We begin our journey with two unusual medical facilities that once served patients, but now stand abandoned, hiding dark secrets of the past.

The first is the abandoned Zofiówka Institution for the Nervously and Mentally Ill, located at 10P Jana Kochanowskiego Street in Otwock (05-400). This remarkable complex of buildings, surrounded by an extensive park, was once one of the most modern psychiatric centers in Europe. To reach Zofiówka, it is best to take the train to Otwock, and then a local bus or cab.

The facility is currently abandoned and officially off-limits to the public for security reasons. However, many explorers find a way to look inside. Remember that it is illegal and potentially dangerous to enter the site - there is a risk of parts of the structure collapsing. If you decide to observe from the outside, look out for the distinctive early 20th century architecture and remnants of the sanatorium's former glory.

The second site is the Abandoned Military Hospital in Legnica (59-220). This sprawling complex of buildings, a remnant of the Soviet military presence in Poland, is located in the heart of the city. Getting there is easy - you can get there from the Legnica train station on foot in about 20 minutes or use public transportation.

The hospital, although officially closed, is not tightly secured and many explorers visit the site. Remember, however, that entering the site is at your own risk. Inside, you can see remnants of medical equipment, operating rooms and even an old swimming pool. Of particular interest are the Russian inscriptions on the walls and the remains of Soviet soldiers.

When visiting these places, remember to be properly prepared. Sturdy shoes with thick soles, a flashlight, a dust mask and gloves are the bare minimum. Also, don't forget your camera to capture these unusual places. Always move in a group and inform someone of your exploration plans.

Near both sites there are active hotels and restaurants where you can rest after an intense day of exploration. In Otwock, you should also visit other examples of Swidermajer architecture, characteristic of the region. In Legnica, on the other hand, we recommend a visit to the historic city center and the Piast Castle.

Remember that urbex is not only an adventure, but also an opportunity to reflect on the passing of time and history. Treat these places with respect, don't destroy them, don't take away 'souvenirs' - let the next explorers also experience their extraordinary atmosphere.

In this part of our urbex journey in Poland, we will focus on two unusual objects that once bustled with life, but today stand abandoned, reminding us of the vicissitudes of fate and the passing of time.

The first is the Abandoned Estate on Dudziarska Street in Warsaw (04-317). This place, once known as 'the worst address in Warsaw,' is a remarkable example of a failed social experiment from the 1990s. The development is located on the outskirts of Praga-South, surrounded by railroad tracks and industrial areas. It is accessible by city buses, which arrive near Dudziarska Street.

Currently, the estate is officially closed and secured. The entrances to the buildings are walled off, and the area is monitored. Nevertheless, many urbex enthusiasts find a way to take a closer look at the place. Remember, however, that entering the estate is illegal and potentially dangerous. We recommend observing from the outside, which also allows you to appreciate the scale and atmosphere of this unusual place.

The second site we will visit is the Wesołówka Manor, located in the village of Wesołówka, Lublin Province (21-421). This 19th-century mansion, once the center of local social and cultural life, now stands abandoned, slowly falling into disrepair. Vesolowka can be reached by car or local public transportation from nearby larger towns.

The mansion is not officially open to the public, but the area around it is accessible. You can admire the distinctive architecture of the Polish manor house, the remains of the manor park and try to imagine what life was like here years ago. It is dangerous to go inside the building due to its poor technical condition.

When visiting these places, remember to be properly prepared. Comfortable, sturdy shoes, appropriate clothing (long pants and a long-sleeved sweatshirt), a flashlight and water are a must. And don't forget a camera or a smartphone with a good camera - these places offer amazing opportunities for photography enthusiasts.

You'll find places to stay and eat near both locations. In the case of Warsaw, we recommend visiting other attractions in Prague, such as the Museum of Warsaw Prague and the Koneser Praga Center. Near Vesolowka, the picturesque Roztocze with its national and scenic parks is worth a visit.

Remember that urbex is not only an adventure, but also a lesson in history and sociology. These abandoned places bear witness to the social, economic and political changes that have taken place in Poland over the past decades. Treat them with respect, don't destroy them and don't take anything away - let them remain for future generations of explorers and researchers.

At the end of our urbex journey in Poland, we will visit a place that particularly illustrates the passage of time and the vicissitudes of human fate - the Palace Ruins in Dobrowo.

The ruins of the palace in Dobrowo are located in Dobrowo, West Pomeranian Voivodeship (address: Dobrówko 5, 78-214 Dobrowo). This once impressive palace, built around 1900 for the von Kleist family, now stands abandoned, slowly succumbing to the effects of time and nature. Dobrowo can be reached by car or by local public transportation from nearby larger towns such as Bialogard or Koszalin.

Currently, the palace is owned by the municipality and is officially off-limits to the public for safety reasons. However, the area around the palace is open and you can admire the remains of this once magnificent residence up close. Particularly impressive are the preserved towers and terrace, with the von Kleist family crest still visible above the terrace.

Remember that it is dangerous and illegal to go inside the palace. The technical condition of the building is very bad and threatens to collapse. We recommend admiring the palace from the outside, which also gives you the opportunity to appreciate its former splendor and current melancholy beauty.

When preparing for a visit to Dobrovo, make sure you have proper footwear - the terrain around the palace is uneven and often overgrown. Mosquito repellent will also come in handy, especially in the warmer months. A camera is a must - the ruins of the palace, especially at sunset, offer unusual opportunities for photography enthusiasts.

In the Dobrow area you will find several lodging and dining options, mainly in nearby Bialogard. Other attractions in the region, such as the picturesque Dobrowskie Lake and the historic church in Dobrowo, are also worth a visit.

Visiting the ruins of the palace in Dobrowo not only gives us the opportunity to experience a fascinating urbex adventure, but also to immerse ourselves in the history of the region. This palace witnessed the turbulent events of the 20th century - from the heyday of the Prussian aristocracy, through the difficult post-war years, to the present day. Today, falling into disrepair, it is paradoxically gaining new life as an object of interest for urbex and history enthusiasts.

Let's remember that urbex is not only about adventure and adrenaline. It's also an opportunity to reflect on the passing of time, on how quickly what seems permanent and unshakeable can fall into oblivion and ruin. It's a lesson in humility towards time and history.

When visiting abandoned places, such as the palace in Dobrovo, let's remember the rule 'leave only footprints, take only photos.' Let's respect these places, let's not destroy them, let's not take away 'souvenirs'. That way, future explorers will be able to experience the same fascination and emotion we feel when standing in front of the ruins of a once magnificent palace.

Urbex in Poland is a fascinating adventure that allows us to rediscover the history of our country, to look at known and unknown places from a different perspective. It's also an opportunity to develop a passion for photography, meet new people and explore our own boundaries. However, let us always remember to be safe and respectful of the places we visit. Let our passion for exploration go hand in hand with responsibility and historical awareness.