Giant spa towers, gingerbread, and Valentine’s Day. Discover romantic Poland

The town’s defining landmarks are its graduation towers, which appear almost surreal. Similar structures can be found in several Polish spa resorts. Their function is based on saline water—known as brine—flowing down densely packed blackthorn twigs within tall wooden constructions. As the brine evaporates, it creates a mineral-rich microclimate, turning even a simple walk into a form of natural inhalation therapy. It is particularly beneficial for respiratory conditions, and the towers are accessible year-round.

The Gothic heart of Poland  

After relaxing in the spa town, we head to the city of Toruń, located less than 25 kilometres away. The city lies on the banks of the Vistula River and if you simply follow the river, it is impossible to miss. Toruń offers something for everyone, especially history and architecture enthusiasts—it boasts one of the highest concentrations of Gothic buildings in northern Europe.

The city is also famous for other reasons. In 1473, renowned astronomer and mathematician Nicolaus Copernicus was born here. As a child, he may well have enjoyed the local speciality—Toruń gingerbread. More than just a sweet treat, gingerbread is an integral part of the city’s heritage. It has been baked here since the 14th century and is so significant that it even has its own museum, where visitors can try baking it themselves. After this creative experience, a visit to the local planetarium makes for a fitting continuation.

 The name of the most famous native son appears throughout the city—from Nicolaus Copernicus University to gingerbread products bearing his name.

Toruń can easily keep you entertained for days, but ending your trip here would be a missed opportunity. Less than an hour’s drive north lies Chełmno, a town you will likely remember as “the place with hearts everywhere.” Often referred to as the city of lovers, Chełmno is closely associated with romance, partly because a relic of Saint Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, is kept in the parish church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

In Toruń, you will also find lighting in the shape of a gingerbread heart. Evening walks here feel like something out of a fairy tale

Love is deeply intertwined with the town’s identity. Visitors can explore several charming landmarks, such as the famous lovers’ bench, which invites couples to stop for a photograph. Every year on Valentine’s Day, thousands of visitors travel to Chełmno to soak up the medieval atmosphere and take part in themed celebrations, concerts and exhibitions. And if you are not already full of gingerbread from Toruń, local bakeries offer Valentine-themed pastries flavoured with lovage, considered a natural aphrodisiac.

These destinations are all located within approximately 70 kilometres of each other, with a total driving time of around one and a half hours. Each city, however, offers enough attractions to justify spending a full long weekend exploring the region. There is truly a lot to discover—and after visiting our selected highlights, you can also immerse yourself in local gastronomy and enjoy traditional Polish pierogi.