Fryderyk Chopin Birthplace & Park in Żelazowa Wola
Kampinos National Park
Immediately North West of Warsaw (just 20km, heading in the direction of the towns of Łomianki or Truskaw from the city centre), Kampinos National Park is the most accessible of Poland’s national parks. The entire area covers 385km2 , which is interspersed with dense woodland, dunes and marshland, criss-crossed with biking, hiking and horse-riding trails, with the forest itself being home to 81 endangered species. The past decades have witnessed successful attempts to reintroduce beaver, elk and lynxes back to the wild. Equally famous for its association with the battle for Polish independence , Kampinos’ proximity to the capital has made it a favourite camp for partisans throughout the course of history; today numerous mass graves dating from national uprisings in 1863 , and 54 insurgent graves from the Home Army's 'Kampinos' group (located in the Wiersze village war cemetery) who took part in the Warsaw Uprising of 1944 can be found in the forest. None are more somber than the huge Palmiry National Memorial & Museum - a site of mass execution of civilians and intelligentsia during World War II, which is a must see.________
Konstancin-Jeziorna
Ahhh, spa towns, often found far from urban centres - not in this case. Located just south of Warsaw's Ursynów district in the Piaseczno county (a mere 20km from Warsaw's city centre), it's easy to get to by public transport (heading into zone 2), making it an ideal day out for couples, families, or those just eager to explore beyond the confines of the city. The beginnings of Konstancin can be traced back to 1897 when Count Witold Skórzewski (of the aristocratic Potulicki family), and owner of the Obory Palace Estate decided to found a summer resort by dividing his land into plots. In the late 19th/early 20th century, the area was known primarily for its spa and summer resorts due to its micro climate , having gained 'health resort' status in 1917. Due to its popularity, the town became a destination not only for relaxation, but also as a prime location to live, with numerous villas springing up around the town over the years. Today, they are an attraction in themselves, where you can find the majority on ul. Sienkiewicza, some in perfect condition, while others have stood empty for years and are now in various states of decay. Arriving in Konstancin-Jeziorna, you can choose to start your trip in the oldest part of the town in Jeziorna, which is now home to Stara PAPIERnia (En: old paper mill), a transformed post-industrial site, now a shopping centre with a handful of gastro points inside. Most visitors to the town choose to head to straight to the charming Park Zdrojowy (En: 'Health Resort Park'), the heart and symbol of the spa resort's reputation. The main attraction is definitely the salt graduation tower built in 1976, which people enjoy visiting, to breathe in the salty mist!
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Modlin Fortress
Situated in the town of Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, 30km north-west of Warsaw, is the 19th century Modlin Fortress (Twierdza Modlin), with a collection of barracks, which in total amount to 2,250m - the longest building in Europe. It is here at the meeting point of two rivers, the Narew and Vistula, Napoleon in 1806 ordered the creation of a defensive point (he is rumoured to have designed one of the first buildings). The complex was later expanded by Tsarist Russian troops and later again by Polish troops, and indeed, was also used by the Germans. During the Russian tenure, from 1880 onwards, the main fort at Modlin became part of a larger defensive project, consisting of two defensive rings, one smaller inner circle consisting of 8 fortlets, 7-10km from the main fort, and the outer ring made up of 14 fortlets, 8-12km away. The entire defensive complex eventually became redundant as military technology and strategies evolved in the 20th century. Post-war, the fortress was used by the Polish military, but now the fort has been sold to developers who plan to create a 'town within a town' with a shopping centre, among other things, planned to be here in the future. Now is the perfect time to visit before it changes beyond recognition!
