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!
Table of contents
Which ferries go to Poland?
There are several different shipping companies operating to Poland, and there are several different routes:
- Nynäshamn - Gdansk with Polferries
- Karlskrona - Gdynia with StenaLine
- Ystad - Swinoujscie with Polferries
- Ystad - Swinoujscie with UnityLine
- Trelleborg - Swinoujscie with TT-Line
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.
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...
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.
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).
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!
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.
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!
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!
Lennart says:
Poland is high on the list.
18 July 2017 - 7:15
Mr Steve says:
Poland seems to be a perfectly ok motorhome country.
18 July 2017 - 7:56
Helena says:
We think Poland is a great motorhome country! But of course, every country has something on the plus and minus side.
18 July 2017 - 15:20
Mr Nils-Åke Hansson says:
Interesting good information
18 July 2017 - 8:02
Helena says:
18 July 2017 - 15:21
Mrs Anne says:
Nice to see people sharing their experiences.
16 September 2018 - 14:35
Cat's Considerations says:
What a fantastic guide you have made, even though I have left motorhome ownership. You seem to have had a great time on your trip in Poland and I am really looking forward to going there in the future.
18 July 2017 - 8:03
Helena says:
18 July 2017 - 15:21
LinizTravel says:
Looks wonderful!!! We drove one night at
Camping last week! On
18 July 2017 - 8:21
LinizTravel says:
A new campsite, of course!
18 July 2017 - 8:21
Helena says:
18 July 2017 - 15:22
Kenneth Risberg says:
Thank you for the well written information about Poland.
Despite the traffic, roads and overtaking, I am even more keen to take the motorhome to Poland. Camping and everything else does not seem to be a big problem.
18 July 2017 - 8:33
Helena says:
Every country has pluses and minuses, but no, travelling with a motorhome in Poland is absolutely no problem! (Except maybe a bit of trouble with that box if you have a motorhome that weighs more than 3.5 tonnes.) Since Poles like to camp, there are campsites just about everywhere, so a pretty easy country to travel in we think.
18 July 2017 - 15:25
Goatfish says:
I have read through just for fun, because this is not relevant to me. But it could have been. You can dream too.
Poland looks lush :G
18 July 2017 - 9:49
Goatfish says:
18 July 2017 - 9:50
Helena says:
18 July 2017 - 17:02
Diana's dreams says:
Lovely and good guide hugs
18 July 2017 - 9:56
åsa in åsele says:
.
.
18 July 2017 - 11:15
Helena says:
18 July 2017 - 17:02
Dessan says:
Now you have inspired us to go to Poland too?
18 July 2017 - 14:54
Helena says:
That's what I think you should do ???
18 July 2017 - 17:03
Ditte says:
Fun to read and very good info, but we don't camp, other than hotel camping and occasionally a camping cabin. But to fly, rent a car and get around we sometimes do and many campsites also have comfortable cabins for rent and that is a good alternative. Completely agree that the ferries to Poland are very boring and do not feel made for tourists directly.
18 July 2017 - 15:35
Helena says:
.
18 July 2017 - 17:04
Maria says:
Fun to read!
We were on a very fun trip in northern Poland in 2004 with a small caravan and intend to go there in August with a motorhome. Especially remember how they allowed campers and cars to stand on campsites, no safety distances there not!....
It will be interesting to see how the country develops...
18 July 2017 - 19:21
Helena says:
Interesting to hear! I think Poland has evolved in many ways, but it's still common that you can stand where you want and how you want in the campsites ...
18 July 2017 - 20:38
Matts Torebring says:
Thank you, please, for all your experiences and tips. They mean so much.
18 July 2017 - 19:36
Helena says:
18 July 2017 - 20:38
Bengt-Göran says:
Good evening! Many THANKS for the collected information about travelling by motorhome in Poland!
What is the current security situation and the risk of burglary?
I have never visited Poland but after your report it seems a bit more interesting.
