Autumn in Poland: Travel tips for experiencing It like a local

Ready for autumn in Poland? If so, grab a cup of aromatic pumpkin spice latte and get ready for a journey through the most atmospheric corners of Poland. Autumn in our country is a real spectacle of colours – from golden chestnut leaves, through purple maples, to mists floating over lakes and mountains

Autumn in Poland, often celebrated as the “Golden Polish Autumn,” is a truly magical season that transforms the country into a vibrant tapestry of colour and light. Spanning the months of September, October, and November, this season is marked by warm days and stretches of sunny weather that illuminate the landscape in brilliant autumn colours. It’s the perfect time to explore Poland’s most beautiful places, from bustling cities to tranquil green areas, as the crowds of the high season have faded and the pace of life slows down.

Golden Autumn weather – what to expect?

Autumn in Poland, which officially begins on September 23, is a season of transformation. Known for its mild weather, the autumn months bring a colourful display of falling leaves, with landscapes bathed in shades of orange, yellow, brown, and red. The beginning of this season is marked by the vibrant changes in nature. The average temperature hovers around 10°C at night, with November bringing the coldest weather, so it’s important to pack warm clothing and waterproof gear to stay comfortable during your adventures.

At the same time, autumn in Poland can be grey and melancholic. Mist often shrouds the fields, the days grow shorter, and as winter approaches, the days become noticeably darker with a significant reduction in daylight. The evening chill invites a cup of hot tea and quiet reflection at home. Leaves fall from the trees, birds migrate to warmer regions, and animals prepare for winter – nature undergoes profound transformations, visible at every turn. There is also a marked drop in temperature at night and during certain months, highlighting the transition from the warmth of summer to colder weather. It is the perfect weather for a road trip through the picturesque corners of Poland — with luxury and comfort on board a well-chosen car.

With such variable weather, travelling by car becomes the most comfortable solution, allowing you to explore Poland’s stunning autumn landscapes while staying warm, dry, and in complete control of your journey. Comfortable travel in autumn colours – Kaizen Rent

Car rental with Kaizen Rent – convenience and full control over your autumn trip

An autumn trip does not have to mean getting wet during transfers or carrying luggage across half the city. The most convenient solution is to car rental– and Kaizen Rent is perfect for this. Whether you need a car for a short term rental, weekend in Poland, trip around Poland or are planning a longer journey, Kaizen Rent's cars, which are no more than two years old, will adapt to you and your driving destinations.

You can choose the booking method that best suits your needs:

• On site — by visiting one of the 30 Kaizen Rent branches in Poland, located in major cities and airports.

• By phone — by calling the 24-hour hotline: +48 76 727 99 99.

• Online – via the website: www.kaizenrent.pl/en

• By email – by sending a message to: [email protected]

The reservation takes just a moment, and you can be sure that the car will be ready exactly where and when you need it. This makes travelling around Poland convenient, safe and completely stress-free – regardless of whether your route includes cities, tourist trails or coastal landscapes.

Here, beech trees and other native species put on a spectacular show as their leaves change, creating vibrant colors that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Early mornings often bring a mystical layer of morning mist, drifting through the forests and rising above the Baltic Sea, adding an enchanting quality to the scenery. The mountains, with their rolling hills and dramatic peaks, become a favorite time and place for nature lovers and photographers eager to capture the fleeting beauty of the season. Whether you’re hiking through dense forests, admiring the view from a mountain trail, or simply enjoying a quiet walk among the trees, the autumn landscape in Poland offers a sensory feast that celebrates the very best of nature.

Now that your car is ready, it’s time to explore the most picturesque corners of Poland and truly embrace the beauty of autumn. Here are a few suggestions for unforgettable road trips.

Forests, heather, and heather honey – Bory Dolnośląskie

Autumn’s number one destination has to be the Bory Dolnośląskie, Europe’s largest forest complex. From mid-August, the fabled heather blooms across sandy dunes in the pine forests, creating purple carpets that gradually turn golden, producing truly picturesque landscapes throughout September and October.

Bory Dolnośląskie are also ideal for mushroom picking. Pine forests abound with porcini, bay boletes, and other edible mushrooms. Popular spots include the areas around Kliczków, Gromadka, and Stara Oleszna. autumn season in Poland festivals such as local harvest fairs celebrate both the forest’s bounty and regional traditions, giving visitors a chance to enjoy seasonal foods, crafts, and folk music.

In addition, the region is famous for heather honey, with a distinctive taste and rich amber colour. Local apiaries, like Pasieka Młynowo and Pasieka Maja in Przemków, offer tastings and sales of this unique, regionally protected product.

Autumn grape harvest – Zielona Góra and near Wrocław

Autumn is also the season for winobranie – the traditional grape harvest. Winobranie in Zielona Góra is the largest wine festival in Poland, taking place every year in the first half of September. The city, known as the heart of Polish wine country, comes alive with colourful parades, concerts, craft fairs, and, of course, wine tastings.

