The August long weekend is a good excuse to change your surroundings for a few days and take a break from everyday life. On 15 August, we celebrate Polish Army Day, and since it is a public holiday, it is often enough to take one or two days of annual leave to plan a trip. It is a great opportunity for a short holiday or a slightly longer getaway without using up many vacation days. You can choose to explore Polish cities, spend time actively, or enjoy a peaceful break close to nature. Here are five destinations for those looking for ideas for a getaway.
The Baltic coast for a few days – beach and attractions without rushing
The Polish coast is a great destination for an August getaway. Beautiful beaches, the sound of the waves and promenades attract tourists from across Poland. Instead of trying to see as much as possible, it is better to choose one town and focus on the attractions nearby. In Sopot, you can combine a walk along the pier with a visit to Gdańsk; in Kołobrzeg, see the port and lighthouse; and in Ustka, stroll along the promenade and relax on the beach. Łeba is also a good choice, as it is easy to take a trip from there to the shifting dunes in Słowiński National Park.
If you prefer a more peaceful stay, consider Dębki, Lubiatowo or Poddąbie. Sandy beaches, pine forests and walking trails are perfect for relaxing outdoors. On the Hel Peninsula, you can combine beach time with a visit to the seal sanctuary, a walk around Hel or a short cycling trip. This kind of plan allows time for sightseeing and relaxation, and the day can end with dinner at a local restaurant.
Masuria for active travelers and those seeking peace and quiet
Masuria is a great idea for a long weekend close to the water, away from the crowds of the seaside. Mikołajki, Giżycko, Mrągowo, Ruciane-Nida and Pisz are good bases for exploring interesting places and charming corners of the region.
The August long weekend can be spent sailing, kayaking, swimming, fishing or taking a boat cruise. It is worth choosing a trip down the Krutynia River, one of the region’s most beautiful kayaking routes. Cycling trails run along lakes and through the Piska Forest, offering beautiful views and contact with nature.
Nearby, it is worth visiting Boyen Fortress, the sanctuary in Święta Lipka, the bridges in Stańczyki and the Wolf’s Lair in Gierłoż, which will be of interest to history enthusiasts. Bicycle, kayak and boat rental services make it easy to combine relaxation with active recreation.
A long weekend in the Jizera Mountains
The Jizera Mountains are a great choice for people who want to spend the August long weekend actively, but without the crowds found in popular resorts. Gentle trails, expansive panoramas and an extensive network of cycling routes make the region well suited to hiking and family trips.
Świeradów-Zdrój is a good base for exploring the area. Its spa atmosphere, historic Spa House with a promenade hall and easy access to the trails make Świeradów-Zdrój ideal for a stay of several days. It is worth taking a trip to Stóg Izerski, following the trail towards Hala Izerska or viewing the surrounding area from the Sky Walk tower. The panorama of the town and mountains presents the region from a completely different perspective.
During your stay in Świeradów-Zdrój, consider staying at Forest Park Resort & Spa. It is a practical option if you want to divide your August weekend between mountain excursions and relaxation. Guests can use the aquapark with a 25-metre swimming pool, paddling pool, jacuzzi, saunas and multimedia slide. Family apartments with bedrooms and kitchenettes are also available. After a day on the trail, you can relax in the wellness area and set off on another trip the following morning.
Białowieża Forest – an encounter with primeval nature
Białowieża Forest is a good choice for people who prefer peace, forest and proximity to nature over resorts. This transboundary area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the European bison. It is an ideal place to relax outdoors.
The main attractions include the European Bison Show Reserve, the Museum of Nature and Forest and the Palace Park. It is also worth visiting the Royal Oaks Trail and Białowieża itself, from where walking and cycling routes begin. The forest offers peace and quiet, wild nature and a landscape unlike urban attractions.
A weekend in the forest does not have to mean intensive sightseeing. Free time can be spent walking, birdwatching and discovering the local cuisine.
Renaissance Zamość and the wild Polesie region
Zamość is perfect for an August long weekend because it allows you to combine urban attractions with trips around the surrounding area. The eye-catching Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and delights visitors with its regular street layout, colourful townhouses with arcades and the Great Market Square. The town hall with its fan-shaped staircase towers over the square.
It is worth visiting the cathedral, the former synagogue, the Zamość Academy, the Arsenal and sections of the fortifications. Families with children can plan a visit to the zoo and, after sightseeing, relax in one of the restaurants around the market square. Zamość has plenty to offer history and architecture enthusiasts, and its most important attractions can be explored without rushing.
A stay in Zamość can be combined with a trip to the Lublin Polesie region. The most interesting destination is Poleski National Park, known for its peat bogs, marshes, lakes and wooden boardwalks. The Dąb Dominik and Spławy trails allow visitors to observe birds and discover the area’s remarkable landscape.
How to plan a long weekend in August?
It is worth starting the planning by asking how much time you want to spend travelling and how much relaxing. For a trip lasting several days, it is best to choose one place and use it as a base for short excursions. This way, you will not waste time constantly moving from place to place.
In August, it is a good idea to book accommodation in advance and check whether tickets are required for popular attractions. The plan does not have to be detailed. Simply choose a few places you really want to see and leave the rest of the day for relaxation, a walk or changing your plans. This will help you avoid chaos and retain flexibility during your trip.
Author of the post
Julia Pągowska
Marketing and Social Media Specialist
Responsible for the communication and content marketing of Forest Park Resort & SPA. She creates social media content, records video materials, takes photos, and designs graphics and promotional materials for the hotel. She also prepares blog content related to relaxation, travel, and regional attractions.
In her materials, she focuses above all on the guest experience, showing places not only aesthetically but also practically, authentically, and from the perspective of people planning their stay. Privately, she is a lover of mountains, travel, dog walks, and places she wants to return to more than once.
