Walking Warsaw

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I always find it interesting and astonishing when I am reminded of how much money Poland receives from the EU whenever I...
30/01/2025

I always find it interesting and astonishing when I am reminded of how much money Poland receives from the EU whenever I report on a construction site in Poland or Warsaw. Many people believe that everything here is financed solely by EU funds. A German tourist even had the audacity to claim that the reconstruction of Warsaw’s Old Town was also funded by EU aid.

Of course, EU funds are helpful, and many projects—especially the expansion of highways after 2004—would simply take longer without them. But the country is large, and a lot is being built here as well. In 2023, we received a net amount of around €8 billion from the EU. That is certainly a lot of money, but when divided among 40 million inhabitants, it becomes a manageable figure. Belgium received over €7 billion. Per capita, we received €222 in 2023. For comparison: Czechs received €273, Romanians €314, Greeks €394, Lithuanians €572, and Estonians the most at €627. Do residents of these countries also get presented with such tables?

Moreover, it must be acknowledged that Poland has fully opened itself to the global market. The German state does not make a direct profit from this, but companies—not just from Germany—have been given access to a market of 40 million people. The profits of these companies ultimately flow back to their home countries, including Germany.

So, let’s stay calm. I am truly glad that such projects exist within the EU. But if you like, I can take you on a city tour, and we’ll see how many German companies sell their products here and how many tax breaks they have received at my personal expense.

Everyone knows that everyone benefits. These money transfers are not gifts!

If someone wants to know why Poles drive so fast and, in doing so, kill nearly 3,000 people annually, they should take a...
29/01/2025

If someone wants to know why Poles drive so fast and, in doing so, kill nearly 3,000 people annually, they should take a look at this map. It shows the number of speed cameras in European countries.

In Poland, we have just over 600 of them! In Germany, there are 4,484—seven times more, even though the country is only 10% larger in area.

Why do we generally drive too fast here? My theory is this: 30 years ago, the average car in Poland had less than 60 horsepower. Getting a Polski Fiat with its 24 HP to move took time. That’s why people would always press the gas pedal hard—to catch the green wave or gain enough speed to get over the next hill. Today, cars have 100 HP or more, but the habit of "flooring it" has remained!

More speed cameras, more safety? I’m not entirely sure. But they certainly wouldn’t hurt.

OSiR - The Sports and Recreation Center. This is the name of the sports facilities that are funded and managed by the ci...
28/01/2025

OSiR - The Sports and Recreation Center. This is the name of the sports facilities that are funded and managed by the city. Here in Praga-Południe, the facility was recently renovated and is now open to everyone every evening. They’ve also installed a small fitness studio here, of course, free to use.

Check out your own districts—it should be handled similarly there.
The half marathon season is coming up soon, too.

Tomorrow, events will take place in Auschwitz as part of the commemoration of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentrat...
26/01/2025

Tomorrow, events will take place in Auschwitz as part of the commemoration of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. Before the focus is on the Holocaust tomorrow, I would like to report today on Jewish Warsaw before 1939. It is generally little known that the Jewish community in Warsaw was the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world. 400,000 Jews lived in the Polish capital alone, over 4 million in Poland. They did not live in a specific district, but were spread across the entire city. There were over 350 synagogues or prayer houses/rooms for all kinds of religious subgroups. The largest and most influential were the Hasidim. Nearly 85% of Jews spoke Yiddish as their mother tongue and considered themselves a Jewish nation by their own definition. Religion and national identity were closely linked. Jews in Eastern Europe were referred to as "Ostjuden" (Eastern Jews) because of their different affiliations and way of life.

Closely connected to Warsaw are Menahem Begin (Israel's Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1978), Ludwik Zamenhof (creator of the Esperanto language), and Samuel Goldwyn (founder of MGM in Hollywood).
By today's standards, the city of Warsaw would have a foreigner population of nearly 50%. In all of Poland, only 60% spoke Polish. It must have been a fascinating multicultural world with all the associated problems, which was torn apart by the N***s and later discarded by the communists. That world will never return, but we can build on it and learn from it.