Local vineyards open their doors to visitors, offering walks among the vines, sampling of fresh grape must, and insights into the centuries-old tradition of winemaking in this region. Surrounded by colourful vine leaves, warmed by late summer sunshine, and immersed in the aroma of ripe grapes, visitors can experience an atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of the Polish autumn.

Nearby Wrocław’s vineyards also offer opportunities to sample various wines, from crisp whites to rich reds, while enjoying the autumn landscape as the leaves turn golden and red. Local grape harvest festivals celebrate the season with live music, regional food, and wine competitions, making it a lively and festive experience for travellers of all ages.

This route through Lower Silesia, the Bory Dolnośląskie, and Poland’s wine regions allows you to experience autumn in all its splendour – from historical castles and purple heather fields to the festive grape harvest. With your car, you can explore at your own pace, stop for photography, taste local specialities, and attend seasonal festivals that bring these places to life.

Travelling through central Poland in autumn offers a blend of golden landscapes, cultural landmarks, and unique seasonal experiences. Autumn season in Poland is considered one of the most beautiful seasons in central Poland, marking a transition in nature and travel opportunities as the broader seasonal cycle shapes the region's forests and parks. The region is less mountainous than the south but equally captivating, especially when forests and parks glow with the rich colours of Złota Polska Jesień.

Łódź – industrial charm in autumn colours

Łódź, once Poland’s textile capital, transforms into a city of golden parks and colourful murals in autumn. Strolling along Piotrkowska Street or exploring Manufaktura, you can feel the creative energy of the city. The nearby Łagiewniki Forest becomes a perfect spot for a walk among colourful oaks and maples. Each autumn, Łódź also hosts cultural events and festivals, such as the Festival of Four Cultures, which reflect the city’s diverse heritage.

Kampinos National Park – golden refuge near Warsaw

Just outside the bustling capital lies Kampinos National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. In autumn, its birch groves and pine forests create enchanting sceneries for hiking, cycling, or mushroom picking. The crisp air, morning mists, and deer calls make this park a true autumn sanctuary, ideal for those who want to escape the city and reconnect with nature.

Warsaw – autumn in the royal gardens

The capital city also shines in autumn. The Łazienki Royal Park becomes a masterpiece of golden leaves, reflecting in the ponds surrounding the Palace on the Isle. Walking through the alleys lined with chestnut and maple trees is a quintessential Warsaw autumn experience. In September and October, open-air Chopin concerts and cultural festivals still take place, adding music and history to the natural scenery.

Vineyards and harvest fairs in Mazovia

Central Poland is also home to smaller but increasingly popular vineyards in the Mazovia region. Autumn is the season of grape harvests, local wine tastings, and harvest fairs (dożynki), where traditional foods, folk music, and crafts highlight the rural charm of Polish autumn.

The eastern regions of Poland are less urbanised, offering unspoilt landscapes, rich traditions, and a slower pace of life. Autumn here feels authentic, with misty mornings, colourful forests, and villages where time seems to pass more gently.

Podlasie – land of fog and wooden churches

Podlasie in autumn is a paradise for those seeking peace and unique cultural experiences. Misty mornings settle over meadows, while Białowieża Forest, one of Europe’s oldest woodlands, becomes a golden kingdom of ancient oaks and hornbeams. Spotting European bison amid falling leaves is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Villages such as Kruszyniany and Bohoniki, with their historic wooden mosques, show the multicultural heritage of the region. Local harvest festivals in September offer traditional dishes like sękacz cake, kiszka ziemniaczana, and honey from local apiaries.

Roztocze – golden hills and crystal-clear rivers

Further south lies Roztocze, a region of rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and crystal-clear rivers. In autumn, its forests transform into a kaleidoscope of warm colours. The Roztocze National Park is an excellent spot for hiking and cycling, while the Tanew River waterfalls create a magical soundscape.

This region is also well-known for its mushroom abundance – baskets full of porcini and chanterelles are a common sight in September and October. Local towns often host autumn fairs, celebrating crafts, regional dishes, and the harvest season.

Lublin – history and culture in autumn colors light

The historic city of Lublin glows in the soft autumn light. Its Old Town, with colourful tenement houses and narrow cobblestone streets, is especially atmospheric in September and October. Autumn cultural highlights include the Night of Culture and Jagiellonian Fair, where history, crafts, and music come together in a vibrant celebration.

While summer is usually the peak season for Poland’s seaside and lake districts, autumn reveals a calmer, more intimate side of the north. Travelling by car allows you to explore this region at your own pace, moving easily between coastal towns, lakes, and forests without the rush of high-season crowds.

