Polish WONDER

For adventures and quirky sights, mountain town Karpacz is perfect for a long weekend

- HEATHER SEABOOK

With stunning mountain scenery and a rich cultural heritage, Karpacz in south-western Poland has plenty to offer travellers looking for something a bit different. Nestled in the foothills of the breathtaking Karkonosze Mountains, the resort town has plenty of hiking trails for all ability levels, allowing you to soak up the area's astonishing natural beauty. Visit in late September or early October to enjoy the turning of the leaves, before winter ski season casts everything in white.

Peak time

If revelling in mountain scenery is your thing, you won't want to miss the excellent hiking in the Karkonosze National Park. The almost 75 miles of trails are the main reason why tourists visit all year round. The area borders Poland and the Czech Republic and, on both sides, areas of the mountains are designated national parks.