18 July 2017 - 19:47
Helena says:
Glad to hear that our reports are appreciated! We haven't seen or heard anything about motorhome break-ins in Poland, so I don't think the risk is greater than elsewhere. I would guess that the risk is greater in Southern Europe. BUT you can of course never be completely safe. The best thing is to stand on campsites at night and be careful with valuables when you leave your motorhome somewhere.
18 July 2017 - 20:42
BP says:
Poland could hardly find better ambassadors! Great tips for anyone who wants to visit the country with a motorhome/caravan. I think there are many Swedes who will visit Poland in the future - thanks to your reportage.
18 July 2017 - 20:05
Helena says:
.
18 July 2017 - 20:43
Mrs Anne says:
Nice to read about your trip! We are in Poland right now and for the 6th time with a motorhome. We have only good things to say about the country and think that we have been pleasantly treated all the time... Sometimes it is difficult with the language but what, everything is solved with a good mood and a smile! This year we have booked cottages at a campsite east of Gdynia on the coast because we want to show our children how nice the country is. But we are here before with the campervan for our own tour before they come down ? Hope for more stories from you!
18 July 2017 - 22:03
Helena says:
http://www.freedomtravel.se/category/europa/polen/
18 July 2017 - 22:44
Anki says:
.
20 July 2017 - 6:35
Helena says:
Ah ok, maybe that's what he meant! Thanks for your explanation! Yes, it is probably true that Swedes mostly pick chanterelles. I have picked Karl Johan too, but nothing more. If you want to pick more varieties, you have to be a bit knowledgeable so you know that the mushrooms are edible. But maybe the Poles are better at that!?
20 July 2017 - 7:05
JoY says:
Now I have read through your entire journey. Very well told with nice pictures and films.
Got a problem, that now we want to travel there, too! How can we decide, north or south, the holiday is slowly approaching?
Hugs
22 July 2017 - 22:46
Helena says:
23 May 2018 - 18:19
Anonymous says:
What a great blog post! We have been camping for four weeks in the Baltics and Poland and I have been blogging about the whole trip. You have angled your blog in a very informative way! Great!
16 September 2017 - 11:21
Helena says:
Thank you very much! The Baltics sound exciting too!
23 May 2018 - 18:20
Anonymous says:
What a great account of Poland ???
24 February 2018 - 14:22
Helena says:
23 May 2018 - 18:20
Frederick says:
Hello!
Do you need to book a campsite if you have a motorhome? We are going to the northern part of Poland in the middle of July.
Wondering
Frederick
23 May 2018 - 9:51
Helena says:
.
23 May 2018 - 18:24
sara says:
Very interesting to read, we're going to Poland in 2 weeks in a motorhome!
28 June 2018 - 11:13
matthias says:
looking for prices for the ferry. 4 people in 540 long, 330 height but gosh how expensive.
should you search from another site or how do you do it. we want to go 18, 19 July.
17 July 2019 - 12:28
Helena says:
Hi! I agree that ferrying a motorhome is often expensive! You can possibly look for offers or see if you have a discount via e.g. Motormännen or camping association, but we don't have much more advice. Then you have to calculate and compare with driving the distance and then buying petrol etc. Unfortunately quite expensive with ferries.
19 July 2019 - 21:45
matthias says:
Very nice blog!
We are leaving tonight or tomorrow, intending to stay a few days and then drive on to Austria. Children's campsites in Poland perhaps by the sea or similar?
17 July 2019 - 12:32
Helena says:
Thanks Mattias! There are lots of campsites in Poland! In general, most things are child-friendly in Poland, I would say, the Poles often holiday as a family! I do not know where in Poland you are going ... so difficult to suggest exact camping, There are many campsites in Sopot, on the headland Hel (but there can be some queues out there sometimes), in Leba and in all the smaller towns in between. Wishing you a nice trip!
19 July 2019 - 21:48
Mr Patrik Johansson says:
You write in your - otherwise excellent - story that it is difficult to find places to empty the grey water. Is that the case?
19 June 2024 - 8:32
Richard Swerre says:
// Swerre
24 June 2024 - 20:26