• Mikołajki – mist over the lakes and romantic silence

Known as the sailing capital of the Masuria Lake District, Mikołajki changes its face in autumn. The bustle of boats gives way to calm waters covered with delicate mists. Driving through winding forest roads offers a mosaic of golden landscapes, with the last wildflowers blooming at the edges of fields. This is also mushroom-picking season, a true Polish holiday tradition, making it an attraction for families and travellers alike. The peaceful lakeside, combined with shorter days that invite cosy evenings indoors, creates a romantic atmosphere perfect for an autumn escape.

• Kaszuby – colourful hills and autumn traditions

The Kaszuby region becomes a living painting of Złota Polska Jesień. By car, you can easily reach rolling hills, hidden lakes, and charming villages. Local attractions include harvest festivals filled with music, traditional food, and crafts, while roadside stalls sell honey, cider, and other seasonal treats. Flowers give way to colourful leaves, and the crisp autumn air makes exploring here both refreshing and inspiring.

Here are some of the most beautiful trails and areas to explore this season:

• Tatry Mountains – Dolina Kościeliska and Chochołowska Valleys, Morskie Oko, or Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy, all surrounded by autumn colours, look like something straight out of a fairytale.

• Ojców National Park – limestone cliffs, the famous Maczuga Herkulesa rock, and the castle in Pieskowa Skała, all framed by golden forests.

• Stołowe Mountains National Park – unique rock formations and labyrinths painted in autumn shades.

• Bieszczady Mountains – wild meadows, the sound of deer during the rut, and trails such as the one to Połonina Caryńska, which is perfect in autumn.

• Biebrza National Park – a land of autumn mists, cranes, and deer mating calls.

• Kampinos National Park – located close to Warsaw, offering peaceful trails and wild nature without leaving the capital’s surroundings.

• Mazury and Wielkopolska – golden lakes, canoe trips, and calm walks through colourful landscapes.

• Suwalszczyzna – silence, crystal-clear lakes, and the impressive Stańczyki viaducts, ideal for an autumn retreat.

Autumn specialities you must try in Poland

Polish autumn is not only about golden landscapes and colourful leaves – it is also the season of rich flavours and traditional dishes that warm both body and soul. While travelling around Poland in autumn, make sure to try these seasonal delicacies:

• Wild mushrooms – boletus, chanterelles, and the most popular mushrooms in Poland, the slippery jack, are the stars of autumn cuisine. They appear in creamy soups, pierogi fillings, and rich sauces.

• Pumpkin dishes – from silky pumpkin cream soup to baked pumpkin with herbs, this vegetable dominates Polish autumn menus.

• Heather honey – harvested in regions like Lower Silesia, its deep flavour and amber colour make it one of the season’s most treasured tastes.

• Game dishes – venison or wild boar stews, often served with autumn vegetables and sauces, perfectly reflect the forest atmosphere.

• Roast potatoes – a beloved autumn comfort food in Poland, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside, often seasoned with herbs like rosemary and garlic for extra flavour. This simple yet delicious dish is a staple of family dinners during the harvest season, warming hearts and appetites alike.

• Plums and apples – whether eaten fresh, baked into pies, or turned into aromatic preserves, they bring a sweet note to the season.

• Warming drinks – perfect for shorter days, whether enjoyed at outdoor markets or cosy cafés.

• Beetroot and cabbage dishes – staples of Polish cuisine that taste even better in the colder months.

Autumn in Poland is also the season of harvest festivals and local fairs, where you can sample regional cheeses, breads, and wines. It’s the best way to experience the country’s culinary traditions while enjoying the beauty of the season.

Autumn in Poland is a season of contrasts. Days grow shorter and sometimes dark, yet the country glows with the colours of Złota Polska Jesień. The shift from Summer in Poland to the cooler months brings a new rhythm of life – schools reopen, nature prepares for winter, and people gather to celebrate traditions and holidays.

Exploring by car gives you the freedom to see some of the most beautiful places in Poland at their very best – whether it’s mist over the Masurian lakes, colourful forests in the Bieszczady Mountains, or quiet seaside towns where the cold water of the Baltic makes walks along the shore feel even more invigorating.

Culinary delights also define this time of year. The forests are filled with treasures, with Poles heading out for mushroom picking – the most popular mushrooms being porcini, chanterelles, and slippery jacks, which find their way into hearty autumn dishes. From pumpkin soup to honey, wine, and warming herbal teas, every meal becomes a celebration of the season.

Autumn is also a time of reflection and wordless beauty: light candles on All Saints’ Day, patriotic songs on Independence Day, and harvest festivals full of music and dance. Whether you are discovering cultural traditions, enjoying seasonal food, or simply admiring the landscapes, this is the perfect season to experience the true heart of Poland.

So prepare your journey, embrace the golden season, and let Poland’s autumn show you why this country is not only rich in history but also one of the most beautiful places in Poland to visit when the leaves turn and the air grows crisp.

With a car from Kaizen Rent, you can travel anywhere you want without worrying about the weather, allowing you to fully enjoy Poland's unique autumn.