When the days become noticeably longer and the temperature outside stops forcing us to wear the thickest jackets, the question naturally arises: where is it worth going for a spring weekend to effectively recharge after winter?
The first warmer weeks of the year are a specific time in tourism – crowds are usually smaller than in July, and nature offers spectacles we won't see in any other month. Poland at this time of year is a country of contrasts.
While snow may still linger in the higher mountain areas, everything is blooming on the lowlands, and a harsh, iodine-rich microclimate prevails by the sea. When planning a spring weekend, it's worth considering not only the weather forecast but above all what kind of rest we need most: active trekking, observing nature awakening, or simply a change of scenery.
The first spring weekend – time to start
Calendar spring begins on March 21, which is a symbolic boundary after which we are more likely to pack our suitcases. In practice, however, the travel season is fluid and depends on the arrangement of public holidays. Often Easter falls in April, creating a natural opportunity for a longer holiday without having to use many vacation days. Equally important in the schedule is the May long weekend. The turn of April and May is the moment when a short spring weekend often evolves into a multi-day trip, allowing visits to more distant corners of the country.
It's worth remembering, however, that the weather in March and April can be capricious. Therefore, when wondering where to head for a spring weekend, it's good to have a contingency plan in case of rain or sudden cold. This could be an interesting local museum trail, access to a wellness area, or simply an apartment with a large window and a view that pleases the eye regardless of the weather.
Obvious destinations on the map of Poland…
Mountains and the sea are classics that dominate Poles' travel plans regardless of the season. The Tatra Mountains in early spring attract crocus seekers, especially in the Chochołowska Valley. One should, however, expect mud on the trails and significant interest from tourists who want to capture photographs of purple carpets of flowers against snowy peaks. The Karkonosze Mountains offer somewhat gentler approaches, and waterfalls like Kamieńczyk and Szklarki, fed by melting snow, are at their most powerful then.
Meanwhile, the Baltic before the season is a proposition for those seeking space. Beaches are empty, windbreaks do not yet block the horizon, and the concentration of iodine in the air is at its highest in the year. A long spring weekend by the sea is primarily about walks along the shore, battling the wind, and a quietness that's hard to find there in August. Towns such as Ustka, Kołobrzeg, or smaller settlements on the Vistula Spit allow you to unwind to the sound of the waves without worrying about reserving a table at a restaurant.
...and the less obvious ones, namely Podlasie
If popular resorts seem too noisy, it's worth paying attention to the eastern part of the country. Podlasie is a region that in spring gains a completely different dimension. It is here that rivers such as the Bug and Narew create picturesque floodplains, and the nature awakening is within reach. For people who don't yet know where to escape the city bustle for a spring weekend, eastern Poland can turn out to be a perfect choice.
A key asset of this region is its multiculturalism and a specific, unhurried atmosphere. Wooden architecture, colorful Orthodox churches, and local cuisine create a mood conducive to slowing down. Spring in Podlasie is also a paradise for birdwatchers – the Biebrza Valley then hosts thousands of migratory birds, which is one of the most spectacular natural displays in Europe. You don't have to be a specialist to appreciate the sight of flocks of geese or cranes against the rising sun.
The first spring weekend in the Białowieża Forest
Being in Podlasie, it's hard to miss the Białowieża Forest – the last lowland primeval forest in the Old Continent. A UNESCO-listed site, it's a place where time flows differently. In spring the forest smells of damp earth and fresh greenery, and the lack of dense foliage in the lower parts of the forest makes it easier to observe animals. It is then that there is a good chance of encountering a European bison in one of the glades before the herds withdraw into inaccessible thickets for the summer.
When planning a spring weekend in the area, it's worth visiting the European Bison Show Reserve, walking the Żebra Żubra boardwalk, or seeing the Royal Oaks Trail. Hajnówka and Białowieża serve as natural bases for exploring the forest. Tourism here is based on hiking and cycling trips. The paths are well marked and the terrain is mostly flat, making it an accessible option for people of varying fitness levels. The silence reigning in the forest is deep and soothing, broken only by the sounds of birds and the rustle of trees.
Enklawa Białowieska Forest & SPA
An example of a place that can serve as a base for exploring the forest is a property located close to Hajnówka and Białowieża – Enklawa Białowieska Forest & SPA. The complex is surrounded by forest and is located directly on the route leading towards Białowieża.
The accommodation base consists of three buildings offering apartments of varied sizes. Each of them is fully equipped, has a kitchenette and a separate bathroom. A characteristic feature is large windows, and in some units also balconies or terraces, which allows contact with the surroundings without leaving the room.
Those wondering how to combine activity with relaxation during a spring weekend can use the Forest SPA. There is a dry sauna and a wooden barrel sauna, as well as a relaxation area by the biopool. The biopool itself is heated and operates seasonally, and in winter and early spring it is sometimes used for ice swimming. In the Selva – Residence II building, guests have access to an additional SPA zone with a Finnish sauna and an infrared sauna.
The recreational facilities also include a ropes course, a volleyball and football pitch, and a playground for the little ones. Culinary matters are handled by the on-site SportiVino restaurant. The menu combines Polish and Italian flavors – you can eat Neapolitan-style pizza, pastas and burgers, but also traditional pierogi and dishes referring to the cuisine of the Podlasie region.
Where to go for a spring weekend – summary
The choice of a place for the first trip of the year should be dictated by our current needs. The Polish tourist offer is broad enough that everyone will find something suitable – from windy beaches, through mountain trails, to forest paths of eastern Poland. Whether we decide on a popular resort or hide away deep in the forest, a spring weekend is above all an opportunity to change perspective and catch our breath before the coming months of work.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there mud in the Białowieża Forest in early spring?
Yes, during the spring thaw forest paths can be waterlogged and muddy. It's worth bringing waterproof trekking boots or wellingtons, especially if we plan to leave paved roads for natural trails.
2. When is it best to book accommodation for a spring weekend?
If we're aiming for popular dates such as Easter or the May long weekend, it's best to book 4–6 weeks in advance. For ordinary March and April weekends, you can often find places even a week before the trip.
3. Is Podlasie a good place to travel with children?
Yes, the region offers many attractions for the little ones, such as the European Bison Show Reserve, narrow-gauge railways, or ropes parks. The flat terrain also favors family cycling trips.
4. Is it a good destination if I live in Warsaw?
Definitely yes. A car trip from Warsaw to the Hajnówka and Białowieża area usually takes about 3 hours (approx. 200–220 km). It is an optimal distance for a short trip, allowing you to spend most of the time resting rather than traveling. An alternative is a direct train or bus connection.