The Polish railway network. And now guess where, from 1815 to 1915, the Russian partition area was located! The consequ...
21/01/2025

The Polish railway network. And now guess where, from 1815 to 1915, the Russian partition area was located!
The consequences of nearly 100 years of Russian mismanagement are still felt in Poland and Warsaw to this day. The city of Warsaw was treated as a fortress by the Russians. Investments were kept to a minimum throughout the 19th century. When arriving by train in the western part of Warsaw, one had to take a carriage to the eastern part in order to use the Russian-gauge railway network. The city fell into chaos.
After the November Uprising of 1830/1831, the Russian administration built a citadel north of the Old Town. Should the Warsaw residents dare to revolt again, the cannons would lay the city to waste. Because of this, the city could not expand northward until 1920.
The next uprising came in 1863, and after that, again in 1905. This was the worst time for development during peacetime. Making up for these missing 100 years requires time, endurance, and patience.
Soon, I will write a post about this as well. In general, I invite everyone to occasionally check out my blog. There, you can find more detailed versions of the entries from here.

In Warsaw, the longest tunnel of the Polish State Railways (PKP) is being built. It will be about 10 km long and will ru...
20/01/2025

In Warsaw, the longest tunnel of the Polish State Railways (PKP) is being built. It will be about 10 km long and will run 30 meters below the capital, deeper than the Warsaw Metro.
The planned speed is expected to reach 350 km/h. This will allow us to travel by train from Warsaw Central Station to the new airport station of the planned Central Airport in about twenty minutes. The new airport will be built about 50 km west of Warsaw and is set to replace Chopin Airport. The current airport is located in the heart of the city, surrounded by densely populated residential areas. When it was built 100 years ago, it was constructed, like the new one, on a green field.
The photo shows the airport project.

When is the best time to visit Warsaw as a tourist? Definitely not in November, January, or February. These are the wors...
14/01/2025

When is the best time to visit Warsaw as a tourist? Definitely not in November, January, or February. These are the worst months, as they are also the most miserable in terms of weather. Moreover, during this time, there are hardly any interesting activities that could make this period seem less dreary. Warsaw is not like Paris or London, where the weather has less impact on the city’s charm. Warsaw is completely different in this regard. The city feels entirely different on a Tuesday morning compared to a Saturday evening. If someone visits in November and then again in July, they might feel like they are seeing a completely different city.

I will elaborate on the reasons for this in an upcoming post.

The only advantage of these worst months is that you don’t have to wait in line anywhere.

The best month of the year is July. Students are on vacation, children are away on trips with their parents, temperatures are not yet too high, and all kinds of outdoor activities—of which there are many in Warsaw—are accessible. That’s when Warsaw is the most fun!

If I were to rank the months of the year, this would be the result (from best to worst):
July
August
September
---
June
May
October
---
March
---
November
---
February
January

I’ll share more details soon on my blog. But feel free to check it out now! Posts are available in German, Polish, and English.

On January 13, Polish Vodka Day is celebrated. Polish vodka is a protected geographical indication, meaning that every ...
13/01/2025

On January 13, Polish Vodka Day is celebrated.
Polish vodka is a protected geographical indication, meaning that every Polish vodka is a vodka, but not every vodka is Polish vodka. The difference becomes evident in production. Polish vodka is made only from wheat, rye, oats, and potatoes. In other countries, spirit made from corn is often added to make it cheaper and sweeter. Moreover, Poland is the only country in the world where the spirit is purified to an alcohol content of up to 96% (rectification). Only afterward is distilled water mixed in to lower the alcohol percentage. Vodka must have a minimum alcohol content of 37.5%.

