#PolandSoulTravel for the whole family, I write in my blog post on “Krakow with children”. But what exactly is “Poland Soul Travel“?
The Poland Soul Travel website describes the benefits of slow, enjoyable travel, recommending (mostly, but not only) trips to lesser-known, less touristy areas. I see the movement closely connected to #SlowTravel, a travel style I have already written about a lot on this blog.
But back to Poland now – and to Lublin. Where on God’s earth, you may ask, is Lublin?!
The city lies in the very east of Poland, and it holds an interesting feature for me. It actually reminds me of Graz in the south of my home country Austria! Both in terms of flair and size (thanks to similar Italian Renaissance architects and building styles). The former Danube monarchy, which once united the two cities in one big empire, must be the answer to this intriguing observation.
A view to Lublin: Several periods of history in one (big) picture.
We really liked the city, which is only some 100 kilometres away from Warsaw. Here is a view of the old town photographed opposite Lublin Castle (thank you, Rafal Bil, for the tip on the vantage point!).
City walk through Lublin old town.
As a starting or ending point for your exploration of Lublin with (young) children, I recommend the spacious, shady playground right beside Lublin Castle. It’s ideal to “recharge your batteries”, especially when travelling with toddlers. It allowed us to “last better” once we took on a visit of the castle with its magnificent art treasures. From experience, it is best to put babies or young kids in a carrier or baby sling, so that you can walk through the spacious exhibition rooms more quickly and comfortably!
The playground by Lublin Castle is really cool, especially travelling with such young children.
We visit the castle and its art treasures, which are known far beyond the borders of Lublin, such as the magnificent Gothic chapel with its oriental frescoes …
… and can recommend the visit, even when bringing very young children to the show.
We enter the city of Lublin through one of the typical old town gates. They indicate original entrance gates to the city, such as the Krakow Gate in the south of Lublin.
Lublin is characterised by many very diverse buildings that bear witness to the city’s eventful and multicultural history. Underneath the town hall, I visit very well-preserved frescoes that lie open like a picture book – for those who know how to read them! That’s why I recommend a guided tour of Lublin to all first-time visitors like us, simply to learn more – even or especially if you are travelling with children. Many THANKS, dear Rafal Bil, for your patience with our happy family group!
If you want to try something local, buy a slice of the famous Cebolarz, an onion cake typical for Lublin. Both our young kids had a go at it and liked it, so it must be good!
The city of Lublin, here with the “tightrope walker” at dizzying heights …
… is really very attractive to visit.
We take a walk around the old town …
… and make sure to try the famous Cebolarz onion bagels.
A view of the frescoes under the town hall. History comes to life here for sure!
Liam has his hand on the city coat of arms, a goat and a vine plant. Very charming. You can find out more about Lublin from their official website here.
A tour around Lublin’s Open Air Museum.
Just outside the city, only about 10 minutes away by car, is the Lublin Open Air Museum. With its extensive grounds, you can easily spend half a day or even a whole day here. It is one of the largest in Poland.
Marvel not only at typical farmhouses from eastern Poland, but also at manor houses, reconstructed town and village squares, breathtakingly beautiful wooden churches and even a windmill that can turn its whole upper storey into the wind. Wow!
Exploring the Lublin Open Air Museum …
… we also see former manor houses such as this one…
… spectacular wooden churches …
… and windmills with clever engineering …
… also this pretty little settlement, inviting you to linger with a picnic basket.
If you want to grab a bite, typical Lublin cuisine is served in the restaurant of the open-air museum: Delicious soups, breads and everything garnished with classic pickled cucumbers, of course. Enjoy!
Family friendly accommodation near Lublin: Golebnik Farm.
Our recommendation for visiting Lublin with (young) kids is to stay on the countryside (about 40 minutes away by car), that is, with wonderful hosts Ewa and Tomek at Golebnik Farm. I have liked it so much there that I have written a separate blog post on them. Read more about it here.
Travel Video #PolandSoulTravel
Join me on my trip to Poland! My travel video will lead you to explore eastern Poland, around the town of Lublin. A short interview features our fantastic hosts Ewa and Tomek, of Golebnik Guesthouse. We were truly impressed by the multitude of things to see and do around here.
Check out even further impressions about Krakow and eastern Poland here:
Disclaimer: I have been invited by the Polish Tourism Board on this trip to Krakow. All opinions are my own.