2024).

After a visit to the Park of Legends, it's worth going to nearby Bald Mountain, where, according to legend, witches' sabbaths were held. Here you will also find the famous Devil's Stone - a huge erratic boulder that, according to legends, was supposed to have been dropped by the devil flying to the Holy Cross monastery. The Devil's Stone is located on top of Klonovka Mountain, near the red hiking trail. Getting to it requires a short but fairly steep climb, which can be an exciting adventure for older children.

For families with younger children, we recommend visiting the Medieval Settlement in Huta Szklana, where you can see what life was like in the days when legends were born. It's a great place to relax and dine in medieval style.

Remember that hiking in the Swietokrzyskie Mountains requires proper preparation - comfortable trekking shoes, a backpack with provisions and water are essential. It is also advisable to bring a rain jacket, as the weather in the mountains can be capricious.

Cracow and Torun - the cities of legends and mysteries

Our journey in the footsteps of legends now leads us to two extraordinary cities - Krakow and Toruń, where history and magic can be felt at every turn.

In Krakow, the former capital of Poland, legends await us around almost every corner. We begin our adventure with a visit to Legends of Krakow, a fascinating place located at 8 Pawia Street, right next to Galeria Krakowska. This is a modern attraction, combining technology with tradition, where in just 30 minutes we can learn about the most important Krakow legends. The place is easily accessible - you can reach it by streetcar or bus, getting off at the 'Main Railway Station' stop.

The legend of the Wawel Dragon comes to life when we go to the Dragon's Den at Wawel Castle. It's a place that is sure to fire the imagination of the little ones. The entrance to the cave is located at the foot of Wawel Castle from the Vistula River. Keep in mind that the descent into the cave may be difficult for young children, but the sight of the fire-breathing dragon sculpture outside will certainly make up for any hardships.

We must not miss the Foot of Queen Jadwiga - an unusual mark left in stone by this holy ruler. It can be found in the Carmelite Church on Piasek Street, 19 Carmelicka St. This is the perfect place to tell children about the kindness and mercy of Queen Hedwig.

From Krakow we move to Toruń, the city of Copernicus and gingerbread, but also of fascinating legends. The House of Torun Legends at 35 Szeroka Street is a place where history mixes with theater and interaction. It's not just a museum, but a live performance in which everyone can take part. Getting there is easy - you can use public transportation or walk from the Old Town Square.

At the House of Legends of Torun, stories await us about the raftsman who saved the city from a plague of frogs, the thief who was turned into stone, or the bell that grants wishes. The interactive form of the tour makes it an attraction suitable for children of all ages.

After visiting the House of Legends, take a walk through the charming streets of the Old Town, looking for traces of legendary figures. Don't forget to look in the courtyard of the Old Town Hall, where there is a statue of a rafter playing the fiddle.

Both in Cracow and Toruń, it is worth planning at least one full day for sightseeing. Remember to wear comfortable shoes - the cobblestone streets can be tiring for little feet. In both cities you will find numerous cafes and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy traditional specialties - obwarzanki in Cracow and gingerbread in Toruń.

Wielkopolska - the cradle of the Polish state and legends

The last stage of our journey is Wielkopolska, the cradle of Polish statehood, where legends are intertwined with the beginnings of our country. We begin with a visit to Gniezno, the first capital of Poland, where the legend of Lech, Czech and Rus is reflected in urban space.

Strolling through Gniezno, it is worth noting the charming Rabbit figurines, which are placed in various points of the city. One of them is the Woj Piast Rabbit, which can be found at the entrance to St. Adalbert's Square, near the Cathedral. This small sculpture not only entertains, but also teaches - it's a great opportunity to tell children about the wars of the times of the first Piasts.

We must not miss a visit to Gniezno Cathedral, where, according to legend, the tomb of St. Adalbert is located. This is a place where the history of Poland is almost tangible. Children may find the famous Gniezno Doors, depicting scenes from the life of the saint, particularly interesting.

From Gniezno we head to Kruszwica on Lake Goplo, where the legendary Mysia Wieża rises. It is a place associated with the legend of the cruel King Popiel, who was eaten by mice. Mysia Wieża is located on Podzamcze Street in Kruszwica. It can be reached by car or bus from Inowrocław or Bydgoszcz.

Entering the tower is quite an adventure - 144 stairs lead to the top, from where there is a beautiful view of Lake Gopło and the surrounding area. It is worth remembering that the ascent may be difficult for small children and people with a fear of heights. Ticket prices range from 10 to 15 zlotys (as of 2024), and during the summer season it is advisable to come early in the morning to avoid queues.

After visiting the Mysa Tower, we can go on a cruise on Lake Goplo, during which the guide will tell us more legends related to the region. This is a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the beautiful views.

At the end of our trip we should visit Ostrów Lednicki - an island on Lednickie Lake, where the ruins of one of the oldest Polish castles are located. This is the place where, according to legend, Mieszko I was baptized. Getting to Ostrów Lednicki requires advance planning - it is best to take a ferry service from Dziekanowice.

When traveling in Greater Poland, remember to prepare properly. Comfortable shoes are essential, as many attractions require walking. It's also a good idea to bring provisions and water, especially when visiting less populated places like Ostrów Lednicki.

Our journey in the footsteps of Polish legends has come to an end, but let's remember that this is only a small part of the fascinating stories our homeland hides. Each of the locations we visited offers not only an encounter with a legend, but also a vivid lesson in Polish history and culture. This is an ideal trip for families with children, combining education with adventure and fun.

Similar articles

Ad