Marked by the Tatra (called Tatry locally) Mountains that form the country’s southern border with Slovakia, Southern Poland consists of three Viovodships (Provinces): Opole, Silesian and Lesser Poland (Malopolska). Many beautiful medieval castles are still found in the region, including Moszna in Opole and the massive 400-room Ksiaz in Silesia. Lesser Poland is home to bustling Krakow, the country’s third-largest city. The region’s mountains and green areas are perfect for outdoor adventure.

Just a few miles from the Slovak border in south central Poland, Zakopane is a resort town in the Tatra Mountains, popular with skiers in winter and with hikers and climbers year-round. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Zakopane grew into Poland’s most visible art colony, a hotbed of culture ended by Soviet influence after World War II. Today it harkens back to an earlier time, complete with gorgeous wooden houses. Learn about these buildings and more at the Museum of Zakopane Style.