Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Like Tree2Likes
  • 1 Post By Mark Dolar
  • 1 Post By gregor

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Mar 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Royston ,Hertfordshire,UK
Posts: 2
Touring Poland

Has anyone got ant info on touring Poland.This will be my first tour abroad and was wondering what to expect for accomodation,road conditions etc
Regards Nick
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Mar 2001
Fritz's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 224
Been over a few times. (last time few years ago). Very beautiful. North coast nice, but bit same'y. Gdansk very beautiful. Krackow & Zakopane (and czech side) definately the best areas to go for.
Cheap & generally cheerful. Petrol no probs, unleaded easily available. Oil same. Some Companies funny about green cards - can get at border I believe. Take a phase book ! Plenty of good camping (and motels) - Get map from toutrist centres.
email me if you want to ask anything specific.
Can't remember any negatives. When we first went they thought my '78 BMW R80/7 was beyond luxury - and there were no bikes about, it has changed since!
One thing - watch the 'trans continental' routes - mixture of modern vehicles driving too fast, and knacked soviet trucks. Dangerous mix - vehicles expect you to be a moped and don't notice your speed. If stopped by Police shrug a lot and smile like a looney !
But over all, good choice I'd say.
Drop me a line if you need any more.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Mar 2001
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Samaipata / Bolivia
Posts: 888
hi nickprit,

good choice, poland is very nice in the summer and also in the winter (but not on a bike).
The places I liked most are: Leba on the Baltic Sea, Krakow, a town south of Katowitice but I don't remeber the name now, and of course the Masuren Lake District.
Poland is good for biking but the small roads can be rough going - but fun. Don't ride at night, as some trucks don't have light.
And always try to find a good place to park the bike for the night and lock it to something.
I didn't like Gdansk, but that was in 1992 and a lot has changed I bet.
Have fun - and the polish girls are just ....
MIKA
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 31 May 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Innsbruck, Austria
Posts: 11
Dear Nick!

Go there! You won't be disappointed. I biked around Poland for one month two years ago and it was great. We didn't make any bad experiences with crime or nasty people.
For destinations I would recommend: North-East and South- East. Anyway we liked the eastern parts a lot more.
We rented a canoe for one week in the Masuren area, wich was fabulous. Also the nicest and most quiet roads, I think.
As for accomondation, I think camping is the best idea. Don't expecxt campsites, but nobody ever cared when we pitched our tent in the wild.
Have fun! Patrick
__________________
Check out the whole story on www.transasia.at
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 Aug 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Garfield,NJ USA
Posts: 5
I'm Polish but now live in the US. I visited Poland this summer and traveled all around. If you have any Questions drop me a line.


Mark
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Nov 2001
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 95
I guess you need to know a couple things .

1. The Polish drive like loonies . They will drive over the top of you to get in front of you it seems sometimes . Especially those who can afford powerful new cars .

2. Roads are generally poorly surfaced and narrow ( hence the passing ) . Expect slow average speeds . But you're on holiday so you're not in a hurry right ?

3. It's generally quite flat apart from the very south so its not so exciting scenery or riding .

Thats three , sorry :-)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 Jan 2002
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,123
I toured through Poland in August of 2001 on my motorcycle, and had a great time.

I entered at the south end of the country, crossing in from Slovakia. I did not know that Canadians needed a visa to enter Poland, and the border guards were very apologetic about this - they felt bad that they had to send me back to Bratislava to get a visa. I didn't mind the ride back (3 hours) - the highways through Slovakia were in great shape, and nice and twisty. As good as or better than Canadian or American roads. Slovakia is a really delightful country for sport bike riding.

When I arrived at the Polish Embassy in Bratislava the following morning, I found out that the border guards had phoned ahead and advised I was coming - I was given 'red carpet' visa service, and was back on the road in 30 minutes. When I showed up at the same border post exactly 24 hours after my first visit, they recognized me and welcomed me back - 30 seconds, total, to cross the border. No inspections of my bike, luggage, anything like that, either at the Slovakian border or at the Polish border.

The only criticism I have of the roads in Poland is that they are heavily rutted in certain areas - mostly the routes leading into and out of the industrial areas of the larger cities. I chose to stick to the secondary roads, rather than the principal highways, and found good riding conditions, wonderful geography and excellent hospitality.

Theft of the bike is a constant concern in Poland, because of Poland's proximity to Ukraine and Russia. I was always able to find a place to stay overnight where the motorcycle could be locked up. If I stayed at a B&B, the family would put it in their own garage, and park a car or tractor behind it. Every 'better' hotel in the country offers locked and guarded parking - the Poles do cater to Western European visitors.

I traveled across southern Poland, spending over a week in the country, and then exited into Germany. I don't speak a word of Polish but was able to muddle my way through without difficulty using English and French. Altogether I thought Poland was a very nice country, good value, no problems with buying fuel, food, Big Mac's, using major credit cards at all the service stations, hotels, etc. I would not hesitate to return, and I recommend Poland to other riders.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11 Jan 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: U.K.
Posts: 12
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Nickprit:
Has anyone got ant info on touring Poland.This will be my first tour abroad and was wondering what to expect for accomodation,road conditions etc
Regards Nick
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hi Nick
I have been to Poland last Summer and I had great time.
People are very friendly and relaxed.
In warsaw I went to a Jewish restaurant on the main road just passed the ruins of the walls (Sorry, I can't remember the name of the road) and I had an excellent meal.
On the same road there is also a cafe' called "belle epoque" which I highly recommend.
If you like nature you might want to explore the area near Lithuania (above byalistok).
Be carefull on the roads, you will find lots of heavy traffic (lorries) and big bumps where your weels could get stuck.
If you need the insurance you best apply for Warta (the main polish insurer).
Enjoy
Paolo

Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12 Jan 2002
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,123
Eruschetta brings up a good point, which cannot be stressed highly enough to first time visitors to Poland, and this is about bumps and ruts in the road.

There is a great deal of unregulated and overweight truck traffic in Poland. The effect of this is that single-lane roads that are frequented by commecial trucks develop ruts, where the truck tires fit, that can be as deep as 6 inches, compared to the rest of the road surface.

If you encounter this type of condition (and you will, you cannot escape it) during dry conditions on a sunny day, you can get used to it, although it is very unsettling to be riding along in a rut such as this. It is almost like motorcycling down a bobsled run. Your ability to maneuver around on the road - and thus to take evasive action if someone else is coming at you in your lane, etc. - is greatly limited by these ruts.

However, if you were to encounter some of these ruts during any kind of reduced visibility conditions (night, fog, etc.) or when the road was wet, or even damp, you could easily lose control of your bike.

The ruts are most common on single lane highways (i.e. not four lane roads), and on the main approach roads in and out of cities.

You can avoid them, to a certain extent, by staying on the secondary roads that are not used by the trucks.

They are a real safety hazard.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 28 Jan 2002
gregor's Avatar
Gold Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: rzeszow, poland
Posts: 38
I,m from Poland.

some of travellers have a "short look" for a polish country but now i's not so pink so was last year.
but the mountains, lakes etc. are still wonderful.

if you have any special questions, make the post.



------------------
best regards
Grzegorz Zajac

__________________
GZ
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:48.