If you are wondering where to go in Poland during the autumn, there are plenty of options - from mountain hikes and lakeside retreats to seaside getaways or short trips to one of the country’s charming cities. The "golden Polish autumn" is perfect for both active recreation and leisurely strolls or unhurried sightseeing. It is a fantastic time to plan a trip, whether for a weekend or a longer vacation. Read on to discover the best places to visit in Poland during the autumn season.
Why travel in the autumn?
In the autumn, popular destinations take on a completely different character compared to the summer months. There are fewer hikers on mountain trails, the crowds vanish from the seaside, and forests and parks transform into a tapestry of gold, red, and orange. It is the ideal season for autumn walks, outdoor activities, relaxed city sightseeing, or simply spending a few days immersed in nature.
Traveling outside the peak season often means better prices for accommodation and holiday packages, especially in places that are highly popular during the summer. Cooler temperatures are well-suited for hiking and full-day sightseeing, so an autumn trip doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice activity. However, since the weather can change quickly, it is wise to choose destinations that offer a mix of outdoor pursuits and indoor attractions.
The Jizera Mountains (Góry Izerskie) - an autumn getaway amidst forests and mountain panoramas
In the autumn, the Polish mountains draw visitors with their vibrant colors, crisp air, and stunning vistas. The Jizera Mountains (Góry Izerskie) are an excellent destination, offering the perfect blend of hiking and relaxation in the spa town of Świeradów-Zdrój. An extensive network of hiking trails leads to spots such as Stóg Izerski, Polana Izerska, and Hala Izerska. Your itinerary could also include a ride on the gondola lift, a stroll through the historic Spa House (Dom Zdrojowy), or a visit to the Sky Walk observation tower. With plenty of cycling routes and scenic viewpoints, it is easy to tailor your plans to the weather and your own fitness level.
Świeradów-Zdrój serves as an ideal base for a multi-day autumn getaway. Consider staying at the Forest Park Resort & SPA, conveniently located near mountain trails. After an active day, guests can unwind and recharge in the resort’s aquapark and wellness zone, which features a 25-meter swimming pool, a jacuzzi, and saunas. This ensures that, even with the changeable autumn weather, you can easily balance time spent outdoors with relaxation and on-site amenities.
The Masurian Lake District - charming lakes without the summer crowds
In autumn, the Masurian Lake District offers a landscape entirely different from that of midsummer. Morning mists over the lakes, forests ablaze with autumn colors, and quiet, empty piers create the perfect setting for long walks, cycling trips, and relaxing by the water. It is also an excellent time to explore the region’s lesser-known corners. Towns like Mikołajki and Giżycko make for great bases, allowing you to combine a connection with nature with visits to local attractions.
In Giżycko, it is worth visiting the Boyen Fortress and taking a walk along Lake Niegocin, while in Mikołajki, you can stroll along the waterfront or explore the surrounding lakeside towns. If you are planning a longer autumn getaway, consider a trip to Olsztyn to see the Old Town, the Castle of the Warmia Chapter, and the planetarium. The Pisz Forest (Puszcza Piska) is another great destination - perfect for those who want to spend more time in the woods, go cycling, or head out for some mushroom picking.
The seaside in autumn - empty beaches and the sound of the waves
An autumn holiday by the Polish seaside doesn’t mean missing out on attractions just because the weather isn’t ideal for swimming or spending the whole day on the beach. You can still enjoy sunny days that are perfect for long walks, jogging along the shore, or simply relaxing on the sand. In autumn, the windbreaks disappear, there are far fewer tourists, and the Baltic beaches become much quieter than during the peak season.
After an autumn storm, keep an eye out for amber washed up on the shore, and use cooler days for sightseeing. In Kołobrzeg, you can visit the harbor, the pier, and the lighthouse, while the Tri-City (Trójmiasto) offers even more possibilities - from walking through the historic district of Gdańsk or along the pier in Sopot to visiting the Gdynia Aquarium.
Kazimierz Dolny – an autumn city break amidst historic landmarks and Vistula River vistas
If you prefer Polish towns and cities over mountains, lakes, or the seaside, Kazimierz Dolny is an excellent destination. This small town, rich in historic sites, looks particularly stunning in the autumn atmosphere. Be sure to visit the market square with its distinctive townhouses, the castle ruins, the watchtower, and the Hill of the Three Crosses. From these elevated vantage points, you can take in views of the Vistula River and the surrounding hills, which, at this time of year, are blanketed in the vibrant colors of autumn foliage.
You might also want to include a walk through one of the town’s loess ravines - such as the Korzeniowy Dół (Root Ravine) - in your itinerary. Kazimierz Dolny is located within the Kazimierz Landscape Park, offering trails that wind through wooded hills and the area surrounding the Vistula Valley. The town itself has long been associated with art and galleries; after a walk, you can head back toward the market square, browse one of the galleries, and then relax at a local café or restaurant.
Where is the best place to visit in Poland during the autumn?
The choice depends primarily on how you wish to spend your time. If you are looking for mountain hikes, beautiful landscapes, and an active getaway, the Jizera Mountains (Góry Izerskie) are a great autumn destination. The Masurian Lake District (Mazury) is an ideal choice for those wanting to spend a few days by the lakes, close to nature, while the Polish coast is perfect for long walks, the soothing sound of the waves, and various seaside attractions. For a short weekend getaway, Kazimierz Dolny is a great choice, offering a mix of historic landmarks, walking trails, and scenic views over the Vistula Valley.
Autumn is the perfect time to explore Poland outside of the peak tourist season. Whether you are planning a weekend trip, a short break, or a longer holiday, each of these destinations offers a unique way to spend your leisure time.
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.
