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Travelling by motorhome in Poland - all you need to know

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What's it like to travel by motorhome in Poland? We have just returned home after three weeks on the road with our motorhome in Poland and the Czech Republic. This is far from the first time we've travelled in these countries and we've had a lot of experience. Today we write about what it's like to travel by motorhome in Poland. If you have more, similar or different experiences, please share them with us!

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Which ferries go to Poland?

There are several different shipping companies operating to Poland, and there are several different routes:

Krakowresor

How are the roads?

There are many fine new roads and motorways in Poland. Along the new motorways there are also large and beautiful rest areas, similar to those in Germany. But there are also old and bad roads.

All of a sudden, you can end up on a patched and repaired road that is so bumpy that there is no chance of reaching the speed limit. There is also a lot of road construction going on, which means that some roads are closed and you have to take detours.

Polska vägar

Do you pay motorway tolls?

There are apparently some roads where you pay a toll, by card or cash at toll stations. We travelled all around Poland without encountering any such roads. If you have a heavier motorhome, you will have to pay, with electronic charging.

How is the traffic?

The only problem we have experienced in the traffic is that people want to overtake, even when it is on the hair that you have time to overtake. There is also plenty of wildlife such as deer, foxes and birds to look out for.

Which traffic rules apply?

Talking and texting on a handheld phone is forbidden (hands-free calls are allowed). Another good thing to know is that signs with the text "Koniec" mean "end" of previously indicated danger. So if "Koniec" is accompanied by a picture of a deer, it means that you no longer have to worry about jumping deer...

Varning för visent
If it had said 'Koniec', the danger would have been over ... but that's not the case here!

Can you drive a large motorhome in Poland?

You can definitely drive large motorhomes in Poland. It is not crowded and there are large lorries everywhere. However, if you have a motorhome weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, you will need to get an electronic charging box. You can read more at www.etoll.gov.pl, where you should also be able to register your car before departure. You can buy the box at a petrol station near one of the borders. Look out for petrol stations with the name "Orlen"!

How much does it cost to refuel?

It is cheap to fill up and costs about 10 kr/litre. Some pumps say "ON", which is a Polish abbreviation for diesel ...

Can you fricamp?

Free camping is only allowed with the permission of the landowner. You can, for example, ask if you can stay and sleep outside a hotel or similar, but otherwise, free camping should be done with caution.

Färjeläge Swinoujscie
We stayed one night at the ferry terminal in Swinoujscie - but otherwise we have stayed at campsites.

Are there car parks?

There are car parks, but not nearly as much as in some other countries. The pitches we have seen have either been car parks outside an inn or some simple form of camping in a garden. Because there are lots of campsites, and because they are cheap, we tend to choose camping.

What are the campsites like?

Many Polish campsites are simple, but they can range from very spartan to extremely modern. Most campsites are on grass and if there are specific motorhome pitches (on harder ground) there are usually only a few. The reason for this, of course, is that most Poles camp in tents or cabins, or possibly with a small caravan.

Emptying of black water can sometimes be done in a pipe in the ground, grey water emptying is often lacking, and the electricity poles are usually connected with a standard plug (not a European glove). The service centres are usually quite good and most of them have WiFi. Have a look at our list of campsites we have visited (you can always find it under "Scaffolding" in the menu).

Camping i Sopot
Camping in Sopot - caravans, cottages and tents are more common than motorhomes

What is the cost of camping in Poland?

We have paid between 135 and 245 SEK per night including electricity, except for one night when we stayed at a free (!) campsite. If you do not want electricity, it will be cheaper. Where there has been WiFi or pool, it has been included in the price. Note that it is usually cash payment that applies!

Husbil i Polen
By motorhome in Poland - at a free campsite in Dobigniew
Husbil i Polen
A campsite with a pool for €170/day in Milkow/Jelenia Gora

Do you need anything special with you?

In addition to the obvious things like passports and driving licences, there is a law that requires you to have a fire extinguisher in your car. We also didn't manage to find a remedy for the toilet tank, so it's good to have it with you ...

Can you manage in English?

Young people often (but not always) speak English. Many, especially older people, are better at German. We don't know any German, but we don't usually experience any major difficulties. Sometimes you just have to gesticulate a bit and it works out.

What is the situation in rural areas?

What we reflect on when driving in the Polish countryside is that it is so incredibly green. The vegetation is lush and you often drive through a dense "jungle" of deciduous trees. In many places there is also an enormous amount of cultivation.

It's very possible that people don't have it so fat, but it's not that it looks poor. In the eastern part of the country, we were surprised by all the nice villas with fantastic gardens. I've never seen such neat rows of neatly trimmed shrubs and flower beds in my life.

Vägar Polen
It's green to drive a motorhome in Poland!

What is available in shops and restaurants?

There are many different grocery chains and the selection is fairly similar to that of Sweden, except that there is wine, beer and more sausages... The restaurants always have meat, sausages, pierogi (steamed stuffed dumplings) and various soups. If you are on the coast, there is also plenty of fish. The prices? It's cheap of course!

Polsk mat
Pierogi (and Russian beer)

What can you see and do in Poland?

Below you will find lots of reports with tips and inspiration for your trips in Poland. Have a nice trip!

All our top tips for Poland. Click on the image!

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