Of course, it was also the Poles who first produced vodka. But that can still be debated. There's no argument, however, about the origin of the word: vodka comes from the Polish word *woda* and refers to a "little water," originally a pond, later non-alcoholic spiced beverages. Even the Russians know this. Only the German *Duden* dictionary seems to have some trouble with this, but I believe they'll improve their entry in the future.

Vodka should be consumed at room temperature, or at most slightly chilled (5-7 degrees Celsius). Wheat, rye, and potato vodkas have different aromas, flavors, and aftertastes, which can be discovered during a professional vodka tasting at the Polish Vodka Museum in the Praga-Północ district of Warsaw.

*Na zdrowie!*

In February 2025, the highest concert hall in the world will open on the 28th floor of the Spectrum Tower in Warsaw. You...
12/01/2025

In February 2025, the highest concert hall in the world will open on the 28th floor of the Spectrum Tower in Warsaw. You can already book tickets for the first concerts in the so-called Sky Hall. Simply search for Sky Hall or the organizer Svitlo Concert on Google to secure your seats.

There are no photos of the hall yet, but tickets are available starting at just €30.

The views from up there are truly stunning. The space used to host (and perhaps still does) the nightclub *The View*.



The photos show the view from the rooftop, where nighttime parties also take place, and the Spectrum Tower in all its glory, surrounded by the Warsaw Business District.

**Coffee in Warsaw's Old Town?** This topic comes up on every city tour. Of course, there are restaurants and bistros w...
11/01/2025

**Coffee in Warsaw's Old Town?**
This topic comes up on every city tour. Of course, there are restaurants and bistros where you can have coffee, but what guests are really looking for is that typical café atmosphere—one that allows you to sit comfortably on a low sofa or armchair and enjoy your coffee with a leisurely, rhythmic arm-and-hand movement. Restaurants just don't offer that. Instead, sitting there feels more like being interrogated by the police.

However, finding these cafés isn't always easy, which is why I often have to provide directions. To make it simpler in the future, I published a blog post yesterday. There, you’ll find four recommendations for cafés in the Old Town. And you’ll probably find me in one of them, too.

Just visit my city blog and read the latest article.

Warsaw secured fifth place in the prestigious "The Greenest Cities in Europe 2025" ranking, which compares the greenest ...
10/01/2025

Warsaw secured fifth place in the prestigious "The Greenest Cities in Europe 2025" ranking, which compares the greenest cities in Europe. This means we’ve surpassed cities like Amsterdam, Vienna, and Oslo.

“This is a tremendous recognition for the Polish capital, which has been improving the quality of life in the city through environmental measures for years,” commented Dorota Huk-Królikowska, Deputy Director of the Capital Tourism Office.

This ties in well with a topic we recently discussed. A colleague claimed that nature in Poland is generally in much worse condition than 30 years ago. While this might be true locally, overall, things have definitely improved, thanks to greater environmental awareness among Poles.

A great example is the Vistula River, which 30 years ago was so polluted that people were forbidden from entering it. Since 2016, it has become so clean that the fish are safe to eat.

The Warsaw Vistula Valley is likely the main reason for the city’s position in the ranking. Having such a wild river in a major city is truly unique. We especially feel the benefits in the summer.

Every statistic can be manipulated, but behind every statistic lies some truth. And the truth is that Poland is becoming...
05/01/2025

Every statistic can be manipulated, but behind every statistic lies some truth. And the truth is that Poland is becoming increasingly popular among tourists. Not only has the country developed into a safe travel destination, but its cities and natural landscapes have also been spruced up. Moreover, the infrastructure has improved significantly.

As a result, Poland is now among the top 20 countries visited by international tourists. Warsaw, in particular, stands out as the biggest success story. Fifteen years ago, the city had fewer than 500,000 international visitors, but by 2019, that number had grown to nearly 4.5 million. Back in the 1990s, Warsaw was considered the most dangerous capital in Europe. Today, it ranks among the safest cities on the continent. This rise is also reflected in GDP per capita, with Warsaw now among the top 15 cities in the EU.

