Rules for summer holidays in Poland: where to swim, barbecue and pitch a tent?

We conjure: make the most of every day of summer in Poland! We'll all be sitting at home in the winter, but now we need to try all the summer entertainment, swim and eat plenty of barbecue. And so that the season passes without fines, illnesses and only with positive emotions, Reloaction.io has compiled the main rules for summer holidays in Poland.

<span>Rules for summer holidays</span> in

There are indeed many rules in the Republic of Poland. However, Relocation.io has studied them all and compiled the most important ones for legalization and living in the country on its platform. Register now and use it for free!

Now let’s get to the fun part: where can you pitch a tent, light a fire, enjoy a barbecue, and, of course, swim in Poland? Let’s dive in.

Where can you camp in Poland?

If you've heard that camping is prohibited here, don't believe it. While there aren’t many places where you can freely pitch a tent and relax, it’s definitely possible.

Let’s start with the restrictions: you absolutely cannot set up a tent in national parks, reserves, or on private property without the owner's permission. The fine for camping in unauthorized locations can reach up to €120.

For places where camping is allowed, there’s a handy map (we’ve linked it here). You can use it to plan your hikes or camping trips. This site also provides information on hiking and cycling trails, parking areas, and accommodations in Poland.

For wild camping, certain forests are accessible. Poland’s State Forest Service has allocated 600,000 hectares across 425 forest districts. These areas are marked on a map with the label "Spend the night in the forest" (link attached).

Before heading to the woods, visit the site to check authorized camping locations. There, you’ll find rules, firewood availability, and information on whether open fires are permitted. For camping longer than two nights or in groups of 9 or more people, prior approval from the responsible forester is required. You can obtain this by sending an email at least two days before your trip.

Important: Always check the responsible agency's website before your trip for updates on access permissions or temporary restrictions.


What about ticks?

According to the National Institute of Hygiene, as of June 30, 2024, Poland recorded 9,100 cases of Lyme disease and 159 cases of tick-borne encephalitis. In the same period last year, there were 7,700 cases of Lyme disease and 150 cases of encephalitis, reflecting an increase in tick bites and related illnesses.

How to avoid tick bites:

  • Steer clear of tall grass, riverbanks, and swampy areas, as ticks thrive in these habitats.
  • Use an interactive map to identify tick-prone areas (link provided).

What to do if bitten:

  1. Carefully remove the tick yourself.
  2. Disinfect the bite area and monitor it for signs of inflammation over the next few weeks.
  3. If inflammation persists, consult a doctor.

Prevention:
You can get vaccinated against encephalitis in Poland. The vaccine is available for a fee at clinics or private healthcare facilities. Note that the vaccination process may require multiple doses and should be done in advance.


Where can you swim in Poland?

Poland has a dedicated website with an interactive map! The Chief Sanitary Inspectorate has marked places where swimming is allowed and locals frequent. Click on a specific spot to see its address, swimming season, and water quality. Currently, there are over 700 marked locations across Poland!

Outdoor pools in Warsaw
Aside from natural bodies of water, Warsaw residents also enjoy open-air pools for sunbathing and water activities. Join them! Here are some options:

Pool Name Address Hours Price
Ośrodek Moczydło ul. Górczewska 69/73 Mon-Sun 9:00-19:00 Regular ticket: 50 zł (40 zł with Warsaw Card); Reduced: 35 zł (25 zł)
Ośrodek Inflancka ul. Inflancka 8 Mon-Sun 10:00-20:00 Regular: 40 zł (32 zł with Warsaw Card); Reduced: 30 zł (24 zł); Family: 80 zł
Szczęśliwicki Park Complex ul. Usypiskowa 18 Mon-Sun 9:00-19:00 Regular: 26.50 zł (21.20 zł with Warsaw Card); Reduced: 13.50 zł (10.80 zł)
Pool in Park Kultury w Powsinie ul. Maślaków 1 Mon-Sun 10:00-21:00 Regular: 38.50 zł (35 zł with Warsaw Card); Reduced: 27.50 zł (24.50 zł)
Czerniakowskie Lake ul. Jeziorna 4 24/7 (lifeguards 9:00-19:00) Free entry

Where can you light a fire in Poland?

Let’s start with the bad news: the fine for lighting a fire in unauthorized locations is 5,000 złoty. To avoid trouble, here’s where it’s allowed:

  1. Your property: You’re generally free to barbecue or light a fire on your land.
    Rules:

    • No flammable materials nearby.
    • At least 4 meters from neighboring properties.
    • At least 10 meters from hay or other combustible items.
    • At least 100 meters from a forest boundary.
  2. Campsites and agrotourism complexes: Here, you’ll pay for access but get designated fire pits.

  3. Public parks with designated spots: Many parks offer shared grills, brick ovens, benches, and trash bins.

Barbecue spots in Warsaw:

  • Park Agrykola
  • Park im. Karola Beyera
  • Park Fort Włochy
  • Pole Mokotowskie
  • Park ze Stawami Cietrzewia

Designated grills are also available at:

  • Maria Skłodowska-Curie Bridge Beach
  • Poniatówka Beach
  • Kabacki Forest (ul. Rydzowa)

Conclusion

Enjoy the warm summer, good weather, and active outdoor life. While Poland offers plenty of leisure spots, they are highly regulated. Always review the rules of your destination beforehand to ensure compliance.

Relocation.io wishes you a vibrant summer and delicious barbecues! For any questions about legalization or adapting to life in Poland, we’re here to help.

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