Hello ladies and gents this is the Viking telling you that today we are talking about !!
Poland
When you think of Poland, you might picture incredible natural landscapes, historic sites, and lots of delicious pierogi dumplings… But there’s much more to Poland than meets the eye. Get to know more about this fascinating country with these facts about Poland – and impress your friends with your new trivia knowledge.
1. Poland is home to the world’s biggest castle
The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork is the largest castle in the world by land area. Originally built in the 13th century as a Teutonic castle and fortress, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Speaking of which, Poland is home to a remarkable 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites!
2. Poland has one of the world’s oldest salt mines
Have you ever been inside a salt mine? When you visit Poland with Trafalgar, we’ll take you to see the 800-year-old Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the oldest in the world. It’s famed as the Underground Salt Cathedral of Poland and you’ll see chambers, sculptures, salt chandeliers, and an entire chapel carved from rock salt when you venture 135 metres (440 feet) below the ground with your guide. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has been producing salt continuously since the 13th century until 2007, and you’re sure to be amazed by the history and unique carvings of this salt mine.
3. Vodka originated in Poland
This fact about Poland is hotly debated by Russians, however, it is believed that vodka was invented in Poland. The first written mention of the spirit was found in Polish court documents from 1405 and vodka was originally used as medicine. Poland has been producing the famous drink since the Middle Ages and today the Polish still make some of the best vodkas in the world, producing around 260 million litres of it each year.
4. Europe’s heaviest animals live in Poland
The endangered European bison, or the wisent, is the heaviest land animal in Europe, weighing over 600kg on average. They can be found roaming on the 150,000 hectares of the Białowieża Primeval Forest in Poland – the last primaeval forest in Europe, that once sprawled across the continent thousands of years ago.
5. Poland had the world’s first upside down house
One of our favourite fun facts about Poland is that it’s home to the first upside down house in the world. The topsy-turvy wooden house was built the wrong way up in a forest, and it looks like something out of a fairytale. Visitors have to enter the house through the attic windows and can stroll through the furnished interior, reminiscent of Communist Poland during the 1970s to symbolise how the Communist rule turned life upside down in Poland. Hundreds of curious tourists have come here since its unveiling in 2007, and you can find the house in the tiny Polish village of Szymbark – which only has around 500 residents.
And as always have a chilled day from the Viking
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