Poland just may be an ideal pilgrimage destination. It’s a country packed with Catholic history (and regular history), rugged natural beauty, charming city plazas, iconic European architecture, soaring cathedrals, friendly people, an unapologetic pride, and a bazillion saints. Poland sings with the power of pilgrimage to unlock full integration of our bodies and souls. 

You never need to go far to make a pilgrimage, but traveling beyond your usual routine into sacred, beautiful places is a worthy investment that you will never regret. (If you would like help planning a pilgrimage large or small, local or abroad, or adding a pilgrimage dimension to your already-scheduled trip, let's talk! This is my favorite thing to do.)

I just returned from a pilgrimage through Poland, based around Krakow and following the life of St John Paul II. I have tons to share, so let’s start with some basic notes on how to make pilgrimage in Poland:

1. Sweaters or puffers? The last time I visited Poland (2001, mid February), I wrote in my journal: This is the coldest place I have ever been. Full disclosure: I am a Louisiana girl who thinks any weather below 85 degrees is downright Christmasy. Being cold was my biggest pre-trip worry about Poland. Thankfully, we live in an age of advancements like “forecasts” and “weather apps” so you don’t have to guess. I found late October in Poland to be chilly but not frigid. I opted to leave behind my long puffer coat, and felt mostly fine with layers, sweaters, and a trench except for one particularly blustery night. I packed gloves, but didn’t use them. If your trip to Poland looks like it will be truly cold, prioritize layers and minimize bulky sweaters and coats. Next time, I think I’ll bring a packable down jacket. 

• Related: A cold weather packing formula

  
  

2. English or Polish? As in most European capitols, English is very common in the Krakow service industry, while less common in smaller towns. Polish is not an easy language, so focus on three key phrases: hello (dzień dobry), please (proszę), thank you (dziękuję). Most service workers will read you as an English-speaker a mile away, but it’s always polite to try. Yet language is far less important than being a normal human. Be humble, don't be pushy, and all will be well. There are wonderful things about being somewhere you don't speak the language, including the creativity of communicating and—my favorite—going to Mass in another language. You may find yourself surprisingly focused as you have to pay closer attention to follow along. It's also a beautiful and powerful immersion into the universality of our faith and Church.

3. Euro or zlotky? Poland is not on the Euro currency system. For now, this means that your American dollar goes a very long way throughout Poland. You can enjoy high-end meals, hotels, and drinks for about half of what they cost in other major European cities. This is your sign to ditch Disney this year and bring your whole family to Poland instead. P.S. You don’t really need cash except for public restrooms (they usually charge a few coins); everywhere else accepts cards or tap payments.

4. Ice cream or cake? Poland is a kingdom of sweets, and we can be moderate back at home. I say go for one of each, proszę. You’ll find ice cream stands open even while people are bundled up in hats and scarves. And you can’t leave Poland without consuming your share of kremkowka, a cream cake that was the personal favorite of St John Paul II. Kremkowka—pope cake—is everywhere. Follow the pope’s footsteps and grab a spoon. 

5. Market or boutique? Poland’s markets are outstanding. Stay out of souvenir shops and opt instead for open-air craft stalls behind major cathedrals and in center plazas to find handmade ceramics, wood toys, chess sets, intricate carved boxes, religious icons, amber jewelry, candles, crystal, and wool products. Exception: do not miss Krakow’s giant grocery stores for vodka, beer, and untold treasures of chocolate and candy. P.S. In general, I always try to visit neighborhood staples and thrift shops when I travel. These are places where you can truly encounter the local culture as its people really live it. 

6. Walk or tram? Walk. Did you really think I would say something different? Krakow is very walkable, especially if you follow a loose pattern of taking breaks for coffee and pastries along the way. You will always, always notice things on foot that you would never see from a vehicle. Walking also opens the door for conversations with other people on the street. Bring your most comfortable shoes and plot your destinations along a path of 20-minute increments. If your feet need a rest, the Krakow tram system is very user-friendly and drops at multiple convenient corners throughout the city. P.S. Get the Jakojade app so you can use the tram seamlessly from your phone. P.P.S. If you’re planning daytrips from Krakow (you should!) consider renting a car for the easiest navigation. 

7. Café or cook? Normally, my single best tip for pilgrimage on a budget is managing your meals. You shouldn't go all the way across the ocean just to scrimp on taste, but you can't blow a fortune eating out three meals every day. However, the Polish restaurant scene offers a big bang for your buck. If there’s anywhere you could splurge on multiple restaurant meals, it’s Poland. 

8. Krakow or Warsaw? Poland is rich in history and culture, but I think Krakow makes an ideal base for a Poland pilgrimage. The city houses a plethora of medieval cathedrals, tombs of saints, and other sacred sites, plus many important cultural centers. Krakow is also an ideal base for day trips that you should absolutely plan: Auschwitz-Birkenau, Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains, Wadowice, the trails and shrine of Kalwaria, and more. All of these places are less than two hours away from Krakow. 

9. Mass or adoration? Pick just about any church in Krakow: a monastery? a parish church? a historic cathedral? Open the church doors and find that Poland is alive with faith. Every church we visited had multiple Masses celebrated through the day, plus Eucharistic adoration happening in between liturgies. The buzz of ceaseless prayer was both beautiful and astonishing. 

10. Pilgrim or tourist? I suspect Poland is underrated as both a sacred destination and a vacation destination. Happily, you don’t have to choose. Pilgrimage focuses on encountering God, but don't make the mistake of thinking this means only solemn churches. You should definitely make time on your pilgrimage for natural delight and wonder—it’s a powerful reminder that God not only wants to save you, He also wants to abundantly satisfy you. Don't underestimate the power of a perfect pierogi paired with ice-cold vodka to help you anticipate the perfect satisfaction of Heaven.

__________

Contact me. I am a Catholic author, artist, speaker, pilgrimage leader, and travel concierge.

I'd love to collaborate with you on your next retreat, day of reflection, pilgrimage, trip, or event.

Subscribe to A Heroic Moment, my free weekly newsletter.