I had a strong intuition that Poland's capital could one day become a major tourist destination. As early as 2012, I began preparing for this shift. Today, I can make a very good living from it. I still vividly remember those times—it was seen by many as the dumbest idea to rely on tourism in Warsaw. I think it’s time to pay those know-it-alls a personal visit to see how they’re doing 🙂

Two new residential blocks in the "higher" category have just been completed in Warsaw. The Towarowa Towers, located nea...
02/01/2025

Two new residential blocks in the "higher" category have just been completed in Warsaw. The Towarowa Towers, located near Rondo Daszyńskiego, each stand 95 meters tall and house 570 apartments. Just 25 meters away is the 195-meter-high Skyliner, and another skyscraper, Skyliner II, is currently under construction.

On the opposite side of the street, the mega-project Towarowa 22 is being built for over 1 billion euros. This is just the tip of the massive construction boom in this part of the Wola district.

There are still 80 apartments available in the towers. While the prices are not publicly disclosed, the estimated price per square meter is between 30,000 and 40,000 PLN.

This development is fascinating when you consider that 12 years ago, there was nothing at this roundabout. Today, 30,000 people work in the immediate vicinity daily.

The photos show Rondo Daszyńskiego in the past and present. The third photo features the Towarowa Towers mentioned.

The ultimate question on New Year's Eve: Where is the public party, and will there be a big fireworks display? The answ...
31/12/2024

The ultimate question on New Year's Eve: Where is the public party, and will there be a big fireworks display?
The answer to all these and subsequent questions? Nowhere, and no! The city hasn’t organized a public party or fireworks display for several years now, to protect wildlife—especially birds, bears, and moose.

So, everyone is left to their own devices. There are certainly plenty of parties scattered around the city, so finding the right place shouldn’t be a problem.

As a proud Varsovian, it warms my heart to see numerous tourists from other countries who have traveled to Warsaw because they’ve heard that "you can walk safely through the streets here even at night." Opinions about the city don’t get more valuable than that.

So, celebrate beautifully and safely—with birds, bears, and moose—sipping sweet mulled wine at the Christmas market and enjoying an Oscypek with cranberries. We’ll see each other next year, refreshed and ready, with a hefty dose of sarcasm and irony. After all, only those who can laugh at themselves should use that talent on others.

**Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku! Happy New Year!**
Yours,
Antek

This text offers a delightful snapshot of the culinary treats at the Old Town Christmas Market in Warsaw, focusing on tr...
28/12/2024

This text offers a delightful snapshot of the culinary treats at the Old Town Christmas Market in Warsaw, focusing on traditional Polish snacks that pair wonderfully with mulled wine (*grzane wino*). Here's a breakdown of the highlights:

1. **Oscypek**
A smoked sheep's cheese from the Tatra region, protected by a geographical indication. Popular during the Christmas season in Warsaw, it's typically grilled and served with a tangy cranberry sauce to balance its salty flavor.

2. **Pajda**
A thick slice of bread generously spread with lard and topped with pickled gherkins—rustic and satisfying.

3. **Polish Sausage (Kiełbasa)**
Iconic and flavorful, served with all the trimmings for a hearty snack.

While these snacks are traditionally paired with vodka, they also shine alongside a warm cup of mulled wine, offering a cozy and festive experience. Perfect for the Christmas market vibe!

As I observed the Christmas ceremony, I wondered if there are any Polish traditions that are celebrated nowhere else in ...
25/12/2024

As I observed the Christmas ceremony, I wondered if there are any Polish traditions that are celebrated nowhere else in the world. Without diving deeper into the internet (given the sheer number of countries, this would take a bit too long), I think the following might be unique (but not exclusively so):

**1. Sharing the wafer**
Before finally satisfying your hunger after a full day of fasting, everyone present shares a piece of the wafer. Each person breaks off a piece from the other’s wafer and wishes them only the best!
Interestingly, there isn’t even a German Wikipedia entry for the Polish *"Opłatek"*.

