Podkarpackie Province
Podkarpackie is one of the greenest regions of Poland. There are pristine meadows and beautiful forests. Over one third of the region’s area, including remnants of the ancient Carpathian primeval Forest, is protected. Mighty wisents, lynxes, wildcats, and a number of rare bird species such as the golden eagle, are just a few of many species you can meet while hiking in the area.
The region offers hundreds of miles of tourist trails with scenic overlooks and interesting sites, perfect for photo workshops and hiking tours. There are over 1,100 miles of cycling routes with varied level of difficulty. Cycling lovers appreciate the routes delineated in the south of the region, in the Bieszczady, Low Beskid and Slonne Mountains, which will be truly challenging for them. On the other hand, beginners and families with children will enjoy hundreds of miles of easier routes, including over 250 miles long Green Velo Eastern Cycling Trail. It takes you through the magnificent landmarks, across hills, valleys, meadows and unending forests.
The region is rich in historic and heritage sites, telling the story of many nations. Traditional wooden architecture is the region’s unique feature. The Wooden Architecture Route in Podkarpackie takes you to over 130 unique places, some of them listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the Open-air Museum of Rural Architecture in Sanok. The latter is the largest open-air exposition in our country and it shows the atmosphere of villages and small towns existing in south-eastern Poland many years ago.
One the other hand there are numerous castles and palaces which tell you the history of noble families. The best way to visit the places is to follow the Carpathian Trail of Historical Houses and Gardens. You must visit magnificent interiors and stunning gardens of Lancut Castle. Discover the jewels of the Renaissance architecture in Baranow Sandomierski and Krasiczyn Castles or enjoy fantastic court-style cuisine at Dubiecko Castle.
You cannot miss Krosno – the City of Glass. The unique attractions are the Glass Heritage Centre with interactive presentations of manufacturing and ornamenting techniques and the Glass Trail with amazing glass sculptures. Over the hundred years long history, every type of glass has been manufactured in Krosno. In the past each and every Polish household had some glassware from here. But there is more! Glass factory in Krosno manufactured tableware for Queen Elizabeth II, King Juan Carlos of Spain, and Japanese Empress. Designs from Krosno have become a part of the history.