**2. A place for the unexpected guest**
In every Polish home, a place is set aside for an unexpected guest. Everything is prepared—plate, glass, and cutlery. This seat remains empty all evening. You never know who might come. For me, this tradition holds special significance because my family left Poland in 1989 and found a new home in Germany.

Finding a third unique Polish Christmas tradition wasn’t so easy. After all, traditions often transcend borders and travel with people to other countries. But maybe the next two could qualify:

**3.1. Hay under the tablecloth**
This tradition originates from pagan Poland (pre-10th century) and is still practiced today, including in our home. Sometimes, we take the rounded end of a loaf of bread and place the hay inside it. We also surround it with a wallet, butter, sausage, and salt. This ensures that we lack nothing in the coming year.

**3.2. *Home Alone***
Since the first broadcast of *Home Alone* in November 1990, watching this blockbuster has gradually become an annual Christmas tradition in Poland.

Perhaps you have suggestions for what else could be added to this list? Surely there are regional or local traditions, such as chaining the table in Podlasie. This symbolizes the family staying united in the coming year. Quite lovely.

I’m curious to hear your suggestions. I’m also all ears for German traditions!

On this special day (though it’s actually tomorrow), I wish you all lots of health, joy in life, socks and boxer shorts ...
24/12/2024

On this special day (though it’s actually tomorrow), I wish you all lots of health, joy in life, socks and boxer shorts under the Christmas tree, 12 dishes at the Christmas Eve dinner including Barszcz, carp in aspic, poppy seeds with noodles, fruit compote or cucumber soup, a short midnight mass, a sausage-heavy breakfast on Christmas Day, heartfelt wishes while sharing the Oplatek, peace and calm without politics or world events, straw under the tablecloth, butter, money, and a baby Jesus in the basket, and lots of love with family and friends!

Enjoy and don’t forget: today, we love others as we love ourselves!
Merry Christmas! Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia!

Why did L**h Wałęsa initially (starting in 1990) reside in the Belweder Palace and only move to the current Presidential...
22/12/2024

Why did L**h Wałęsa initially (starting in 1990) reside in the Belweder Palace and only move to the current Presidential Palace on Krakowskie Przedmieście Street a few years later (from 1994)? Apparently, it took that long to "debug" the Presidential Palace. After all, the Communists had been in power for 45 years. By then, the bugs must have had children and grandchildren.

Today, the Belweder Palace serves as a ceremonial residence for Polish presidents. It is used to host guests who do not hold official positions in their respective states.

If you want to see the palace in all its glory, you can also do so with the vodka bottle of the same name.

By the way, the next elections are in May 2025, and unlike in Germany, the president in Poland is directly elected by the people. The chances for Rafał Trzaskowski, the current Mayor of Warsaw, are very high.

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Walking Poland | Mit uns durch Raum und Zeit

Die neue Heimat

Schon während meines Erasmus-Aufenthalts an der Universität Warschau im akademischen Jahr 2008/2009 wußte ich, dass ich hier meine Heimat gefunden habe. Ich wollte also so schnell wie möglich wieder zurück - zurück nach Warschau. Zunächst musste ich jedoch mein Studium an der Universität Bielefeld abschließen. Jura ist bei einem solchen Plan nicht das einfachste Fach, aber Ende 2012 war es dann soweit. Mit dem 1. Staatsexamen ging es nur zwei Monate später ins neue Leben.

Aller Anfang ist schwer

Jura ist zudem ein Fach, welches nicht so einfach länderübergreifend ausgeübt werden konnte. Also suchte ich mir einen Sachbearbeiterjob und überlegte mir zudem, wie ich im Beruf glücklich werden konnte. Da kam der Stadtführer-Kurs gerade zur richtigen Zeit. Ende 2013 konnte ich ihn erfolgreich abschließen. Doch die Touristen blieben aus. Ohne Internetseite und Kontakte wußten nur meine engsten Freunde, dass ich eine Lizenz habe.